Sub Panel next to Main

[Royalwapiti]

Hi,

I just a built a garage and need power to it. I have a more imminent project that is happening first. Adding electric to my basement that is about to get finished.

I don't need much power to the garage so I plan to run that 60 amp service from the new 100 amp sub panel for the basement. I know I can run a sub to sub.

But my question is, can I buy a 100amp "main" type breaker panel and install it next to my main and use only the 100amp breakers that feed the sub panel, or will I need to buy and use the 100 amp main breakers that disconnect the sub panel. (The "main" that sits at the top. I am trying to eliminate a set of redundant 100 amp breakers.

Also trying to factor in the cost of arc flash breakers, so if one brand is cheaper than others I can go with those since almost every circuit in the basement is a finished space and will need the Arc protection.

Thanks

 

[Terry D]

Hi,

I just a built a garage and need power to it. I have a more imminent project that is happening first. Adding electric to my basement that is about to get finished.

I don't need much power to the garage so I plan to run that 60 amp service from the new 100 amp sub panel for the basement. I know I can run a sub to sub.

But my question is, can I buy a 100amp "main" type breaker panel and install it next to my main and use only the 100amp breakers that feed the sub panel, or will I need to buy and use the 100 amp main breakers that disconnect the sub panel. (The "main" that sits at the top. I am trying to eliminate a set of redundant 100 amp breakers.

Also trying to factor in the cost of arc flash breakers, so if one brand is cheaper than others I can go with those since almost every circuit in the basement is a finished space and will need the Arc protection.

Thanks

I take it that you have a 200 amp service. You can install 100 amp main lug panel next to your main panel. There is no need for a main breaker in this sub panel, you will just need the 100 amp breaker in your main panel to feed your new sub panel. For your 60 amp panel in your garage, you will need a 100 amp main breaker panel, if you are going to have more than 6 circuits, anything more than 6 needs a main disconnect and the easiest way is just install a main breaker panel. The 100 amp main outside would just be for a disconnect, it will still be fused properly from the basement sub. You will install a 60 amp breaker in your new 100 amp sub in basement to feed this.

Remember, any panels after your main panel are sub panels. They need to be fed with 4 conductors ( separate neutral and equipment ground). The neutral buss in the sub panels has to be isolated from the metal of the enclosure. The ground bar mounts right to the enclosure. These 2 bars are isolated from each other. You will also need to add 2 ground rods out at the garage.

As far as one brand of arc faults being cheaper, I think they are all pretty close in price. It depends where you get them. supply houses can be a little cheaper or a lot more than the big box stores

 

[Royalwapiti]

Thanks, that was a detailed detailed answer.

 

[dave*99]

Is your garage attached or detached? There are some differing requirements for those cases.