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Very small exterior panel suggestions?

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shaggyant

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Oct 10, 2011
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201
Location
North Idaho
I’m considering running 10/3 NM-B to a small shed so I can have exterior and interior lights and a couple receptacles (maybe four circuits max). It would be easier to mount the panel on the outside of the shed. What panel would everyone recommend for this? I see some tiny ones with only two slots. Can I run tandem breakers in both slots to get my four circuits?
 
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sparky 1971

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Oct 9, 2018
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Location
Central Iowa
shaggyant said:
I’m considering running 10/3 NM-B to a small shed so I can have exterior and interior lights and a couple receptacles (maybe four circuits max). It would be easier to mount the panel on the outside of the shed. What panel would everyone recommend for this? I see some tiny ones with only two slots. Can I run tandem breakers in both slots to get my four circuits?
Click to expand...
As long as the panel is listed for tandems, you can.

These would work. I admit to being a Square D fan boy, others will be along to post examples of Siemens and Eaton before too long.

They used the wrong picture here, the panel does not come with a breaker installed. A spa panel is pictured.
www.menards.com

Square D™ Homeline™ 70 Amp 2-Space 4-Circuit Outdoor Surface Mount Main Lug Load Center

Square D Homeline 70 amp 2-Space 4-Circuit Outdoor Main Lugs Load Center is UL listed for residential and commercial power distribution. The load center has a plated, aluminum bus bar that is tested and listed only for Homeline circuit breakers. Homeline load centers are designed for...
www.menards.com www.menards.com

OR

www.menards.com

Square D™ QO™ 70-Amp 2-Space 4 Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center

Square D QO 70 amp 2-Space 4-Circuit Fixed Main Lugs Outdoor Load Center is UL listed for residential, commercial, and industrial power distribution. This load center has a rugged thermoplastic interior and an aluminum bus bar plated for reliability. QO load centers are tested and listed only...
www.menards.com www.menards.com

You could get a six space for just a few bucks more.
 
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mike93lx

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Richmond, VA
Do you really need more than two circuits? Could just do a mwbc with two circuits. No subpanel, no ground rods. Just run it through a dual pole switch or disconnect, then two gfci receptacles.
 
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S

shaggyant

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 10, 2011
Messages
201
Location
North Idaho
mike93lx said:
Do you really need more than two circuits? Could just do a mwbc with two circuits. No subpanel, no ground rods. Just run it through a dual pole switch or disconnect, then two gfci receptacles.
Click to expand...

Hmm… I could maybe make that work. Since I want receptacles I’d be limited to a 20 amp breaker then right? I can’t imagine 10/3 and a 30 amp breaker with normal 15 amp receptacles is ok.

what does the dual pole switch do? I wouldn’t want to shut off the receptacles only the lights.

mike93lx said:
#2 MHF here we come!
Click to expand...

That’s what I’m afraid of. Not worth it for a shed on skids.
 
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mike93lx

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Location
Richmond, VA
shaggyant said:
Hmm… I could maybe make that work. Since I want receptacles I’d be limited to a 20 amp breaker then right? I can’t imagine 10/3 and a 30 amp breaker with normal 15 amp receptacles is ok.

what does the dual pole switch do? I wouldn’t want to shut off the receptacles only the lights.



That’s what I’m afraid of. Not worth it for a shed on skids.
Click to expand...
Correct, you would be limited to two 20a circuits. #10 is fine on a 20a circuit...I did that for my shed due to the distance.

You need a master disconnect and a dual pole switch is one way to do that (cheap, too). Could also have a a/c disconnect.

Downstream of that switch, you would have any receptacles and light switches.
 
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sparky 1971

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Location
Central Iowa
shaggyant said:
Well, this one’s only $48. That might not be a bad idea.

https://www.menards.com/main/electr...384-c-6438.htm?tid=6803175430350475838&ipos=6
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The extra cost will be offset by not having to buy tandems. One thing: If you have a panel, code says you need to install two ground rods. Put them six feet apart. I don't think the panel will come with a separate ground bar, so get one of those, or better yet, two small bars and put one on each side. The neutrals and grounds need to be separate at the sub panel. And I can't see this happening, but don't put tandems in it to where there are more than six circuits. You can have up to six throws of breakers to turn things off before you need a main. The six space panel has the potential to become 12 throws. I may or may not have had 14 throws in my garage before I put the new service in that included a new main breaker panel in the garage.

If you could get by with two 20 amp circuits and go without the panel, you would eliminate the need for the ground rods. You could still take the 10/3 to the disconnect and if more is needed in the future, install the panel then.
 
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Bert_

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Dec 24, 2016
Messages
9,856
Location
NW Iowa
Ge TL412, 4 space can put 8 circuits if needed.

I don't know why other manufacturers can't make a nice little panel like this.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Aug 14, 2012
Messages
20,179
Location
Modesto, CA
shaggyant said:
I’m considering running 10/3 NM-B to a small shed so I can have exterior and interior lights and a couple receptacles (maybe four circuits max). It would be easier to mount the panel on the outside of the shed. What panel would everyone recommend for this? I see some tiny ones with only two slots. Can I run tandem breakers in both slots to get my four circuits?
Click to expand...
NM-b is not permitted or rated for use underground or outdoors, regardless if its in conduit.
 
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