wiring to an out building (shop)

Posted by carolyn on September 22, 2006, 6:03 am

SteveF wrote:

>> If the shop is considered residential use, #4 THWN conductors in 1-1/4"
>> conduit buried 2' deep will meet the NEC requirements.
>> If the shop is to be used commercially, the minimum size wire would be #3
>> for a 100 amp subfeed. In either case, a #8 ground conductor should be
>> installed along with the feeder conductors.
>> These are NEC recommendations, building codes in your area may be more
>> stringent.
>> Ben

>
> Per NEC table 310.16 a copper #4 THWN is only rated for 85 amps and this
> is
> a 100 amp panel. And if this is commercial use (assume you mean
> "continuous load") then the cable should be rated for 120 amps and #3 is
> only rated for 100.

This will not be continuous load, however I may sell the odd piece. From
what I know, code is the minimum requirement. More is usually better - so
if #3 is only rated for 100 amps, then I will up it to give me some margin.

> And if the outbuilding is 300 feet away both those conductors are grossly
> undersized.

If I run the wire back and forth across the property, then I could us up
300'. If I do a straight run, it will be hard to use more than 20', not
including the drop into the ground and the climb back out at the other end.

> Carolyn - Since all the answers are slightly different, make sure you
> confirm everything you plan to do with your local electrical inspector.
> Even if you don't plan to get a permit you can still visit and tell them
> what you are planning to do so everything is done to code.

That I will do. I wanted to get an idea if I was heading in the right
direction, so that I can get a rough idea of the cost of the project. All
of the answers helped. Thanks!

> Steve.

--
Carolyn Marenger

Posted by carolyn on September 22, 2006, 6:06 am

Ben wrote:

> If the shop is considered residential use, #4 THWN conductors in 1-1/4"
> conduit buried 2' deep will meet the NEC requirements.

It is a residential property, the shop is primarily for my 'hobby'
interests, however I may sell an item or three. Any idea where I head to
determine the 'legal' difference between residential and commercial? In
particular here in Eastern Ontario.

> If the shop is to be used commercially, the minimum size wire would be #3
> for a 100 amp subfeed. In either case, a #8 ground conductor should be
> installed along with the feeder conductors.
> These are NEC recommendations, building codes in your area may be more
> stringent.

Before I do more that get a rough plan / concept for the project I will
confirm all the code requirements.

> Ben

Thanks, Ben!

Carolyn
--
Carolyn Marenger

Posted by Mike on September 23, 2006, 4:29 pm

> Ben wrote:

>> If the shop is considered residential use, #4 THWN conductors in 1-1/4"
>> conduit buried 2' deep will meet the NEC requirements.

> It is a residential property, the shop is primarily for my 'hobby'
> interests, however I may sell an item or three. Any idea where I head to
> determine the 'legal' difference between residential and commercial? In
> particular here in Eastern Ontario.

Easy, are you a business? No I asssume not. Where in eastern ontario are
you?

Posted by carolyn on September 23, 2006, 5:36 pm

Mike wrote:

>> Ben wrote:

>>> If the shop is considered residential use, #4 THWN conductors in 1-1/4"
>>> conduit buried 2' deep will meet the NEC requirements.

>> It is a residential property, the shop is primarily for my 'hobby'
>> interests, however I may sell an item or three. Any idea where I head to
>> determine the 'legal' difference between residential and commercial? In
>> particular here in Eastern Ontario.

> Easy, are you a business? No I asssume not. Where in eastern ontario are
> you?

The property is in a place called Maxville. As of today, it is not ours,
but depending on the sale of our other property we will be putting in an
offer.

Carolyn
--
Carolyn Marenger

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wiring to an out building (shop) - Page 4