Electrical – How far can #12 wire be run without voltage drop becoming a problem

electricalwiring

I want to run some 12/2 wire nm-b to my shed in some conduit about 25ft long to some 20a receptacles with a 20a light switch, I know about the switch being 20a but I like it to meet the wire specifications

My question comes down to, how long can I run 12/2 wire without it losing current through distance. I'm running a medium 28 gallon compressor and a table saw, miter saw, etc., not all at the same time but you know what I'm thinking.

Best Answer

25 feet is no big deal for voltage drop. We start worrying about 70-100'.

You don't need a 20A switch unless you're switching 20A of lights. For a common household light, a regular switch will do.

You're speaking precisely about wire type, i.e. NM-B, but that's absolutely the wrong wire for that job. NM-B can't go outside. I say "wire" instead of "cable" because you are better off using actual wires in conduit, which is to say THWN-2. If you want to staple cable to walls at the ends of the conduit run, have the conduit end in a junction box, then use the junction box to splice between your NM (outside conduit) and THWN-2 (in conduit).

You can get multiconductor cable similar to NM that is rated for outside, but it's more expensive than THWN and it will be much harder to cram down a conduit.

Make sure you bury deep enough, 6" for rigid conduit, 18" for other conduit.