underground wire


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Old 06-29-03, 03:06 PM
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Garage wiring

I'm in the process of wiring up my garage. I a'm running 2 circuits. My question is should I protect each circuit with a GFI or not? What is the code?

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Old 06-29-03, 03:23 PM
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underground wire

I need to run wire from my house to my shed(approx 75-100ft) is there any restriction as to how long you can run underground wire? how far underground should it be buried? should I use conduit coming out of the house and going into the shed? I need this for lights and a couple recepticles, what amp breaker (15-20).

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Old 06-29-03, 03:53 PM
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There are many, many considerations. But let's get started with the most basic.

Here's just one option, but I think it is the best for you. I'd run 12/2 UF-B cable off a new 20-amp single-pole breaker. Run it to a GFCI receptacle inside the house. Then go through the wall with that 12/2 UF-B cable inside 3/4" schedule 80 electrical PVC conduit until it gets to the bottom of a 12" trench. Then you can run the cable buried at least 12" without conduit until it gets to the shed. Come out of the ground with another piece of that conduit and into your shed.

This is fine as long as you're just planning on a few simple hand tools in your shed. If you plan to plug in a chest freezer for Grandpa Bredo, or some other heavy load, let us know.
 
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Old 06-29-03, 04:00 PM
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All receptacles in a garage, with a few exceptions, must be GFCI protected. The exceptions are most often used for Garage Door Opener receptacles on a ceiling, or dedicated receptacles for a freezer or refrigerator. If you plan either of these applications, post back for more information.

If the garage is detached, you have other problems. Post back if this is the case.
 
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Old 06-29-03, 04:14 PM
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I have just merged your two threads, thus giving me the bigger picture. I see that the garage is indeed detached. So why do you think you need two circuits? Code prohibits you running two separate branch circuits out there. If you need more than 2400 watts of power, I suggest 12/3 for a multiwire circuit. Unfortunately, this will require an expensive 20-amp 120/240 GFCI double-pole breaker. Another alternative is a subpanel and grounding rods, with even greater burial depths (24" without conduit, 18" with PVC conduit, or 6" with rigid metal conduit).

This project will be so much simpler if you can get by with 2400 watts out there. And 2400 watts should be plenty for "lights and a couple recepticles," unless you plan on some big things plugged into those receptacles.

Tell us more.
 
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Old 06-30-03, 09:11 AM
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garage wiring

My garage is attached. i just had installed a new service to the house (200amp 40 circuit panel) I plan on making my garage a woodworking shop. i ran a 12-3 wire from the box out to the garage and branched it out into 2 20 amp circuits I thought with all the equip I have in the garage i would need 2 circuits 9 right or wrong) since I had the extra slots in my panel. What do you think?

Thanks
 
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Old 06-30-03, 09:37 AM
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Oh, I see. This really is two projects, an attached garage project and a detached shed project.

Two 20-amp circuits to the garage is a great idea. Put a GFCI as the first receptacle on each side after the split.

Sorry I got confused. I made unwarranted assumptions.
 
 

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