| Author |
Message |
    
moving soon
Citizen
Username: Movingsoon
Post Number: 88
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 2:15 pm: | 
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My house has a relatively low-hanging power line running from my house to my garage. It's not the PSEG power line; it's a line that runs off my panel to power the lights & door opener in my garage.
I want to move the line to keep my kids from hitting it with balls/other toys. That means either raising it, or preferably burying it.
Anyone have experience doing either? Do I need an electrician plus someone else to dig a ditch? I'm trying to get a sense of what's involved. If you have an electrical contractor to recommend for the job, that would be great as well.
Any guidance/advice welcome. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11134
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 2:51 pm: |
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There are a lot of code issues here as respects the type of wire used, conduit, marking, depth of the trench, grounding, etc. I think you probably need an electrician. If you did the trench you will probably save some bucks. |
VU
Citizen
Username: Emwarden
Post Number: 6
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 3:36 pm: |
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Just did the same thing. The electrician was going to charge alot of money for digging the trench, I did it myself. the trnech needs to be 18 inches deep. You can rent a trenching machine from HD for $60. |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4522
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 5:23 pm: |
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All the above is true, however, let me add a few ideas.
The 18" trench is for direct burial cable. This is a special type of non-metalic sheilded wire, rated for direct ground contact in wet soil.
You can go 8" if you run PVC Electrical rated conduit. (Grey) Then pull loose wire, not 'romex' of the correct size for the amp load of the garage circuits, and sized to not exceed the breaker rating. The size of the PVC conduit will likely be 1/2", however, must be bigger if you are running a lot of amps out there.
Call me at 973 953-0781 if you need more help.
Later,
George |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 363
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - 7:22 pm: |
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Is it now code here in Maplewood that you need to put a sub-panel in the garage if its separate from your home? |
Jgberkeley
Citizen
Username: Jgberkeley
Post Number: 4525
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 8:29 am: |
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No. |
Wilkanoid
Citizen
Username: Cseleosida
Post Number: 567
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 8:51 am: |
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We did this quite a few years ago, had the electrician do everything -- even dig the trench. I don't remember how much it cost, but it didn't seem to be outrageous. At the time, we didn't have the time or the inclination to dig the trench. We watched them do it, and it was a lot of work. |
Darren Say Grrrrrrrr
Citizen
Username: Darrensager
Post Number: 365
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 9:56 am: |
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Thank you George! |
gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 330
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
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Code does not require a panel, but does require a local disconnecting means. For residential garages and outbuildings this can be as simple as an appropriatly rated switch. |
Seagull
Citizen
Username: Seagull
Post Number: 80
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 9:42 am: |
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After reading this thread, we decided to check out what our wire running to the garage is.
It has the following info. printed on it...
Wood / Cheatwood E30445 (UL) AWG 10 CU 3
CDR with AWG 10 Ground Type UF-B 600 Volts
Sunlight Resistant
Can anyone tell us if this is OK to be in the ground? Does it need to be in a pipe?
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gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 333
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 10:07 am: |
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That cable is ok.
UF-B:
UF = underground feeder
B = direct burial |
Marty Lipp
Citizen
Username: Martylipp
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 3:24 pm: |
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We did the trenching ourselves and it was a huge pain. The machine itself (we got it in Clark) was about 800 pounds, essentially a huge chain saw on tiny wheels. It was not very maneuverable so if you need to do anything but a straight line be prepared for some grunting and sweating and cursing to get it to turn. The job was complicated further by our hitting huge tree roots so we had to dig by hand under them. I'm sure we saved a bunch of money but be forewarned that it might not be an easy job. |
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