I am looking to run two new circuits outside. Initially it was one circuit for a swimming pool, but I figure since I am doing the run to the other side of the yard, I should run another circuit for yard decorations, tools, etc.
I am going to use a GFCI circuit break for both, and I would like to run the same wires in the same conduit. I planned on making the pool circuit 20amps, and the secondary outlet 15amps. I have metal conduit in the house, and would like to lead out of the house from metal conduit to pvc conduit.
1)For inside the house, is it better to run a separate conduit line for these two circuits, or pull through an existing conduit to save time. Here are pictures of the basement ceiling conduit and breaker box, and the corner of the basement I would like to lead the conduit out at. Is there a circuit spot I need to come out of the house at, or any restrictions?
Bring electric out through this corner.
Would like to run conduit along fence line to corner gate, right side. The other trench in picture is for french drain I am installing. The trench would start from left of picture to fence. Pool will be around that corner as well.
Trench start from house
2) with the length of the run, about 75ft outside, and then about 40ft to run the wire from the breaker box to the otherside of the basement, then to outside, should I run 12guage wire for both the 20amp and 15amp circuits to reduce any voltage loss? Also, would the wires be 2 neutrals, and 2 hot, and then coming from the outside, 1 ground? What guage should the ground be?
3) can I come out of the house on an angle to shorten the length then with a 45 degree turn, then straight and then a 90 for 4ft, and another 90 for 1ft run then go up to surface mount..
4) how far above ground do the outlets need to be? And can both circuits sit on the same 4×4 post?
5)Anything else I should know?
I have the permit for the pool approved and I was told the electrical is included. I submitted the permit application before I decided to add the extra circuit. Would the second circuit in this scenario usually cover the second circuit inspection since the inspector is basically looking at all the same things?
Thank you!
Best Answer
Two circuits to the same place must be different.
You can't simply run two 120V general-purpose circuits to an outdoor location or outbuilding. There must be something that makes one circuit different from the other. For instance it can be a different voltage (120 vs 240 vs 120/240 split vs MWBC)... Or differently controlled (always-on, on a manual switch, pressure switch, timer, etc.)
For instance you could have a 240v pump working off a pressure switch, a 240V always-hot circuit powering heater on a thermostat in a shed, a general purpose 120V circuit, and two lighting circuits controlled by different switches.
Separate neutrals required; shared ground is fine
In fact, certain types of conduit are permitted to be used as the ground wire. The ground needs to be sized for the largest circuit.
Upsizing wires is a good idea for these distances
It's not required to upsize wires for long distances, but it certainly helps machines perform better and reduce breaker trips.
Once you commit to 12 AWG you might as well breaker for 20A.
No more than four
You can have a maximum four circuits per conduit. 240V/120V circuits count as one circuit. MWBCs count as one circuit.
If you want to have more than four circuits, you can do up to ten if you bump all the circuits up a wire size (well, 2 sizes, 12 to 10 etc.). This applies to circuits up to 20A. For larger, the math is more complicated.