[Ohno59]

I just acquired 250ft of 12/2 UF cable brand new on a spool at a flea market for $30. (Yeah, okay, it was a bargain. I got the guy down from $60

I was originally intent on running 4 conductor 10 gauge THWN to my shed in PVC conduit 18" deep, but I found out I don't have any more space in my panel for the double pole breaker, and only have room for 1 more single tandem breaker.

Is there anything in code prohibiting me from putting the UF in 3/4" conduit to my shed (20 amp breaker) 18" deep. It will run up to a fused outdoor safety switch mounted on the exterior of the building. (My local electric company recommend it for lightning protection, that a fuse would blow in the event of a nearby lightning strike) We have a lot of very tall oak trees around.

I rather not direct bury it because of animals/groundhogs chewing on everything in site. And at a distance of 125ft, GFCI protected would become a nuisance.

If this is okay, until I up the existing wiring in the shed from 14 gauge to 12 gauge also, I assume I temporarily install just a 15 amp in the panel?

Thankyou so much.

 

[EBFD6]

That all sounds fine.

Also you can leave the 20amp breaker at the panel just use 15amp fuse at the disconnect on the shed if you only have 14awg wiring inside the shed.

 

[Ohno59]

Fantastic. Thankyou.


By the way. This is the safety switch I have.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25e...outdoor+disconnect&storeId=10051#.UQb9x79ZXoI

It says 30 amps. Is this 30 amps total (15a each pole) or 30 amps each pole?

Meaning, can I run the 20a circuit through 1 pole on one side (of course leaving the other blank)

Or do I need a 60a disconnect to safely run 20a of current on one pole.

 

[jbfan]

30 amp each pole.

 

[Ohno59]

Thank you all!

The most challenging part of this entire project is digging around the gardens, patio, sidewalk, and gravel. Then fishing up under a 2ft crawlspace into the panel :laughing:

That's why I was glad to find the UF cable. One solid run, and no conduit to mess with under the house.

I'm doing conduit outside all the way though due to the animals......