20 amp to 30 for garage

[hapbob]

I asked this a few weeks ago and got a few suggestions but would like a few more.
I currently have a 20 amp 10-2 wire to garage 100ft from house service panel. This 20 amp wire feeds a small panel in this disconnected garage that I put a couple breakers in and wired the lights and outlets ect.
It has been that way for 20 years with no problems.

I have added on to garage and will need a few more outlets and lights.
I will probably add a meter from pole and do the 100 amp thing some day but my question is this.

Can I change the breaker in house that feeds this garage to a 30 amp and have a bit more at remote garage to get me by till I do the total upgrade?
What problems or symptoms will I have if I just stay with current configuration and up the breaker to 30 amp from current 20 ? Thanks for advice and comments especially if you have a similar set up.

Thanks
Hap

 

[pattenp]

With #10 you can use a 30A breaker to feed the panel. It's 10A more you can use.

 

[theoldwizard1]

... I will probably add a meter from pole ...

Are you saying adding a second meter ? That gets expensive as most POCO have a minimum charge for each meter.

If your meter is on a pole on your property, you should contact the building inspection department to see if they will allow you to change the meter base/pan to a double lug unit or add double lug adapters.

Can I change the breaker in house that feeds this garage to a 30 amp and have a bit more at remote garage to get me by till I do the total upgrade?

I am not good with the tables for length and power, but at 100' I think 30A on 10 gauge wire would be kind of "iffy".

You say the current wire is 10-2 ? So you only have 120V in the garage ?

What problems or symptoms will I have if I just stay with current configuration and up the breaker to 30 amp from current 20 ?

Lower voltage as your current goes up. General rule of thumb is you want less than 5% voltage drop at max current. Lower voltage means more current draw on the appliance you are using (compressor ?) and could cause it to overheat.

If your load is intermittent (like a welder) it is less of an issue. Also, many "modern" motors are designed to be run on 208V - 240V so voltage drop is not much of an issue.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Your voltage drop will be about 7v @ 30a. This is about 6%.

On heavy motor starting, the sag will be very noticable due to in-rush current.

 

[hapbob]

Yes I only have 120 in garage.
My meter now is on house
Second meter would be on new garage.
I have no appliance like fridge
Only use as of now is lights
Hand tools on outlets
Furnace blower
Compressor to air up tire rarely used.
I think I want to try 30 amp to see if that is enough for what I'm currently doing in this garage.

Appreciate you guys opinions and guidance !
Hap

 

[theoldwizard1]

Yes I only have 120 in garage.
.
.
.
I think I want to try 30 amp to see if that is enough for what I'm currently doing in this garage.

I have never seen a 120V panel, but then you could use a 240V panel and use every other stab. (I won't even mention the other possibility.)

So you are tripping the 20A breaker now with just lights, hand tools and furnace blower ?

I'll bet that compressor does have a hard time starting now and going to a 30A breaker will just make it worse. I hope the compressor motor has a thermal overload !!

 

[hapbob]

I have 10-2 with ground feeding the panel
And the breaker only tripped a handful times in twenty years of use.
I just redid the roof and the compressor ran on off all day for three days with one trip.

It doesn't sound like I'm going to gain much with a 30 amp over what I are now.

So I need to find an eletrician to do it up right.


Hap

 

[pattenp]

I bet the occasional trip you have now will go away with a 30A breaker. If worried about voltage drop check it with a meter when the compressor cranks up.