MNMike
Well-known member
I need to run 60 amp service to the detached garage but my house panel is full and will not allow tandem breakers, other than getting another meter at the garage what are my options?
Thx,
Mike
Thx,
Mike
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House Electrical panel is full, options?
- Thread starter MNMike
- Start date
Either upgrade your panel, or put a sub panel next to the main and move some of the breakers over.
I upgraded my panel last year. If you have a lot of electrical experience, you can handle it yourself, but it will take the better part of a day.
I upgraded my panel last year. If you have a lot of electrical experience, you can handle it yourself, but it will take the better part of a day.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Never heard of that ! A limited number, yes.I need to run 60 amp service to the detached garage but my house panel is full and will not allow tandem breakers, ...
I did find out that Square D made 2 styles of tandem QO breakers ! The older boxes will not accept the newer style tandems and you really have to search for the older ones !
I vote for the subpanel.
when I had my panel upgraded last spring, I had the guy install an 8 breaker subpanel on 2 20 amp mains, incase I want to add any new circuits, I dont have to go into the main panel. I can wire it into the sub panel, and if I do it wrong, itll trip the 2 20's instead of the main breaker - or worse.
though I havent tried it yet, the thought of getting electrocuted scares me. LOL
when I had my panel upgraded last spring, I had the guy install an 8 breaker subpanel on 2 20 amp mains, incase I want to add any new circuits, I dont have to go into the main panel. I can wire it into the sub panel, and if I do it wrong, itll trip the 2 20's instead of the main breaker - or worse.
though I havent tried it yet, the thought of getting electrocuted scares me. LOL
Never heard of that ! A limited number, yes.
I did find out that Square D made 2 styles of tandem QO breakers ! The older boxes will not accept the newer style tandems and you really have to search for the older ones !
There are two types non-CTL, made for panels prior to 1968, & CTL, the non-CTL type do not have the rejection tab on the twin breaker to prevent installation on unnotched bus stabs, & cost more then the CTL type. Older panels will be marked if they can use twins, just like the CTL type used now. The Non-CTL type should not be used in CTL type panels.
I believe that "CTL" stands for "Current Limiting".
matt_i
Well-known member
Other ideas are: get a gas dryer, get a gas range. Abandon-in-place & label the conductors for future, then repurpose the "gained" breaker slots.
No problem, just attach your wires to the garage right on the incoming POCO wires. That's how they added the air conditioner at my house, so I'm sure that's AOK.
JUST KIDDING!!!
It's NOT OK! Discovering that little "feature" is what impelled me to fast-track the breaker box replacement/upgrade I'd had planned for some time. In fact, it made me so nervous I actually hired a real electrician to do the deed, permit, inspection and all.
I considered the $750 pretty cheap for the peace of mind.
JUST KIDDING!!!
It's NOT OK! Discovering that little "feature" is what impelled me to fast-track the breaker box replacement/upgrade I'd had planned for some time. In fact, it made me so nervous I actually hired a real electrician to do the deed, permit, inspection and all.
I considered the $750 pretty cheap for the peace of mind.
siegsuwa
Well-known member
Do you mean absolutely 100% full? Assuming that your garage already has a breaker, wouldn't you just need one more slot for a double breaker? You could always move the breakers around and re-label.
Upgrading your panel isn't all that hard, but you'll need to contact your power company to disconnect the meter power so you can disconnect the main breaker leads. Anything less is extremely dangerous, especially if you are not 100% comfortable and confident in your electrician skills.
You're probably looking at about $300-$500 total ($150-200 for a panel, new breakers, 4AWG wire for 60A, rigid conduit, garage sub panel, etc). That will go up if you're paying anyone for labor.
Have you considered upgrading your main house service as well if you're going to upgrade your panel?
Upgrading your panel isn't all that hard, but you'll need to contact your power company to disconnect the meter power so you can disconnect the main breaker leads. Anything less is extremely dangerous, especially if you are not 100% comfortable and confident in your electrician skills.
You're probably looking at about $300-$500 total ($150-200 for a panel, new breakers, 4AWG wire for 60A, rigid conduit, garage sub panel, etc). That will go up if you're paying anyone for labor.
Have you considered upgrading your main house service as well if you're going to upgrade your panel?
After watching some you-tube vids and hearing your options, I think I have it figured out.
I'll put a sub panel next to my house panel and move some breakers over to the new sub panel allowing me to have space for a 60 amp feeder. Then I can supply my new garage panel off of the new sub panel.
All I need is the panel and a few breakers.
Thanks All,
Mike
I'll put a sub panel next to my house panel and move some breakers over to the new sub panel allowing me to have space for a 60 amp feeder. Then I can supply my new garage panel off of the new sub panel.
All I need is the panel and a few breakers.
Thanks All,
Mike
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
There are two types non-CTL, made for panels prior to 1968, & CTL, the non-CTL type do not have the rejection tab on the twin breaker to prevent installation on unnotched bus stabs, & cost more then the CTL type. Older panels will be marked if they can use twins, just like the CTL type used now. The Non-CTL type should not be used in CTL type panels.
I believe that "CTL" stands for "Current Limiting".
CTL= circuit total limitation
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_total_limitation
garage guy1of38
Well-known member
Do you have a dual lug meter base?
Never heard of that ! A limited number, yes.
I did find out that Square D made 2 styles of tandem QO breakers ! The older boxes will not accept the newer style tandems and you really have to search for the older ones !
Some would only allow two -- bottom two.
Without knowing the difference I bought 6 of the twins w/o the tab when a hardware store was going out of business -- think I paid $10. It was the same except for the tab..
Maybe they price them high so people don't overload the panel -- I like the twins because you can isolate the house ... but can see how it would be a problem.
With a neighbor who is qualified .. and willing to help you ... I would go for the new service if your current one is old or showing sings of age.
Adding a sub panel was the typical way of adding onto a service