I’m starting the process or replacing the driveway in my 40 old home with a detached garage. Which has me thinking that this is the time to run some additional cables to the garage as otherwise it will be 40 more years before that chance arises again. Some of it is easy. When the driveway gets dug up I’ll run network cables and TV out there (somebody may want a man cave someday, and the wire is cheap).
Part of this is also considering building in the capability for electric vehicle charging. Who knows, they may yet become feasible someday, so why not put the wiring in now. Thus a few questions:
1) Nissan, for example, wants 220 volt 40 amp service for its charging station. Garage is about 40′ from my breaker panel. What gauge/type of wire should I run for this?
2) How deep under the pavement should this wire be run? In conduit, and if so what type? What size conduit should I run for 2 such future charging stations?
3) I’m not actually planning on connecting to anything, even the breaker box, yet. I just want to run the wires before the new paving is installed. If/when the day comes to light up these circuits, will my permitting authority accept the use of wire that may have been there for 10 or more years before being connected, or will they reject it if they haven’t actually inspected its presence in a trench?
Carlos
Replies
If I choose to put it in conduit - two runs -- what size conduit should I use/
Thanks for hte response
underground cable
I would run the cable(s) beside the driveway, 2feet below grade.
Less chance the cables will get damaged if the driveway needs repairs/replacement.
Is your panel capable to handle the extra load?
Check with the electrical departments re permit and wiresize requirement
If you do not get a permit if it is required you could be liable (No insurance coverage)
Why run wires now? Just install the conduit. The wires can come later ... maybe only require 10 ga wire by then? And your wire won't age like you fear.
Thanks. I understand the need for a permit and making sure the electric service can handle the load. but at this point I don't anticipate having an electric car, just planning ahead for the "what ifs." So I don't anticipate doing more than just running the wire for future use as long as the driveway will be torn up. No option to run the wire next to the driveway, it has to go right under it. If the day comes that I do put in a charging station do you anticipate an inspection problem using that wire for that purpose as it will have been entombed without an inspection? Or should I ask the permitting authorities to sign off on the wire getting laid and have that on the record?
Also, if I run the wires in conduit -- the two feeders for a future charging station and maybe an additional 20 amp circuit to have in the garage for use now -- is there an issue with having the (UF?) wires in conduit that could require derating?
Carlos
Run 2 conduit, one 2" and
Run 2 conduit, one 2" and another 1-1/4" PVC.
When time to wire use THWN
I too urge you to just run the conduit to a likely parking/charging spot. However, I would also urge you to use the BIGGEST conduit you can manage. Makes pulling wire easier, and at this point you have no idea what wire you need anyway. You will never cuss at yourself if you have to pull through a 3" conduit!
Also, the exact charging specifications of vehicals is still very much up in the air. While every car can probably use a standard 120v 15A outlet, it's slow and inefficient. 240v is only slightly better. There is at least one manufacturer who has a quick charge vehical, but it requires 400VDC. I have no idea what the amp or wire size you need for THAT setup.
Also, I would not be surprised if dedicated solar arrays were not included in the mix - not tied directly into the home, but into the car first. That could be a 600VDC system.
Conduit is cheap. I would put one run of 2" or 3" and another of 1", with a 24" separation. That way you've got one for electrical power and another for telephone and/or data.
This way when the wife sends to to the "doghouse" you've got lots to do. ;-)