Please help me wire my pole barn correctly

[FTG-05]

I have a pole barn about 250'-300' away from my shop up on a hill and I'd like to get it wired correctly by myself as a DIY project. I was quoted $500-$600 by a licensed electrician, which I don't have at the moment.

There is currently a 6/3 with ground cable in a conduit that runs from one corner of my shop up to one corner of my pole barn. There is also a 6/3 with ground cable from the shop CB box to the corner where the pole barn cable is located. Neither of these cables are connected to each other. All four ends of both cables are just cut off and open.

So the minimum parts list I'll need is:

- ** amp 220 VAC double circuit breaker at the shop CB box
- Junction box to connect the two 6/3 cables in the corner of the shop
- CB box at the pole barn
- YY/3 gauge 220 VAC and 12/2 ga 120 VAC cable at the pole barn
- 220 and 120 VAC outlet boxes at the pole barn
- YY amp 220 VAC circuit breakers and 20 amp circuit breakers at the pole barn CB box.

I'd like to have one 220 VAC outlet so I can use my welder up there (220VAC/30 amp IRC), plus at least two 20 amp 120 VAC circuits plus one lighting circuit.

So questions in order that I have are:

- Max amperage available at the pole barn with this 6/3 cable and 300" max distance?
- Junction box size/type for connecting the two 6/3 cables in the shop?
- CB box appropriate for the amperage and the number of circuits at the pole barn that meet NEC requirements for disconnecting?
- I assume I have to use UP-type cable at the pole barn since it's covered but otherwise open to the weather and humidity.

Let me know if you have any questions and I appreciate all the comments and suggestions!

Thanks,

 

[pattenp]

The only thing I'll respond to is the #6 isn't worth dit at 300 feet. I assume it was feet even though you used an inch symbol (") after 300. Above a 25 amp draw you'll exceed the recommended voltage drop of 3%.

Edit: Forget the inch comment. You said feet in first sentence.

 

[dledinger]

Agreed. I ran the numbers on this earlier but included an erroneous figure for the ohms per 1kft, so i deleted it to avoid confusion.

 

[madosta]

IMHO if you DIY and are only looking for lights and an occasional higher load like a circular saw or something, you could make what you have work. Will the voltage drop be great for a nice TIG welder or sensitive power supplies, NO, but for some lights and stuff you'll be ok.

Sounds like a farm. If you're looking for occasional use then just sling it in there. If you're trying to run an electric heater out there, then do it for the load.

You can always do a nice job in the barn and replace your underground in the spring or when more funds are available.

 

[Aceman]

What kind of cable is the 6-3?

Is it gray(UF cable) or black(most likely NM-B)? It'll have markings on the side.

 

[FTG-05]

The 6/3 cable is black and is routed through a grey PVC-looking conduit.

And it is what it is. I won't be trenching another line so I have to make do with what's there.

I *assume* I need an outdoor rated 6 position CB box at the pole barn: Will this meet NEC codes for disconnect at the site?

Junction box and shop CB size recommendations?

Thanks,

 

[Aceman]

The 6/3 cable is black and is routed through a grey PVC-looking conduit.

And it is what it is. I won't be trenching another line so I have to make do with what's there.
I *assume* I need an outdoor rated 6 position CB box at the pole barn: Will this meet NEC codes for disconnect at the site?

Junction box and shop CB size recommendations?

Thanks,

I guess I misunderstood your thread title. Maybe it should of said "Please help me wire my pole barn correctly, unless it's inconvenient."

I don't see any point in telling you how to wire your barn to the NEC, when it would get failed right off the bat for having Romex underground feeding it.

 

[FTG-05]

The black cable is in conduit underground, that doesn't meet code? When I had an electrician look at it, he said nothing about the black cable in the conduit.

Please explain what's wrong here.

 

[pattenp]

If the cable is type NM then it's not allowed in wet locations and conduit underground is considered a wet location.

 

[madosta]

It could be uf and just be sheathed coming in to the building?

 

[Mustang51js]

Take a pic of the wire.

 

[Norcal]

If it is round & black, it's NM. A photo of it will help identify it.