Wire size

[Monkey Radio]

Looking for wire size for a 100 amp sub panel. The run will be about 250-300 ft. I have been told several sizes like #4, #3, #1 copper. Or increase the size and run aluminum. Sure would like to no what is the right size to use for voltage drop. Next question is there a standard height for wall outlets. Mainly for the work bench.

 

[pattenp]

General rule is no more than 3% voltage drop. Based on a calculator I have you'd need to use a minimum of #1/0 copper for 300'. 250' you can squeeze it down to #1 copper.

Edit: Aluminum is going to be #3/0 to #4/0, 250' & 300'.

 

[madosta]

You'll want to check your local code for outlet height depending on the type of building. Many guys here suggest just over 48" so you can lean a piece of 4x whatever material up against the wall and still access the plugs.

 

[woodrail]

Looking for wire size for a 100 amp sub panel. The run will be about 250-300 ft. I have been told several sizes like #4, #3, #1 copper. Or increase the size and run aluminum. Sure would like to no what is the right size to use for voltage drop. Next question is there a standard height for wall outlets. Mainly for the work bench.

OK, I'm going to quit complaining about my 65 foot run. Dude, your going to be in the 4 digit ballpark!

I think I would really have to consider the aluminum at this point.

 

[Aceman]

Looking for wire size for a 100 amp sub panel. The run will be about 250-300 ft. I have been told several sizes like #4, #3, #1 copper. Or increase the size and run aluminum. Sure would like to no what is the right size to use for voltage drop. Next question is there a standard height for wall outlets. Mainly for the work bench.

What kind of equipment, HVAC are you going to have out there?

 

[Monkey Radio]

The shop is 26x32. The shop will have three 220 recepticals lift,compreser,welder sixteen wall outlets and six lighting boxes. A couple of outdoor boxes and of course out door lighting. Hopffully that will cover every thing. Did I miss any thing?

 

[Monkey Radio]

General rule is no more than 3% voltage drop. Based on a calculator I have you'd need to use a minimum of #1/0 copper for 300'. 250' you can squeeze it down to #1 copper.

Edit: Aluminum is going to be #3/0 to #4/0, 250' & 300'.[/QUOTE]

The crawlspace run is 80ft. And to the garage is 174ft 254 total. The plane is to run #4 conductor cable to the j-box80ft= 100amps at the box then 2#1HOT 1#2Nutrual and #6GRND. Any thoughts?

 

[pattenp]

The crawlspace run is 80ft. And to the garage is 174ft 254 total. The plane is to run #4 conductor cable to the j-box80ft= 100amps at the box then 2#1HOT 1#2Nutrual and #6GRND. Any thoughts?

I may be misunderstanding your numbers, but 4 gauge copper is only good to 85A.

 

[justsam]

Are you sure you want or need 100 amps?

I have a 30 by 50 garage with lift, IR compressor, TIG welder and really think 60 Amps would handle it.

I am a one man operation, so concurrent tool use is limited. Even with plasma I think you would be fine with 60.

I do respect the concept of do it big and do it once however!

 

[pattenp]

I agree with justsam. I think a good compromise would be to use 2/0-2/0-2/0-1 aluminun SER cable for the inside run and the same size Mobile Home Feeder (MHF) for the outside run and into the garage. That will give you up to 80A with less than 3% VD. It will be a lot cheaper than copper.

 

[Jamey189]

I called my inspector's and told them what I was running 100amp panel 100" away and asked him what i needed to pass his inspection and put what ever he said. He told me to put #1/0 aluminum would be plenty for my application. I'd call the county inspector to ask them.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Next question is there a standard height for wall outlets. Mainly for the work bench.

No standard heights I know of...I think I recall there being a minimum though. I settled on 24" from the floor to the bottom of the box..IMO nice height. The more outlets I put in, and the more I'm using it, the more I like it.
As for your workbench outlets, it would depend on how high your bench is and its configuration in terms of backsplash etc....