My barn is on a small 60 amp panel

[M-technik-3]

my house has 200 amps and was thinking it would be nice to have a separate service so I can do project in there.

This would also free up some space in my panel to correct some issues in my house. What is the cost these days of running new service to a outbuilding, would I have to have a minimum usage amount?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Too little info.

Length of run, wire type, service size, loads, one man, two men, etc etc.????

Also depends on PoCo. Some charge for new service installs others dont.

And keep in mind most PoCos charge minimum monthly fees just to be hooked up regardless of usage.

And still some dont allow more than one meter on a residential property.

Who is your PoCO? Do they have a website with resources such as a blue book and tariffs?

 

[American Locomotive]

As mentioned, what kind of "projects" do you plan on doing in your barn where you'll need more than 14KW of power? A 60 amp panel should be more than enough to do just about anything one person can do.

 

[sberry]

What is running to it now?

 

[theoldwizard1]

So you want more circuits ? Get rid of the "small" 60A panle and install a 100A panel. DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING ELSE !

 

[rburke65]

Your house does not gave a seperate service already? With whom do you share?

 

[ForceFed70]

You can do a lot with 60A. Are you sure you actually need to upgrade?

 

[matt_i]

In broad generalities the utility is run as a business and fronts the cost of some expensive hardware and work to supply power to your meter, which they slowly get paid back by selling you electricity.

If they feel like you are asking for extra hardware and work (to run a 2nd service) to not really sell any more electricity then it comes with usually an undesirable price like a base meter charge or an install fee.

Not all utilities are built the same and sometimes the sun shines on a squirrel just right and you get a nut for free.

That said, as others have said, being more detailed about the scope of what you are actually trying to accomplish will get a lot better answers. Typically there seems to be very adequate room to give your shop or barn more capability on the same service you currently have, more economically than running a separate service.

 

[M-technik-3]

Eversource aka Ever-Thieves as our region calls them is the power company. I have a 20x30 sugar house that I'm adding a proper garage door and removing the sliding door. I have wood heat now and have a 2 post lift that I would like to install. Basically I need electricity for music, welder and or tools, We have two teenagers and they are also into working on projects so I can see them utilizing it as well. I would like to add a minisplit to keep take out the moisture out of the air as it damp. Bad for metal things when it's 90% humidity all the time.

 

[American Locomotive]

60 amps is way more than enough for music, tools and a welder. Unless you're erecting structural steel beams with a big 300 amp stick welder turned all the way up, I don't think you'll have an issue.

 

[bczygan]

Do a load calc.

 

[CoogarXR]

I just did the opposite. I had a dedicated 100A service in my shop from the previous owner. I paid $50 a month electric bill whether I used any electric or not. They charged me commercial rate since it was a non-dwelling. The previous owner did run a wood shop in there, but still, wadda crock. Anyhow, I had the shop connected to the house. It made zero noticeable difference in my house electric bill, and I save $50 a month. The trench and cable will pay for itself in no time.

Plus I added a second conduit for cable, phone, ethernet, etc. So that's awesome too.

 

[M-technik-3]

Edit: Panel in basement says 40 amps and barn says 60 amps.

 

[ForceFed70]

40A is getting tight, but I think you can make it work for what you describe. I regularly run my 240V Welder (Millermatic 175) on a 20A circuit, haven't tripped the breaker yet.

If you end up with a big 240 compressor, you may need to avoid running the compressor and welder at the same time.

If I was you - I'd wait until I actually start to have problems with tripping the main breaker before I worried about upgrading the service. I think you'll be surprised with how much you can do with 40A.

 

[M-technik-3]

OK thanks I'll have my buddy come out and look at it. He's licensed in the state.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Edit: Panel in basement says 40 amps and barn says 60 amps.

Ok but u havent explained how this is wired.

40a basement panel feeds 60a barn panel? Or???

What is the gauge of the wire?

 

[M-technik-3]

I don't know and after finding some shady things here and there it might not be to code. It is buried in grey pvc in the ground. I hope it's done properly but it's questionable.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Post some pics

 

[Shiftless]

I don't know and after finding some shady things here and there it might not be to code. It is buried in grey pvc in the ground. I hope it's done properly but it's questionable.

If your buddy is a licensd electrician and on his way over you should be getting some answers soon. As others have said, even 40 amps if properly installed, should be plenty. (at least for 99% of the rest of us) What do you plan to do in there?

Like wylie just said, post some pics and list your planned uses for power.

 

[astroracer]

Single person usage, even with two or three out there puttering, should never be an issue, even with only 40 amps supplied. What you need to have out there is 220 for the welder and the hoist. If you don't have 220 then you will need to look at an upgrade.
Mark

 

[M-technik-3]

220V compressor is in works but want it outside the building so no news. Sully is working on a commercial job till March in NY so he's not coming by in immediate time frame unless he comes home to check up on his house and I think he will not want to come do an electric project.

I'd love a 220V welder but my budget only allows for a smaller Lincoln at the moment. Photos are not happening this week, I'm leaving on a trip for Uncle for next 5-10 days depending on what train wreck of a jet they give us.

Snap a few when I get back.

 

[sberry]

None of it is 220.