"M Q" wrote in message
news:fM7qi.10763$Ub7.9895@trnddc04...


Speedy Jim wrote:

M Q wrote:

wrote:

I am trying to find out the wire sizes needed for a 250' underground
feeder from the main panel, to a sub panel in the garage. I would like
a 220, 50 or 60 amp service.
What type wire would be the least expensive/



There are two issues here for wire size:
1) Minimum code required size for the current, regardless of length.
That would be 8AWG for copper and 6AWG for Aluminum, for either 50
or 60A.
...
If you need to ask these questions, you probably should be talking
to you local building inspector because there are many other
code issues to do this right.



Possible typo: #8 Cu won't do it for a 60 Amp feeder.

Oops -- thanks for catching that. I was looking at the table on the
wrong side of the page. For underground UF,
#8 Cu will only do 40 A.

#6 Cu 55 A
#4 Cu 70 A

#4 Al 55 A
#3 Al 65 A


Are you up on NEC?????

First, your amp ratings do not account for voltage drop at 250'.

Secondly, if you are suggesting that he use UF for a service entrance, read
NEC 340.12
(it shall not be used as a service entrance cable)