looking to upgrade detached garage power

[Jere]

I am sick of having too little power to the detached garage. I have been renting the place for a number of years and it is time to get some better power out there. Currently there is a 20 amp breaker that's runs from the house to a 1920s breaker box. Originally it powered 2 light bulbs and two 4 plug outlets,and a garage door opener. Somewhere along the way 8 t12 light fixtures were added powering 20 or so tubes (not all on at the same time). I have a few machines that are run by 1\4 - 1hp motors (only one at a time) which seem under powered for some. I would like to run all of the above with some fans and an old stereo.

So does any one have a general run through about what size/types wires and or new boxes should be run out to the garage? Should I run a large single wire out or multiple smaller gauge wires or what?

 

[aandpdan]

Calculate what your needs are and we can go from there.

Can you easily dig a trench to this location? How far is it?

You're only allowed one feed to the detached structure so you'll end up abandoning what you already have.

 

[Jere]

Thanks for the clarification on the feed to the garage.

How should I factor my needs exactly? Adding up draw from various appliances?

The distance from the house to the garage is 21ft , the distance from the house panel to the basement wall is about 45ft.

There is a clear path to dig a trench to the garage. The old wire is run through a 2inch black plastic tube, that is also accessible.

 

[aandpdan]

Yes, add up what you have now and what you plan to add in the future. Then add some extra capacity.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Depending on your loads, ud probably be fine with #2 AL MHF fed by a 90a breaker.

The panel in the garage will need an isolated neutral bar. Also will need a main breaker/disconnect if theres more than 6 breaker handles...