Wire size question...

[Printer Mike]

The approx. 150 to 200' underground 10-3 w/ground cable that runs to my boathouse got cut during the installaton of a new septic system.

My question is: Since it may be simpler to just go ahead and run a new cable rather than locate and splice the old one, would there be any power cost savings/advantage to running a heavier wire... say, 8-3?

I am also considering the 14x20 boat house will probably become more of a workshop, since I sold my boat.

Thanks for any help...

 

[sberry]

Depends on the load. Intermittent use with small draw it won't make difference but considering the cost of copper and some desire for a workshop it would be number 2 alum if I was doing it. Will deliver about 50A with 2% V drop at 200 ft. Twice the power an 8 copper would.