Main panel to sub panel configuration

[Jwbfx4]

First off I'm not going to be wiring this myself, I don't have the knowledge. But I would like to know I'm getting what I'm paying for. Attached pictures are of my setup now. Power company ran me a 400A service (320). The 200 amp panel to the left has my outside breakers and feeds my 125 amp service for my house. The 200A service on the right is going to feed my shop. I'm mainly wondering is the panel on the right what I need for feeding my subpanel at the shop. When the house was wired in January I informed the electrician what my plan was for the shop. Just want to make sure I have what I need before too much time passes by.

In all my reading on here I see where it's mentioned at times that a particular panel may not handle a big enough breaker or it's not meant for that size wire. Is the panel I have adequate enough for what I am wanting to do?

The shop is 235 feet away. Will have a 200A subpanel there. No I don't need that much, but it is availiable and might as well use it. I know that will consist of using 250/250/250/ground aluminum wire. Even if I dropped back to 125A the difference in wire is not a whole lot. Atleast i know I will not outgrow it.

I appreciate any and all insight. Thanks.

 

[Bert_]

The panel you have open is not really ideal to power a large ( >125A) feeder. Either a Single 200A breaker with lugs on the bottom (no spaces for small breakers), or a panel similar to yours but with feed thru lugs at the bottom of the bus would have been much better options. Common stab in breakers are only made up to 125A. Might want to consider changing the whole panel out to something else if you want 200A service to the shop.

I would think Eaton offers a stab in 200A breaker or a stab in feed thru lug. I know there is stuff like that for GE but I'm not familiar with Eaton and would have to do some looking. Don't expect it to be an off the shelf item though, probably have to be ordered and probably not real cheap.

 

[Jwbfx4]

Thanks Bert. I felt like maybe that wasn't the right panel that I should have got. I guess I'll see about swapping it out. Any particular recommendations for a panel? Thanks.

 

[brewchief]

Eaton BRS225 is a 225 amp rated subfeed lug, looks like 40-80 bucks online

 

[Jwbfx4]

Eaton BRS225 is a 225 amp rated subfeed lug, looks like 40-80 bucks online

Awesome. Thanks very much for your help.

 

[Norcal]

Eaton BRS225 is a 225 amp rated subfeed lug, looks like 40-80 bucks online

But is the panel listed to use it? There are limitations on the bus stabs, a mobile home panel would have been a better choice, has spaces for up to 8 single pole breakers & subfeed lugs.

 

[brewchief]

But is the panel listed to use it? There are limitations on the bus stabs, a mobile home panel would have been a better choice, has spaces for up to 8 single pole breakers & subfeed lugs.

That subfeed uses 4 spaces so it's sharing the load between two sets of bus stabs so it "should" be good, I agree that the panel specs need to be checked to make sure it is allowed.

I also agree that a feed through panel would have been a better choice but I would have a hard time swapping out a panel just to get feed through lugs when a simple solution existed.

 

[Norcal]

That subfeed uses 4 spaces so it's sharing the load between two sets of bus stabs so it "should" be good, I agree that the panel specs need to be checked to make sure it is allowed.

I also agree that a feed through panel would have been a better choice but I would have a hard time swapping out a panel just to get feed through lugs when a simple solution existed.

Until there is proof that that accessory is is approved for that panel there is no "simple solution" ,but that can be checked by what the panel label says, hopefully it is OK.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks Bert. I felt like maybe that wasn't the right panel that I should have got. I guess I'll see about swapping it out. Any particular recommendations for a panel? Thanks.

What loads will you have in the shop?

One man, two man or production with multiple people?

200a is WAY overkill for almost everyone on here...

 

[Jwbfx4]

This is the label on the panel....if I understand it correctly then the brs225 would work. The electrician will be around this week and I will discuss with him. Thanks.

 

[Jwbfx4]

What loads will you have in the shop?

One man, two man or production with multiple people?

200a is WAY overkill for almost everyone on here...

Two man shop at times with a 3rd couple days a week. Welder, vertical mill, lathe, compressor, and burn table. May build a small office in the corner with a window unit installed. Other than that led high bay lights.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Two man shop at times with a 3rd couple days a week. Welder, vertical mill, lathe, compressor, and burn table. May build a small office in the corner with a window unit installed. Other than that led high bay lights.

Well in that case i see why you want 200a...carry on...