Originally Posted by
John K Jordan
I did that myself for the 250' to the shop and more recently about 650' to a new building site and 400' for another line. I have the equipment to dig but you can rent a trencher for not much. A backhoe or excavator makes a wider trench but that can make it easier to work. There may be requirements on the depth. I use 2" PVC conduit for big wiring. I do all the wiring myself which can really save money if permitted by the inspector (if it will be inspected.)
Note that a trencher that advertises 2' depth may not reach that depth or require manual removal of dirt which falls in. If renting I prefer a trencher with diesel engine and tracks.
If using 2” pvc conduit a 24” trencher is fine as you only need to go down about 20” (2” conduit + the 18” required depth). If direct burial then you need to go that full 24”+.
If I recall, Jordan, you prefer copper. Four #2 thwn .... 650’ + 400’ each... at the recent price for copper...ouch!
Comments made here are my own and, according to my children, do not reflect the opinions of any other person... anywhere, anytime.