Nitpicker
Well-known member
I have a 1970’s detached two car garage in Pennsylvania. Last Autumn I started to install two garage door openers. They are up and I’ve run the 120v and low power wires but ran out of time owing to weather and never made the connections for power (AND I have never done it before so it was slower than normal). During the same time period I also had a pro install an upgrade 200 Amp service in the house and a smaller sub box in the garage. Right now at the house I now have lots of breaker room.
From there through a plain wire (no conduit) buried line there is one 20 Amp 120 power to five duplex outlets (four interior and one exterior with GFC) at the garage. (Only two of which are in use at any one time. (radio and grinder, for example)) They run off of one 20 Amp breaker.
The garage ceiling is unfinished with exposed trusses. Presently there are no ceiling lights. (I do have the fixtures however) I’d like to increase the number of outlets to ten duplex outlets, a separate breaker but shared power to the door openers, four permanent ceiling mounted lights and a 220 line for a MIG welder and compressor. The garage panel is 116 feet from the house panel and a driveway will have to be crossed.
I’m at a loss as to how to proceed. Over Winter I got a bid from a pro and at $4600 I can’t have him do it all. I’d like to keep the electrical underground. I can do most but final connections and then have all inspected. So here are my questions and most relate to cost.
1. What type (and how many) of cable is required to get “full” capacity to the garage given what is stated above?
2. If I rent a ditch witch can I run the cable(s) myself and save decent money? Suggestions as to how I breach the driveway (asphalt and seven feet wide)? Dig holes either side and drive schedule 40 under maybe?
3. How would you break up the power to the outlets with respect to breakers? New vs. old? Left side, right side?
4. Hazard a guestimated cost for a pro if I do all but final connection to the house panel, garage panel, and inspection?
5. Any guess for a budget for cable, conduit (for buried stuff)? I have fixtures and outlets, boxes, and small stuff.
From there through a plain wire (no conduit) buried line there is one 20 Amp 120 power to five duplex outlets (four interior and one exterior with GFC) at the garage. (Only two of which are in use at any one time. (radio and grinder, for example)) They run off of one 20 Amp breaker.
The garage ceiling is unfinished with exposed trusses. Presently there are no ceiling lights. (I do have the fixtures however) I’d like to increase the number of outlets to ten duplex outlets, a separate breaker but shared power to the door openers, four permanent ceiling mounted lights and a 220 line for a MIG welder and compressor. The garage panel is 116 feet from the house panel and a driveway will have to be crossed.
I’m at a loss as to how to proceed. Over Winter I got a bid from a pro and at $4600 I can’t have him do it all. I’d like to keep the electrical underground. I can do most but final connections and then have all inspected. So here are my questions and most relate to cost.
1. What type (and how many) of cable is required to get “full” capacity to the garage given what is stated above?
2. If I rent a ditch witch can I run the cable(s) myself and save decent money? Suggestions as to how I breach the driveway (asphalt and seven feet wide)? Dig holes either side and drive schedule 40 under maybe?
3. How would you break up the power to the outlets with respect to breakers? New vs. old? Left side, right side?
4. Hazard a guestimated cost for a pro if I do all but final connection to the house panel, garage panel, and inspection?
5. Any guess for a budget for cable, conduit (for buried stuff)? I have fixtures and outlets, boxes, and small stuff.