Best spot for sub-panel? (with floorplan drawing)

[DB2]

I'm trying to determine the best location for the 100 amp subpanel in my soon-to-be-built detached garage. The garage is 26' wide x 25' deep with a 10' ceiling. I will have wood I-joists spanning the width (26').

I have a lot of windows - qty 9 30" x 30" awning windows. The bottom edge of the windows is 6.5 ft off the ground (the ceiling is 10 ft). So, I'm trading some wall space for natural light.

In the drawing below, I am considering location A as it will tuck the panel in an otherwise unused corner. Mounting the panel there would require the most wire. Also, if I draw the 36" invisible box from the edge of the panel, the "invisible" box will cover part of the window. Is this code?

If I go with spot C, which is closest to the feed from the house, I will have plenty of clearance but loose a lot of wall space.

The washer/dryer will go (for the next couple years at least) in the top right corner so I can't use that area for the panel.

Any advice on where to mount the panel? In addition to the standard slew of wall outlets, I will have 220 outlets for the dryer, table saw (top wall near C), air compressor (location tbd) and AC (location not yet determined as I may go with a mini-split). T8s on the ceiling.

 

[Aceman]

?If I go with spot C, which is closest to the feed from the house, I will have plenty of clearance but loose a lot of wall space.

I like C. I don't see how you lose that much wall space, a panel is only 14.5 inches wide. Especially considering you installed umpteen windows and then get worried about 14.5 inches?

Install it where you like, but I don't like buying wire myself. C is closest to the house as well as the washer/dryer, table saw, etc. Just to reiterate you need 30" wide by 36" deep working clearance. It does not matter where the panel sits in that 30 inches, it doesn't have to be centered. The panel can be butted against windows and doors.

 

[DB2]

Yeah, I finished laying the forms today and it does look like location C is the way to go. Question, can the 30" wide include space that is only available when an abutting door is closed?

Since I overdosed on the windows I have gotten a bit sensitive about wall space, though I suppose I can put the drill press and bandsaw in that area.

 

[Aceman]

Question, can the 30" wide include space that is only available when an abutting door is closed?

Yes, personally I like putting panels behind open doors, the door swing makes sure the working space stays clear.

 

[DB2]

Would you see a problem with location D? There will be 2 ft between the inside of the wall and the window...this keeps it on that side of the building, but puts it in a more out-of-the-way location.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Would you see a problem with location D? There will be 2 ft between the inside of the wall and the window...this keeps it on that side of the building, but puts it in a more out-of-the-way location.

Remember that your corners will have mutiple studs "laminated" together and the windows will probably have at least one extra stud on each side also, so you may not have enough hollow wall space to mount the panel.

Charles