Power Question

[PCW]

All,

I have a power question. Want to build a shop/Garage, the question is how far can I run power to the shop? I have 3 acres, the house is on 1 1/2 acres and I have another 1 1/2 acre field where I want the shop to go. The lot size is 425 x 170, I'm guessing about a 120 ft run for power from the house to the shop, is that to far????. I would need 220 power for a lift, compressor etc... Split the property in half, house on one side, shop on the other. Thanks PCW


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[mrb]

you can run it as far as you want, you just need to upsize the conductors for voltage drop. You can use aluminum wire which is pretty cheap. Dont run 'triplex' or mobile home feeder or whatever. Use 4 wires, not 3 even if your neighbor who knows electricity, guy at supply house, etc says its ok. Get a permit and have it inspected. Use a proper wire with XHHW or whatever listing, not just USE, URD, XLPE or the like as these cant enter a structure. Run PVC conduit, its cheap and better than direct burying the wire. Aluminum wire can get a little nick in the insulation and the conductor completely discentegrates over time when direct buried. Throw another 1-1/4in conduit in the ground for phone, computer, cable tv, etc.

 

[IdahoJoe]

My power to my shop is 200 amp service, in 4/0,4/0,2/0 aluminum underground feeder that runs 200 feet from the meter to my service entrance. My house is the same but runs about 250 feet. No problems so far and the house has been here for 20 years.

 

[PCW]

you can run it as far as you want, you just need to upsize the conductors for voltage drop. You can use aluminum wire which is pretty cheap. Dont run 'triplex' or mobile home feeder or whatever. Use 4 wires, not 3 even if your neighbor who knows electricity, guy at supply house, etc says its ok. Get a permit and have it inspected. Use a proper wire with XHHW or whatever listing, not just USE, URD, XLPE or the like as these cant enter a structure. Run PVC conduit, its cheap and better than direct burying the wire. Aluminum wire can get a little nick in the insulation and the conductor completely discentegrates over time when direct buried. Throw another 1-1/4in conduit in the ground for phone, computer, cable tv, etc.

Thanks mrb, IdahoJoe, appreciate your reply.

PCW

 

[rsanter]

you can also look at having the utility bring another power drop over there.
it might be free or cheap. or it might cost a ton but it costs nothing to ask.
it may just be the difference of where there lines are now and how easy it will be for them

bob

 

[beartoothweb]

I'm doing 100A service (including compressor, welder (115v) and lift (220v)) over 100' and #4 is what we're using (okay according to code.) You'd need to upsize for 120' probably. As was suggested, call the power company about adding a second meter. You'll get 2 bills, but depending on where you are, this might be the cheapest option, that big UG wire isn't cheap.

 

[mrb]

The cost of the wire isnt that bad, 1/0 XHHW aluminum which is good for 100amps load at 130ft so you wont have any voltage drop issues. is $786/1000ft So youre around $400 worth of wire, less when you use a smaller ground. #4 XHHW aluminum is $330/1000ft so by using 3-1/0+1-#4 youre around $350 in wire.

 

[Aceman]

Dont run 'triplex' or mobile home feeder

Huh? Do you know what mobile home feeder is? 4 wire.

http://www.southwire.com/Southwire/StaticFiles/Text/mobileHomeFeeder.pdf

 

[mrb]

Huh? Do you know what mobile home feeder is? 4 wire.

http://www.southwire.com/Southwire/StaticFiles/Text/mobileHomeFeeder.pdf

actually I do know what mobile home feeder is. I was referring to two different cables, triplex, and mobile home feeder. The southwire product you posted is ok because it has it has the dual listing with RHH. Some of the mobile home feeder out there is only USE or URD which cant enter a structure. He is still better off with seperate conductors though as I havent seen a 1/0-1/0-1/0-4 mobile home feeder. Theyre all #2 then jump up to 2/0.

 

[russlaferrera]

I don't agree about getting a 2nd meter. Why get two bills, and sometimes different rates. You have to pay a min. for the service.

If you are not going to use it for business use one meter and run the house and shop. Get a cost estimate to see the difference.

 

[PCW]

I want to thank all who have replied. This will not be a daily business used shop, but more of a hobby shop for all the toys I have a brother-in-law that works for our electric company and installs meters and a friend that is the head of the department that installs new service. When I built my house, one call to him and I was at the top of a very long list. I'm sure they can offer advise regarding meters and separate service drops.

Thanks,
PCW

 

[Aceman]

actually I do know what mobile home feeder is. I was referring to two different cables, triplex, and mobile home feeder. The southwire product you posted is ok because it has it has the dual listing with RHH. Some of the mobile home feeder out there is only USE or URD which cant enter a structure.

Both Alcan cable and Southwire both list mobile home feeder as dual rated USE/RHH/etc. I have a hard time believing somebody makes something called mobile home feeder that can't enter a mobile home.

He is still better off with seperate conductors though as I havent seen a 1/0-1/0-1/0-4 mobile home feeder. Theyre all #2 then jump up to 2/0.

Why? Often times it's cheaper to buy a cable assembly rather than individual wires. He'd also have the bonus of going to a 125 amp subpanel using 2/0 if he wanted too. Honestly, he'd probably even be okay with #2 Alum at 90 amps.