Replies

1. 
   bones | Nov 29, 2006 07:15pm | #1

   Good luck on the project. I've been gone from Roanoke for a good year now and still miss VA and would move back in a heartbeat if I could afford to. I thought I paid high taxes in VA, but IL is something else, but thats a whole different thread. Take care. 

2. 
   TKanzler | Nov 30, 2006 09:26pm | #2

   Susan

   You can get a minimum ampacity size for your new panel by listing out your actual loads, from the nameplates of the tools and other loads.  It will give you a good idea of what you really need as a minimum.

   Make two columns on paper.  Put the 120V loads that will or can run concurrently with each other and with 240V load into one or the other column.  Put the 240V loads into both columns.  Typically, you would run DC, a large saw, probably an air compressor (which can cycle on by itself), plus lights, and maybe an ambient air cleaner.  Be sure you've got everything you may run at the same time. 

   Make some small effort to balance the two columns, especially with large 120V loads, like heaters/window A/C (not usually at the same time, or course) and large (high amperage) motorized tools.  Add up the loads in each column.  The worst case column is the minimum you would need, and of course, some headroom should be added.  Unless you are going to use a lot of electric heat, or some other very hungry load, I'd be surprised if you needed more than a 50 or 60A panel, though there is certainly nothing wrong with going larger.  My last garage shop was just fine with a 30A panel (cable was already there, so I used it).  Give your list of worst-case loads and where you'd like to put the receptacles to your electrician so he or she can size the feeder and balance the loads during the installation.

   Just remember that a 100A 120/240V panel will give you 200A of 120V power.  That's a lot of routers, lights, and shop vacs. ;~o

   Good luck with it.

   Be seeing you...