I would like to build a larger shop but first need to get the land cleared and leveled. I would like to run 115/230 to the shop. The nearest power pole and meter base is about 240 feet away. Is that too far to run an underground electrical wire or will I need to set another power pole and meter base? I was hoping I could run the wire underground without having to buy another pole and meter base. By the way, I will hire a licensed electrician to do this work as I know nothing about electrical wiring. I was just trying to determine my options. Thanks for your time.
Electrical Wiring Question
- Thread starter Ridger
- Start date
Shouldn't be a problem. They will bury it required depth (36" here) and in a PVC conduit (probably 2") and pull their wire.
If you are hiring an electrician they will know the voltage drop and size the cable appropriately for your service so no problem. Underground is definitely the way to go.
North Idaho Wolfman
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Like other have said, No problem at all you could go farther.
If the meter and existing box is already feeding something else like your home, there is where you could run into an issue, might require an upgrade to that box.
If the meter and existing box is already feeding something else like your home, there is where you could run into an issue, might require an upgrade to that box.
shootem604
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Figure out what kind of amperage and length you need, and buy the wire from a wholesaler. I ran about 600ft last year of #2AWG 3 conductor direct bury wire around my property for shop and barn, etc. Rented a nice little Kubota backhoe from Home Depot for $200 and had it in and covered in about 6 hours. Total cost was about $1000, including the electrician in just to tie in the ends when I was done.
Your electrician needs to look at your service. I would guess you have a 200 amp service. You will need at least two slots for a breaker. If your panel is full there are options.
You need to determine what you are going to do in the shop. Welding, air conditioning, air compressor, etc., basically help the electrician determine the load.
Make sure you use wire for underground use.... don't ask me how I know. Lol.
Copper is HIGH. You might look at cost comparison of another meter loop vs. running an underground feed. Just a thought.
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You need to determine what you are going to do in the shop. Welding, air conditioning, air compressor, etc., basically help the electrician determine the load.
Make sure you use wire for underground use.... don't ask me how I know. Lol.
Copper is HIGH. You might look at cost comparison of another meter loop vs. running an underground feed. Just a thought.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
North Idaho Wolfman
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85Hokie
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As far as voltage drop .....things to remember.....
you MUST count BOTH ways......
so you have a 480 feet plus anything else - call it 500 feet.
for example - 10 gauge wire has a bout 1 ohm per 1000 feet.....bigger wire, less resistance and will hold more amps at rated voltage.
BUT more importantly is the voltage drop is determined by max amp load.
SO based on a 240 foot run - you will need 1 gauge copper to handle 40 amps at a 2.5% drop. SO copper is not something you are going to buy ....so at the very minimum - you will need 2 ought alum. 40 amps may not be enough for you .....I would go big - just in case!!!
I would put in a 100 amp sub box and run service cable (alum)to it!
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Before you buy wire call your electric utility and see if they will sell you some real UG wire. Most EMC's will sell if for cost to get rid of used spools.
Especially Co-ops if you are in a rural location, you own the company. Our Co-op is really accommodating, maybe because I let them drive through my pasture so they don't have to lug their equipment up and down the hills, lol.