Subpanel sanity check

[terry1769]

I have a new 3000 sq. ft. shop building I need to divide in half. I currently have a single 200A service to one corner of the building. Since we're putting in a wall down the middle, I'd like to place a subpanel for the opposite side before I start pulling any branch circuits for the building. Here are my thoughts:

I have a second 200A panel I'd like to use (since I already have it). My plan is to put a 100A breaker in the main panel. Come off of that with #2 copper in 1 1/2" EMT. This will go a total of 72' into the other panel. I figure 3 #2s and a #6 or #8 ground. That should give me a continuous 80A load, which should be more than plenty for that half of the shop.

Sound reasonable?

[Aceman]

Yes, if you want to pipe it.

Personally, I'd use 3-#3 and a #8 ground to save a little money.

[tfi racing]

If you really want to do it on the cheap,go with a 4 conductor cable,ACWU or Teck.However,if you own the building,I would run 2" EMT for just a few dollars more in material,the labour should be about equal.That will give you the option of upgrading in the future.If you haven't poured the slab yet,run 2" PVC under it and save some real $$$!

[terry1769]

I own the building and the slab's long since done. :)
It's a steel building so I think I'll need to run it in EMT. #3 is likely a possibility although hard to find in my experience.

I very well may go up on the EMT size. 1 1/4 was the technical minimum and I just don't feel like pulling through that tight.

[sberry]

Do you need a wire with emt?