Do it Yourself: RE: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

12 February 2013

RE: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

Not sure it would be. Even using the old main panel as a j-box, I would need at least 2000 feet of 12-2 wire, that does not include the wires for the electrical appliances. Then there is the running them all up to the attic and back down to the panel in the garage. Nope, not worth the hassle at all.

I am probably going to end up using THHN wire. I need to run up the garage wall to the attic, then back down to the basement, around and through, and over to the panel. I put in a 2 inch pvc pipe in the wall for doing this, back when I gutted the addition part of the house. I was just not planning on doing the electrical upgrade so soon. I do not think I can run 4/0 aluminum SER through a 2 inch pvc pipe. Not sure I can even run 3 2/0 wires plus a #4 ground through it either. I must have thought I could when I put it in.

My other option is to run it down, then along the garage until I get to the crawl space, and run it through there, then going in to the basement and connecting to the panel.

if I wanted to break up about 25 foot of driveway, I could run it under the drive and back to the panel in the house, that would be the shortest route, but more work.

Michael

From: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of David Cox
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 9:36 PM
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

Why not put a main breaker panel behind the meter and extend the circuits back to it ? A lot cheaper than the 2/0 wire.
You cannot find 2/0 copper service cable. You would have to run conduit (if you do not already have it (1 1/2" or 2")) for single conductors.
You can, however, find 4/0 aluminum service cable (200 amp equivalent). Aluminum is safe as long as all lugs are rated for aluminum.
Breakers and panels are.
Everyone has an opinion as to brands, but I like Cutler Hammer type CH (not BR).

On 2/11/2013 9:01 PM, Michael Baldwin wrote:

Thanks for confirming. I was about 99% sure that 2/0 AUG is what I needed for the power, and 4 AUG for the ground.

Any suggestions for a disconnect? Not finding much. I want one to sit on the inside of the wall from the meter. I do not want a disconnect on the outside. then I will run the 2/0 cables from there to the panel.

Michael

From: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of wired
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 7:48 PM
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

Look up NEC (National Electrical Code)table 310.15(B)(6).
Single phase 3 wire service for residential requires 1AWG for 150 amp and 2/0 AWG for 200 amp.