Maxed out

[steve308]

I need to know my options so that when I call an electrician I can ask semi intelligent questions. ---

My breaker box is maxed out with no room for any additional breakers and I would also like to add a transfer switch so..., (100amp box)

(1) Can a sub panel be installed next to the current panel to get me additional breakers or do I need a new larger box installed? (trying to add in-floor heating to a room)

(2) I have three circuits from the panel running to the garage. (2 20amp / 1 15 amp). Should I have these converted into a 220 and run into a sub panel in the garage and then have the garage wiring run from it. Can I also have a single 220 plug with this arrangement?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zeke]

Yes to both but you have to calculate your total load with that new heating to see if 100 amps is enough.

 

[ddawg16]

What kind of panel do you have? Depending on your panel, some will accept tandem breakers (2 breakers in the space of one slot).

If you're like me, it's not so much the current but rather having the ckts individually protected.

As for option 2...YES. Without a doubt you should do that. Slap in a 240Vac breaker, run it to a 6 pos sub in the garage. You will need to upsize the wire unless you use a 240 20A breaker. If you don't need the extra power...then that would still be a good option.

 

[steve308]

Thanks for the quick responses - ddawg16, It is a Crause Hinds and when last added to we used square d breakers. Thanks again

 

[sberry]

I need another coffee but doesn't one gain some spaces when wiring on a transfer?

 

[sberry]

Also these wires may not have enough conductors for a sub.

 

[Mustang51js]

What kind of transfer switch are you planning, portable set up or whole house

 

[steve308]

What kind of transfer switch are you planning, portable set up or whole house

Portable with an outlet to the exterior.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Before you go through the expense of a transfer switch, check out a generator interlock system. Less expensive and much more flexible as to what loads you can run.


If no interlock kit is available for your existing box, I would price out the cost of installing a larger breaker box with an interlock. It solves all of your problems and may actually save you money !

 

[Mustang51js]

If your going portable gen then I would do a 20 space panel next to your main with interlock kit, then move what you need on gen into that panel and leaves you with extra circuits in main panel to run the sub to garage

 

[steve308]

Thanks to all who provided info - I think I have enough info to call and give accurate info as to what I would like to do.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Portable with an outlet to the exterior.

So as to get your terms correct, the generator connection on the outside of the house is an INLET connection. It is male prongs with a weather proof cover over it. It cannot be made hot while exposed if the interlock is properly installed.

Charles

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I need to know my options so that when I call an electrician I can ask semi intelligent questions. ---

My breaker box is maxed out with no room for any additional breakers and I would also like to add a transfer switch so..., (100amp box)

(1) Can a sub panel be installed next to the current panel to get me additional breakers or do I need a new larger box installed? (trying to add in-floor heating to a room)

(2) I have three circuits from the panel running to the garage. (2 20amp / 1 15 amp). Should I have these converted into a 220 and run into a sub panel in the garage and then have the garage wiring run from it. Can I also have a single 220 plug with this arrangement?

Thanks in advance.

Before anyone can answer this, we need to know if the garage is attached or detached...

Yes to both but you have to calculate your total load with that new heating to see if 100 amps is enough.

When adding a load like heating, a load calc should be done first.

Thanks for the quick responses - ddawg16, It is a Crause Hinds and when last added to we used square d breakers. Thanks again

U should check if scquare D is a classified breaker for that panel. IIRCC Eaton is the ONLY company that makes classified breakers that work in almost any panel...

 

[Norcal]

SQ D circuit breakers are not classified to be used in any panel besides SQ D,Murray is the correct breaker for Crouse-Hinds, they were known as originally Murray before being renamed Crouse-Hinds, Siemens restored the name after buying them.

 

[steve308]

I'll have my electrician check the breakers.
Garage was detached then we put in an addition that shares a wall so now it is considered to be attached.
Yes, I will install an interlock when we upgrade.