Close to starting my Workshop

[fbson395]

Just got the permit to start on my workshop.Having the cement work and most of the building contracted out. To cut the cost I left myself with some finish work. 1.I have to install the windows and doors . 2. Put the lap siding up and paint the exterior.3. Have to run a 100 amp service from the house to the shop and wire the shop.4. Have to insulate. If any part of the work gets to be too much I can always hire it out. I will be 68 in Aug and still recovering from knee replacement. Guess I'm just to stupid or stubborn to have it all done for me.:ashamed: I will take pictures as the project get going and post them as we progress.

 

[handirifle]

Been there, done that. If ya haven't done it before, handling the heavy wire for the 100amp service can be tricky. One hint I used, is lay (wrestle?) the three wires, or 4 where codes require, (we can have a earth ground at the source and at the panel) and slip the conduit over the wires, instead of trying to feed the wires through the conduit.

Obviously this has to be done BEFORE backfilling the trench .

 

[handirifle]

Oh, meant to say congrats on the new shop...for the insulation in the ceiling, I saw a guy run some very fine wire (this was an open ceiling, no drywall yet) back and forth across the bottom of the rafters and he laid the insulation on top of the wire. Having it cross only about once every 3ft or so will work. Then you can take it to the attic in a roll and pretty much just unroll it from above.

 

[handirifle]

Ha, just noticed where you are located. Not sure what Kern Co's rules are on the grounding but I'm sure it will be easy to find out.

I just moved (retired) from the Antelope Valley, after living there since '72. What part of Tehachapi you in? Bear Valley, Stallion, or the town area?

 

[creekbend]

Here's wishing you the best in your endeavor. Perhaps wearing a knee brace will help you when working? Good Luck.

 

[fbson395]

I'm in stallion springs. The code here is 3+ ground.I know it will be fun since it is a long run.where did you retire to.Hope you enjoy it. as for a brace it won't help since I still have pain after 9 months. Had a staff infection and blood clouts. But it is slowly improving.

 

[wrooster]

Been there, done that. If ya haven't done it before, handling the heavy wire for the 100amp service can be tricky. One hint I used, is lay (wrestle?) the three wires, or 4 where codes require,

Current NEC for a feeder to a detached structure is 4 wires -- L1/L2/N/Gnd.

(we can have a earth ground at the source and at the panel)

Current NEC for a panel at a detached structure is an earth ground consisting of a pair of ground rods. In the panel at the detached structure, the N and Gnd are uncoupled, maintaining a single N to Gnd connection only at the service entrance panel.

and slip the conduit over the wires, instead of trying to feed the wires through the conduit.

This will almost ALWAYS lead to problems, including the biggest one which is that the solvent cement used to "weld" the sections of conduit together will melt the insulation on the wires as well. Primarily for this reason, conduit is glued up, the solvent cement is allowed to dry, and then the wire is pulled through the conduit.

If you 1) follow code for conduit fill (typ 40% in NM Schedule 40 PVC), 2) follow practice for total pull bend allowance (typically 360 degrees), and 3) use suitable pulling lubricant (e.g. Klein Synthetic or Ideal Clearglide available at Home Depot at $6/qt), you will have no problems pulling the wire.

Obviously this has to be done BEFORE backfilling the trench .

Backfill 2" over conduit with sand, then with fill dirt about 2/3rd's the total depth (typically 18" to top of conduit), then lay a RED caution tape in the trench, then finish backfilling with topsoil.

Wrooster

 

[fbson395]

Wrooster, Thanks for the information.It will come in handy. I was planing on pulling the wire. I spoke to the inspector he was very helpful and expressed that the wire should be pulled. I can use a vacuum to get a string/ cord thru and as you said use a lube.

 

[wrooster]

I can use a vacuum to get a string/ cord thru and as you said use a lube.

Yes, you can use a string tied to a plastic sandwich bag, and a vacuum to get everything started.

If you are wondering what size conduit to install -- it's the next size up from the one recommended via an online conduit sizing calculator...

How far is your pull? How many bends?

Wrooster

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'll be watching this thread with great interest as I just started work on my own mini workshop. Like you I'm trying to do a lot of the work myself. For me it's more of a pride thing. I want to work in a shop that I built myself. I expect that I'll learn a few things from your experience and from the comments and suggestions of others.