Garage Sub-panel

[mm08822]

Even if you put a sub in the garage, each circuit run into the shed will need a disconnect.

All disconnects will need to be grouped within the shed per NEC. This becomes a bigger PIA than just running a single sub panel with its own disconnect.

You could still run a sub panel (shed) from another sub panel (garage), assuming you even need a sub in the garage.

Read NEC 225.30 or.33, or somewhere thereabouts.

 

[PCustoms]

Even if you put a sub in the garage, each circuit run into the shed will need a disconnect.

All disconnects will need to be grouped within the shed per NEC. This becomes a bigger PIA than just running a single sub panel with its own disconnect.

You could still run a sub panel (shed) from another sub panel (garage), assuming you even need a sub in the garage.

Did I miss that he has two out buildings that he's running power to?

I thought this was house to garage

 

[mm08822]

Did I miss that he has two out buildings that he's running power to?

I thought this was house to garage

Garage is part of the house. Shed is 10' from garage.

OP is still intending to put sub in garage as I understand. (Post 35)

 

[manwithtools]

Garage is part of the house. Shed is 10' from garage.

OP is still intending to put sub in garage as I understand. (Post 35)

Unless I read this totally wrong, which I don't think I did...

The "garage" is the new building he had built. He said in the first post it is 10 feet from his house, later he clarified the total run from house main panel to new garage sub would be ~ 40ft.

So the sub is to be in the "new" detached garage.

 

[PCustoms]

Garage is part of the house. Shed is 10' from garage.

I don't see where you got that...

OP has a new detached building (garage), 10' from house. Total distance from main panel (house) to new sub in new building (garage) is 40'.

In the end it doesn't matter. OP should run a sub in his new building with a single feed from whatever panel in the other building.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I definitely won't be doing an additional meter. I see no benefit from this plus you pay a meter charge every month and the second service can be charged at a different rate.

Just to be clear, I did not suggest a second meter. I suggested adding your garage panel to your existing meter.

 

[mike93lx]

Agreed.

I wanted to come here to learn as much as I could before talking with the inspector. I always like to educate myself as much as possible.

Don't let an inspector's opinions drive your approach. His job is to ensure code is followed, so any requirements should be supported with code references. Inspectors don't always stick to this role and can make mistakes.

In a case where conduit can easily be installed for the whole run, I would do that and use individual xhhw conductors, with a reduced size neutral.

Any breaker from 60-90a in the main panel will cover your needs and you can put any size panel in the shed that you want.

 

[manwithtools]

Just to be clear, I did not suggest a second meter. I suggested adding your garage panel to your existing meter.

And for further clarity several of us have explained why this is a bad idea given the OP's configuration.

 

[mm08822]

Garage is part of the house. Shed is 10' from garage.

OP is still intending to put sub in garage as I understand. (Post 35)

Unless I read this totally wrong, which I don't think I did...

The "garage" is the new building he had built. He said in the first post it is 10 feet from his house, later he clarified the total run from house main panel to new garage sub would be ~ 40ft.

So the sub is to be in the "new" detached garage.

I don't see where you got that...

OP has a new detached building (garage), 10' from house. To distance from main panel (house) to new sub in new building (garage) is 40'.

In the end it doesn't matter. OP should run a sub in his new building with a single feed from whatever panel in the other building.

My bad. I thought the garage was part of the existing house already and the new shed was 10' away.
(It didn't really change the original issue, that the OP was planning to run multiple ckts between the two structures.)

So the OP has changed course and is putting a sub in the garage(shed). One feed to it......Perfect!

 

[funmoneypit]

Why talk with the inspector ahead of time? People here have advised you of codes as long as you follow those you will pass inspection

Why not? It only takes a few minutes and with all the info I have learned here, I can go in with a good plan to outline for him. Typically when you get a permit, you have to supply a plan for what you are doing. There may be some weird code where I live that they can fill me in on.

It's always a good idea to get the inspector on your side in my experience. Time well spent IMO.

 

[funmoneypit]

My bad. I thought the garage was part of the existing house already and the new shed was 10' away.
(It didn't really change the original issue, that the OP was planning to run multiple ckts between the two structures.)

So the OP has changed course and is putting a sub in the garage(shed). One feed to it......Perfect!

Yeah, never once stated a "shed". Explicitly states "garage/pole barn".
Also I did state my initial idea was to run separate circuits but I did ask if it was better to run a main feeder line and then put the sub in the garage. That does seem to be the better route so that's how I will proceed.

As always, I appreciate everyone's input.

 

[manwithtools]

Yeah, never once stated a "shed". Explicitly states "garage/pole barn".

In some areas "pole barns" are referred to as "sheds". It just adds to the confusion, but it is what it is. It would be great if you added your location to your user profile, that can go a long ways in getting pertinent advise.

 

[Ultradog MN]

And for further clarity several of us have explained why this is a bad idea given the OP's configuration.

To the OP,
I did mention I spoke with the inspector before I ran the underground line from the meter socket to the new garage.
He said I should do it this way and I did.
He came back after I had added the second conductors in the meter socket and made me change the socket - as I explained above.
I did that and he approved everything before I buried the wires.
So I support your idea about getting suggestions from your local inspector before you start this. Here it only costs about $65 for an additional inspection and I think that is money well spent. Bring a pen and pad of paper and take notes.
You will get Correct, up to date advice - for YOUR locality and if you do it his way he will approve it. That is much better than getting advice from a bunch of unknown "experts" on an internet forum.
I have installed 8 or 9 new service upgrades and rewires in the 16? properties I've bought, rehabbed and resold in my life and am confident I can pass those types of inspections. I have an electrical project going on now - new pedistal and complete new wire of a tiny, unfinished cottage I bought last summer. But I still include myself in that bunch of unknown internet experts and suggest you contact your inspector for advice.

 

[PCustoms]

SMH

 

[manwithtools]

SMH

Me too...

 

[Ultradog MN]

Me too...

That makes 3 of us...

 

[mm08822]

 

[manwithtools]

I think we might have another OldWizard in the making

 

[sparky 1971]

Why talk with the inspector ahead of time? People here have advised you of codes as long as you follow those you will pass inspection

It's not a bad idea because of local ordinances and interpretations. I've done it when going into a jurisdiction that's new to me or one that I've never actually pulled a permit in before just to make sure there isn't some horse hockey rule on the books that could get me in a pickle.

 

[mm08822]

Cheaper to fix it on paper then to install, uninstall and re-install 2 RCH's different from the first install.

 

[funmoneypit]

In some areas "pole barns" are referred to as "sheds". It just adds to the confusion, but it is what it is. It would be great if you added your location to your user profile, that can go a long ways in getting pertinent advise.

I guess if you want to totally ignore the entire "garage" part plus it's literally the title. Never heard a pole barn and a shed being mixed up "but it is what it is".

 

[rharman]

SMH

Me too...

That makes 3 of us...

 

[manwithtools]

I guess if you want to totally ignore the entire "garage" part plus it's literally the title. Never heard a pole barn and a shed being mixed up "but it is what it is".

FYI, my comment on sheds and pole barns was not directed at you. I was just offering the explanation that terms can be regional. Your terminology was clear to me, I just mentioned the fact others might convolute the terms pole building and shed depending on where they are from.