running service cable for out building???

[wildlifesafari]

I'm putting up a new pole building about 800' from my main 200 amp service. I looked at a voltage drop chart and figured I could use a 4/0 4/0 2/0 underground service wire aluminum, I beleive that it was less than a 5% voltage drop would this be OK? I want to put a 60Amp service in this building, any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks,
DMS

[Sparks]

That'll work fine. NEC recommends 5% or less voltage drop from service to farthest receptacle and 3% on feeders. Remember that voltage drop can be sized by the calculated or actual load and doesn't have to be sized on the size of the panel you install. It also would depend on how much vd you would be willing to live with and what equipment you will be installing. All in all, what you're proposing will work fine, you could even get away with smaller wire basing your voltage drop on calculated load but you also want to consider future expansion and equipment. Don't forget you will need a 4 wire feeder, not a 3 (exceptions exist for this requirement but plan on using a 4 wire feeder regardless). You can purchase URD cable in 4 wire alum. Separate neutrals and grounds in your new panel and make sure it's a main breaker panel as your building will need a disconnecting means. Your main breaker can accomplish this, (again, there are exceptions to this but I would just use a main mreaker panel regardless) Install a grounding electrode system see NEC 250 and all necessary bonding. Don't install that green bonding screw that may come with your new panel. Good luck, post back if you have any more questions. OH YEAH, be very careful using that URD alum., be sure to bury it 24" or more and remove any rocks or objects that could damage it, maybe even use pvc conduit if conditions warrant. That stuff is ok when soil conditions are good but can be damaged easily otherwise just from ground movement and don't forget to bury the caution tape in your trench before final backfill.

[giddonah]

and don't forget the deox on the aluminum, right Sparks? :wink:

[Sparks]

Yeah, thanks Giddonah, slipped my mind this time.