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Electrical Wire and Cable


What Size Sub-Panel Should I Install for My Garage?

How to Install a Sub Panel for a Garage: Where to Begin when Installing a Sub Panel for a Garage, Planning for a Sub Panel, Identify the Sub Panel Circuits, Sizing a Garage Sub Panel, 120 Volt and 240 Volt Circuits, Planning for Future Circuits.


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Installing a Sub Panel for a Garage
Electrical Question: I currently have power ran out to my garage, however it only runs 2 lights and the wiring is old.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Received from Danny a Homeowner in West Frankfort, IL.

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

How to Install a Sub Panel for a Garage

Application: Adding a Sub Panel to a Garage.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician and is 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.

Where to Begin when Installing a Sub Panel for a Garage

More about Home Electrical Circuits and Sub Panels

Basic House Wiring Circuits
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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 Panel Circuit Listing

Home Electrical Circuits
home-electrical-circuits

Electric Circuit Listing

The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

How to Install Workshop Electrical Wiring
electrical-wiring

Work Shop Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Workshop Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Locate An Electrical Contractor in Your Area


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.
  electrical wiring  

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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “What Size Sub-Panel Should I Install for My Garage?”
  1. murray berkowitz says:

    I think I have an open neutral in one of my circuits. I get a test lamp to light from hot to ground, but NOT hot to neutral. My non-contact detector picks up current in all 3 wires: hot, neutral and bare ground. could a nail have struck the neutral wire behind the wall? I have switched off the circuit breaker at the panel since I believe this is an unsafe condition, but i need help in trouble shooting this further. I’ve never encountered this before.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Murry,
    When the neutral of a 120 volt circuit is lost it is typically due to a bad connection at one of the receptacles, a bad or burnt splice in a junction box, or a burnt connection in the panel where the neutral wire is connected to the neutral terminal strip.
    These are the areas I focus on and then make the appropriate repairs to restore the connection.
    Dave