Check out some similar questions!

Robertthea · Apr 9, 2007, 08:09 PM

I'm running a 2-2/4 aluminum cable for a 220v circuit from my barn from the panel in my house. Once entering the home (from the 36" deep in-conduit run from the barn), I have to string the cable through the mechanical area (cellar) of the house, then through a center-home crawl space and then through the main cellar of my home. Once I'm within my home does the entire cable need to be encassed in conduit up to the panel or can I simply staple/strap it to the joists like a 110v line?
:confused: Again.

tkrussell · Apr 10, 2007, 01:35 AM

Sounds like you have SEU cable, which does not need a conduit, and strapping will be fine.

Robertthea · Apr 10, 2007, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

Sounds like you have SEU cable, which does not need a conduit, and strapping will be fine.

What is "SEU" cable? I know mine is direct underground cable but I'm not familiar with the term SEU cable.

tkrussell · Apr 10, 2007, 02:26 PM

OK then, back to the drawing board.

SEU cable is a cable assembly that the 4 wires are wrapped with a gray plastic sheathing.

Now sounds like, with more detail, that you have what is called URD cable, 4 individual wires twisted with no covering or sheathing.This cable assembly definitely needs a conduit.

Sorry for the confusion.

Robertthea · Apr 11, 2007, 06:16 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

OK then, back to the drawing board.

SEU cable is a cable assembly that the 4 wires are wrapped with a gray plastic sheathing.

Now sounds like, with more detail, that you have what is called URD cable, 4 individual wires twisted with no covering or sheathing.This cable assembly definitely needs a conduit.

Sorry for the confusion.

Actually, I have aluminum cable, 3 strands, 2, 2 & 4 gauge that I'm using to run a 220v circuit from the panel in my home to my barn. I am upgrading to a 200 amp panel in the home to run 100 amps to the barn. The cables are each wrapped in heavy sheathing and each is labeled "SEU" direct bury. There are 3 heavy strands braded together, which is what I was sold by the electrical supply.

I've buried the cable to my barn and routed it through the side of my home through my cellar up to the panel, but a neighbor of mine claims (I'm doubting his claim), that I need 4 strands of wire to string the 220v circuit, not 3. He says that I now need a ground wire running between the two panels - barn and house - in addition to grounding the panels and that all the cable within the cellar of my home must be run inside conduit completely up to the panel in the cellar. The cellar is dry and clean. I'm hoping this is not true as I've already buried the darn 3 strand cable. No one else I talk to knows of the necessity to run 4 separate 2 or 4 gauge wires for the 220v circuit, so I'm thinking that his claim is nonsense. However, I'm wondering if the cable within the cellar needs to be inside conduit.

tkrussell · Apr 12, 2007, 02:40 AM

Three wires is fine, the panel at the barn will need at least one ground rod grounding the separate equipment ground bar in the panel, leaving the neutral insulated.

I have never seen SEU cable rated direct bury. You sure it does not say USE?

Any individual conductors must be in a conduit or a cable assembly.

Robertthea · Apr 12, 2007, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

Three wires is fine, the panel at the barn will need at least one ground rod grounding the separate equipment ground bar in the panel, leaving the neutral insulated.

I have never seen SEU cable rated direct bury. You sure it does not say USE?

Any individual conductors must be in a conduit or a cable assembly.

You are absolutely correct, it says USE. It is 3 strands braided so I'm thinking I need to make the run through the basement in conduit, which is no big deal. But, my local mnicipality is saying that they now require 4 strands! One labeled white as neutral but another labeled green run from panel to panel as ground. I never heard of this before and it seems ridiculous.

Thanks for your feedback, by the way. This site is a great resource and your information is greatly appreciated.

shuntripper · Apr 15, 2007, 05:51 PM

It's probably because it's safer, The code says that all ground electrodes must be connected together so there is no difference in potential between them. It's a good idea especially if you have animals in the barn. Either way I think they've got you, they already know about your project. There's nothing to say you can't just run the ground in some schedule 40 PVC right next to it. Or is there?ask the inspector.

Robertthea · Apr 16, 2007, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by shuntripper

It's probably because it's safer, The code says that all ground electrodes must be connected together so there is no difference in potential between them. It's a good idea especially if you have animals in the barn. Either way I think they've got you, they already know about your project. There's nothing to say you can't just run the ground in some schedule 40 PVC right next to it. or is there?ask the inspector.

I'm afraid you're right, but I now have to re-dig the trench, as I had already buried it with the 3 strands. Now I must lay a separate conduit for the 4th strand. At least the ground is soft and I can redig by had without much problem, but it is 100'. :( So, another day or so of backbreaking labor, I guess.:eek:

labman · Apr 16, 2007, 06:57 AM

Don't refill it until the inspector or tkrussel says the separate conduit is OK.

tkrussell · Apr 16, 2007, 09:25 AM

Why are you adding a 4th wire, if 3 wire is allowed, per NEC 250.32? All that is needed is to bond the neutral and equipment ground at the new panel, and connect both to a ground rod, which is required whether there is an equipment ground wire with the feeder or not.

If you do decide to dig up the trench again, why is a conduit needed? The existing cable is direct buried without conduit, correct? Simply add the fourth wire, lay it next to the feeder cable.