What size wire to run to driveway gate?
#1
05-10-16, 11:11 AM
What size wire to run to driveway gate?
I want to run a circuit to my driveway gate--
the gate opener is a 24v system that pulls 3 amps while running.
I also will have a led light on the top of each gate column ( two total -- possible 3 if I put a light illuminating address)
the gate is 320 feet from the electrical panel.
question ---
what size wire, and breaker do I need for that run.
I plan on putting wire in pvc 18" below ground
the gate opener is a 24v system that pulls 3 amps while running.
I also will have a led light on the top of each gate column ( two total -- possible 3 if I put a light illuminating address)
the gate is 320 feet from the electrical panel.
question ---
what size wire, and breaker do I need for that run.
I plan on putting wire in pvc 18" below ground
#2
05-10-16, 11:51 AM
I would suggest running a standard 15 ampere 120 volt circuit using #12 copper conductors. Place the back-up battery and charger in an enclosure at the gate. This way you can use standard 120 volt LED bulbs and the voltage drop with the load of the battery charger will be minimal.
If you were to run only 24 volts you would need to use at least #6 copper conductors to keep the voltage drop within reason.
If you were to run only 24 volts you would need to use at least #6 copper conductors to keep the voltage drop within reason.
#3
05-10-16, 12:47 PM
At 320ft the max load you can have on #12 Cu is about 4 to 5 amps to stay below a 5% voltage drop. Also if the 120V circuit is GFCI protected at the source you can get by with it being buried 12 inches if it's a 20A or less circuit.
#5
05-10-16, 01:46 PM
I'll throw in that if you want to be able to use the full 15A at the gate you will need to use #8 copper for the hot & neutral and #10 copper for the ground. Probably not necessary, but just throwing that out there.
I'd use at least 3/4" maybe even 1" conduit due to the length of the run. One hand hole pull box in the middle would be a good idea too.
I'd use at least 3/4" maybe even 1" conduit due to the length of the run. One hand hole pull box in the middle would be a good idea too.
