I found revisiting my reply nearly two decades later to be most enlightening. In 2005 I was just out of trade school and adding hours for the journeyman test. Since then I’ve pulled a lot from f wire, got my journeyman, master, and contractor licenses. I’ve sat on code panels and even retired.
Looking back, I stand behind my post for the most part — especially considering the OP’s specific question.
I’d like to hammer in a few points, for a more general answer. These are:
— I’d have a disconnect on the outside of the barn / shop / garage;
— Have a ground rod AND run a ground wire back to the house;
— I hate digging but really like buried pipe. I’d size the pipe for 100-amp wire then go up a pipe size;
— I’d bury the pipe at least deep enough to completely bury the 90-degree sweep, and deeper than any irrigation lines;
— I’d use primer with the PVC cement. If I’m using steel pipe, I’d wrap it in thick PVC pipe wrap tape — especially any sections within a foot of the surface;
— I’d run a second pipe for future data / alarm / etc. wires; and,
— I’d run 60-amp wire, individual conductors. No UF or other cable.
I’d probably use a larger panel — at least twelve spaces. It’s amazing how quickly you use them. The first receptacle goes right under the panel.
