Main panel full; how to wire subpanel?

[itlogo]

Apologies if this specific problem has already been discussed, but the forum search seems very one-dimensional and returns every topic containing any of the search words.

I have a main panel (picture attached) that is almost full except for one more slot on the left bus. I need to run a 240v 30amp service to a load center in my garage, located on the other side of the wall (the main panel is on the outside of the garage). I've read that what's typically done is install a big 30amp breaker that goes across both buses (for 240v) and then that feed goes to the subpanel. However, since my main panel only has room for one more breaker on one of the buses, what can I do?

In the garage, I've got a HomeLine Load Center HOM2-4L70 which has a 30amp breaker as well. It doesn't come with a grounding bar so I'm going to install one, so it'll have the two main buses, plus neutral and the ground.

What are my options at this point? I know I can't combine multiple lines onto one breaker; how can I free up more room, or is there another way to get the power to the garage?
Thanks

 

[ForceFed70]

There are 2 common courses of action when one comes upon this problem.

1) Swap to higher density breakers if available for your load center (IE: A 2x15A breaker than fits into a single slot) to make room for your 2-slot breaker.

2) Move 1 or more of your circuits over to the new subpanel. Which should be fairly easy to do if your subpanel is just going to be located on the other side of the wall.

 

[pattenp]

Looks like you may need to move some circuits to the sub to free up space. Also, what's with all the handle ties on the 15A & 20A breakers? Are they all multiwire branch circuits?

The panel is already full of 1/2 size breakers.

 

[itlogo]

Looks like you may need to move some circuits to the sub to free up space. Also, what's with all the handle ties on the 15A & 20A breakers? Are they all multiwire branch circuits?

The panel is already full of 1/2 size breakers.

Yes, I believe the entire house is wired with multiwire branch circuits since all the wires leaving the panel are 3+ground, and each of the red/black goes to a separate breaker.

Thanks for the suggestions. Seems like my only choice is to move a couple of the circuits to the load panel.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There are 2 common courses of action when one comes upon this problem.

1) Swap to higher density breakers if available for your load center (IE: A 2x15A breaker than fits into a single slot) to make room for your 2-slot breaker....

There's already a TON of 1/2 size breakers and many panel manufacturers only allow a certain # of these, which he may already be over.

Yes, I believe the entire house is wired with multi-wire branch circuits since all the wires leaving the panel are 3+ground, and each of the red/black goes to a separate breaker.

Thanks for the suggestions. Seems like my only choice is to move a couple of the circuits to the load panel.

I've got to ask why u have so many multi-wire circuits. I've never seen so many in one house! Usually only see a couple- dishwasher/disposal, coasted/split outlet, etc. I'm wondering if the electrician just got lazy and instead of pulling a new 14/2 or 12/2 NM for each circuit, he shared the neutral and extended it to the next circuit along with a hot and ground!

 

[trainer]

I've got to ask why u have so many multi-wire circuits. I've never seen so many in one house! Usually only see a couple- dishwasher/disposal, coasted/split outlet, etc. I'm wondering if the electrician just got lazy and instead of pulling a new 14/2 or 12/2 NM for each circuit, he shared the neutral and extended it to the next circuit along with a hot and ground!

I'd say it's a house with a bunch of electric baseboard heaters.

If it is, do you have a heater that you don't use and you could disconnect it to steal the spot for your garage feed?