Wire ?

[ssffnomad]

I have 3/4 PVC Conduit berried from Subpanel to Poles for Yard Lites/Power.
3 Runs. 175', 155', 65'.
If i go to Lowes, Do i get 12ga THHN Stranded or Unstranded ?
Thank You

 

[vhol5]

Is it one run with 3 poles or 3 separate runs?
Are they just convenience outlets?

 

[ishiboo]

I have 3/4 PVC Conduit berried from Subpanel to Poles for Yard Lites/Power.
3 Runs. 175', 155', 65'.
If i go to Lowes, Do i get 12ga THHN Stranded or Unstranded ?
Thank You

Up to you. Both have the same basic electrical characteristics.

Stranded is more flexible and easier to terminate, especially into backwire devices. 12ga solid is okay to terminate though, not as nice as 14 but not too bad.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You actually need THWN wire for wet areas, but since it's almost always labeled THHN/THWN these days that's sort of a technicality. Either stranded or solid will work.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The one thing no one has asked: are u adding this run onto an existing circuit or connecting it to a new breaker/circuit? If you will be splicing this into an existing circuit, the size of wire to use will depend on the breaker size. Don't use #14 on a 20a breaker!

As far as stranded vs. solid- solid is easier to terminate under screw terminals and stranded is easier to pull, bend, etc.

 

[ishiboo]

The one thing no one has asked: are u adding this run onto an existing circuit or connecting it to a new breaker/circuit? If you will be splicing this into an existing circuit, the size of wire to use will depend on the breaker size. Don't use #14 on a 20a breaker!

As far as stranded vs. solid- solid is easier to terminate under screw terminals and stranded is easier to pull, bend, etc.

We didn't ask because he said he was running #12. Yard lights/power receptacles are limited to 20A circuits, and voltage drop didn't seem like a big issue

You're right, with the side wire terminals its better to pigtail the stranded to make a good connection which defeats part of the purpose. But if you are buying backwire outlets that have the pressure plate, it makes a quick, easy and IMO the best possible connection on both wire types.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

We didn't ask because he said he was running #12. Yard lights/power receptacles are limited to 20A circuits, and voltage drop didn't seem like a big issue

You're right, with the side wire terminals its better to pigtail the stranded to make a good connection which defeats part of the purpose. But if you are buying backwire outlets that have the pressure plate, it makes a quick, easy and IMO the best possible connection on both wire types.

Yes, the OP said #12 but YOU mentioned #14!

 

[ssffnomad]

Actully Two Runs.
1) 155' 1 Motion Lite & Rec
2) 175' to 65' 2 Motion Lite & 2 Rec

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Actully Two Runs.
1) 155' 1 Motion Lite & Rec
2) 175' to 65' 2 Motion Lite & 2 Rec

@ those distances, u may have voltage drop issues depending on what you will be plugging into those outlets.....u might need to upsize your wire!

 

[ssffnomad]

Ok. Then I should use #10

 

[wyliesdiesels]

As I already said- it depends on what you will be plugging into those recep. Just lights? Then I wouldn't worry bout VD because the lights won't pull enough amperage to cause VD.

 

[pattenp]

Ok. Then I should use #10

For those distances #10 is the minimum you'd want to run. As an example #10Cu at 200' with 120V 15A load will have a voltage drop of about 7 volts.

If you are having outlets I assume you plan to use them for something.