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About Greg Hughes
Expertise
Residential Electrical including Appliances and HVAC with 28 years experience.

Experience
Started training as an electrician in 1979, worked for major companies and the government.

Education/Credentials
Graduated from Electrician's School, Carrier Training, and various specialty schools.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home > Shop Wiring

Electrical Wiring in the Home - Shop Wiring

Expert: Greg Hughes - 11/5/2009

Question
I recently built a shop and need to get power to it. An electrician suggesting taping my main power into the house and going through my attic rather than ditching. He suggested 1/0 aluminum. The run will be about 300 feet. Shop is general duty homeowner. Maybe 1 220v for welder rest will by homeowner grade woodworking tools. What do you think?

Answer
The attic is better than a ditch. I do not like aluminum so I always suggest copper. The size of the wire will depend on how many amps you want/need.

It sounds like 60 amps would be plenty for you.

At 300 feet your copper size for 60 amps would be #0 or #2 depending on the actual length.

You will want a subpanel.

For every one hundred feet you have to go up a size. For 0-100' you would use the normally rated size. For 100-200' you would go up one size, etc.
The reason is for voltage drop. Just like in plumbing if you have a long run you have to go up a size to get the proper volume and pressure.

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About Electrical Wiring in the Home
This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here