RV vs cabin electric service

trekketoo

We are putting in new electric service in a rural area. We’ll have 2 poles set to reach our property, then we’ll be trenching about 250 ft. Our plan is to put in RV service and later build a cabin about 20 ft over. Now we have to purchase the conduit and line and, which I understand the line is different for the RV service. I'm wondering if I should put in a “permanent service” (future cabin) and run a line for the RV from that. Is that possible? I'm concerned that running the line used for the RV service won't work for the cabin later, is that correct? Based on what I’m wanting to accomplish how would you suggest I go about doing it? Thanks.

Missouri Bound

That is the most logical way to approach the two locations. Itll cost you more up front, but it will be worth it when you decide to build the cabin.

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rrolleston

I would suggest a permanent underground service at the cabin site you want and up size the wire for the length and voltage drop. Then run power from there to where your RV will be.

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trekketoo

Thanks for the replies. I don't have any electrical knowlege but will have some help, but I needed to know if my plan of attack sounded ok.

Missouri Bound, I'm from Missouri. Our new service will be down in the ozarks.

rrolleston

Just make sure you run your plan by the power company and the inspector to make sure they agree. You should also be able to get document from your power company stating what they require.

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concretemasonry

Definitely check with the power company before you do anything.

Some power companies want to do whatever is economically possible to go underground to the meter because it reduces their maintenance, repair/maintenance costs and down time.

I built a summer home in northern MN and it was 1 mile off the highway, but fortunately the power company went underground along the local access road. When I built, the only way to hook up was underground for 200' to my temporary/permanent meter at no extra charge because they had the time and equipment and hated to go out later when there was an outage and trim trees.

They even worked with cable company than installed the mile of underground parallel. That made the cable connection reliable when I eventually did enough construction and got around to connecting.

It is worth a try and contact, although the situation could be different.

Dick

Missouri Bound

Where abouts? I'm in the Ozarks as well.

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kbsparky

I'd use a combination meter/service panel, and mount it on a pedestal.

You could install a branch circuit breaker for the RV outlet, and eventually connect the cabin service to the same panel without having to get the utility involved later. Meter, main breaker, branch circuits, and feed-thru all in one box. You can even install a generator interlock kit and inlet later if you want.

Click here for one example.

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rrolleston

I second those meter mains. Just be sure to get one with feed through lugs that you could run to your cabin when you are ready. I love those because they are great for remote projects. I used one for a service to a maple sugar house. 200 amps will allow them to expand with no trouble at all.

Just a hint my supply house had some better deals on them than the big box stores. I would have to look up the invoice but I remember it being under 200

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Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

kbsparky

The link I provided sells `em for $130. Substantially less than the supply house "under 200" scenario.

My supply house can't touch `em for that price

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trekketoo

It's in Reynolds county near Black River. I grew up there.

trekketoo

The man that will be helping us said to get a pass through box, is that what you would call this? I mentioned pass through box to another electrician and he didn't know what that was.

zappa

Try "feed through lugs", he should know what that means. Say for an example you have a 200 amp service, you could feed through the box that kbsparky shows to your cabin with a 200 amp service. Or you could put a seperate breaker in for the cabin but I think you would be limited to 125 amps because of the max breaker size.

rrolleston

Same here I just grabbed an invoice when I bought one this January and it was a Millbank 8 space 16 circuit with feed through and it was 165.

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Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

trekketoo

I have a question about wire size. The person helping us said to get the 4/0 triplex aluminum wire and we'll use 2inch conduit schedule 80. I'm looking at the electrical company specifications and the 4/0 triplex is listed for over head wires and underground 200amp service says to use Aluminum phase #4/0 and Neutral 2/0. Sounds like the only difference between those would be one more wire in the triplex. We're trenching about 210 or more feet. Is there really much difference between the 2? Why does the electric company have lesser of a wire when going underground? Seems you would need more wire.

Thanks