All,
will have to install a subpanel in my garage and run some wiring to accomodate the 240V bandsaw I ordered today <gloat> a MiniMax E16 </gloat>
I figure I’ll have room for 10 breakers in the typical subpanel. My plan is to use one for the electric heater (20A), one for lighting (20A), 4 for outlets all around around the garage and 1 pair for 240V tools and one for the house AC condenser unit.
I want to install a metal raceway (per the book “Setting up Shop”‘ recommendation and install the outlets into the raceway for maximum flexibility.
As for capacity I can easily hook it up to a (sized for 40A) 6 gauge line currently powering the AC. I almost never use that thing anyway so I’ll extend this line to the subpanel and dedicate a pair of 40A breakers in the subpanel to the condenser. Running something from the main panel to the subpanel directly would be difficult because of all the finished space in-between (i.e. the entire house).
Is there anything wrong with this plan so far ?
My question is what’s a good place to buy metal raceway and the outlets for it ? Local electrical supply house ? I don’t even know where a local one is … the big box stores had everything I needed so far for basic wiring etc.
I am quite comfortable doing electrical work and I will get the permits, inspections etc., naturally.
Any recommendations what I should consider also ? I also have the Black&Decker book on home wiring btw.
When buying a panel, what’s the difference between a subpanel and a main panel ? Is it just a main (100A / 200A) breaker that sits in front of the little breakers ? I assume I should get 20A twist-lock plug/sockets for the bandsaw ?
Thanks for all your help
Patrick
Replies
I would suggest that you post this over on Break Time. They have several sparkies who can give you good guidance.
I would split the lighting between two breakers so that a fault on one won't leave you in the dark.
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Men will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.
~ Denis Diderot
One difference that you should be aware of : On the sub panel you should remove the neutral to ground bonding screw.Most codes require that the only bonding of the neutral/ground is at the service entrance
For your heater(s), use two spaces for a double 20 amp breaker. You can install 220v heaters, which will heat better and be cheaper to operate.
kreuzie
To add to your recommendation, if possible go for 30A on the 220V heater circuits, it enables 5000W heaters. I found that I'm restricted to 4000W because my available 220 circuit is on a 20A breaker.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Is there anything wrong with this plan so far ?
Sorry.. I would have a talk with the local electrical inspector before doing anythnig,,,
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