What gauge wire to barn?


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Old 09-17-19, 07:48 PM
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What gauge wire to barn?

I currently have a 100 amp panel in my barn. It has its own meter separate from the house. I pay $35 a month per meter. I want to eliminate the meter at the barn. The previous owner did not want to trench the 200' from the pole that supplies the house to the barn. I need to know what gauge, type of wire, and depth I should use to run the 200' to the barn. I would prefer not to use conduit. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
 
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Old 09-18-19, 07:45 AM
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First question is how many amps do you really need in the barn? Unless you have electric heat or huge milking machines you probably don't need 100 amps.

MHF is usually the cheapest. Usually 24" deep.
 
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Old 09-19-19, 06:48 PM
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The barn has an electric heater, hot water heater, washer dryer, and several heated water tanks. I just finished trenching 18" deep trench for a propane line and it was miserable. So now I'm thinking I would much rather use conduit to dig as shallow as possible. Thanks for responding.
 
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Old 09-20-19, 05:57 AM
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So you should be able to go with RMC or IMC at 6" as long as not under a driveway. Then use THWN conductors.
 
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Old 09-20-19, 08:19 AM
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What gauge THWN should I use? I will need to pass under the driveway. It's an asphalt driveway will I need to go deeper under it?
 
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Old 09-21-19, 08:31 AM
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To use the full 100 amp the minimum size is 1 gauge aluminum. For 200' you will have measurable voltage drop. To keep under 3% at full load you need 4/0 - most don't do that at compromise somewhere between after looking at your likely loads.

Check for local amendments but normally 18" under "One- and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas, and used only for dwelling-related purposes"
 
 

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