Shop disconnect question

[Dtim]

After reading many threads here, I am planning on running 6/3 UF-B wire to my shop (170' run) off a 50 amp breaker in the main.

Can I use the an AC disconnect (at the link below) for a disconnect in the shop before running the wires into the 125 amp sub-panel ?

Thanks in advance.
DTim

lowes.com/pd/Eaton-60-Amp-2-Pole-Non-Fusible-Enclosed-Molded-Case-Switch-Disconnect/1114583

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What do you plan on running on this feeder?

170’ may be a little long.

Also, UF-b is very expensive.

3 #6 and 1 #10 in confuit would be far cheaper

You can use the disconnect linked to but why add more complexity and splices?

Why not get a subpanel with a main disconnect?

 

[Norcal]

A/C disconnects are 240V discos they have no provisions to land the neutral, I would use a panel with the provision a 2 pole breaker, they are available in indoor surface, or flush, or 3R outdoor, and a even better choice use a main breaker loadcenter.

 

[Terry D]

I agree, get a 100 amp main breaker panel. Dont use that AC disconnect

Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[wyliesdiesels]

A/C disconnects are 240V discos they have no provisions to land the neutral, I would use a panel with the provision a 2 pole breaker, they are available in indoor surface, or flush, or 3R outdoor, and a even better choice use a main breaker loadcenter.

Yeah i forgot to mention that.

Would need to some how splice a neutral and insulate it.

Just more unnecessary work.

 

[Dtim]

It's a 40 x 40 metal building general purpose personal workshop.
Typical air compressor, table saw, bandsaw, 110 welder, maybe a car lift at some point,etc and some lights.
The 125 amp main lug 8 space Murray main lug panel I already have (not hooked up) doesn't have a main breaker, my electrician buddy said I can use two of the slots and hook the input power up "backwards" through the breaker to feed the other circuits.
I'd rather not do that, so either an external disconnect switch or buy a new box.
Any suggestions on a new panel?

 

[Bert_]

It's a 40 x 40 metal building general purpose personal workshop.
Typical air compressor, table saw, bandsaw, 110 welder, maybe a car lift at some point,etc and some lights.
The 125 amp main lug 8 space Murray main lug panel I already have (not hooked up) doesn't have a main breaker, my electrician buddy said I can use two of the slots and hook the input power up "backwards" through the breaker to feed the other circuits.
I'd rather not do that, so either an external disconnect switch or buy a new box.
Any suggestions on a new panel?

Return panel and buy a common 20 space 100A panel. Generally I won't install a panel with less than 12 spaces for a building like this.

 

[Dtim]

Okay, thanks for the inputs !

change to:
100 amp main breaker sub panel
3 #6 and 1 #10 in conduit
Fed from existing 50 amp breaker

What size conduit is recommended ?

 

[Bert_]

At that distance I would use aluminum wire. Could get 100A for the same price as 50 with copper.

 

[Dtim]

At that distance I would use aluminum wire. Could get 100A for the same price as 50 with copper.

Well,
I can get 2-2-2-4 **** Quadruplex Aluminum Conductor 600V URD for $1.00 a foot.

https://www.nassaunationalcable.com...udK3_5Wj6QIVzZ6zCh0O-wm9EAQYBCABEgLX1PD_BwEOr

 

[Innovate1]

Definitely consider aluminum wire. Much cheaper even with needin a larger size. XHHW is a popular choice. wireandcableyourway.com is a place many of have used for source of wire. I would do at least 60A service maybe more. You may want to add more equipment later. 1.5" conduit can can easily handle AL wire for 100A service so even if you don't go with wire for that now you could pull it in later.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Well,
I can get 2-2-2-4 **** Quadruplex Aluminum Conductor 600V URD for $1.00 a foot.

https://www.nassaunationalcable.com...udK3_5Wj6QIVzZ6zCh0O-wm9EAQYBCABEgLX1PD_BwEOr

That cable is not permitted inside. Would need to transition to a different cable for theninside run.

Id use MHF #2 al instead. Needs to be in conduit inside...but conduit all the way is best

 

[Dtim]

like this ?
https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/2-2-2-4-aluminum-mobile-home-feeder-cable.html

 

[Innovate1]

Yes. That's good for 90A. May want to derate for voltage drop at that distance. If you go conduit all the way you can use XHHW but have to buy the individual conductors. They can put each on a separate reel. No twists so it pulls a little easier. A bit more cost. You can get smaller sizes if you don't need that much amperage.