Need a little advice here. I just built a garage next to one that has been up for a while. I have a 70 amp panel in the old garage. Power is run underground with direct burial wire from the house to the old garage. The 2 garages are 6ft apart. Trying to decide the best way to run power to the new garage. Would it be ok and pass code to run overhead between the 2 garages or do I need to bury? Not sure what NC code might be and really not looking forward to digging and burying between the 2 buildings but will if thats the best way to do it. I will occasionally run things like a mig welder, plasma cutter and a lift so I will probably go with a 100 amp panel. Thanks for any advice.
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running power from one garage to another
- Thread starter mikec35
- Start date
pattenp
Well-known member
I don't know of a reason you can't run it overhead, unless it's a local requirement to put it underground. Just make sure the wire you use is rated for overhead service. And be aware of clearance requirements from doors and windows (3ft.) and height above grade (10ft, <=150V),(12ft, <=300V).
With all the paraphernalia you will have to put in for the overhead it may be just as easy to do underground if it’s just open ground between the garages (no bushes or other obstacles).
You do realize you can't get 100A off off the 70A subpanel. You can use the 100A panel in the new garage but feed it from a 60A or 70A breaker in the old 70A subpanel. What size breaker is in your mainpanel protecting the 70A subpanel?
With all the paraphernalia you will have to put in for the overhead it may be just as easy to do underground if it’s just open ground between the garages (no bushes or other obstacles).
You do realize you can't get 100A off off the 70A subpanel. You can use the 100A panel in the new garage but feed it from a 60A or 70A breaker in the old 70A subpanel. What size breaker is in your mainpanel protecting the 70A subpanel?
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Jimmyn
New member
Actually, your existing garage (or really the circuit to it) isn't to code. There should be over current protection (breaker or fuse) at the meter. But, an overhead line between the garages would meet National Electrical Code, but, you'd need to check local code.
Actually, your existing garage (or really the circuit to it) isn't to code. There should be over current protection (breaker or fuse) at the meter. But, an overhead line between the garages would meet National Electrical Code, but, you'd need to check local code.
As long as the meter is rated to be double-tapped (assuming from the meter both the house and garage is fed) and the length of the feed doesn't exceed local code, he doesn't need a disconnect at the meter. Just needs to a service rated disconnect at the garage.
Grouping disconnects is a completely different story.
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IONH
Well-known member
What is different about the wire above ground versus below? I guess the wire above wouldn't be "direct burial" rated.
I was looking at running a wire about 6 feet between my house and garage last fall but never did as it was a problem to break up the tar between them for the trench. Hadn't thought about going above ground though.
I was looking at running a wire about 6 feet between my house and garage last fall but never did as it was a problem to break up the tar between them for the trench. Hadn't thought about going above ground though.
pattenp
Well-known member
Direct bury means the wire can be put directly in the earth, no conduit. Wire rated for wet locations can be installed in conduit underground. Wire that is used for overhead feeds/service drops needs to be rated for wet locations and also be sunlight resistant. Southwire Mobile Home Feeder is direct bury rated but I believe it can also be used overhead. I'm not a wire expert by any means and always need to do research to figure this stuff out.
http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheet15
http://www.southwire.com/ProductCatalog/XTEInterfaceServlet?contentKey=prodcatsheet15
VHF
Well-known member
What about running conduit overhead between the two buildings? (Using 4 individual THHN/THWN conductors.)
pattenp
Well-known member
Seeing how the two garages are only 6 ft apart I don't why you couldn't run conduit. I'd think if you used rigid conduit you cold go from eve to eve. I don't know if there is an above grade height requirement for conduit run through the air or not.
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What about running conduit overhead between the two buildings? (Using 4 individual THHN/THWN conductors.)
I just talked to an electrician, he tells me there is a 12ft minimum height restriction for overhead lines where no vehicles travel. That being the case it looks like I am going to have to dig a ditch and run it underground. 12ft would stick up over my 2 roofs. Was looking for the least expense/labor way to go. Thanks for all the replies!
Delta74
Well-known member
Depending what size wire is coming off the meter base, i would be tempted to Up the current 70 amp to 100 amp, then tap off that for the new garage, and for the trouble, just go under ground, avoid the whole over head headaches.
Peronally I would be tempted to say to hell with it, come off the meter base with new wires in PVC underground, put in a large 100 amp panel, and then tap off that over to the old 70 amp.
call before you dig, find out where things are, and rent a little ditch witch for 2 hours, that should get your trench done quick, and try asking the local orange box store about a discount on the ditch witch if you buy your supplies from them. never hurts to ask.
Peronally I would be tempted to say to hell with it, come off the meter base with new wires in PVC underground, put in a large 100 amp panel, and then tap off that over to the old 70 amp.
call before you dig, find out where things are, and rent a little ditch witch for 2 hours, that should get your trench done quick, and try asking the local orange box store about a discount on the ditch witch if you buy your supplies from them. never hurts to ask.