Shop Feeder with generator hookup

[mike93lx]

I am hoping to build a small shop this year in my backyard and want to plan the electrical.

Distance is ~150ft. 60A service would be plenty, but I'll run 2-2-2-4 MHF to keep it easy and cheap.

I want to keep my portable generator (30A) in the shop and not have to move it to feed the house, so I'll need to run a separate line back for it.

I'd like to set it up to be able to support a 50A generator, which puts me at #4 aluminum. Is it worth just running another length of 2-2-2-4 MHF or is there a cheaper alternative? Could I use 2-2-4-6 for this run?

Any reason that they can't be in the same conduit? I looked at a fill calculator and it is telling me that 2.5" is adequate, but how hard would the pull be?

Thanks!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I would run separate conduits.

And are u gonna be using an interlock or transfer switch?

 

[mike93lx]

I would run separate conduits.

And are u gonna be using an interlock or transfer switch?

2" conduit the way to go, or bigger? Does that leave any room for additional wires? I'd like to have some exterior lights that can be switched from the house, so I was thinking a 15A circuit would be nice to add to one of the runs.

My main panel has an integrated 3-pole transfer switch (http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?XRR1003C) which is currently fed by a 30A Reliance power inlet box in the attached garage. This would get relocated to the workshop.

 

[pattenp]

I'd like to have some exterior lights that can be switched from the house, so I was thinking a 15A circuit would be nice to add to one of the runs.

You are not to run multiple source power circuits to a detached structure. If the exterior lights are on the shop they will need to be powered from the subpanel in the shop and use a switch loop to the house for control. With all the fancy technology today those outside lights can be controlled from the house without running additional wiring.

 

[checkthisout]

You are not to run multiple source power circuits to a detached structure. If the exterior lights are on the shop they will need to be powered from the subpanel in the shop and use a switch loop to the house for control. With all the fancy technology today those outside lights can be controlled from the house without running additional wiring.

Yup. Zwave Plus will shoot a signal 150'

 

[mike93lx]

You are not to run multiple source power circuits to a detached structure. If the exterior lights are on the shop they will need to be powered from the subpanel in the shop and use a switch loop to the house for control. With all the fancy technology today those outside lights can be controlled from the house without running additional wiring.

Well that settles that. Thanks!

 

[351cmach]

Can't you feed the generator to the garage panel?

 

[mike93lx]

Can't you feed the generator to the garage panel?

Only if it had an interlock or transfer, which wouldn't allow it to feed the house.

Otherwise it would be an illegal backfeed