Generator For Shop

[MFortie]

Started to post this in the backup generator thread, but decided it needed it's own thread...

Curious if anyone uses a genset as their power source for their garage. Heavier power loads, not just lighting or convenience outlets.

I'm planning for my new shop and have some power considerations -- we have a 37.5kVA (per the POCO planner) pole mounted transformer (which I believe gives me about 150A) that serves three services on the property. Our house, the back house (where my elderly relative lives) and our 'barn', which is where the shop will go. A neighbor, who is a retired electrician, maintains I really don't need anymore than 100A per structure and is recommending I put a 200A pedestal in (everything is overhead right now) to serve all the structures. I'm a little skeptical...

Oh, and we're single phase in our 'outback' location...

I'm considering doing what the neighbor recommends with the option of a genset in the future for larger shop loads and as a backup for when the POCO juice goes away.

 

[Mustang51js]

100 amps is usually plenty for a garage and most small houses, it really depends on what you plan on using and if it's on at the same time

 

[theoldwizard1]

If your shop is a 1 man operation, 100A is probably adequate unless you are running a huge welder or big plasma cutter.

The other thing that can **** a lot of power is a rotary phase converter.

If you have deep pockets, check into buying a welder generator. They can be very thirsty, so make sure you have adequate fuel supply.

 

[rlitman]

If your shop is a 1 man operation, 100A is probably adequate unless you are running a huge welder or big plasma cutter.

I have a 60A circuit in my garage. The panel has a circuit for a freestanding freezer, a circuit for lighting (TV, phones, etc), and circuits for tools.

I have enough power to run my 200A inverter welder, but not much for a bigger welder.

I can run a 40A plasma cutter, but just barely, because plasma cutters require more power than you think, because you're also powering an air compressor (in my case, a 7.5HP one).
Because of the compressor, the plasma cutter is the biggest load in my shop. In a wood shop, a large tablesaw might be the biggest load when you factor in the dust collector, and remember that the air compressor may turn on at any time.

100A in the garage would have been better for me, but I'm making do just fine with 60A.

 

[MFortie]

That's all good to hear. I've read too many 'you need 400 amps for a shop!' comments here and there! LOL!

I'm thinking my old Lincoln stick welder / compressor or table saw / dust collector might be the only concurrent loads (well, except the beer fridge, of course!)

I actually got by with 125a in my old house with the pool pump, multiple fridges/freezers and my wife and daughter's blow dryers without ever popping a breaker, so I guess I'd be OK. (Didn't weld when they dried their hair of course! )

 

[79firebird]

200 amp is plenty at work we have 200 amp and we have 10 8 foot florcent lights , 6 400 watt high bays a 10 and 5 hp compressor 5 hp booth fan and 10 4 foot light 4 bualbs each as well as a welder and lift and miss tools never blew a braker yet. now we just updated our service to 400 as we put in a heater for the booth and that ***** 150amps.