what wire gauge should i use on a 120volt line under ground that is 500 feet long, for a 150 watt light?
Question by : what wire gauge should i use on a 120volt line under ground that is 500 feet long, for a 150 watt light?
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Answer by Dr. Spark
Calculating one min. please.
There will be a 8.2% for #6 12.3% for #8 and a 29.2% for #10. I would avise using #6 for the hot derate the netrual by one for a #8 and use a #10 ground. This is rated for a 20 amp circuit at 500feet undergrond in pvc pipe. I would not advise sizeing it for actual light amperage you will never be able to use it for anything else and it will always be running warm. Good Luck.
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150 watts at 120V = 1.25A. Line drop at 500 feet will not be significant at that amperage even if you use 14 gauge wire.
A loss calculator is attached. This will allow you to calculate more accurately. Note that this table shows that 18 ga. wire would be adequate for your purposes.
If you feel you may want to add load in the future – go to the calculator and increase the load. It will lead you to the correct wire gauge. If you are certain that this will be it for this line – stop at 14 ga. wire. Save needless expense.
August 28th, 2012 at 2:04 pm