Running power to my barn, need electrical advice..

[Cord]

Use an underground splice kit. They're pretty easy to install.

 

[prichard]

Different experiences is a good thing.
We never used aluminum in our power plant.
I don't think the NRC would ever allow it. All copper. Federal Pacific IRRC used it but their switchgear was a night mare to work on.

You're comparing apples to oranges to watermelon. What it practice/ code in a power station has nothing to do with residential wiring and the FPE nightmare had nothing to do with aluminum wire.

 

[YLee Kioti]

You're comparing apples to oranges to watermelon. What it practice/ code in a power station has nothing to do with residential wiring and the FPE nightmare had nothing to do with aluminum wire.

No comparison.
Just sharing the background to what formed my views, nothing more.
Carry on.
I'm out...

 

[sailfast]

that panel is packed. You must have electric heat units throughout house. It might be hard pressed to get 90 amps out of this panel. I think your right on sticking to 30 amps. If you had a full shop, id think about getting another separate service installed for the shop, but seeing as its just lights and a few hand tools... 30 is goid enuf.
By the way.. what sized generator are you using.

Really not too packed. Look closely. And it is all about loads, not the used and unused breakers.
Take the advice from the one single actual electrician who has commented. New wire all the way 90 amps.

 

[ctrider]

Yeah, I agree. That panel is not that bad at all, I've seen much worse. I also agree to run a new feed to a sub panel in the barn with 90-100amps.

 

[Wakey]

that panel is packed. You must have electric heat units throughout house. It might be hard pressed to get 90 amps out of this panel. I think your right on sticking to 30 amps. If you had a full shop, id think about getting another separate service installed for the shop, but seeing as its just lights and a few hand tools... 30 is goid enuf.
By the way.. what sized generator are you using.

The genny is 22KW. No electric radiant elec. heat if that is what you meant. There are extra 220 and 110 junction boxes in the attic and crawlspace for future use and I have pressed 2 out of 4 into service. The way the barn is situated it is not accessible to use as a shop, it is really more of a workspace for small projects and storage because this home is not very big. Down the road if I go the cattle route and or get a tractor I think I'll need another barn placed in a more suitable location.

So, a new 30 amp double breaker in the main panel and a 30 amp sub (does that exist?) panel for the barn?

 

[grsthegreat]

The genny is 22KW. No electric radiant elec. heat if that is what you meant. There are extra 220 and 110 junction boxes in the attic and crawlspace for future use and I have pressed 2 out of 4 into service. The way the barn is situated it is not accessible to use as a shop, it is really more of a workspace for small projects and storage because this home is not very big. Down the road if I go the cattle route and or get a tractor I think I'll need another barn placed in a more suitable location.

So, a new 30 amp double breaker in the main panel and a 30 amp sub (does that exist?) panel for the barn?

If you dont forsee the need for more out there than why waste the money.

 

[buickanddeere]

I have not read through the entire post but..............is someone not going to ask about 6/2 instead of 6/3 ? Then there is the need for a couple of ground rods at the barn and to float the barn panel's neutral free from the ground system.

 

[prichard]

The genny is 22KW. No electric radiant elec. heat if that is what you meant. There are extra 220 and 110 junction boxes in the attic and crawlspace for future use and I have pressed 2 out of 4 into service. The way the barn is situated it is not accessible to use as a shop, it is really more of a workspace for small projects and storage because this home is not very big. Down the road if I go the cattle route and or get a tractor I think I'll need another barn placed in a more suitable location.

So, a new 30 amp double breaker in the main panel and a 30 amp sub (does that exist?) panel for the barn?

You can get a panel like this and install a 30a breaker as a main https://homedepot.app.link/XdryryIkKL

 

[flingwing1969]

I have not read through the entire post but..............is someone not going to ask about 6/2 instead of 6/3 ? Then there is the need for a couple of ground rods at the barn and to float the barn panel's neutral free from the ground system.

Yes, it has been discussed and I believe the OP understands the need.