"On the pole I also want a waterproof receptacle box. I plan on running wire through each pipe length as we go along (no string)." Ya mind if I answer in reverse order? 4) Is 10/2 over-board, should I be using 12/2? It depends on what you want to be able to use at the receptacle. 165' is long enough that voltage drop becomes an issue, so if you plan on plugging in, say, a compressor or heavy duty power tool, you'd probably want a 20-amp receptacle. Assuming an 80% load (16 amps), #10 wire is just about right. Anything less will cause an unacceptable voltage drop at that amperage. But if the receptacle won't be used for anything more than something like a small electric weed whacker or a few christmas lights, then #12 should be OK. 3) What kind of wire should I use, buried in conduit? THWN individual conductors (not a "10/2" cable). You'll need three: hot (black), neutral (white) and a bare or green-insulated ground. 2) What size breaker should I use for a receptacle and 100 watt (Dusk to Dawn Lighting)light at the end of 165 feet of 10/2? It depends on your requirements (see above). But let's go with a 20 amp, whether you use #10 or #12. 1) What minimum size conduit will allow 10/2 to run freely without too much issue? You say you're planning to pull the conductors each time you add a 10' joint, right? That's not the way I'd do it, if only because PVC cement and wire insulation don't get along very well -- wet cement can eat through the insulation. That's one good reason why it's better to assemble the conduit run and then pull the conductors. But if you do it your way, 3/4" PVC conduit oughta work. (Even 1/2" is possible.) If you assemble the run first and then pull the conductors, I probably choose1". Keep in mind that PVC conduit is quite cheap. *** Adding: Your trench should be at least 18" deep -- more if the run will be subjected to alligator damage. :-)

first, 12/3 has 2 color colored wires (red and black) and one white wire so no, it would not be the same as 3 circuits which as the others have told you require at least 2 neutral wires. You also aren't feeding 3 circuits with 12/3. it against code to use 1 neutral with 3 circuits in a single phase system. I do it all the time with 3 phase systems though. //They may put half the outlets on each phase, but they do not typically split within a duplex outlet which would require 12/3.// the neutral bond could be broken as well and use a seperate neut for each circuit to the duplex if one wished. and as a side not of info; when you have 2 circuits (multiwire branch circuits or totally independant circuits) feeding a duplex recep, you must use a 2 pole breaker or handle tie so that when one is turned off or trips, the other power source on that yoke will also be disabled.

The maximum number of current carrying conductors before you need to derate is three, but that is beside the point. Does anyone here think the op would need one inch conduit to begin with? With only two 3/4" conduits and nine or fewer ccc's in the conduit (so you don't have to increase wire size for 20amp circuits) you could run up to twelve 20amp circuits, which I would think would be more than needed in most kitchens. I have done some pretty large kitchens on eight 20amp circuits. My point is that you don't have to overkill a job on pipe size when it will only cause inconvenience if not problems. I would use combination 1/2" and 3/4" knockout deep boxes and use 1/2" conduit on the stubups to the wall boxes. Just because you are doing it yourself does not mean you need to install overly large conduit. You will still need to increase wire size after 9 ccc's in 1" conduit as well.

I'm back.. After the daisy chain discussion, I came to the conclusion that their is a huge difference between Commercial/industrial and residential. Being that this site is geared for residential, i just read the posts now. I stand by my statement though, jobs are engineered all the time with multiple circuits sharing a neutral on single pole breakers. If thats a new code change then we will adjust. Greenmile never stated what his circuits were for, and like i said before why do you want the lights to go out when you trip a receptacle circuit? If your concerned with the safety of not having a two pole breaker then just run the extra neutral. Simple as that. Journeyman i think you are right. there is a big clues bunch who have ego problems and just wait for people to slip up on their code and then they have to prove how much code they know ( Proud of you ) Like to see them with their tools though. I think very electrician out there can be taught a thing or two. There are many ways to skin a cat. Petey i don't think my statements are so erroneous. You took a couple of mispoken statements and tried to hang me over them. I'd love to work with you on a job to see your skills. I think you would get schooled. With that said, i will continue to read this site because i do enjoy reading about the different methods guys use to get jobs done.