Can overhead service wire be run inside conduit?

[Chris75]

Oh, I thought you were referring to copper.

No, sorry, my mistake for not specifying. Either way, i agree with your feelings toward the 2008 changes.

[leejosepho]

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.

Yes. I see, and that answers at least some questions I had. Thank you.

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.

I do not know what SER cable is, but I will find out and take a look. There is a very reputable supply house nearby where I can get a contractor's price through my employer.

I did some homework on the auction wire and I believe it might be okay (including the temperature rating) if the conduit is sized properly and I color-code the four strands, but I will not likely spend the time to first be absolutely certain about all of that unless cost becomes a really big issue.

Thank you.

[Chris75]

I do not know what SER cable is, but I will find out and take a look. There is a very reputable supply house nearby where I can get a contractor's price through my employer.

This is SER type cable
http://www.southwire.com/ProductCata...rodcatsheet273

I did some homework on the auction wire and I believe it might be okay (including the temperature rating) if the conduit is sized properly and I color-code the four strands, but I will not likely spend the time to first be absolutely certain about all of that unless cost becomes a really big issue.

Thank you.

Unless that "free wire" is a Chapter 3 wiring method forget about it.

[leejosepho]

Unless that "free wire" is a Chapter 3 wiring method ...

What "free wire", and Chapter 3 of what?

Question: If I use the SER wire you mentioned, would I still have to run it in conduit?

[jwelectric]

No but you would have to install a messenger wire to support the cable from being pulled on with added weight such as the wind or ice.

EDITED TO ADD;

Just though about something and wanted to be clear on the fact that SE-R cable can not be installed underground with or without conduit.
338.12 Uses Not Permitted.
(A) Service-Entrance Cable. Service-entrance cable (SE) shall not be used under the following conditions or in the following locations:
(1) Where subject to physical damage unless protected in accordance with 230.50(A)
(2) Underground with or without a raceway

[alternety]

I have read through this thread a couple of times and I am thinking things got off track part way through. In the fourth post, leejosepho describes the wire. It is a single stranded wire i.e., one #6 wire). It does not appear to be SER or multiconductor. It is copper. His garage is attached so it is not hanging over a span. It is rated THWN-2 which I think means it is ok for underground conduit (although there is no indication that the proposed use includes this) and use to 90*. It would think it ought to be in conduit because as he wants to use it it is simply 4 THWN single wires. Certainly for protection if it is exposed.

Does this make sense?

[leejosepho]

Yes, I probably confused things by asking about a second kind of wire in a thread originally asking about overhead service wire.

My garage and workshop are attached to the house, so I need to run four wires to a panel that will not be bonded. My boss has a piece of twisted service wire I could use, but that would have to be in conduit and I would have to add an insulated neutral since the ground (service neutral) is already bare.

To be more practical, the second piece of wire I have mentioned is #6 AWG, and it could be run as four strands in conduit as long as the ends are color-coded (black/black/white/green). But, maybe the SER wire Chris has mentioned can be run through walls without conduit?

[leejosepho]

Why dont you just go buy some 2/3 SER cable? good for 90 amps ...

You got me to thinking there, and I have decided to just go ahead and get whatever I need to replace my existing main (100-amp) panel with a 200-amp panel, and to then move the 100-amp panel to the workshop as a sub. I will let you know what wire the guys at the supply house recommend ...

Thank you.