How far can one use electrical wires before needing a transformer?

Question

My pole that has electricity is 400 feet away, can I plug in to it? Legally of course.

Answer 1

Like everything else, it depends. The concern is that at the maximum current you will draw, there is sufficient voltage at the point of use. Voltage drop depends on the amount of current, and the resistance of the circuit.

You can determine the minimum voltage requirements for whatever you are driving. Knowing the resistance per foot of various sizes of wire, you could determine the size wire needed.

Now it becomes a matter of economics. Is larger wire less expensive than a transformer--or two if you are going to maintain the original equipment operating voltage.

Answer 2

i am assuming you are talking about 120/240 v
it depends on the wire, copper/aluminum for the service entrance for the resistance of the wire, the best way would be to get a multimeter and test the resistance of the wire your going to use, and figure out how much resistance that is over 400ft, and see what the voltage drop is across it, if it loses more then 10v, then ya can't do it with the wire you got, if ya cannot find any wire better, then you would need to be closer to it.
the whole point of a transformer is to step up voltage while stepping down potential amps, or vise versa

Answer 3

depends on state codes usually means you have to get a permit for electrical

Answer 4

http://www.cirris.com/testing/resistance/wire.html

Answer 5

NO
YOU CAN NOT DO IT