Planning for a Garage Electrical Sub Panel
|
How Can I Install Electrical Wiring and a Sub Panel in a Garage? Planning and Installing a Garage Sub Panel. |
Wiring a Garage Panel
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How Can I Install Electrical Wiring and a Sub Panel in a Garage?
- I have a detached garage in the backyard.
- My main electrical service panel is in the attached garage and is a 100 amp service.
- I want to install electrical wiring and a sub panel in the detached garage and would like to know how big (amps) I can go.
- I want enough electrical power for a 220v air compressor, several lights, and a few receptacles.
This electrical question came from: Mike, a Homeowner from Stillwater, Minnesota.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mike.
Garage Electric Panel Installation
Application: Adding a Sub Panel to a Garage.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Electricians tools, pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for installing the sub-panel.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and size of the panel and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing electrical wiring within the immediate area that may interfere with the installation of the sub panel should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged if necessary. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Notice: Installing additional garage electrical wiring and a garage sub-panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Planning and Installing a Garage Sub Panel
- What is the available load capacity of the main electrical system panel.
- How much additional load will be placed on the proposed garage sub-panel
Understanding the available capacity of the main electrical system panel and comparing this to the amount of load you wish to add with the garage sub panel will tell give you an indication about your proposed project, and if you need to consider upgrading the main electrical panel.
- Typically with a new home that has a 200 amp service panel, it is typical to install a 60 amp 240 volt panel in the garage to serve planned workshop electrical circuits.
- The garage panel electrical circuit load can be calculated by making a list of all the known electrical devices that will be required, including any future circuits, such as a welder or table saw.
- This is a matter of beginning with the end in mind so that you have a realistic understanding of the entire project.
More about Electrical Wiring for a Garage Panel
Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
- Common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits
- Circuit breakers that are installed
- Identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring
Garage Electrical Wiring
- Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring
- with Code Requirements
- for most new or remodel projects
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 Electric Wiring, Garage Panel, panel and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Installing a Dimmer Switch for Existing Fixtures | Wiring a Switched Outlet Combo |
