Detached garage subpanel or not?

[ldanny09]

Hi I have a 1950s house in Indiana that has the original wiring to a detached garage. The garage is about 25-30 feet from the main panel. It currently only has a switch for the light.

I am planning to run a welder, and air compressor at some point so I would like to install a 110v and maybe a 220V since I am going to run the wiring.

Should I run a subpanel to the garage or can I run two dedicated circuit arms to the garage with a shutoff in the garage?

Any other suggestions are appreciated.

Here is a picture of my main panel. I tried to label all the breakers I could figure out but there are still some mystery ones.

 

[Norcal]

You are only allowed one circuit to a outbuilding so a subpanel is the only way to meet your needs.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Yup, a subpanel is your only choice.

 

[ldanny09]

If I did one circuit and have multiple outlets. Would that be acceptable?

The more I read the more questions I have.

Thanks,

 

[unisawone]

Do a sub panel right away, you will kick yourself if you don't and end up doing it later! It's pretty simple to do. Good luck!

 

[yeldogt]

You are only allowed one circuit to a outbuilding so a subpanel is the only way to meet your needs.

Learn something everyday ... although I'm trying to understand why you would run two ?

 

[pattenp]

When you start talking welder, compressor, outlets, etc., you are in the realm of needing a subpanel. As pointed out by Norcal, the original garage circuit will need to be abandoned when you add a subpanel feeder out to the garage.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If I did one circuit and have multiple outlets. Would that be acceptable?

The more I read the more questions I have.

Thanks,

You would still need a subpanel.

You cant run a 50a circuit to the garage and then just splice on 120v 20a outlets onto the large wire.

No way around having a subpanel in a detached garage.

It seems you are against having a subpanel. Is there a reason?

 

[ard]

... or can I run two dedicated circuit arms to the garage with a shutoff in the garage?

You are only allowed one circuit to a outbuilding so a subpanel is the only way to meet your needs.

Learn something everyday ... although I'm trying to understand why you would run two ?

OP was thinking of running two 20A (or whatever) circuits instead of a sub.

People get freaked out by "big wire".

Like "Big Water" I guess....

 

[wyliesdiesels]

OP was thinking of running two 20A (or whatever) circuits instead of a sub.

People get freaked out by "big wire".

Like "Big Water" I guess....

As has already been said, cant run 2 separate circuits to a garage.

The only other option than a subpanel is to run a 20a MWBC.

 

[75gmck25]

Just to clarify the explanation - you can put a dual pole 20 amp breaker in your main panel, and run 12/3 for a MWBC to the garage. At the garage you can then break it out into two 20 amp GFCI-protected circuits.

Bruce

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Just to clarify the explanation - you can put a dual pole 20 amp breaker in your main panel, and run 12/3 for a MWBC to the garage. At the garage you can then break it out into two 20 amp GFCI-protected circuits.

Bruce

To clarify further, the 12/3 cable would need to be UF-b as NM-b is not permitted for use outdoors.

 

[pattenp]

Just to clarify the explanation - you can put a dual pole 20 amp breaker in your main panel, and run 12/3 for a MWBC to the garage. At the garage you can then break it out into two 20 amp GFCI-protected circuits.

Bruce

Also a 20A max multiwire circuit that is GFCI protected at the source panel only needs to be buried 12 inches.

Edit: Wrong, I misspoke. A single 120V 20A max circuit GFCI protected at the source can be buried 12 inches. Thanks Norcal for catching my mistake.

 

[Norcal]

Also a 20A max multiwire circuit that is GFCI protected at the source panel only needs to be buried 12 inches.

Nope, can only be 120 volts if you want to use the 12" burial depth loophole , a multi-wire branch circuit is 120/240V.


Edit: see table 300.5 column #4

 

[pattenp]

Nope, can only be 120 volts if you want to use the 12" burial depth loophole , a multi-wire branch circuit is 120/240V.


Edit: see table 300.5 column #4

Ooops, you're right. I knew that, brain fart, just had 20A on my mind.

 

[arkieguide]

You will need a small sub panel in the out building. QUESTION ? What size service do you have ? What size main breaker is in your main panel ? In looking at your picture i can not tell ? It may be possible to install a 2 place 4 circuit 60 amp sub panel, and feed it from the 2 pole open space i see in the panel ? Put out more details. Good luck.