Another "Electrical Plans for the Barn / Workshop" question...

[ultrarunner]

^^^How much of a problem is soil expansion/contraction for underground runs?

I've heard sometimes a flew or slip joint is needed from underground to the panel.

 

[Maxcustody]

^^^How much of a problem is soil expansion/contraction for underground runs?

I've heard sometimes a flew or slip joint is needed from underground to the panel.

I am in West Texas, my electrician said it is not an issue for the50 foot run he did. It is 24 inches in the ground.

 

[Code54]

I personally ran a separate 200amp service to my shop - costs me about $10-20 a month depending on how much I am over there. The power company set a pole and dropped the line for no charge.

 

[2ndhalf]

Voltage drop calcs say 2/0 min but 4/0 is my recollection of the standard minimum for 200A service. Copper, in both cases. Voltage Drop Calculator JavaScript. i would pull it in min 2" conduit, and it would be a lot easier in 3". If you go to a real electric distributor, then you should be able to find 20' sticks, which is half the joints. Make sure you have a helper for this, and ease the inside leading edge of the conduit before sliding it on the wire to avoid damaging the insulation. If you have one of those metal burr removers that swivel as you pull them around, those work perfect. Like this: McMaster-Carr A quick spin or two, and you are good to go.

Use this and put your welder amps in, in place of the furnace or AC since it isn't a house.
Service and Panel Size Calculator

Then use the voltage drop link that dstig1 posted to figure it out objectively. Don't guess or waste money unless you have it to burn. But I also agree it is better to go a little bigger than what you think you will need. But 200 amp wire isn't cheap.

 

[LD1]

For me, cost difference between 200 amp wire/panel vs 100a wire and panel was a mere drop in the bucket.

I needed 110' of wire from meter to panel.

For 200a, 4/0-4/0-2/0 URD was $1.70 per ft. So $187
200a 30 space panel was $99

For 100a...2-2-4 URD....$0.90 per ft. So $99
100 amp panel...$70


So could have went 100a for $169
But choose 200a for $286

Seems trivial when building a $20-$30k building.

 

[2ndhalf]

After going back and reading your thread more.. I'm not 100% sure I understand what your trying to do. This sounds like something you really need to have an electrician come out and give you an estimate on and have him tell you what he is planning to do.

If you like his price have him do it. If you don't, do it yourself using his recommeneded sizes. Pay him for his time if he will let you.