grsthegreat
Super Star Member
Here in Idaho im paying about $0.39/foot for sch 40 2" pipe.
Question about UG electrical service conduit to shop building
- Thread starter TC65023
- Start date
- Views: 8556
Here in Idaho im paying about $0.39/foot for sch 40 2" pipe.
OP
TC65023
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Messages
- 52
- Location
- Centertown, Missouri
- Tractor
- 1951 Ford 8N and 2012 Kubota L4600 FEL
955Lincoln: Yes I bought the PVC conduit a the local Menard's store, 2" schedule 40 grey electrical conduit, 10 foot lengths for $3.96 each. 2" schedule 80 was $8.13 each. It's a new store with lots of good deals trying to eliminate some of the local competition before raising prices. The price of several of their 2" fittings were half of Lowes price. I havent priced the service entrance wire yet, will do so after I have the conduit in and can get a accurate length.
LD1
Epic Contributor
I agree with using the urd wire also. If you choose to run it in conduit, so be it.
You also dont say where you live, but check prices of the wire at your electric company. Especially if it is a coop. They are usually cheaper than anywhere else, since they use a lot more of it.
When I did my 100A to the garage 2 years ago (prices may have went up), I used URD. Cant remember the size now, but it is whatever is reccomended for 100A.
Menards wanted $1.49/foot. Electric company was $1.18/foot. And I got it at their cost (family member works there) for 0.91/ft. But even the $1.18 was much better than menards.
You also dont say where you live, but check prices of the wire at your electric company. Especially if it is a coop. They are usually cheaper than anywhere else, since they use a lot more of it.
When I did my 100A to the garage 2 years ago (prices may have went up), I used URD. Cant remember the size now, but it is whatever is reccomended for 100A.
Menards wanted $1.49/foot. Electric company was $1.18/foot. And I got it at their cost (family member works there) for 0.91/ft. But even the $1.18 was much better than menards.
OP
TC65023
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Messages
- 52
- Location
- Centertown, Missouri
- Tractor
- 1951 Ford 8N and 2012 Kubota L4600 FEL
It rained about a inch here last night, it had been really bone dry for weeks. So, I plan on using a mini backhoe to excavate the trench for the conduit this morning. With a little luck, I should have it all in and backfilled later today.
My 100 Amp run is approximately 250 LF and I plan on using 3 - 2/0 Aluminum as the entrance service. I don't believe my electrician will have any problem pulling the cable in the 2" conduit system. The building will have a driven grounding system.
I would like to use the suggested URD cable if I can find it with 2/0 conductors. I will contact my electrical cooperative and see if they stock it or can get it.
I can't wait to get the service in and working.....it sucks using a long power cord for drill/saw and a few lights.
My 100 Amp run is approximately 250 LF and I plan on using 3 - 2/0 Aluminum as the entrance service. I don't believe my electrician will have any problem pulling the cable in the 2" conduit system. The building will have a driven grounding system.
I would like to use the suggested URD cable if I can find it with 2/0 conductors. I will contact my electrical cooperative and see if they stock it or can get it.
I can't wait to get the service in and working.....it sucks using a long power cord for drill/saw and a few lights.
955Lincoln
Gold Member
No 4th ground wire for a sub panel? I have always heard that, just wondering.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
You can usually only use URD IF you install while assembling the pipe. If you want to lay pipe first and pull later, you'll have to use a wire called XHHW grade. These will be 3 individual straight runs. The URD is twisted wire, all 3 runs twisted together and they would be near impossible to pull 250 feet in conduit without 6 Schwarzenegger's on the end of it.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
NO, a sub panel HAS to have a 4th wire (ground wire). A main panel being fed from a transformer does not need the 4th (ground) wire as the ground is established within the main panel itself from the ground rods.
955Lincoln
Gold Member
I think you read my question wrong (question mark at end). I was asking the OP why no 4th wire for ground.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
oh, sorry.
OP
TC65023
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2011
- Messages
- 52
- Location
- Centertown, Missouri
- Tractor
- 1951 Ford 8N and 2012 Kubota L4600 FEL
I'm not sure my new garage panel meets the definition of a sub-panel since it is not being fed from the main house distribution panel.
My existing OH 200A single phase residential service connects to a meter base enclosure which feeds my residence panel with a 200A breaker and will also feed my garageshop panel with another breaker. There is a driven grounding rod system at the residence panel....and I assume I would need a separate driven grounding system at new SQ D Homeline 20 circuit garage/shop panel. Is there a need for a ground wire from the new panel to the meter base enclosure or will the driven ground at the new panel surffice?
My existing OH 200A single phase residential service connects to a meter base enclosure which feeds my residence panel with a 200A breaker and will also feed my garageshop panel with another breaker. There is a driven grounding rod system at the residence panel....and I assume I would need a separate driven grounding system at new SQ D Homeline 20 circuit garage/shop panel. Is there a need for a ground wire from the new panel to the meter base enclosure or will the driven ground at the new panel surffice?
