What size electric wire?

Question

I am builidng a shed that is using 100 amp service running underground wire what size wire to use in aluminum

Answer 1

Use the same size you use in a house. That way you won't have to worry about it shorting out or causing a fire. Also, if you haven't already thought of it, you should run a piece of plastic conduit under the ground to run it through. This will keep the moisture out and it will give you less trouble over the years. Good luck.

Answer 2

Glen had a good answer but you might want to run the wiring in PVC since aluminum under ground wont last as long as copper.also don't forget to consider that if your running a 220 service to size the neutral correctly

Answer 3

Like Powerman said, driers are usually rated at 30 amps. Check the data plate of your dryer to be sure. The 70 foot distance from the breaker box isn't too far for a 30 amp circuit. Always read the data plate, it's the most important part of any appliance or electric motor, with out the data plate you just have a boat anchor.

Answer 4

I wouldn't Run Al wire...Cheap wire... I would install Copper wire.

In all cases, you may need a #1 or #2 copper wire depending on the length of ditch. If its over 75 ft, you must increase the wire size to accomadate for teh length of electricity ot travel..

www.nec.com
National Electrical Code website

Answer 5

Ask your state electrical inspector what you'll need because he'll be the one inspecting it.

What Glen said is true, but depending on your state, the code, distance, future power needs, etc., the only true answer is by asking your electrical inspector.

Answer 6

depending on the distance from the house to the shed you wil need at least #2 and then go up a size for each added 100ft. 200ft total = #0 and so on. just be sure to use terminations rated for alum.

Answer 7

You can't use aluminum wire in most places. #2 wire copper

Answer 8

check out this site:
http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm

also use Cu wire - aluminum is crap