[swgardener]

I have a 90 foot run to wire from my house to a sleep shack. If I run 2 12/2 wires this distance will it loose power.
Also can I use a grounding stake by the sleep shack or should I just stay with the main?
Thanks

[tkrussell]

Voltage drop is dependent on the amperage load, the higher the load will increase the voltage drop

If #12 cable is installed, the maximum amp load, without exceeding the allowable Vd of 5%, will be 12 amps of load. With 12 amp load, you should have 115.9 volts at the end of the circuit, assuming a full 120 volts at the beginning of the circuit. Any more than 12 amps will cause the voltage drop to increase to a level that will affect equipment

Absolutely no ground rod is allowed to be installed.

You must insure the cable has an equipment ground and that it is connected properly at both ends of the circuit.

Hope this helps.

[shunned]

Pretty harsh wording, but If I was installing a panel I would install a grounding rod.

[tkrussell]

What wording would you suggest to convey the fact that long runs of copper has it's own resistance which adds to the total impedance of the circuit, and if the load is too great the resulting voltage at the end of the circuit can be less than will be effective and low voltage may damage equipment that can result in fire or injury to persons or property?

Or are the words "absolutely no ground rod " on the branch circuit the poster refers to offensive? Should I work on my sensitivity skills that will use different words that are not offensive but could result in the poster to misunderstand and install a ground rod on a branch circuit, which is not allowed by the National Electric Code on any branch circuit, that in the event of a ground fault, will not operate a circuit breaker or fuse due to the excessive impedance and double grounding of the main service?

Since you mention a panel, not sure why since the poster only refers to a branch circuit, a ground rod grounding the neutral would be required only if the feeder circuit does not have an equipment ground.

If you think this answer is harsh, then you may want to read some of my other answers. I tend not to use many touchy feely words to explain to laypeople that the electrical work they do may be done improperly and attempt to get them to think first, only spend the money necessary, and ask the right questions to get the right answers to have a completely perfect and proper installation to enjoy for many years, since electricity will burn buildings down and kill people.

It will become apparent that my answers are not intended to be popular, only to keep people and their loved ones alive for a long time, and not see fire apparatus in their front yard.

[shunned]

Oh forgive me if I offended you. He doesn't mention branch circuit. I don't know what a sleep shack is but if it's 90ft away I would've put a panel out there.
And installed a ground rod.

[swgardener]

Thank you both for your feedback.

I originally had a panel installed for a 100 amp circuit. Later realized that I did not need to put that much into a 12x16 foot shack (cabin which did have an 100 amp circuit at one time). I installed 6 outlets for lights and music for 1 circuit and a water pump for another circuit. The panel came with a grounding rod. My question was if I decided to run 2 90 foot long outdoor 12/2 wires in conduit would I loose resistance.

My comment on the ground rod was could I use that instead of ground at the main panel. I understand now that I should ground it to the main and keep it simple.

As too the harshness of your comments. You should not assume that people don't know what they are doing just because you are probably a union guy and they are asking a question just to double check their own work.

Thank you