Tired of these wimpy 120v machines...

[sediener]

So I am going to finally get 220 out in the garage.

The problem is that I am out of room in the main house panel and want to get a subpanel installed in the garage.

Can anyone recommend an electrician in the Garner/S Raleigh area?

Anoone have an idea of what it would run to get a 100A panel installed with a single 25amp plug near the panel? I'm comfortable installing subsequent circuits but want a pro to install the subpanel.

thanks,

[sediener]

Originally Posted by Charles Lent

You haven't said what size (amps) your main breaker panel is. If it isn't at least 200 amps you will likely have problems feeding all of these new loads and your house too.

The subpanel in the house is 100A with no HVAC on it. HVAC is powered by its own breakers off the main panel. I believe it is a 200A service but will have to check.

To free up enough space for installing a main breaker to feed your sub panel you can get some double breakers to replace some of the existing breakers in the panel. These double breakers allow you to feed 2 circuits from one breaker position in the panel. Replace a few of your breakers with these and you have created the space that you need for the big breaker to feed your sub panel.

Charley

Thanks, I used some of these to put in a 30A and 20A 120 in the subpanel. I'll have to see if this is possible in the main panel.

- Steve

[DaveD]

Sounds like your house is wired like mine. Out by the meter is an external panel with several bigger breakers in it. One 100A one feeds the main house panel for all the 'normal' circuits. Then a breaker for the outside AC units and another one for the range in the kitchen. Maybe one for the dryer (can't remember).

Its that outside panel that you want to put the new 100A (if it fits) breaker in to feed the new panel in the shop. If there is any space at all I'd bet it will at least take a 50 or 60 amp double pole breaker. You can still put the 100A panel in the garage so you have enough breaker spaces and run it off the new 50 or 60 amp double pole breaker.

If you have space in the outside panel for two 60A double pole breakers (mine had the space) you could feed the future hot tub that way and not from the shop.

I'd guess the line from the utility is 200 Amps so you should be able to do what you want (maybe not the hot tub).

If you go messing around in that outside panel be aware you can't disconnect the buss bars from the incoming utility without pulling the meter out. You need to be 'comfortable' going into that panel if you are going to do it yourself.

[froglips]

You might also want to get an estimate on a second service drop installed by the power company. That way you can also have a meter dedicated to your hot tub.

In the foggy recesses of my memory, I read that it can be cheaper to do that than tie into existing service.

Jim