I'm wanting to run power from my home to a pole barn that I recently built. I plan on running 110 and 220 outlets. What size wire should I use to run from the house to the building itself? I do plan on running from the main supply and going to a separate breaker box once in the building. I'm not sure if distance is a factor, but I will be going approx. 125ft from the house to the building.

I realize this may be pretty basic, but I have very little electrical experience other than some basic wiring within a home (switches, outlets, etc... )

Need a list of the loads you plan to have in the barn, either in amps or watts.

Also what size service do you have in the home?

I believe the home is a 60 amp service. If this does not sound right, if you tell me what I need to do to find out, I will try to get a more definite answer.

As far as the barn, I'm looking at lights, garage door opener, a 110 compressor, and general 110v appliances (vacuums, drills, saws, etc... ) Nothing I'd consider extreme.

I would like to put 220 service in also, however, to allow me the option of upgrading to a better compressor in the future, and/or possibly a welder.

Ern24fan,

I'd start by calling in a electrician to verify the service "in" to your house. Next get several estimates from "Licensed" electricians to do the work in the barn because you are talking about some serious amperage potentials.

The outlets would have to be connected to 20 amp breakers (12x2 AWG). If you are using special lights, you need to know how much power is consumed by each fixture

with 200/240, you are looking at 10/3 AWG for 30 Amps, I believe.

I really would defer to an electrician, but you need to make certain you meet electrical codes, you get electrical permits and electrical inspecting during and after the work is completed.

In no way is this for a novice or unskilled electrician.

To determine the size service the home has, look at the main circuit breaker or fuse and read off the amp rating you will find stamped on it.

Need:

Type, size, and quantity of light fixtures
Size of air compressor in horsepower
Size of future air compressor and welder

Length and width of barn.

This project may require you to pull a permit and be inspected by local building dept. Have you checked with the town for permitting requirements?

I appreciate the responses, but let me make something clear. I am not going to attempt doing this job myself. I have every intention of getting someone that is experienced to take care of that responsibility, however, I am trying to get the materials I will need purchased prior to having that person come in.

That is the reason for my original question. I have all the wire for the inside of the building, as well as the outlet boxes, outlets, etc... I just need to get the wire that goes from the box to the building, and the conduit, and wanted to make sure I purchased the correct size wire.

I was going to go with 8-3w/g. One of the responses said 10, so I'd assume 8, being heavier, should be sufficient.

My main concern was that the 8 gauge wire would not be heavy enough to do what I need. I'd rather go heavier than necessary than not heavy enough.

All of the equipment and parts you purchased are moot if the incoming service is not sufficient to power both house and pole barn.

Another consideration would be to call the power company and see how much it would be to put another drop and meter on the pole barn.

I believe that 8 gage will support up to 50 Amps, but I really need to verify that. My suggestion is to have the several electricians place written bids and job cost estimates on the job.

Prior to anyone showing up, make a site plan of how you want the wiring to go in, where you want the outlets and what types of equipment you want installed. Be as detailed as you can. Ask the electricians to work off you plan and mark problem areas. Give each electrician a clean copy of your requirements. That way you get a composite of the parts as well as suggested ways of doing the entire job.

Please understand, I am not trying to annoy you with any suggestions. I have a concern that you may be working in the barn one evening and you power down the house because of the current you draw off to the barn.

Just for clarity, #8 copper if NM-B Romex cable is only good for 40 amps

If MC cable or pulled THHN/THWN or XHHW insulation is good for 50 amps.

The person doing the installation, if qualified to do electrical work, should be able to rattle off a bill of material with no problem.

Since the main service appears to be only 60 amp based on the information provide, there is a concern the service is not of sufficient size, due to the added load of the barn.

Be aware, the local inspector may not allow the barn to be connected, as the minimum size service for a single family dwelling is 100 amps. Best to check first before proceeding to eliminate a unexpected surprise later.

No one has to worry about upsetting me. That's why I'm asking. I appreciate all responses, but I did check the main box, and it is a 200 amp breaker, so it seems as though I should be fine in that area.

Any and all answers are greatly appreciated. Like you, I don't want to be in the barn trying to work and either keep tripping breakers in the barn, powering down the house, or worse... I want to do it right the first time.

I have about the same situation except I want to run wire under ground. What size wire?

What size service?

As you can see I asked several questions and did not get answers, so you need to start from scratch explaining your entire situation.