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Wiring Confusion

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bjd223

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Feb 1, 2024
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Hello,

The more I read about wire types the more confused I get. I have https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07146JWFV/?tag=atomicindus08-20 this wire (2-2-2-4 URD **** cable) ran underground from my house to the garage.

What I'm trying to figure out if this wire can be ran into the garage/house to the panel or do I need to switch it to a SER cable? I found the cable on the MFG's website here which lists the following certs
  • ASTM B-230
  • ASTM B-231
  • ASTM B-609
  • ASTM B-901
  • ICEA S-105-692
  • Federal Specification J-C – 30B
  • RUS ACCEPTED
If it does need to be changed over to SER I assume I should stick with AL correct instead of mixing metals? Also looking around it isn't exactly clear what the max amperage I can do over this wire. It's a detached garage with the run being less than 50 ft.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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mike93lx

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Post the lettering on the wire itself. You need a certain rating for indoor use and it may have it. (RHH/RHW-2 is what you are looking for)

90a is your max breaker size for the feed

If you have to switch types, you can use Polaris connectors and go to copper, if desired. Mixing is fine and the wires never touch each other
 
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SKIPPINROCKS

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Not a electrician, there are plenty that will add to this but from my knowledge you are okay for max 90amp breaker being a detached structure. URD cannot be installed inside the structure. I ran 2-2-2-4 SER through my basement then used polaris type connectors to connect to 2-2-2-4 MHF that ran underground in conduit to the detached garage panel..
 
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mike93lx

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SKIPPINROCKS said:
Not a electrician, there are plenty that will add to this but from my knowledge you are okay for max 90amp breaker being a detached structure. URD cannot be installed inside the structure. I ran 2-2-2-4 SER through my basement then used polaris type connectors to connect to 2-2-2-4 MHF that ran underground in conduit to the detached garage panel..
Click to expand...
Some urd is dual rated and is OK indoors, but MHF is the safe bet as its always dual rated
 
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bjd223

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E487061-I (UL) 2AWG AL XLPE 600V TYPE USE-2 SUN RED 2023 is what is on the cable.
 
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bjd223

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Ok I will convert to SER at points of entry. If I do copper I can use smaller gauge correct?

Also I assume this is a code thing and not a safety issue as someone else hooked this all up.
 
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mike93lx

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bjd223 said:
Ok I will convert to SER at points of entry. If I do copper I can use smaller gauge correct?

Also I assume this is a code thing and not a safety issue as someone else hooked this all up.
Click to expand...
What is not a safety issue?

The **** isn't allowed inside because the smoke is toxic when burned.

You can usually go down a size with copper, but I'd just use #2 Al ser and save the money
 
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bjd223

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mike93lx said:
What is not a safety issue?

The Duke isn't allowed inside because the smoke is toxic when burned.

You can usually go down a size with copper, but I'd just use #2 Al ser and save the money
Click to expand...
Thinking more about it I guess I meant fire hazard but also don't like unnecessary safety hazards either.

The guy who dug the trench wired it up but was not an electrician. It needs to be inspected so obviously I don't want to waste the guys time failing me.

Thanks everyone for your help.
 
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bjd223

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I guess one more question. Should I put the SER cable in conduit in house/garage? What's best practice for something like this?
 
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mike93lx

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Ser needs protection where subject to damage, so that depends on the run. If you are contemplating conduit for the whole run at the house/garage, use thwn or xhhw instead of ser
 
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bjd223

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Ok here is how I plan to fix it. I'm going to replace with SER cable outside conduit on both ends.

Cable

Boxes

Connectors

The plan will be to have one of the boxes on the outside of the garage.

Can the other one go in the crawlspace under my house? I'm pretty sure this is considered "outside" as it's unconditioned and has open vents to outside.

The reason I ask is because the cable comes through a block wall into my crawl space so it's entering under ground.

If it can't come through the wall what should I do? I assume dig it up and bring it above grade and enter the house that way.
 
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mike93lx

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bjd223 said:
Ok here is how I plan to fix it. I'm going to replace with SER cable outside conduit on both ends.

Cable

Boxes

Connectors

The plan will be to have one of the boxes on the outside of the garage.

Can the other one go in the crawlspace under my house? I'm pretty sure this is considered "outside" as it's unconditioned and has open vents to outside.

The reason I ask is because the cable comes through a block wall into my crawl space so it's entering under ground.

If it can't come through the wall what should I do? I assume dig it up and bring it above grade and enter the house that way.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't consider a crawl space outside. Pretty clearly inside the envelope of the building.

I also wouldn't buy no name electrical stuff on Amazon.
 
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pattenp

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The box is to be 6X the size of the conduit. Example: 2"x6= 12" box. Also NEC states USE only rated wire is not to enter the structure so the box needs to be on the exterior ot the structure. With that said you can consult with your inspector, they may allow the wire to enter directly into the box on the inside of the foundation wall.
 
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mike93lx

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Anything sold at a big box or local supply house. Southwire is probably the biggest name.

For the connectors, Polaris is the original, but they are expensive. NSI sells some less expensive ones through at least home depot
 
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