Can overhead service wire be run inside conduit?

**leejosepho** · 06-01-2008, 04:35 AM

I need to run 50' of wire to carry at least 60 amps (220) to the subpanel in my attached workshop, and the cost of the wire is presently keeping that project on hold. I can get a used length of twisted, 100-amp (outdoor overhead) service wire from a friend for virtually nothing, and I am asking if there is any problem with running that wire through conduit from my basement to the new workshop. I would have to add a 4th strand for the ground, and all of that might fit inside 1" conduit.

Is there anything saying that particular service wire should not be run inside conduit and through walls?

Thank you!

**Bob NH** · 06-01-2008, 05:32 AM

It's probably twisted and will be very hard to pull if there are any bends.

You should untwist it, use a larger conduit (not more than 40% fill), and get some lubricant. You will also need to have some means to apply more tension than you can apply by yourself, and someone to push on the inlet end.

Wire in conduit has a lower ampacity than is applied to overhead services applications.

hj · 06-01-2008, 10:25 AM

It is also probably aluminum with a bare neutral so you have to make provision for it when you connect it.

**leejosepho** · 10-11-2008, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by leejosepho

I need to run 50' of wire to carry at least 60 amps (220) to the subpanel in my attached workshop ...

Can I use four strands of the wire in this picture?

Here is the auction description:

#6 AWG STRANDED INSULATED GROUND COPPER WIRE 250' ROLL

Wire reads: REPUBLIC WIRE 6 AWG TYPE MTW OR THHN OR THWN-2 600V OR GASOLINE AND OIL RES II (UL) OR AWM-VW-1 SUN RES OR C-(UL) TYPE T90 NYLON OR TWN 75 E167613 FT1

Thank you!

**Billy_Bob** · 10-12-2008, 05:31 AM

FYI - As to the label on the package and it saying "Ground Wire", the Andrew company sells large satellite and microwave dishes which require grounding. Thus I think they are "repackaging" this wire and calling it ground wire.

Here is their info on this...
http://awapps.commscope.com/catalog/...ls.aspx?id=361

**jwelectric** · 10-12-2008, 05:44 AM

No to both questions

**Chris75** · 10-12-2008, 06:04 AM

I agree with Mike, what your propose is a violation.

hj · 10-12-2008, 06:21 AM

As an aside, your garage will probably have a subpanel and that should be grounded with a ground rod, not necessarily a ground wire back to the original panel.

**Chris75** · 10-12-2008, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by hj

As an aside, your garage will probably have a subpanel and that should be grounded with a ground rod, not necessarily a ground wire back to the original panel.

ground rods are for lightning protection, not the ground your talking about. Oh, and attatched buildings with sub-panels do not require ground rods, but they do require 4 wires.

**Chris75** · 10-12-2008, 06:29 AM

Why dont you just go buy some 2/3 SER cable? good for 90 amps, or some 4/3 SER cable good for 65 amps. that wire is not that expensive.

**Speedy Petey** · 10-12-2008, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by Chris75

...., or some 4/3 SER cable good for 65 amps. .

MAN, the 2008 NEC SUCKS!

**Speedy Petey** · 10-12-2008, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by chris75

ground rods are for lightning protection, not the ground your talking about.

+1 .............

**Chris75** · 10-12-2008, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

MAN, the 2008 NEC SUCKS!

Actually, # 4 would only be good for 55 amps under the 2008, glad we are not using it.

**jimbo** · 10-12-2008, 08:04 AM

To be specific, that ground wire does not carry an insulation rating which would allow you to use it for "hot" conductors. It may be perfectly fine, but it is not rated...so don't use it.