[jebaqcinc]

I built a Shed 30 x 20 . The location is at approximately 150 to 180 feet away from the main building electric box. I will have three switches, three outlets and 4 fluorescents (each with 4 bulbs) light fixture, with a #14 wire. Beside I will have three outlets for a work shop by the counter top table with #12 wire. I Am planing to run an AC floor unit while I am working there. Maybe I will install a vacuum system while I do cuttings. It will be OK if I set a 3/4" gray pipe to run two circuits #14 and #12 wires on a two separate breakers with 15 and 20 amps? Or I can run #8 wire on a 40 amps breaker to a sub-panel in the shed and two or three brakers (15amp, 20 amps) in sub-panel? Please help with some answers it will be appreciated it. Thanks. JJ

[tkrussell]

Due to the size of the shed and the potential to have some decent motor loads, and the distacne, I would install #2 - 4 wire aluminum URD cable, which can be direct buried, to eliminate voltage drop.

You may sleeve the URD cable with 2 inch PVC conduit for added protection if the soil is rocky, and will allow the cable to be replaced or upgraded later with no excavating.

Your plan of running only # 14 and/or #12 that distance will not work at all.

Without knowing exactly amp or wattage load of the motors, I suspect #8 copper will not be sufficient either.

Aluminum wire is much cheaper than copper, and when sized and terminated properly, works just as well as copper.