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I have a 70 ft run underground to a detached garage. Is copper much better than aluminum for 100 amp service? The price difference is very substantial.
For that distance and size, I would stick with copper wire. You would only save around $100-125 if you went with aluminum. For me, I'd be happy to pay that amount to get a superior product.I have a 70 ft run underground to a detached garage. Is copper much better than aluminum for 100 amp service? The price difference is very substantial.
Curious how one would put (pull) 300 ft of copper service thru conduit? I've considered cutting thinwall pvc in half and laying the cable in it, then covering with the other half, mostly for physical protection. Seems better than just laying it nude in clay/topsoil and almost easier than trying to imbed in pure sand. Thoughts appreciated.
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Curious how one would put (pull) 300 ft of copper service thru conduit? I've considered cutting thinwall pvc in half and laying the cable in it, then covering with the other half, mostly for physical protection. Seems better than just laying it nude in clay/topsoil and almost easier than trying to imbed in pure sand. Thoughts appreciated.
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With the assistance of lots of conduit lube, a capstan winch, good strong rope, etc, we did a 1200' pull of 4, #6 AL wires in 1.5" conduit for a solar install.
Thanks guys, always ready with heroic tales! I've got 1-1-1-4 cu wrapped in black rubber casing 1.25 inch dia. Deeper it would be entirely in mesosoic clay but at 3 ft will be transitioning into topsoil hence my interest in extra protection. You've sold me on the ease and simplicity of ~6 inch sand encasement. Plus I'll lay rocks & boulders over the whole run (which follows a driveway). Mostly to remind me to keep the heavy equipment off of it.
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When the electric utility had to reinstall the underground service at my place they drilled with a directional boring machine and pulled conduit back when withdrawing the bit. Then they blew tape thru the conduit with compressed air and wrapped the free end around the wheel of their backhoe! Powered up the hoe and pulled the cable using tons of lube. They pulled some very heavy cable in 750 to 1000' increments. (Don't try this at home.)With the assistance of lots of conduit lube, a capstan winch, good strong rope, etc, we did a 1200' pull of 4, #6 AL wires in 1.5" conduit for a solar install. It was a net 150 feet down hill and we pulled down, and with some careful coordination, we were able to do it. Oh, and also, we used metal for the last set of 90˚ sweeps to the surface, to deal with any abrasion from the rope. We optimized so that it was about the same price to buy more panels as use larger wire... We also left ourselves a place to put in a junction box half way and do two pulls, but that was not needed. :wink:
With magnifying glass and bright light my HPWC's terminals are marked indicating use of either AL or CU is permitted. This means the material and thermal expansion properties of the terminals is equally safe with either. Is also marked 2-14 ga. I can't hardly imagine an HPWC being useful with only 14 ga feed but perhaps thats just what the standard off-the-shelf terminals support.
There is nothing wrong with using aluminum when the end terminals are designed and rated for aluminum wiring. In fact there is much right with using aluminum. Aluminum costs less which means it consumed fewer resources in manufacture. 2-2-2 Aluminum Service Entry cable is currently $1.39/ft at my local Lowes and Home Depot. Am not comfortable running 80A continuous through it but then again I don't have the twin charger option and will be replacing my NEMA 14-50R.