running wire to a detached shed subpanel
 

INTRO: to install a 40 or 50 AMP subpanel in a shed, which will be used for lighting inside, a 15, a 20, and a 30 amp (240V) outlet, as well as a garage door, i plan to run a weatherproof cable from my basement to the subpanel.

Q1: which gauge wire should i use and how many wires in the cable ? i was thinking 6/2 ?

Q2: which size plastic conduit should i use ? i thought that 3/4 should do.

Q3: will the new subpanel require a grounding rod ?

Q4: the wire shall run from the front of the basement its entire length (approx. 50 ft) to the back, then go through the wall outside. is it appropriate to use regular indoor cable inside and then a JB to connect it to the wet cable going outside to save $, assuming that the latter is more expensive ?

much obliged,

- a -

Q1 - 6/3UF or three #6THWN, one #10THWN in conduit.
Q2 - use 1"
Q3 - yes
Q4 - 6/3NM to UF, 6/3NM to THWN, or UF all the way.

what is the technically simplest vs. the cheapest solution ?

also, do you recommend a 40 or a 50 AMP subpanel ?

thanks,

- a -

Easiest way is UF all the way if you can do it. Less splices and j boxes means less chance for failure.

UF is rated for direct burial @ 24" .

It is difficult to pull thru smaller (less than 1 1/2") unless it's a straight shot.


I am not a big UF fan and I have all the tools and materials available so I would use romex (NM) inside to a j box, underground with 1" PVC and pull in THWN @ 18" deep to the panel (or to another j box, back to romex(NM) and to the panel)


40 or 50? Bigger is generally better.

If you go 40 you can use 3#8's and a 10 ground and 3/4" conduit.

does your preferred way involve using multiple THWNs or do they come bundled in a cable ?

what is the difference b/ween UF and THWN ?

thanks,

- a -

UF is a made weatherproof cable consisting of two or more insulated conductors and a bare grounding conductor. THWN is an individual wire rated for wet locations.

in other words, to make it simple, go UF rather than THWN.

No...the same words :thumbsup:

is it deeper or shallower than 24" that i should be worrying about ? i will be going deeper.