wiring a subpanel converting a 230v outlet

[eweber2112]

What I currently have is a 30 amp 230v outlet in the detached garage and a separate 15am line run for outlets and lighting (2 outlets, 2 light fixtures). I dont need the 230v outlet and was wondering if its possible to convert this over to a subpanel so I can get more 110 outlets and lighting in the garage.

The wiring is currently a 3 wire system on the 230v outlet from the main panel. The main is 200amp service that was recently updated.

The garage does have a gas line from the house out to the garage that is underground but not currently used.

The house and garage were built in 1966.

What i was wondering is can I Convert the 230v to be my feeds into a subpanel and use grounding rods at the garage or will i need to rerun the feeds with a 4 wire setup.

The run isnt far and i may be better off doing a new run as I have plenty of space in my main panel.

I have searched and googled but i keep getting lost and figured i would get some opinions.

Thanks

 

[justsam]

I would do as you suggest, and do a new 4 wire run, and establish a subpanel in the garage. That way you will have the option of 240VAC or 120VAC, and it is the right way to do it. Give an idea of equipment to be used in the garage and a better estimate can be made of proper wire size.

You will need the ground rods as you suggest, and you will need to remove the existing 120VAC feed as you may have only one feed to the detached garage.

 

[Norcal]

The existing feeds do not comply with code as only one feeder is allowed to the garage, a new four wire feeder to a panel in the garage is a great way to clean it up.

 

[CNGsaves]

What is distance from house to garage ??

How does wire get out to garage ?? You have buried conduit . . . what size??

Search prior GJ threads as most common wire used (if not too long a run) is MHF (mobile home feeder) Aluminum 2-2-2-4 which will get you 90A at the garage. Thus, you put 90A breaker in the main panel, and use standard 100A subpanel in garage. MHF Al is around $1.50/ft at big box stores and you will want 2 ground rods at detached garage.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The wiring is currently a 3 wire system on the 230v outlet from the main panel. The main is 200amp service that was recently updated.

The house and garage were built in 1966.

What i was wondering is can I Convert the 230v to be my feeds into a subpanel and use grounding rods at the garage or will i need to rerun the feeds with a 4 wire setup.

To meet current code, you need 4 wires. However, there are probably hundreds of thousands of garages still,in use everyday, built with sub-panels that are feed with 3 wire before the current code. Just sayin'

 

[eweber2112]

The garage to panel is approximately 20 feet, the feeds are not in a conduit, part of the issue is that the outlets and the wiring for them are actually inset into the cinderblock walls.

So the best recommendation is to go with conduit and replace all the wiring to a sub panel and then redo the garage wiring.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What equipment will u have?

Gonna have to rip it all out and start fresh, as has been said, can only have one feed to a detached structure...

 

[eweber2112]

Compressor, Mig Welder, Arc welder, basic power tools all 110.

I am going to take everyone's advice and redo it all. I think the best way is to basically lay out the panel and the garage wiring to my satisfaction over time and just continue to use whats out there for now. Once i have everything run i will then run the new MHF line from the house to the garage and disconnect the old lines. This way I am not stuck without power in the garage more than a day or two. Best thing is my Niece's Fiance is an Apprentice Electrician so he will double check all my work.