OK, So I’ve update my wiring plan … see images. I have more details now, such a part numbers, specifications and ratings, etc. I’ve consolidated much input from a couple of forums as well as Stack, and tried to achieve a synthesis of everything that sounds right, from people who have good ratings and seem to know what they’re talking about.
So, out of the meter we come into a 200A main breaker load center, Square D part number HOM816M200PFTRB. The neutral is bonded to ground bar ONLY EVER at this panel. From the panels ground bar we ground to the PoCo’s ground wire running down the pole, which is a #6 or #4 AWG bare copper wire using a Burndy split bolt part number KS22BAG1R.
Although the panel had feed thru lugs, I decided to go ahead and get a 100A breaker for the house run, because the actual cables themselves are only rated for 100A @60deg C (assume worst case) and it didn’t seem right to hook them to a 200A bus. However the feed thru lugs are there if I need them. We also have a GFCI breaker with 12/2+G UF running about 25 ft to a standard receptacle in a weatherproof enclosure. This seemed more of a correct “hierarchical” solution that people seemed to suggest was better.
For the lateral run to the house the PoCo has supplied me with 1/0-1/0-2 direct burial Aluminum cable. I also wanted a ground to the house, so I ordered a stretch of Mercer 4 AWG Single Aluminum Conductor 600V URD to serve as the ground wire back to the main panel. I was informed by my trenching contractor that gophers are a huge problem and that I had darned well better use conduit. The PoCo confirms this. So all 4 of these conductors are going into 2” Sch80 PVC, and using sweeps at both ends to smoothly bring the cable up. This all goes in a trench 24 inches deep. I do not plan to glue the PVC.
At the house (very small really, 16x24 feet) we have a 100A main breaker panel, square D part number HOM2040M100PC1AVP, neutral NOT bonded to ground. From here we connect to 2 ground rods buried horizontally 24 inches deep in trenches 6 feet apart. The rocks are terrible and it is almost impossible to get below 24” if that. The local electrician said that is what all the electricians do out there. I’ll try to get them to 30” but I can only do the best I can.
Finally out of the house panel we will run, from a GFCI 20A breaker, 10/2+G UF to the shed which will have a light and a 20A receptacle.
IN THE FUTURE (months): I will be wanting to hook up a Reliance 3006HDK generator transfer switch to a genset with a bonded neutral to the house panel
As before (and always) your guidance, criticism and perfect honesty are greatly appreciated.
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Final Changes
- Swap out the pole panel’s 200A main breaker for a 100A main breaker, Square D part number QOM2100VH. And move the house cables to the feed-thru lugs.
- The ground cable is going inside the conduit, I misdrew that, sorry
- Install a ground rod at the pole .. leave the PoCo’s alone (even though the rep said it was okay)
- Find some way to get those dang rods 36” deep, or hire a doggone drilling rig to get a 8 foot bore hole. and also maybe lay a stretch of bare wire in that trench. I’m not kidding, guys … it’s that bad. I don’t think I can do the concrete ufer thing, concrete out there is gonna be tough, and I really don't have an application for the concrete, at least not yet.
- LOSE THE HOKEY POKEY TRANSFER SWITCH. Thank goodness, I see the light. I’m going to go with the interlock option. Square D part number HOMCRBGK1C, which I have confirmed is correct for my load center which is HOM2040M100PCVP. This should provide a code-compliant physical barrier to goofing it up.
- I have a confession. I jumped the gun a couple weeks ago and have already installed the panel in the house, that’s why it ain’t coming out. I throw myself on the mercy of the forum :-O And I swear there will never be enough load at that place to go over 20 spaces. Seriously. No way. It’s just a weekend getaway.
- I’m going to go ahead and glue the PVC but I’m going to skinny the pipe onto the cables before I glue it up.
Thanks for any further comments and your patience with me so far. You guys have been really terrific.