To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

To Subpanel or not to Subpanel...

tfalk

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 30, 2015
Messages
319
Location
Somerset NJ
OK, hopefully picture linked will make sense...

Existing panel has 1 space left... It is also a subpanel since the 'main' panel is now the whole house transfer switch connected to the generator.

Used to use part of the basement as a workshop, now it's just storage. It currently has 4 circuit breakers feeding it - a 220/?? (have to check) with 12/3 wire for the air compressor and (2) 20 amp breakers feeding 12/2 circuits for wiring and lighting. Air compressor will be staying there....

Looking at building a new garage off that corner of the house. Other than lighting and general tools, garage will also have either a 2 post or 4 post lift. Thinking 4 breakers will be sufficient.

What I am thinking of doing is instead of running a new subpanel all the way out to the garage, removing the 4 breakers that feed the old workshop. Pull the wiring from the panel that feeds the compressor and the 2 light/outlet breakers from the panel to their first connection in the room. Running either 4/4/4/6 or most likely 2/2/2/4 to the old workshop and installing a subpanel in the top right corner of the picture. From that subpanel, I can then wire the compressor and connect the 2 existing lighting and outlet circuits re-using the wire that previous went back to the main panel. From that new subpanel, I can then run 2/2/2/4 or 4/4/4/6 out to the garage and install a new subpanel for the lift, lights, outlets, etc.

I'm leaning towards using 2/2/2/4 and running it all as a 100 amp breaker off the main or would it make more sense to use the 4/4/4/6 and make it all a 60 amp breaker? I have no intention of ever owning an electric vehicle but never say never...

TIA for thoughts...

http://lbisunsets.com/images/NewSubPanels.jpg
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Terry D

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 25, 2015
Messages
2,202
Location
St. Louis, MO.
Defiantly a sub panel. Check with your local codes. There are some areas in the country where you can use #2 Alum. for 100 amp and some where you can not.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

rannoch

Active member
Joined
Jul 28, 2015
Messages
42
Location
PNW
If you ever decide to sell, having the wiring in place for an EV expands your pool of buyers even if it doesn't have a direct impact on your sale price.
 
OP
T

tfalk

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 30, 2015
Messages
319
Location
Somerset NJ
Are you going to use aluminum or copper wire?
After looking at wire prices, most likely aluminum. $400 difference, yikes. Haven't decided if I'm going to do it myself or hire a sparky. Town is a royal PITA to deal with so will probably have an electrician do the 2 panels and 1 outlet and light in the garage if/when it's contructed, then do all the inside garage stuff myself afterwards.
 

75gmck25

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 21, 2014
Messages
1,328
Location
Alexandria, VA
Many folks use 2-2-2-4 AL dual rated mobile home feeder (MHF) because it is relatively inexpensive and it is easy to find. It needs to be in conduit inside a building, but can be in conduit or direct bury outside. It would allow a breaker up to 90 amps in the main panel.

On the garage end use a 100 amp panel with about 24 spaces just to give you lots of flexibility.

Bruce
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom