Electrical- Cable for underground.

What is the type of cable (can not remember) used for underground. Need to run 120 feet from one panel to the other panel Second panel is 100 amp first is 200 amp panel. Thanks in advance. J.

"UF" = "Underground Feeder".

For 100 amp service you can use 4 each 2 AWG aluminum USE. Probably cheaper than UF.

Here in Canada can no longer get any aluminum wire because of electrical fire hazards. Too many DYI not installing properly. Use UF or bury appropriate size plastic conduit and pull wire through it 4 #2 wire two black one white and one bare or green. would also run a ground stake at the workshop. advantage of conduit you could also have a light switch in the house to turn on/off lights in shop just run some #14 or #12 wires and a 2 way switch.
Ypop

I think the types of cable you're thinking of for underground use are:


USE Underground Service Entrance Cable

UF Underground Feeder

I took a look at Southwind Cable and also as I best recall from years ago so NO WARRANTY, USE is more for service entrance (well duh lol) while UF is for underground feeds to smaller exterior loads.

This was taken from Southwind's web site it is NOT my words:

"When used as Type USE-2, conductor is suitable for use as underground service entrance cable for direct burial at conductor temperatures not to exceed 90°C. Voltage rating for USE-2 conductors is 600 volts."


"Type UF-B cable is generally used as feeder to outside post lamps, pumps, and other loads or apparatus fed from a distribution point in an existing building as specified in the National Electrical Code.1 UF-B cable may be used underground, including direct burial. Multiple conductor UF-B cable may be used for interior branch circuit wiring in residential or agricultural buildings at conductor temperatures not to exceed 90°C (with ampacity limited to that for 60°C conductors) as specified by the National Electrical Code. UF-B can be used in applications permitted for NMC in Section 334.10(B) of the National Electrical Code. Voltage rating for UF-B cable is 600 volts."


NOTE Don't forget if you're running 120/240 volt single phase three wire service to a remote sub panel, you need to carry 4 wires:

2 Hot UnGrounded Phase Conductors (L1 & L2)
1 Grounded Conductor (Neutral)
1 Equipment GroundING Conductor

And that outbuildings electrical service requires grounding to a proper Grounding Electrode remember.


John T

And, don't bond the neutral and ground busses at the sub-panel.

EXACTLY

John T

Why not?

JUST KIDDING! I KNOW WHY NOT! DON'T TELL US AGAIN! Just being a little pestiferous on a Friday afternoon- seemed like a good time to beat a dead horse. And raise John T's (and B&D's) blood pressure a little bit. LOL

Funny you should ask Counsellor lol

I think were going to Yosemite and Kings Canyon and Sequoia next year then sons in San Diego, but not Crater Lake again otherwise Id look you up.

John T

Yeah, I was sorry our meeting last time you were up here didn't work out. Keep me in mind in your travels.

Can understand you not going to Crater Lake- every time I've been there, regardless of time of year, it was snowing.

I ran 1/0 in conduit to my pole shed, pipe is cheap for what it does. My real job is a power lineman, cable never goes bad at a good time (winter frost and so on ) if it's in pipe you can cut it clear and pull in a new peace or upgrade size. Trust me