How many 240 circuits should I run?

[bagged89s10]

I just got my subpanel installed in my 35x24 garage and now I need to figure out what circuits I want to run around the garage. I plan to run woodworking and metalworking equipment.

I leaning towards run 2 120v 20amp circuits around the shop alternating between circuits every 4-6ft.

I do plan to run as much equip as I can on 240v.

I plan to use at least the following that I can think of right now.

Air compressor 2hp 7.5amps
Dust collector 2hp 11amps
Table saw 3hp 15.5amps
Hypertherm powermax380 - 14amps
Lincoln promig 175- 20amps
Porter cable belt sander - 4.8amps
Grinders, buffers, drill presses, lathe - I believe a lot of these are all only 4amps or less on 240.
Future possible 2nd ev charger.
Future 4 post lift.

Most of my tools will be on the left side of the shop. The left 1/3 is the work space and I have 2 bays for vehicles on the right. My shop is not that big so I think I can even use my welder extension cord to allow me to use my welder or plasma anywhere if needed, but I hate extension cords. My tools may even end up around the entire perimeter of the shop, who knows.

Tools that would run at the same time.
Table saw and dust collector.
Dust collector and other woodworking tools
Air compressor and plasma cutter.


I’m not sure when I would drywall the garage so I will run MC or emt. I’m trying to be as cost conscious as possible since I know 240 receptacles and 6,8, or 1 0gauge wire isn’t cheap.

How many 240 and what amp circuits are the most logical to run?

 

[Norcal]

I am only going answer about MC cable, it is subject to the same requirements for protection from physical damage as NM cable "Romex®".

 

[dave*99]

Start with a floor plan. I ended up with my table saw, shaper and jointer planer in a group out on the floor. Away from the walls.

One big dust collector line runs to the cluster and branches to the tools. The DC has its own 240 line.

For the group on the floor, electric is served by one heavy piece of cordage and a few 240 receptacles wired to it. So I now have a few unused 240 receptacles in the walls. So it’s a great excuse to buy more tools!

I plan to add a 120V receptacle on the side of the table saw. Seems it often becomes a work bench. Give that some thought when planning your layout.

 

[mm08822]

And the floor plan can also help make a good conduit plan.

 

[u2slow]

I’m not sure when I would drywall the garage so I will run MC or emt. I’m trying to be as cost conscious as possible since I know 240 receptacles and 6,8, or 1 0gauge wire isn’t cheap.

How many 240 and what amp circuits are the most logical to run?

Move on with insulation and boarding.

Run a circuit after you get a machine. IMHO, you wont know where you want things until you really start to use the space.

Most of the 240V machines you list only need #14, 12, or 10 wire.

Edit: you can also run conduits to key locations before you fully decide what machine will live there.

 

[micromind]

You can put as many circuits in as you want but aside from the dust collector, you'll only use one at a time.

 

[dave*99]

You can put as many circuits in as you want but aside from the dust collector, you'll only use one at a time.

And air compressor and dust collector on dedicated circuits. Then you have the one at a time tools.

 

[rodm1]

At the start run 4 wire cable that will give you more options at the start.

 

[rocksnstumps]

Have (3) 240 circuits at present (welder, air compressor, general area of wood working equipment) but will likely add a 4th someday for rotary phase converter. No EV in my future but could see that for others.

 

[nadogail]

When you get down to it, you will eventually want one more than you planned for.

If all your circuits are "Home Run" to the panel you can easily change them from 120 to 240 , back and fourth, without pulling in more wires.

 

[75gmck25]

It may be worthwhile to run one or more large diameter EMT (1", etc.) from the panel up and over to the other side of the garage, then break it out from there to various circuits. it makes it easier to run up and over when you expand.
For NM-B you can also run some of your longer (physically) 120 volt circuits using 12/3, with the option of making it a multi-wire branch circuit (MWBC) with two 20 amp circuits.