Supplying Power to an Outbuilding - 4 Wire AWG 2 AL Type Use 2?

toddmanqa

The February 2004 Journal of Light Construction has an article in which they indicate that the required way to run power to an outbuilding is via an insulated neutral, which means you can't use common USE cable with a bare stranded neutral, and 'you should use four individual insulated cables approved for direct burial'. They also show the wire running in conduit, but only until it reaches underground at the house/raises above ground in the outbuilding (that is, the wire between the structures underground is NOT in conduit)

I have some '4 Wire AWG 2 AL Type Use 2' wire. I don't believe it is approved for direct burial. Can I use this instead if I put it in a continuous plastic conduit the entire distance?

Note: Can't link to the article since it is member only, but see the attached picture.

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joed

The picture is wrong. Four individual wires MUST be in conduit.

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busman

The diagram doesn't say wires, it says cables. There are single conductor direct burial cables.

Mark

brric

Not true. Ever heard of URD?

kbsparky

IF those wires are type USE, then your diagram is correct, no further conduit is required. Type USE is approved for direct burial as indicated.

On another note, a #2 USE wire is rated for 90 Amps in such an application.

You can use a 100 Amp panel in the garage, provided it is fed through a 90 Amp breaker at the source.

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toddmanqa

Thanks for the replies.

I do have a follow-up question:

Assuming I place a 100 watt panel in the garage with a 90 AMP breaker, and I want to place the entire set of four cables in conduit just to be safe, what size conduit do I need to use to avoid any overheating issues?

Thanks!