Electrical Wiring for a Garage Panel

Wiring a Sub Panel for a Garage: Wire Size for a 100 amp Garage Panel, Factors that need to be considered when selecting and sizing the wire size for a sub panel. By: Dave Rongey

Installing a 100 Amp Panel for a Garage
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I need to install wire from the main service panel to a sub panel in the garage.

I have built a garage and need to run underground wire from the main 100amp service to a 100 amp sub panel in the garage.

• It’s about 40′ run.
• What size wire would I need?

This electrical wiring question came from: Philip, a Handyman from Valdez, Alaska.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Philip.

Wiring a Sub Panel for a Garage

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Trenching equipment for installing the underground PVC conduit for the cable to the garage sub-panel location, electricians pouch of hand tools and power tools for boring holes necessary for installing the conduit up to the panel.
Estimated Time: Depends on the level of experience, the method of trenching that will be used, and the available access to the project area.
Notice: Installing a panel to the Home Electrical System should be done with a permit and have all of the required inspections.

Wire Size for a 100 amp Garage Panel

The following is an example of the factors that need to be considered when selecting and sizing the wire size for a sub panel:

• #2 THWN copper wire would be fine for supplying power to a 100 amp sub panel when installing a PVC conduit.
• The #2 AWG copper wire size will be sufficient if the cable will be installed into a PVC conduit and buried at the required depth.
• Keep in mind that the Type of wire will depend specifically on how the sub-panel feed will be installed, whether the cable will be in a conduit or direct buried.
• The wire size will also greatly depend on if the wire will be aluminum or copper.

More about Garage Electrical Wiring

Garage Wiring

Home Electric panel

• 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 Wire and Wire Sizes

• Electrical Wire for the Home
• Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

Electrical Wiring Codes

• Home Electrical Codes

• Electrical Codes for electrical panels and underground wiring.

Electrical Wiring

• Electrical Wiring
• Home electrical wiring projects with pictures and wiring diagrams.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This 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 Tester This 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 Cutter My 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 Wiring, Garage Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Outdoor Ceiling Fan and GFCI Protection	Bathroom Fan Not Working