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Garage sub Panel Question

Black_Z28

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Jan 26, 2014
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78
Hello all, planning to install a sub panel in my attached garage. A couple quick questions. I purchased a Square D Main lug, 8 space 16 circuit.

Does this main lug need a disconnect in the garage? I've read on some places you need one, some other forums, you don't. I live in MN, and again it's an attached garage.

Also, what would be the best wire to use for this run? My main panel is only about a 8' wire run to where my main lug will be. It will all be ran inside, and within walls. I'm going to put a 60 amp breaker in the main panel. I'm assuming 6-3 with a ground NM, but I've read that's only good to 55amps.

Thank you.
 
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Mustang51js

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Jan 24, 2014
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Haskell nj
6/3 rx you can run 60 amps,if the main panel is only that far away and within sight you shouldn't have any issues with no breaker in the sub panel.
 
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Black_Z28

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Jan 26, 2014
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Sorry I didn't clarify, the main breaker is not within sight of the new sub panel. The main breaker is inside the house, and the new sub panel is in the garage, but they're basically on opposite walls. Which is why there's such a short run.
 
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pattenp

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Jun 4, 2008
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Virginia - USA
Sub-panels installed in the same structure as the main panel do not require a main disconnect breaker per NEC. There is no insight stipulation in the code.

Edit: I'd use a main breaker panel because it's nice to have the main breaker.

Edit again: The #6 NM is listed as 55A by the NEC but you can go up to the next standard size breaker which is a 60A.
 
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Black_Z28

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Jan 26, 2014
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78
Thanks for the info pal. Already had purchased a main lug, but I'll keep it in mind to just get a main panel next time. You basically get some "free" breakers with it anyways, which is nice.

I didn't go with 6-3, and instead went with 2-2-2-4 alum. All I will say is that stuff is ***** to work with. Not all that fun at all. I have most everything hooked up at the main lug, just waiting for the electrician to come over and hook it up at the main panel. And to make sure everything I've done is up to snuff.
 
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