100A Sub Panel Sticky

[Spudland_Dave]

I'm a relatively new member here...so forgive me if this has already been shot down.
Wouldnt it be nice if we could get a "Wiring a 100A Sub Panel - Materials Needed" Type Sticky... Seems like there are 2-3 posts a day concerning MHF vs SE, 2-2-2-4 and Breaker Sizes, Conduit Sizing, Ground Rods, etc... All questions I had myself a couple weeks ago, but have answered them all with all your help.

 

[Gary S]

It is a nice idea, but if you read all the posts here you find that there are a thousand ideas of the right way to install a 100amp panel.
1. people will argue about brand of panel (and only their brand works)
2. people will argue about where the panel needs to be installed and how
3. people will argue about the correct wire, copper or aluminum
4. people will argue about the type of wire
6. people will argue about using conduit or direct burial

7. worst of all, over half of them will give false information and put in the wrong size breaker to feed their "perfect" installation.

So, good luck. Maybe we just have to keep wading through the **** that comes with the good advice here.
Or, we would have to select one of our licensed electricians and have him post the sticky and then lock it down so no mis-information can be put in it.

 

[BillK]

Dave,
There are way too many variables, not to mention different code requirements in different areas. I don't think you can publish a "one size fits all" type of rule.

 

[Falcon67]

LOL - they only sticky part might be "Breaker - big wire - grey breaker box - misc copper things". The other thing is that probably 90% of one person shops don't really need 100A at all. 75-90 is usually going to be plenty enough.

 

[pattenp]

Plus if we had a sticky, I'd have nothing to do.

 

[Gary S]

The other thing is that probably 90% of one person shops don't really need 100A at all. 75-90 is usually going to be plenty enough.

So right. I have 100A in my garage. I've never used it fully. In the winter, I use 2-240v heaters. Together they draw 40A. The only other large power user in my garage is my air compressor which needs 22A running. The lights and 120v stuff doesn't draw enough to really matter, so I would easily get by on a 90A system, or less.

 

[pattenp]

I get by with 60A to my garage. Got a lift, 60gl compressor, Mig, Plasma, but only got one set of hands. Just a one person DIY'er garage, so I don't need no stinking 100A.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I get by with 60A to my garage. Got a lift, 60gl compressor, Mig, Plasma, but only got one set of hands. Just a one person DIY'er garage, so I don't need no stinking 100A.

Your probably right about that...My dad said the same thing to me when I told him I was running 2GA Wire/100A... I grew up working (DIY Tinkering) in his shop which was fed with 60A...never ever had a problem. Seeing as how I worked in there for years with no problems, and he still does to this day...I bet I wouldnt have a problem in mine with 60A either, BUT the cost difference between running 60A and 100A isnt enough to NOT run 100A.

 

[pattenp]

I'll admit I ran #2 to my garage but I put in on a 60A breaker. The 60A breaker was $13 vs $60 for a 90A. I went cheap on the breaker.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

I get by with 60A to my garage. Got a lift, 60gl compressor, Mig, Plasma, but only got one set of hands. Just a one person DIY'er garage, so I don't need no stinking 100A.

you mean to tell me your not running your lift up and down while your welding............lol

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I'll admit I ran #2 to my garage but I put in on a 60A breaker. The 60A breaker was $13 vs $60 for a 90A. I went cheap on the breaker.

Cant blame you there..I got my 100A for 37.00 after price match +10% off...didnt even look at what a 60A would have cost me...hmm...maybe I should have. As a side note...I Just picked up 125' of the 2-2-2-4 USE-2 MHF from Lowes today...

 

[PT Doc]

a side note...I Just picked up 125' of the 2-2-2-4 USE-2 MHF from Lowes today...

And what will you be using this for?

 

[pattenp]

And what will you be using this for?

You need to jump over to this thread to follow the saga.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167526