Wiring Detached garage.- Sub panel amps?

[alecmcmahon]

I have a detached garage i'd like to re-wire in prep. for drywall.


My house currently has 100 amp service. With that in mind, what could safely be run to the garage sub panel?

60? 75?

This wont be a huge fab. garage, but i would like to run a welder ( prob. hobart 140, or 240 ) and a 40-60 gal compressor. Lets assume both with be ran on 240.

That, along with plenty of outlets, lights, ect.

Im most confused / concerned with how many amps the garage will be able to handle.

All large tools, if any. will only be ran one at a time most likely, in other words, i wont be running 2 welders, multiple grinders, and then kicking the compressor on at the same time.

Thanks.

 

[trbomax]

I would put nothing less than 100a in a shop/garage that is going to have a welder or large compressor.With only 100a in the house,that is probably due for an upgrade too.You could do a 60,but the only difference between a 60 and 100 is the cost of the wire.

 

[sberry]

I would use number 2 alum wire, as for the house upgrade it depends on the existing loads, all major electric appliances, or gas with the water heater likely being the biggest factor. Garage loads are rather insignificant in small shops most of the time, so intermittent. I am sure it has happened but with a couple dozen or so I have wired and fed with 60A breaker have never had one call back with a tripped feed.