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What would an electrician charge, and what is this process called? Wouldn't he essentially be doing the same thing- running 2 gauge cord to a panel? Would it have to be above ground?
I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find any information on this, I've been searching for hours!
The heavy gauge wire comes off your main panel, runs through conduit, underground, to another panel that you install in your shop. You would then have a few outlets and lights set out in your shop.
What would an electrician charge, and what is this process called? Wouldn't he essentially be doing the same thing- running 2 gauge cord to a panel? Would it have to be above ground?
I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find any information on this, I've been searching for hours!
The difficulty of locating information suggests the impracticality, if not illegitimacy, of the extension cord idea.
If this is temporary--even for an entire summer--the generator is the best idea.
Anyone here know an equation, or more importantly, where to buy heavy-duty long distance extension cords (300ft) to power a shop 300 ft from a plug? I know it needs to be low gauge but the cords seem to be sold by amps?
What I always did was take the power cord to the crane when it came down as it's usually thrown out.
I'd then make 50 and 100 foot extension cords out of it, but did find the commercial ends hard to source.
On the coast you have moisture and ground fault interruption circuits now mandatory, so you'd have to go to a 30 amp circuit minimum. It's something you'll have in a shop situation anyway.
If you location work outside is permanent run a power box.
What would an electrician charge, and what is this process called? Wouldn't he essentially be doing the same thing- running 2 gauge cord to a panel? Would it have to be above ground?
I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find any information on this, I've been searching for hours!
If it was wired permanently, you could use aluminum service entrance wire which is way less than copper, to a sub panel for your garage. It would be run overhead or in a trench. If you are on some acreage, overhead is probably fine. you might also just call up the power company and see about getting a separate service run. Since it would be a new service, they would probably foot much of the cost depending on the setup (though obviously, you would have to pay whatever the base charge is per month)
And with that, you would need to know the amps of everything you want to have running at the same time in your shop (total).
You can buy long 10 gauge "contractor" extension cords at home improvement stores. They cost a small fortune though. That would power many things in your shop - input the numbers into the voltage drop calculator.
Other than that, electric companies "step-up" the voltage on power lines to travel long distances.
So 3 solutions to your problem...
-A 10 gauge extension cord may work if the amperage of what you want running is not too much.
-An electrician could step-up, then back down the voltage, and use smaller wires going to the shed.
-Or an electrician could run a very large gauge wire to the shed.
Note: Some stores sell "large wire" extension cords and there is no wire gauge on the label. These are made to look big, but actually have a small gauge wire inside! Don't buy it unless the gauge of wire is printed on the label!
I'm really surprised how difficult it is to find any information...
The information is right in front of you- the difficulty is your failure to see the cost and safety concerns associated with this cockamamie idea of yours.
The least expensive alternative is no power. The next; which I previously mentioned, is a generator- you can purchase on that can handle most of your needs for about $250+(depending on brand). After that, getting a separate service for the building- at least with this you would have no restriction as to what you could run.
at 15 amp 115v you are talking an almost 8 volt drop on a #14 ext cord . that is unacceptable. if you can get a #12 ext cord , that is better , the drop is about 4.76 volts .
that could be marginal if your power is up around 120v and the utility does not cut power .
,
but in general it is not a good idea , the lower the voltage the greater the current drawn and the more demand put on components and your extension cord .
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Crane coming down in your area???
