[sprdave]

Would there be anything wrong with merging/joining up two conduits (the opposite of the typical branching off)?

It's a fairly long barn, and needs power for a feeder (auger) at the far end. There is conduit for lights/fans that ends about at the said feeder. The lighting conduit is rather indirect (and somewhat crowded) for the first part, runs through switches/timer/etc. There is a conduit for the main auger that's part way, fairly direct and just does the (only) existing auger.

Im wondering about running the wire with the existing auger, then run a piece of conduit from there to the lights, then run with the lights to the end. So essentially the lights leave the panel in one conduit, the augers in another conduit, but those meet up partway into the barn.

Comprehend?

 

[HARRY304E]

Would there be anything wrong with merging/joining up two conduits (the opposite of the typical branching off)?

It's a fairly long barn, and needs power for a feeder (auger) at the far end. There is conduit for lights/fans that ends about at the said feeder. The lighting conduit is rather indirect (and somewhat crowded) for the first part, runs through switches/timer/etc. There is a conduit for the main auger that's part way, fairly direct and just does the (only) existing auger.

Im wondering about running the wire with the existing auger, then run a piece of conduit from there to the lights, then run with the lights to the end. So essentially the lights leave the panel in one conduit, the augers in another conduit, but those meet up partway into the barn.

Comprehend?

Is the lighting coming from a different panel than the original auger feed?

 

[sprdave]

no, the same (and only panel in that barn)

 

[wendon]

Would there be anything wrong with merging/joining up two conduits (the opposite of the typical branching off)?

It's a fairly long barn, and needs power for a feeder (auger) at the far end. There is conduit for lights/fans that ends about at the said feeder. The lighting conduit is rather indirect (and somewhat crowded) for the first part, runs through switches/timer/etc. There is a conduit for the main auger that's part way, fairly direct and just does the (only) existing auger.

Im wondering about running the wire with the existing auger, then run a piece of conduit from there to the lights, then run with the lights to the end. So essentially the lights leave the panel in one conduit, the augers in another conduit, but those meet up partway into the barn.

Comprehend?

Why don't you just run a new conduit? Or don't you have the tools? Why spend all the time hacking into the existing conduits, and then trying to pull new conductors along with the existing ones? If it's a long run you're going to have to upsize the conductor size to prevent voltage drop.

 

[Aegis]

Sure go ahead, it's not organized and it'll make the next guy scratch his head. But at least you'll save yourself some time...

 

[sprdave]

Why don't you just run a new conduit? Or don't you have the tools? Why spend all the time hacking into the existing conduits, and then trying to pull new conductors along with the existing ones? If it's a long run you're going to have to upsize the conductor size to prevent voltage drop.

It's a thought and wondered.....
Why run a new one? Another penetration between areas, crowding panel, plenty obstructions (inlets, conduits, cables, winches, etc) - not just in my way but could be in their way.
The lighting and auger is being worked on (i.e. the conduit for the auger is incomplete) and accessible anyway or yes I probably wouldn't consider.
It's 1/4hp/2.1A/240v but am using #12 anyway.

 

[sprdave]

Sure go ahead, it's not organized and it'll make the next guy scratch his head. But at least you'll save yourself some time...

No go? Somewhat more organized as the feeding would be together (i.e. if they end up putting in timer or controller)

 

[360max]

...there is no code violation, as long as all circuits are identified.

 

[wendon]

It's a thought and wondered.....
Why run a new one? Another penetration between areas, crowding panel, plenty obstructions (inlets, conduits, cables, winches, etc) - not just in my way but could be in their way.
The lighting and auger is being worked on (i.e. the conduit for the auger is incomplete) and accessible anyway or yes I probably wouldn't consider.
It's 1/4hp/2.1A/240v but am using #12 anyway.

What kind of an auger are you running on a 1/4 hp motor??? I'm envisioning a 5hp or something!

 

[sprdave]

What kind of an auger are you running on a 1/4 hp motor??? I'm envisioning a 5hp or something!

A little flex auger that drops into feed pans every couple feet...the whole feeder, and the water lines, winch up on cables to clean out.
Even the main cross auger is 3/4hp. 5hp would be a big auger, that's about the size for their hammer-mill.

This is what they look like (not my pics, the ceiling is alot higher)

 

[mnelectrician]

Would it be easier to run it underground versus trying to pipe around all the stuff in the way?

 

[fistofbolts]

well if their is room for the amperage, just run a mc cable from the closest light. the lights will be on when auger is used anyway and u a have a easy disconnect with the existing light switch.

 

[Navyguy]

Ahhh, the chicken barn... done a ton of them over the years...

One large main PVC conduit from one end to the other for the power and one for all the sensors.

Branch off where needed. If using pendant lights you still need a ground in the conduit even though there is no connection for the light or the box; just leave a loop.

Used to use a 4 foot or 6 foot trough (took the lugs out of a splitter) in the utility room above the panel with "ice cube" relays for all the switching, controllers, dimmers, etc.

If you have a CM service (which you likely do) you will want to put additional surge protection in the barn.

No such thing as a poor chicken farmer...

Cheers

John