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nomaddoug
Sep 28, 2011, 10:18 AM
I am having a new barn built and have a question about running the electrical service. The barn is 325' away from my main panel at the house. The barn service will be 50a 240v. I am planning on trenching 2/0 quadplex aluminum URD from the house. In the barn I plan on enclosing the cable in sealtite from the entrance point to the panel. My question is in the house. The cable will enter underground into my crawlspace. The entry point 1s 275' from the barn and another 50' to the panel. I know I can't run the URD in the house. I was thinking I could run the URD to a junction box as soon as it enters the crawlspace and connect it using ilsco type mechanical al/cu splices and then run to the panel with #2 copper. At the main panel I'll go to a 2 pole 50 amp breaker, neutral bar, and ground bar. At the barn I'm planning a 50 amp main breaker panel with separate ground bar and ground rod. Does this sound right? Do I need to run a ground or could I go with Triplex cable.
Thank you

nomaddoug
Sep 30, 2011, 04:31 PM
I'm just curious, is there something about how I worded my question that is stopping people from answering or commenting on it? I appreciate the efforts of anyone that takes time to read questions and I hope I didn't write something that is stopping people from answering. I realize this question is very similar to lots of others here, but I would still be interested in your opinions.
Thank you

hkstroud
Sep 30, 2011, 06:39 PM
I don't think there is anything wrong with way you posted your question. TKrussel and Stanfortyman are most knowledgeable about what size and kind of cable to use for your situation. Maybe you just got over looked and needed a bump. I'm sure one of them will be by soon. Yes, you will need a ground.

tkrussell
Oct 1, 2011, 04:00 AM
We all volunteer here, and will get to answering when/if we can.

First you refer to quadraplex, which equals 4 wire, one to act as an equipment ground.

Then you refer to triplex, which is 3 wire, which if used as two hots and a neutral, will need an equipment grounding conductor.

Re-reading your text, yes, we have to re-read posts over and over to be sure we understand what is being explained, I think you first plan to use 4 wire and is asking if you can use 3 wire instead.

No, must use 4 wire.

Yes, must drive at least one ground rod at the new panel in a detached structure, check local codes as some states require a minimum of two ground rods.

Connect rod(s) to the equipment ground bar in the new panel with min #6 copper wire. Do not connect any grounds to the neutral bar in the new panel, must be insulated and isolated.

Be sure any URD cable not buried in earth is sleeved entirely by conduit.

Not sure if #2 will fit into a 60 Amp CB. Since your using the #2/0 for the greater distance to reduce voltage drop, and since the wiring in the home is only 50 feet, stick with #6 from the URD to the main panel.

nomaddoug
Oct 1, 2011, 06:47 AM
Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it. If my second post in any way offended anyone I apologize. My only intention was to check if I had asked something wrong. Thanks again.

tkrussell
Oct 2, 2011, 03:33 AM
No offense taken here, glad to be of help, just need to be patient.