Electrical Panel Size Considerations
|
What size should the Main Electric Service Panel be for all the Electrical Circuits? How to Determine What Size an Electrical Panel Should Be, Factors that must be considered when sizing an electrical panel. |
Electrical Service Panel
Electrical Question: What size should the Main Panel Electric Service be for all the Electrical Circuits?
- Do I need a 100amp 150amp or 200amp electric service for our electrical circuits?
- I had a 24′ x 36′ building erected and I would like to install an electrical service panel. The back part is residence and the size is 24′ x 16′
- The only 220v item will be the stove.
- It will have baseboard heating and the usual outlets. no washer, no dryer, but it will have a hot water tank.
- Do I need a 200 amp service, or will 150, or even 100 amp service be adequate?
This electrical wiring question came from: Mick, a Homeowner from Yuma, AZ, Arizona.
Additional Question: I’m working on a remodel project where we will be adding a laundry room with a sink and the following circuits:
- Tank less water heater rated for 240 volt 40 amp 9600 watt.
- Clothes dryer rated 240 volt 30 amp 7200 watts.
- Lighting 120 volt 20 amp.
Is the sub-panel power adequate at 60 amp with 6 wire?
This electrical wiring question came from Mike, in phoenix, Arizona.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mick and Mike.
Electrical Panel Size Considerations
Application: Main Electric Service Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best Installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor – Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the specific method of electrical service installation.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type of panel, the location, and available access to the project area.
Precaution: This is an extensive project. Working in an electric panel has possible arc flash hazards and should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Installing an Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Key Factors for Electrical Panel Size
- Type of Building and Size
- There are several factors that must be considered when sizing an electrical panel, and some building departments may have size requirements as well, depending on the type of building and what it will be used for.
- Equipment Voltage and Amperage
- All of the electrical loads must be determined stating the voltage and the amperage or watts.
- Calculations Base on Occupied Space
- Some of the calculations may be made according to the size of the dwelling and actual occupied or living space.
- Areas such as a garage are typically not a part of this calculation, however circuits for equipment in the garage will be a factor, such as a water heater, whole house vacuum system etc.
- Project Layout Design
- Most all of these items are identified when a design engineer or architect creates the layout for the project and inserting all the devices as required by the local building codes.
- Building Department Approval
- Submitting the plan or layout to the local building department is essential.
- This is the all important planning step of the project that must be taken, otherwise the project will most likely not contain some of the essential circuits and equipment.
- For Example: Required devices which are required for a home include:
- Smoke Detectors.
- GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters for protected outlets and devices.
- AFCI – Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter.
- Appliance circuits in specific locations.
When all of these required items have been identified then the panel size can be properly determined. It would be a shame to invest your resources to construct this building and then fall short where it really matters.
- Sizing a Sub Panel for a Laundry Room
- Question #2 from Mike provides enough information to show that a 60 amp panel will easily become over loaded, especially when the dryer and tank less water heater turn on at the same time.
- Keep in mind that ideally an electric panel should be loaded no moire than 80% of the load capacity.
More about Electrical Service Panel Projects
Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes
-
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
- This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
-
Electrical Circuit Wiring
- This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
-
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
- A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Electrical, Panel Size and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Troubleshooting a Faulty Dryer Circuit | How to Ground a Portable Generator and Make a Power Box |
