FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Size of my subpanel?

bchanson | Posted in General Discussion on February 20, 2007 06:33am

hey all,

i want to turn some basement storage space in a storage building into a small shop. currently there is only a lighting circuit, an H2O heater on a 30 A breaker from the main panel, and a gas heater with a blower on a regular 20A circuit also from the main panel. no outlets in this space as of yet. Main panel is a 125 A panel. There are currently about 8 or 9 lighting and receptacle circuits (7 – 20A and 1 or 2 15A) including those I already mentioned. There used to be a range at 50A which is no longer in use and some electric heat at 30A that is also no longer in use. My plan is to remove the 50A breaker in the main and replace with a 60A to feed a subpanel in the basement,(run new #6 NM cable to subpanel). Then I would like to add 4 20A branch circuits and 1 15A for lighting from the new 60A subpanel in the basement. Any reason why this would not work? Tools I will be using in the basement are mostly small, less than 13A. The largest would be a contractor table saw that pulls about 15A and a compressor that also pulls about 15A at max. The rest of the tools are routers, sanders, drills, etc. All hand tools.

Does this sound adequate or even too much?

Thanks for the response.

brad.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. brownbagg | Feb 20, 2007 07:17am | #1

    I would go with a 100 amp

  2. FrankDuVal | Feb 20, 2007 08:20am | #2

    As a grandson of a cabinet maker that had only 60 amp service to his shop, you will be fine. As a single worker, you will not need more than a few machines running at once. Grandpa got by running his cabinet table saw, jointer, bandsaw, etc on 60 amps.

    Of course like Brownbag said, I would go with 100 amps if I were doing it new. As long as the existing panel will accept a 100 amp breaker.

    Frank DuVal

    You can never make something foolproof because fools are so ingenious.

  3. JTC1 | Feb 20, 2007 03:44pm | #3

    I think 60A will be plenty for your proposed shop. I had to read the post again to figure out that the HWH and gas heater were already on home runs to the main panel and not being moved to the subpanel.

    You are proposing a one man shop - figure your maximum load - probably a scenario like this: running the table saw with a shop vac for dust control and the compressor kicks on because of some miniscule leak. Saw=15 + shop vac=10? + compressor=15  == 40A @ 120v. Even if you throw in another 20A for lighting, radio and tool battery chargers you are still only at 50% of the breaker capacity, and then only briefly until the compressor stops.

    In a workshop situation you will probably find it helpful to mark the outlet cover plates with the breaker number and red / black designations to help distribute the heavier loads. Not so much to avoid tripping breakers but to provide the highest voltage available to your tools, a tool with full line voltage is a happy tool. Example: table saw is already pulling 15A on the red leg - plug the shop vac into a black leg outlet - both tools now have the benefits of full line voltage. 

    Good plan on the 20A circuits from the subpanel - minimize / eliminate nuisance tripping on tool start up - compressor and table saw especially.

    Luck!

    Jim

    Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.  

    1. bchanson | Feb 20, 2007 06:48pm | #6

      right, the HWH and the existing lights are staying on the home runs to the main panel so this new panel is only new circuits for my tools, etc. 60 Amps seems plenty. Thanks for the response.

  4. User avater
    bp21901 | Feb 20, 2007 04:57pm | #4

    To continue with JTC's thought on the outlets, I used different color outlets in my shop to designate the 3 different circuits. I alternated two circuits on the wall (every other outlet) and the third on ceiling outlets. That way I can easily identify which circuit I have different equipment plugged into.

    1. bchanson | Feb 20, 2007 06:46pm | #5

      i like the idea of different color outlets for different circuits. i was planning on running 12/3 cable to double gang boxes so that I could have two circuits in each box and keep loads balanced at each work station.

      1. User avater
        bp21901 | Feb 20, 2007 07:03pm | #7

        Good idea with the double boxes - I placed singles every 3'. I would have had less holes to cut in the drywall when I hung it if I went with doubles! I didn't think to use 12-3 until after the fact. It would have saved me pulling the other line. I assume you're sharing the neutral on the two circuits? I'm sure you know this, but in case some other folks lurk here like me to learn, make sure you have your hot's out of phase so the neutral isn't carrying twice the load.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Drafting the 2027 IRC

Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data