Calling any Electricians

[dennis]

I am wanting to save some money so I need to install a sub panel with two drops one for a 230V Quincy air compressor and another for a 230V Miller Diversion 180.  I have two open breakers that I can use for the sub panel.  My drops only need to be around 6' from my main panel/sub panel.  I would like it to be up to code and be a little over kill.  I am going to order a GE Powermark Gold 120 amp distribution center to match my current main panel. 

Questions, what gauge and type of wire should I use?  If I mount the panel next to the other panel can I go between the studs or would I have to go up into the rafters and come down to the new panel?

 

I use to work at a stereo shop building high end demo vehicles but my experience is only with DC current and only between 6v and 24v.  Anything I should  be worried about?

[86 720]

What's the current load on the panel, and what are the motor loads for the equipment?

 

Off the top of my head, I don't have my guides with me, you're going to use either #3s or #2s, and a 100A CB.

 

Are these surface or recessed panels? Either way, you can go straight across rather than up and over. I would verify if cutting holes in the studs might create a structural issue, and some inspectors don't like it.

[dennis]

What's the current load on the panel, and what are the motor loads for the equipment?

 

Off the top of my head, I don't have my guides with me, you're going to use either #3s or #2s, and a 100A CB.

 

Are these surface or recessed panels? Either way, you can go straight across rather than up and over. I would verify if cutting holes in the studs might create a structural issue, and some inspectors don't like it.

 

 

The load for the sub panel is 120a.  the air compressor is going to be a recessed outlet (at least I am going to wire it that way) @  16amps and the welder is maxed out @ 25.5amps so probably a 30amp, it will also use a recessed panel.

[Farmer]

are you going to run anything else of this sub panel? if you're only going to run those 2 items you probably don't need to go with 100 amp service 

[dennis]

are you going to run anything else of this sub panel? if you're only going to run those 2 items you probably don't need to go with 100 amp service 

 

 

 

Nothing else, but I want to leave room just in case.  I only have two open circuits open on my main panel and those are going to be used for the sub panel.  I was even thinking about going with another identical panel just in case.  I know we are going to be adding an electric gate and a pool next year so I might as well.

[86 720]

The load for the sub panel is 120a.  the air compressor is going to be a recessed outlet (at least I am going to wire it that way) @  16amps and the welder is maxed out @ 25.5amps so probably a 30amp, it will also use a recessed panel.

I'm thinking you meant the total load for the main panel is 120A? What is the rating of the existing main panel, NOT the main circuit breaker, additionally what size main circuit breaker do you have?

[5teniac]

Don't forget to float your neutrals.

 

[dennis]

I'm thinking you meant the total load for the main panel is 120A? What is the rating of the existing main panel, NOT the main circuit breaker, additionally what size main circuit breaker do you have?

 

 

The main panel is 200a.  I didnt think about that one.  I am going to have to calculate the breakers on the main to see the max consumption right?  I thought I only had two spaces open but I have three.  I do know that I need two 120v circuits though so I can use it for a 240v.  I can just run one outlet and not have to use a sub panel but like I said were going to be adding a pool and an electric gate.

 

Can you add power before the main breakers to the sub panel?  like a bridge from the main lugs to the sub panel? 

 

I wanted to go with the same brand because things have to match.

 

[86 720]

The main panel is 200a.  I didnt think about that one.  I am going to have to calculate the breakers on the main to see the max consumption right?  I thought I only had two spaces open but I have three.  I do know that I need two 120v circuits though so I can use it for a 240v.  I can just run one outlet and not have to use a sub panel but like I said were going to be adding a pool and an electric gate.

 

Can you add power before the main breakers to the sub panel?  like a bridge from the main lugs to the sub panel? 

No, that's a common misconception, you cannot add the value of the breakers to determine the consumption. Doing it that way exceeds the main breaker size.

 

You will need to add all the lighting, receptacles(plug-ins) appliances, HVAC units, and any additional equipment you have on your panel. It looks like you may be close to the threshold because you have a full 40-circuit panel.

 

You will need to look at each HVAC unit, find the FLA(full load amps) on the equipment tag and multiply that by 1.5. This should be equal to or less than the breaker size in the panel that feeds that piece of equipment.

 

For the stove, again, look at the FLA on the equipment tag and take it at %100. This number might be in watts, take wattage and divide it by the voltage on the tag. ie; 6000W @ 240V 6000/240 = 25amps. However for a stove it will be closer to 50-60 Amps. Use the same method for the washer.

 

Refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave are usually all in watts at 115-120V. Just take the load at %100.

 

Determining the actual load is going to be critical for you. Unless you have an inspector who agrees differently, %80 of the breaker is allowed, no more. So a 200amp panel is good for 160amps, unless the breaker is full load rated. Meaning it can take a full 200 amps of load.

 

If you can, post a list of everything you have and what their electrical requirements are. Don't worry about lights and plug-ins just yet. Those are all small ticket items.

[dennis]

I will get the list going, I do have double ovens and two a/c units as well as two furnaces oh and two water heaters.  What are my options if I am close to my 160 amps?  I have a feeling I am going to have to get an electrician out here.

[86 720]

I will get the list going, I do have double ovens and two a/c units as well as two furnaces oh and two water heaters.  What are my options if I am close to my 160 amps?  I have a feeling I am going to have to get an electrician out here.

Sounds like you have more load than your typical household. You may need to call an electrician.

 

Not sure about in your state, but they may allow you to go all the way up to  200amps. The electrician should be able to tell you.

[dennis]

Sounds like you have more load than your typical household. You may need to call an electrician.

 

Not sure about in your state, but they may allow you to go all the way up to  200amps. The electrician should be able to tell you.

 

 

Im not going to mess with it, too much risk for future problems.  I do have 400amp service to the house but what I am going to have done is the exact same panel but let a pro do it.  Yeah, my house is not typical, it is a little over 4k sqft.

[IRISH DIME]

15 amp= #14

20 amp= #12

30 amp = #10 

40 amp = # 8

50 amp = #6