Wire sizing for electrical service to shop!!

[tom123payne]

I know this has probably been answered in other threads but im here to ask again. I have a shop that im trying to get power too. I want 100 amp service. My run is about 200 ft. What size wire should a run. I have been reccomended to run 2-2-2-4 direct burial but i wanted other opinions. its going to be 220v. TIA.

 

[plout99]

I am running 1/0 aluminum xhhw 3 strands then aluminum no 2 xhhw in 2 inch conduit. The run is 218 feet breaker to breaker 100 amp breaker in house panel and voltage drop should be around 3.8 percent if I did the math right. I would think 2-2-2-4 would have to much voltage drop at that distance and I don’t think it’s rated for a 100 amps but I am not an electrician. Much more knowledgeable people will chime in.

 

[13mo]

You will need 1AWG or larger for 100 amps as 2AWG aluminum is only good for 90 A to an outbuilding at any distance. 218 feet is a long way and you will need to upsize the wire to 2/0 Al if you actually intend to draw a full 100 A and keep your voltage drop below the typical 3%. 1/0 will get you about 85 A at 3% voltage drop at 218 feet. FYI 1/0 aluminum is rated for up to 120 amps at the typical 75 C and 2/0 is 135 A.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I know this has probably been answered in other threads but im here to ask again. I have a shop that im trying to get power too. I want 100 amp service. My run is about 200 ft. What size wire should a run. I have been recommended to run 2-2-2-4 direct burial but i wanted other opinions. its going to be 220v. TIA.

Post #29 on this thread has the sizing calcs

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356460

For a 100a feeder at minimum you would need #1 AL as #2 is limited to 90a

for 200', i would go one size larger. #1 al would give you 4% VD at the panel under full load.....

I am running 1/0 aluminum xhhw 3 strands then aluminum no 2 xhhw in 2 inch conduit. The run is 218 feet breaker to breaker 100 amp breaker in house panel and voltage drop should be around 3.8 percent if I did the math right. I would think 2-2-2-4 would have to much voltage drop at that distance and I don’t think it’s rated for a 100 amps but I am not an electrician. Much more knowledgeable people will chime in.

my math came out to 3.63%

You will need 1AWG or larger for 100 amps as 2AWG aluminum is only good for 90 A to an outbuilding at any distance. 218 feet is a long way and you will need to upsize the wire to 2/0 Al if you actually intend to draw a full 100 A and keep your voltage drop below the typical 3%. 1/0 will get you about 85 A at 3% voltage drop at 218 feet. FYI 1/0 aluminum is rated for up to 120 amps at the typical 75 C and 2/0 is 135 A.

OP's length is 200'

my calcs came to 3.3% for 1/0 al 200' long 100a

 

[dcg9381]

OP, when you figure out wire size, there are tables for wire size, #conductors, and required PVC diameter. Note stuff gets hard to pull after 2 90s... We had to push/pull/lube for shorter runs of 90A capable thru 2" pipe.

You can use a shop vac and an old grocery bag to **** a pull string through the conduit, but at 200', I'd probably make sure it I had a pull string there to begin with.

 

[nadogail]

The pull string can be used to pull in the Pull Rope.