Running branch circuits

[kool55]

My 200 amp main panel is 80 ft. from where alot of electrical items will be. Parts room with air compressor,tankless propane water heater, etc. I am also thinking of locating my band saw and bridgeport in that area too.I think I should have a sub panel installed in the parts room and run circuits off of it.That would eliminate long wire runs. Sound ok?

 

[Kevin54]

I would. By doing that, you are running one larger line to the sub, instead of a bunch of heavier lines to where you need them. It would probably save quite a bit in $$$.

 

[MXtras]

That would be the correct way to do it. It would add a lot of flexibility in that distant area, too (easier to add a new circuit later).

Scott

 

[fotoflojoe]

Yep, absolutely. Yours is pretty much the exact situation that sub panels are designed for.

 

[Ezzie]

Yup, that's the way I did it as well. 200A service entrance and main panel feeds most of the building lighting, 110V and 220V receptacles and boiler, air compressor in the "mechanical" room, 100A sub panel off the main panel for the workshop area (lift, machinery) that is about 60' away. Gives lots of flexibility if you want to add extra machinery later on.

 

[kool55]

Thanks guys, now I just need to figure out the amp capacity sub panel [100?]and the wire guage for the feeders. I will run it up above the ceiling in non metalic conduit and down into the parts/ compressor room.

Hey Scott. I am getting close to hooking up my vfd for the Bridgeport. I will try to find your writeup when you did yours. Glenn

 

[ng8264723]

I bought the Black and decker home wiring book when I first installed a subpanel. It is a great book and very informative. I ran a 100amp sub to my barn. I used 2/3 wire (alum). It was around 120 feet away. It has worked great for a few years now. I would definaately recomend at least a 100amp sub. The B and D book has all the necessary guages for the amps your running. It is easy to read and has great circuit diagrams.

 

[boiler7904]

A subpanel near the main electrical loads also makes shutting off a circuit easier than walking through the house to get to the panel.

 

[locomike]

I'm not the only one with that book a? Glad to see I wasn't the only electrical rookie!

 

[sberry]

Yes, with 80 ft and multiple circuit a sub makes a lot of sense, my building is big and I have 5 subs in it just for that reason.

 

[kool55]

OK, I think I have it figured out. Since I have a Cutler Hammer 200amp ch loadcenter now I will use a Cutler Hammer 125 amp main lug center with 16 spaces and their 3 pole single throw disconnect switches for the compressor, Bridgeport , band saw and future lathe. Feeder line will be Southwire copper SER 2-2-2-4 .I wanted 100 amp capacity but thought 125 would give me some cushion. Have I overlooked anything?

 

[sberry]

You need a bigger wire for 125A.

 

[Aceman]

You need a bigger wire for 125A.

I agree.

Feeder line will be Southwire copper SER 2-2-2-4 .I wanted 100 amp capacity

That's the max breaker size you can go with right there, assuming your calculated load isn't over 95 amps.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You need a bigger wire for 125A.

Note he said COPPER. I think 125 will be OK for this.

On second thought, I looked again, and agree, 100 amp is probably it.

Charles

 

[kool55]

I spent the best part of today calling electric supply houses in the area along with stopping lowes and Home Depot and could not find 2-2-2-4 copper feeder SER. Everybody has AL.

 

[Aceman]

I spent the best part of today calling electric supply houses in the area along with stopping lowes and Home Depot and could not find 2-2-2-4 copper feeder SER. Everybody has AL.

Personally, I've never seen copper SER, only heard of it. But, any decent electrical supply house should be able to get it for you. Otherwise, 1/0 AL ser will get you 100 amps too, if they can get that for you instead. 2/0 AL will get you to a 125 amp breaker, if you're calculated load is under 115 amps.