Basic Electrical install in 30 x 60 pole barn

[saltygills]

Hey guys I'm looking for some basic knowledge on circuits to wire my pole barn. I had planned on buying a book to get started but figured I would ask here first. Are there any references/diagrams online? I have electrician friends that have been dragging their feet on coming to do the job so I'd like to at least start planning the layout.

I plan to install fluorescent fixtures (t8), 110 wall outlets, 2 or 3 220 welding outlets, and a possible dedicated compressor outlet. I already have 100 amp service to a panel in the shop with a 100amp breaker at the main.

I have no experience with this, but have done plenty of automotive electrical.

I'm looking for where to start with: Breakers, wire type and size, switch wiring etc.

I know this information is here on the site but I am having a difficult time finding the info using search. I figured there is a sticky or basic electrical for dummies guide somewhere. I plan to start purchasing items this week in hopes that one of my electrician friends can make time to come by and help me out. (I've had one looking for sidework "no show" twice already)

I WILL have a professional come out and look it over as our inspector already told me he won't be returning to inspect the shop and has already passed us (new construction)

Sorry for such a long post.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Where are you located?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What size(HP rating) is the comp?

If u will have more than 6 breaker handles in your subpanel then it will need a main breaker(sounds like u just have a main lug)...

 

[larry_g]

In my mind a lot of this electrical work is 'dumb labor'. Drilling holes in studs and pulling wire is is a lot of work but requires no special skills. Afixing boxes to the studs is easy. Get one of your 'friends' to show you what to do and let you do all the dumb labor and then have them back to help you terminate wires and do the 'skilled labor' that you can't.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[HotwheelsYJ]

In my mind a lot of this electrical work is 'dumb labor'. Drilling holes in studs and pulling wire is is a lot of work but requires no special skills. Afixing boxes to the studs is easy. Get one of your 'friends' to show you what to do and let you do all the dumb labor and then have them back to help you terminate wires and do the 'skilled labor' that you can't.

lg
no neat sig line

^^ this
1" hole in center of each stud
No more than 10 outlets on a circuit
3 or less sets of wires in a single gang box
Don't drive staples tight. You want the Romex to slip if you pull it a little

 

[saltygills]

Larry this is my exact thinking...I've met plenty of electricians and I have yet to meet one that seems "gifted" (i'm sure they are out there but where I'm from there is much larger jobs than pole barns). I'm a collision tech by trade and have done extensive auto wiring in the past (harnesses etc), which leads me to believe this job is much more basic. I tend to overcomplicate some of the simplest things. I got in touch with a friend tonight while buying supplies and we should be tackling the job next weekend. I don't mind paying him because I'll be learning as I go.

I'm going to start simple (I need the shop to use for our wedding rehearsal dinner at the end of the month). I bought wall sockets, gang boxes, a 3 toggle (uhh??) switch, all the hardware pretty much and romex tonight. I'll buy breakers and the supplies to run the welding circuits with my electrician friend.

Any solid online suppliers of 4ft t8 fixtures online?

 

[davidh73750]

this is in the lines of what I am thinking too. A 220 for a welder, compressor and possible window ac. Various lights and a couple outside lights. How many circuit panel should I look for? This sufficient? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Eaton-Cu...eaker-Panel-Value-Pack-BR2020B100V4/100203297
I will be running 100amp service .

 

[bjcouche]

drilling 3/4" holes in studs is usually plenty large enough for running romex. Much bigger and you have issues with both weakening the 2x4 stud and NEC issues with the hole being too close to the wall surface when the drywallers come by and drill screws into the studs, and get a screw through your wiring. I like your idea of having your electrician buddy's tell you what to do. In reality, they could sit back in a recliner and tell you exactly what to do, every step of the way as they watched you and all while sipping the beer you provided.... Basically it's knowing the approved methods for doing things to follow the code. most stuff is straightforward. Good electricians will be able to handle special circumstances when they arise. Okay electricians will know enough to call someone else who can figure it out, and bad electricians won't notice a special situation... In a shop though, 100A is plenty, but the more spaces in a breaker box the better. I went with a 30 space box in my 40X64. I'd recommend a 24 space...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D...e-Pack-HOM2448M100PCVP/204836362?N=5yc1vZbm30

or similar, some people are brand loyal.

Brian

 

[gutted72]

Along the same line, How many 8' t8's can you put on one 20amp circuit?

I want to have some serious light in my 30x60 shop, so I'm planning on installing 18, 8', t8's, but really don't want that many switches.