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[spgirard30]

I have been lurking around and reading all the different discussions on adding a sub panel. I am about to add one to my attached garage, I want to add a 100 amp sub panel roughly about 50 ft from my main panel which is a 200 amp service and has about 10 open spots. After doing all the reading I am wondering if it would just be better off to run the lines I need to the garage and save some money on wire.

I am adding 3 240v outlets so I have dedicated outlets for my 2 welders and plasma cutter.

Miller 211 requires 25 amps at full power
Miller Diversion 180 TIG requires 20 amps
ESAB PCM 875 plasma requires 55 amps at full power which I will never use at home

I am wondering if I could get away with just running romex NM-B 6/3 from the main panel to outlets in the garage?

My other option is using #3 THHN and add a 100 amp sub panel in the garage and then have room to expand in the future?

Thanks

 

[spgirard30]

I also want to add that I just love this site, its now on my favorites and I have spent more time here then I should be... I am currently studying to take my National Registry EMT test in 4 weeks and this is killing my study habits!!!!

 

[madosta]

Having a sub-panel in the garage for what you're planning on doing will have many benefits over running individual circuits off the main panel. You'd probably use less wire with a sub-panel.

You'll have to run conduit from your main to your sub-panel (if using THHN), so that's probably going to be the biggest amount of work.

This site is indeed awesome and addicting! Nice M715?! Got any more pics?

 

[spgirard30]

Having a sub-panel in the garage for what you're planning on doing will have many benefits over running individual circuits off the main panel. You'd probably use less wire with a sub-panel.

You'll have to run conduit from your main to your sub-panel (if using THHN), so that's probably going to be the biggest amount of work.

This site is indeed awesome and addicting! Nice M715?! Got any more pics?

I have an album on photobucket

http://s853.beta.photobucket.com/user/shaungirard/library/M715

 

[pattenp]

I agree on using a sub-panel is best in the long run. You should consider using SER cable for the feeder to the sub-panel. If the SER can be run in the walls, in the attic or crawl space then no conduit is needed.

Edit: FYI - SE cable needs to be installed based on the same installation methods as NM cable except SE is only required to be sized by the 60C degree amp column when installed within thermal insulation.

 

[TerryH]

I'm no help on your electrical question but welcome to GJ pattenp!!

 

[pattenp]

I'm no help on your electrical question but welcome to GJ pattenp!!

Well.... thanks, but was the welcome meant for spgirard30?

 

[spgirard30]

I agree on using a sub-panel is best in the long run. You should consider using SER cable for the feeder to the sub-panel. If the SER can be run in the walls, in the attic or crawl space then no conduit is needed.

Edit: FYI - SE cable needs to be installed based on the same installation methods as NM cable except SE is only required to be sized by the 60C degree amp column when installed within thermal insulation.

Thanks for that info, thats actually a big savings since I can use aluminum wire. Correct me if I am wrong but I would need to get 1/0-1/0-1/0-2 right? That has a 100 amp rating at 60C

 

[spgirard30]

This site is indeed awesome and addicting! Nice M715?! Got any more pics?

I have a bunch of pictures here of my M715 project.

http://s853.beta.photobucket.com/user/shaungirard/library/M715

 

[pattenp]

Thanks for that info, thats actually a big savings since I can use aluminum wire. Correct me if I am wrong but I would need to get 1/0-1/0-1/0-2 right? That has a 100 amp rating at 60C

The #1/0 Al is right for 100A @ 60C if the SE cable will be running within thermal insulation such as in a wall cavity that is insulated with fiberglass. If the SE cable is run in a manner that it's not within insulation then it can be sized from the 75C degree column which is #1 Al for 100A.

 

[spgirard30]

The #1/0 Al is right for 100A @ 60C if the SE cable will be running within thermal insulation such as in a wall cavity that is insulated with fiberglass. If the SE cable is run in a manner that it's not within insulation then it can be sized from the 75C degree column which is #1 Al for 100A.

Thank you pattenp! now I just need to find a good place to find it online. I am currently overseas and going home in 3 weeks and want to have it there waiting for me to install

 

[pattenp]

Here's SER Al 1/0-1/0-1/0-2 ... http://www.wireandcabletogo.com/Alu...-0-3-2-ground-SER-Aluminum-Building-Wire.html

The advertizement picture is the wrong wire, that's SEU

This is SER...

*

 

[spgirard30]

Awesome thank you!