Need to wire my shop

[Sychotix57]

I have a 24x30 metal building I'm having built. I have a 100amp panel to install that was free. I want to feed it off my house, which is roughly 75 feet away. I will be running light fixtures, fridge, a fan, power tools, and a 110 air compressor. I'd like have 220 if I can so I can use a welder or upgrade my air compressor. Due to finances, 220 is not a necessity. What size wire should I run? I've read other threads but I just don't understand of them.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[matt_i]

Alarm bells start going off at the mention of "free panel". Depending on what brand, how old, etc, it might be better to get a new one at your local big box.

You will have 240vac available in the panel whether you like it or not.

The time to study your panel location and correctly locate the feed conduit is *now*.

You have more time to finalize your layout and put specific circuits here and there but I'd also recommend a "shotgun" approach of putting outlets every "X" inches based on the availability of attaching to your interior "framework".

 

[Sychotix57]

Alarm bells start going off at the mention of "free panel". Depending on what brand, how old, etc, it might be better to get a new one at your local big box.

You will have 240vac available in the panel whether you like it or not.

The time to study your panel location and correctly locate the feed conduit is *now*.

You have more time to finalize your layout and put specific circuits here and there but I'd also recommend a "shotgun" approach of putting outlets every "X" inches based on the availability of attaching to your interior "framework".

Well it's a Square D panel (not sure of age) I just figured that would save me $100. I'd like outlets every 4ft to match the framework and one or two 220 outlets. I had a electrician tell me to use direct burial wire to the house. And I already have about 200ft of Romex (free) that I'd like to use as well.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[rburke65]

Its worth it in the long run to update your location in your profile. Run 2" PVC conduit and pull in your feed. What size service do you have in your house?

 

[Sychotix57]

Its worth it in the long run to update your location in your profile. Run 2" PVC conduit and pull in your feed. What size service do you have in your house?

Alright. I have 200amp on the house and have 3 spots left on my house panel.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[malibu101]

I understand being on a budget....
While a trench is dug for whatever electric you take to the shop, put in a conduit for communication wires even if you're not going to use it now.
Conduit is not too expensive and it's easier than digging again.

Otherwise, if you don't, in a few years, you'll remember my bit of advise.

 

[Sychotix57]

I understand being on a budget....
While a trench is dug for whatever electric you take to the shop, put in a conduit for communication wires even if you're not going to use it now.
Conduit is not too expensive and it's easier than digging again.

Otherwise, if you don't, in a few years, you'll remember my bit of advise.

Noted.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Bert_]

75' of aluminum would be pretty cheap. Some #2 would get you 90 amps.
That setup would be fine, probably even overkill as long as you don't plan some massive welder or air compressor. You can compare prices of wire if you want to go smaller but you won't save much.

Otherwise, if you don't, in a few years, you'll remember my bit of advise.

Or 40+ years. I've seen lots of URD from the 70's that's never had issues.

 

[Sychotix57]

75' of aluminum would be pretty cheap. Some #2 would get you 90 amps.
That setup would be fine, probably even overkill as long as you don't plan some massive welder or air compressor. You can compare prices of wire if you want to go smaller but you won't save much.



Or 40+ years. I've seen lots of URD from the 70's that's never had issues.

So do I use 2/2/4/6 or 2/2/2/4?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[malibu101]

75' of aluminum would be pretty cheap. Some #2 would get you 90 amps.
That setup would be fine, probably even overkill as long as you don't plan some massive welder or air compressor. You can compare prices of wire if you want to go smaller but you won't save much.



Or 40+ years. I've seen lots of URD from the 70's that's never had issues.

I don't disagree with what you say about URD.

Read my whole post not just the last line of it that was quoted above.
I wasn't talking about about electric wires.

 

[sberry]

2 2 2 4 , this is as cheap and good as it gets. You can do it either way, direct or pipe. If you know you need another cable, tv or such the time to include it is now but with wireless there isn't much need for additional raceway.

 

[Notgrownup]

I used 2/2/2/4 I think, it was direct burial but I still ran it in conduit for extra protection. I think the local guy called it Mobile Home Feed...I have a 100 amp sub, I am wiring for A/C, compressor, both 220vac and 12/3 romex throughout with 20 amp breakers. I think an outlet every 4 ft us a bit overkill but that is me...I have mine every 8'. I did do a breaker for each wall for 3 wall but split over 2 breakers on my workbench wall.
1 breaker for 8 each 4' T8 double fixtures and miscellaneous other lines...ceiling fans, attic lights and garage door opener, outside lighting etc....and a 30 amp reverse feed fir generator.

 

[sberry]

I did do a breaker for each wall for 3 wall but split over 2 breakers on my workbench wall

. This is good, a couple general tool circuits with nothing but recepts on them, I like a circuit for all the parasitic stuff and a way to get at the panel for any additional specialized equipment that comes along, nothing better than being able to tailor it as it happens.

 

[Bert_]

Either 2-2-2-4 or 2-2-4-6, I have heard some area's don't like the reduced neutral. In many other area's the reduced neutral is common.

I don't disagree with what you say about URD.
Read my whole post not just the last line of it that was quoted above.
I wasn't talking about about electric wires.

Looks like I have to eat my words this time. I'm getting so used to the usual "URD is going to fail is a few years" line that I didn't read what you wrote very thoughtfully. Sorry for jumping to conclusions.

I do agree that it would be good to consider making provisions if you every want data/cable in the building. Seems like many people battle a wireless setup that doesn't work well.

 

[Sychotix57]

I used 2/2/2/4 I think, it was direct burial but I still ran it in conduit for extra protection. I think the local guy called it Mobile Home Feed...I have a 100 amp sub, I am wiring for A/C, compressor, both 220vac and 12/3 romex throughout with 20 amp breakers. I think an outlet every 4 ft us a bit overkill but that is me...I have mine every 8'. I did do a breaker for each wall for 3 wall but split over 2 breakers on my workbench wall.
1 breaker for 8 each 4' T8 double fixtures and miscellaneous other lines...ceiling fans, attic lights and garage door opener, outside lighting etc....and a 30 amp reverse feed fir generator.

Okay. I had the same general idea. Thanks

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[wyliesdiesels]

conduit is cheap insurance.

Use #2 for the 90a MHF and a couple 1" for comm cable in the future if u dont need it now.

U will also need 2 ground rods spaced min 6' and an isolated neutral bar. U may also need to buy a ground bar kit that is listed for your panel.

 

[HotwheelsYJ]

I have basically the same shop dimensions 32x20 with a 100 amp panel fed with 2/2/2/4 direct burial mobile home wire. (90A breaker @ main)
Plus a run of 3/4 PEX for internet.

I put 110v outlets every 32"(2 studs) @ 49" to bottom of box.
My breaker layout is:
1. 50a welder, door wall
2. 50a welder, back wall
3. 30a compressor outside
4. 110 back wall
5. 110 left side
6. 110 right side
7. 110 overhead & door wall
8. Lights
9. Water heater

I have a few more slots open if I ever decide to add dedicated HVAC. For now, I made a pigtail to plug in the welder outlet for the window AC or elec heater.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

Run another one for AC and heater, they probably require a similar breaker. Not all the 240v stuff is legit to run on 50A.