Sub Panel for Detached Garage

[Fladiver64]

I could use so help with getting electrical to the new garage I am building. Building is a 30 x55 x 14 metal building used for car restoration and wood working. Plans include welder, large a/c , table saw and other fixed tools. I would like to put a 200 amp service out there but realize this may not be possible.

Current electrical is a 200 amp service, The distribution panel is in the garage. The outside panel is an Eaton MBT48B200BTS. There is only one breaker position open in the outside panel so I can't just wire in a sup panel off a new breaker. The spec sheet on this panel says it has a pass through lug. Can I wire the pass though to another "sub-panel" mounted on the house and then run cable to the new shop? Distance is about 100', then have a 200 amp distribution panel in the shop?

I asked the electrician that wired the house and I could not get a straight answer about if this was possible or what other solutions would be. The other electrician that can out to give me a quote, looked at this and said it could be a difficult project but at the same time didn't have a solution or compromise. I would at least like to have some ideas on how this should be done so I can ask intelligent questions of potential contractors.

Thanks

Mike

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Im a little confused.

This is what inunderstand. U have a house with the main service then a garage thats fed off that.

And then youre building a new additional garage?

Anyways, what electeic loads do u have in the house?

U need to do load calcs first...

 

[cort]

The "feed thru" lugs of your MBT48B200BTS are already connected to the panel in your existing garage. There is not an easy way to wire another sub panel to your current MBT48B200BTS in its present configuration. Can you relocate the breaker for your sump pump to the existing garage panel? This would open up space for a sub panel off of the MBT48B200BTS. Is it an option to have your new garage fed by the existing distribution panel in the existing garage? Otherwise, your choice is to change your outside MBT48B200BTS meter base to a different unit with more spaces/wiring options. It sounds like the two electricians with whom you consulted weren't very resourceful if they couldn't give you an immediate answer on what you want to do. You really need to consult with an electrician who specializes in mains service. As was suggested, a load calculation would be wise. If your potential power needs are large, you may need to upgrade your service. Any branching off your existing MBT48B200BTS means that you will always be limited to a total system of 200A--this includes whatever power draw is going to your house.

 

[unslow1]

We just put in another meter at my uncle's place. After consulting a couple of guys that was just the easiest way to go. One meter for the house with the near garage as a sub panel. A second meter for the farther garage with it's own panel and service. With the current the compressors and painting lights draw that's what we were told to do.

 

[soj]

We just put in another meter at my uncle's place. After consulting a couple of guys that was just the easiest way to go. One meter for the house with the near garage as a sub panel. A second meter for the farther garage with it's own panel and service. With the current the compressors and painting lights draw that's what we were told to do.

One thing to consider with two meters, is a min. monthly charge per meter. You will always be above it in the house, but it could cost you at the shop if you don't use the min. I have that setup, I think it is 6KW min. I usually go over that, but I am retired and am in the shop daily. Just something to ask the power co. about before you decide.
jp

 

[Fladiver64]

Cort, I had not thought about relocating the sump pump to the garage panel. I could run a new line through the garage ceiling easily. My understanding would be that I could then use that breaker to run the sub panel in the garage.

Yes I understand the 200 amp limit of the panel but given that everything does not run at the same time I think I can live with that at least for now. The power company has not been very useful as far as increasing the service, as their response is it will cost too much but not say what that cost is.

unslow ans soj, second meter is not an option as the county will only allow one per address, that was my first solution.

So how about this, use Corts idea to move the sump pump to the inside panel, Then put a 100 amp breaker in the space left. What I would probably do is run the wire size for a 200 amp service to the detached shop and a 200 amp panel, just replace the 200 amp main for a 100 amp. Then if at a later date I get the service upgraded all of the work underground and installed at the shop could stay.

 

[pattenp]

One issue you will need to deal with if using wire sized for 200A with a 100A breaker is the wire won't fit. You'll need to use reducers to drop down the wire size to fit.