Trying to figure on how to run power to the proposed garage. I talked it over with our local utility and it is going to be extremely expensive to run a new drop on the pole to a new meter base. As an alternative I can run a 100amp breaker in the current 200 amp box located in the attatched garage. My question: Is this to much load to put on the box? I run a heat pump so it alone already has two 60 amp breakers in the box. I don't plan on welding but I may want to run AC and or a pool pump in the future. It would be a 150' run from the current box to the one in the garage. What kind of wire will I need to run that distance or is this scenario just sound like trouble from the start?
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How many amps are too many?
- Thread starter NXGTS
- Start date
spongerich
Well-known member
The total amperage of the installed breakers isn't what's important, it's how much load you're using at any one time.
I've got 50a feeding my barn and I haven't tripped it yet even when welding.
100a is a lot of power... that should be plenty for a residential garage... generally speaking, the things that draw a lot of power (table saws, welders, etc) tend to be used one at a time.
I've got 50a feeding my barn and I haven't tripped it yet even when welding.
100a is a lot of power... that should be plenty for a residential garage... generally speaking, the things that draw a lot of power (table saws, welders, etc) tend to be used one at a time.
cowboyjosh
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2010
- Messages
- 1,066
Request a 800 amp service, if they rebut, 400 amp.
I was going to put 400 amp on the house when we built it in '06. The problem is that the physical size of the 400A meter base is too big to go where it needs to. Same issue now just 5 years later. It was free for the utility to hook up the house. With a detatched structure I guess they charge. The superintendent I talked to told me it is $214/hour for one of their trucks plus all the materials.
John in OH
Well-known member
I was going to put 400 amp on the house when we built it in '06. The problem is that the physical size of the 400A meter base is too big to go where it needs to. Same issue now just 5 years later. It was free for the utility to hook up the house. With a detatched structure I guess they charge. The superintendent I talked to told me it is $214/hour for one of their trucks plus all the materials.
I'm a little fuzzy on your description ... what is the actual amp capacity of the service that was run to your house? 200 amp or 400 amp?
If you have 400 amp service and can install (or already have) a 400 amp meter, your local utility may permit you to use a "double tap" on your meter. Essentially, on the load side of the meter, you have one set of 200 amp conductors that feed your 200 amp house panel. The utility then permits your electrician to install a second set of conductors on the downstream side of your meter that directly feeds the new panel in your new garage. (They may require a separate disconnect near the meter for this second feed.)
This arrangement allows your garage load to be fed directly from the meter without having to pass through your house panel. It also allows you to use a new garage load greater than 100 amps ... or, at least, some greater load up to the capacity of your main run to your meter. Obviously, you will need to review this possible option with your local utility and your electrician, but it may be worth consideration.
I would run it out of your current 200 amp box in the attatched garage. Just because you have 2 - 60 amp breakers for you heat pump setup, doesn't mean it pulls 60 amps on each one at all times. Unless you are doing something crazy in your proposed garage, you will not pull anything close to 100 amps. 100 amps, 240volts, 150 feet, 3 % voltage drop at 75degs C. You will need #2 copper (5.8 volt voltage drop - 2.4%). You will need 1/0 alumium (6 volt voltage drop - 2.5%).
nate379
Banned
Need to have an idea of total load to see what you need.
Most houses around here (to include the garage) are on 100amp service.
Most houses around here (to include the garage) are on 100amp service.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I never realized how true that statement is until recently.The total amperage of the installed breakers isn't what's important, it's how much load you're using at any one time.
My son bought a house. It had a relatively new panel but there were some other "issues" (like 20A breaker with 14 gauge wire). When his electrician buddy got done, he had added 4 20A (12 gauge) circuits (2 for kitchen, 1 for each bath) and a 220V 30A for a dryer. I think all of the branches add up to over 200A, but the mains are only rated at 100A.