New shop build- Power needs

[Catadj78]

I had planned on 200amp service without even knowing my needs.

I started searching to figure out a material lists of what I need to buy before the concrete is poured. (I want underground service) and came across several people getting by with 100 amp service.

Question is what is the rough cost difference?

Wouldn't it be better to have more now than not enough later etc?

Am I overdoing it with 200 amp?

Welder, plasma cutter (GJ group buy), lights, air compressor, TV, Fridge, Radio, various power tools, small AC for now, heater, etc etc. Typical shop stuff I would think. Not much would be on at the same time I cant imagine

 

[thewatusi]

Am I overdoing it with 200 amp?

yes

100a is plenty

 

[dfiler2]

I went with a 200 amp, the difference in the initial cost is very low. I expect the building to be here for a very long time and who knows what the future will hold.

 

[Rosco]

If building, 200 amp is the route I would take. That is what I did even though "at the time" I did not need it. 7 years later and I am so glad I did.

 

[BikerDad]

Calculate your base load. That's lights, radio, refrigerator, freezer, HVAC, air filtration, i.e. everything that is "background" and likely to be running when you're in there, whether or not you're working with any specific machines.

Then look at intermittent power users. The primary one of these is a compressor.

Last, look at specific machines. Add up the total of any and all machines that will be used at the SAME time. These depend on how many people will be working in the shop.

It IS possible to go over 100 amps. Lots of lights, HVAC, a freezer and refrigerator, an air filtration system, a wide belt sander and a big DC could push it over. It's even easier when there's two or more people working. That said, it's not likely when it's just one person.

 

[jomobco]

I went with a 200 amp, the difference in the initial cost is very low. I expect the building to be here for a very long time and who knows what the future will hold.

I agree. Look at initial cost differences, do the load calcs and base your decision on numbers.

 

[Catadj78]

I should have said the size.

40x40x10. 12x20 office that will be heated and cooled year round.
full bath. water heater. washer/dryer combo unit (pulled it out of my old 5th wheel)
most wood working tools and a few metal working tools.

Could be a couple people working in it at the same time. Welder and compressor likely going at the same time as well as AC or heater

 

[pattenp]

I should have said the size.

40x40x10. 12x20 office that will be heated and cooled year round.
full bath. water heater. washer/dryer combo unit (pulled it out of my old 5th wheel)
most wood working tools and a few metal working tools.

Could be a couple people working in it at the same time. Welder and compressor likely going at the same time as well as AC or heater

Because of this additional info, 200A is the answer.

 

[Catadj78]

Thanks, 200 amp it is.

Any suggestions for exterior and interior breaker boxes? I am trying to put together a material list on HD.com so I can have it all ready to pick up when I am ready.

I have all the 20 amp outlets, boxes for outlets, switches, switch boxes and covers. (40 outlets and 20 switches-bulk packages, should have a few extra of each) 12-2 wire and 14-2 wire (500 ft each), GFCI (9) 1 planned for each circuit and a couple extra for future use.

Links would be awesome so I can add them to the cart.

Any other suggestions?

thanks

Home Depot because I can get 0% for 6 months. Anywhere cheaper that I should look at?

 

[whitedogone]

I prefer square d QO panel boards.