Using Large Generator To Power Shop

[Bobcat753]

I will be moving shortly and will have a detached 25'-25' 2 car garage for my work space. The problem is there is only sufficient wiring run to it to power lights and a few 110v outlets. I want to be able to use 220v and some heavy duty 110v outlets.
I'm wondering if it is possible to have a breaker panel that can be wired to a plug outside that I can plug into my welder/generator into, to power the outlets. I will only be running one 220v machine at a time. My generator can put out 15,000W. A qualified electrician will do the work.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I will be moving shortly and will have a detached 25'-25' 2 car garage for my work space. The problem is there is only sufficient wiring run to it to power lights and a few 110v outlets. I want to be able to use 220v and some heavy duty 110v outlets.
I'm wondering if it is possible to have a breaker panel that can be wired to a plug outside that I can plug into my welder/generator into, to power the outlets. I will only be running one 220v machine at a time. My generator can put out 15,000W. A qualified electrician will do the work.

Did u want to have both the utility power and generator power available at the same time?

Is the generator gonna have its own panel?

What kind of outlets does the generator have?

 

[matt_i]

The only problem is generator power and thus internal combustion power is only around 25% efficient. The power company gets a lot more out of their turbine processes, I'm guessing around 75%. Thus lower cost.

If gas gets back to $4 and copper wire doubles in price I think it might be (have been?) a good choice to run a dedicated service now rather than later.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . if it's going to be powered by your Miller Trailblazer, then I'd just put in new "subpanel" that is isolated from the existing wiring. Homerun your 240v circuits and 20A 120v circuits to the new "Trailblazer subpanel" and have it's only power come from TB sitting outside with appropriate plug..

Later when proper large buried wire is done to shop, connect the subpanels together and discontinue using Trail Blazer, along with removing that plug.

 

[tyme2par4]

It can very easily be done.
Unless the garage is over 100' away from the house, I wouldn't hesitate to just run new wire and conduit to a new sub panel in the garage.
The cost of gas for a generator is going to add up really fast.

 

[sberry]

If you have an electrician he will tell you to put in a new wire. If he doesn't he aint "qualified"

 

[Bobcat753]

I know I could trench in new wire from the house but that would mean upgrading the house's subpanel, currently 100A, and ripping up half the driveway. Also the trailblazer uses a 14-50R plug. It is very good on gas and puts out power that is very clean. Yes it will also have its own panel.


CNGSaves- That is what I was kinda thinking, I can do electrical but for insurance purposes don't want to have to pay if there is an electrical fire somehow.

 

[sberry]

It cost 10X to run a TB as it does line power.

I can do electrical but for insurance purposes don't want to have to pay if there is an electrical fire somehow.

Where did you learn this?

 

[mike93lx]

I know I could trench in new wire from the house but that would mean upgrading the house's subpanel, currently 100A, and ripping up half the driveway. Also the trailblazer uses a 14-50R plug. It is very good on gas and puts out power that is very clean. Yes it will also have its own panel.


CNGSaves- That is what I was kinda thinking, I can do electrical but for insurance purposes don't want to have to pay if there is an electrical fire somehow.

Why do you need to upgrade the house's panel? You could easily run a 60+ amp sub off a 100 amp main.

 

[Falcon67]

Why do you need to upgrade the house's panel? You could easily run a 60+ amp sub off a 100 amp main.

This, or get the POCO to drop a small 60A or 100A breaker panel/disconnect off the meter base and run your feed from that.

 

[ez-duzit]

Run new wire from your house and don't Mickey Mouse it.

 

[A_Pmech]

Powering somethimg from a generator is never ever a good option if utility power is available.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I know I could trench in new wire from the house but that would mean upgrading the house's subpanel, currently 100A, and ripping up half the driveway. Also the trailblazer uses a 14-50R plug. It is very good on gas and puts out power that is very clean. Yes it will also have its own panel.


CNGSaves- That is what I was kinda thinking, I can do electrical but for insurance purposes don't want to have to pay if there is an electrical fire somehow.

How did u come up with needing to upgrade the house service?

What loads do u have in the house?

How far away is the garage?

 

[sberry]

If I can save myself money and work by digging a ditch I am all over it. Takes all the maintenance, service, fuel and becomes a capitol improvement almost immediately. I will dig a ditch to save dragging extra garden hose if it is regular and you do have some line power but in this case is well underserved and you would be done with an upgrade most likely.
For out building I have added some extra wire and went back to a main on occasion.

 

[sberry]

It takes a lot of work for a hobby type to put a welding hour in real field service on a welding machine expecially if they have electric in a shop. While you been putzing around with it the cost has been marginal and a tank of fuel last a long time and the hr meter spins slow, run a little aux power and that will get real old in a hurry as will starting that sucker to make a tack weld or fabricate from.
Don't take a week or so and a guy starts to see he could buy a little Maxstar for free.

 

[sberry]

I would buy a cord from the house before I would spend a nickel hooking up a genset.