I retired to Costa Rica several years ago and bought a property that I have subdivided and am selling lots and building houses. We are plagued here by a lack or professional help in all matters, but the problem of the moment is bringing subterranean service to a house I am currently building on an interior lot 130 meters inside. As usual, I have heard several different opinions and as always, I am plagued by unavailablity of materials. The price for copper is too high but the power company engineer said not to use aluminum countrywide, however, the local elect. contractors insist it is okay and they do it all the time. Is there a problem with aluminum underground? Also, the largest alum cable available here is 1/0 so I am told they can run two for the 100 amp service. Is this reasonable?
residential service cable
- Thread starter rutledge
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charlie tuna
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: residential service cable
i have been to costa rica a few times --- and was ammassed at the electrical installations---but they work!!!! the soil conditions there are none corrosive compared to the states. i would consider the local contractor's words of wisdom, with labor cost so low --- how much would it cost to go to copper at a later date----lets see 300 meter ditch---three guys ---one week----$150.00!
i have been to costa rica a few times --- and was ammassed at the electrical installations---but they work!!!! the soil conditions there are none corrosive compared to the states. i would consider the local contractor's words of wisdom, with labor cost so low --- how much would it cost to go to copper at a later date----lets see 300 meter ditch---three guys ---one week----$150.00!
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: residential service cable
We use aluminum all the time and don't have trouble with it. The problem is the terminations, they must be done correctly. I would not use aluminum inside, copper is much more forgiving to shoddy workmanship.
We use aluminum all the time and don't have trouble with it. The problem is the terminations, they must be done correctly. I would not use aluminum inside, copper is much more forgiving to shoddy workmanship.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: residential service cable
Why would it be possable to get 1/0 and not 2/0 or 4/0 ? If there is no problems with soil i see no reason not to use aluminum.Power companies use it here all the time.Curious,just how much are the wages for a quailified journeyman.Perhaps thats why you cant find quaility help.
Why would it be possable to get 1/0 and not 2/0 or 4/0 ? If there is no problems with soil i see no reason not to use aluminum.Power companies use it here all the time.Curious,just how much are the wages for a quailified journeyman.Perhaps thats why you cant find quaility help.
Re: residential service cable
Thanks for the prompt and helpful responses. I can get 2/0 or 3/0 but it takes 60-90 days and minimum order of 1000 meters. You are correct C-tuna that manual labor is inexpensive, about $1.75 per hour. Electricians earn around $3.00. Sounds and is low, but it fits the economy here as cost of licving is very low. The main problem is getting things done to our standards. The soil here is volcanic contrywide and we live on the slope of the Poas Volcano in the central valley. I can't say much technically speaking about the soil but it has proved quite satisfacgory for building and great drainage. So what do you guys think about this two-wire idea and do you see any problems? The 1/0 copper at this length is over $12.00 per meter whereas the aluminio is only $3.50.
Thanks for the prompt and helpful responses. I can get 2/0 or 3/0 but it takes 60-90 days and minimum order of 1000 meters. You are correct C-tuna that manual labor is inexpensive, about $1.75 per hour. Electricians earn around $3.00. Sounds and is low, but it fits the economy here as cost of licving is very low. The main problem is getting things done to our standards. The soil here is volcanic contrywide and we live on the slope of the Poas Volcano in the central valley. I can't say much technically speaking about the soil but it has proved quite satisfacgory for building and great drainage. So what do you guys think about this two-wire idea and do you see any problems? The 1/0 copper at this length is over $12.00 per meter whereas the aluminio is only $3.50.
jimwalker
Senior Member
- Location
- TAMPA FLORIDA
Re: residential service cable
Sounds like a great place to retire but sure wouldnt work there.I dont like the idea of 2 x 1/0
that is getting rather small maybe sleeve in pvc
Sounds like a great place to retire but sure wouldnt work there.I dont like the idea of 2 x 1/0
that is getting rather small maybe sleeve in pvc
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