Electrical problem!

[Unregistered-criley]

I thought I would install 2 outlets in my shed, so I put in a 20 amp breaker in my box, ran regular 12 gauge wire from the box to a junction box in my garage(50 ft), and have 14 gauge outdoor wire from the garage to the shed (100-150′). The wire is in a conduit underground for the first 50′, and then partially buried/exposed in the woods for the remaining distance to the shed (ran out of conduit). There is nothing plugged into the outlets, and it is very cold/dry weather. I tried to turn on the breaker, and it immediately blew. Is the wire too light/too long?? I can’t figure it out!

[Unregistered-Andy]

A few problems here…
With a 20 amp breaker, you can’t use anything smaller than #12.
With that being said, you will need at least #10 for that distance, to account for voltage drop.
You should be using UF buried underground for the full length. Check your local codes for depth.
You have a short somewhere in the run; perhaps the insulation became nicked during insulation?

[Unregistered-lg]

“The wire is in a conduit underground for the first 50′, and then partially buried/exposed in the woods for the remaining distance to the shed (ran out of conduit).”

[Sauerkraut57]

I would also highly recommend that you do NOT use a standard 20 amp breaker. I would use a 20 amp GFCI, so that there is no chance of electrocution in the shed.

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