My father-in-law wants to install a sub-panel in his basement within a foot or two of the main 200 amp panel to power a small workshop – several stationary power (woodworking) tools (all only 110 volts; only one running at a time), outlets for hand tools, and lighting. He’s thinking 50 amps tops.
Do I remember correctly reading somewhere on these message boards that where the power is pulled from in his main panel has to be considered? That is, which bar (that is, the vertical metal feed to which the breakers are attached – is that the correct name?) of the 2 in his main panel the power is taken from?
Something about balance or overloading of the bar sticks in my mind.
I’m certain he’s planning to hire an electrician to actually install and connect the wiring from the main panel to the sub. We’re just trying to plan things for now.
Been searching for that discussion but I can’t find anything on point.
Thanks to all in advance.
Replies
put in a 100 amp or larger panel due to breaker count....
that would be the main consideration...
the electrician will know how to balance the panels...
consider where you will tap in... main buss lugs or a breaker...
I like breakers on both ends... more safer...
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OK, not sure of this - you said:
"put in a 100 amp or larger panel due to breaker count....
that would be the main consideration..."
Huh? Are you thinking a separate circuit for each machine as the reason for the need for a panel with more breakers? Since he'll be the only one in the area, he'll only operate one machine at a time. So, he's figuring to save some $$ by purchasing a smaller panel and have outlets for several stationary machines on the same circuit since he won't be using more than one tool at a time.
You still think it's worth upgrading?
Griff
overall there isn't much of a savings...
consider the machines, lights and recepticals.... the total package...
give yurself room to grow...
and if someday he gets a 220V machine.. what then???
you going to put those really expensive tandem breakers in???
or are you going to use wafers that can't deal with the heat as well as a full sized breaker...
gang if you wish but put the larger panel in now... expanding later would really be expensive... and a waste of what you did now...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Nah, no chance of a 220 machine.
He doesn't plan on going that deep into it. Doesn't want anything that big, and doesn't want anything that heavy to be trucked down a Bilco into his basement.
Besides, he's 85. If he hasn't bought it already, he's not going to start now...even though he's planning on puttering around down there for another 15+ years.
He just has to succeed on keeping his grandfather out of his way!Griff
Do I remember correctly reading somewhere on these message boards that where the power is pulled from in his main panel has to be considered? That is, which bar (that is, the vertical metal feed to which the breakers are attached - is that the correct name?) of the 2 in his main panel the power is taken from?
Something about balance or overloading of the bar sticks in my mind.
Naw, no fears. The subpanel will be powered by a two-pole breaker which will plug into both bussbars in the main panel.
Any imbalance, which in your case would likely be very slight and not significant, would be created by the circuits installed in the subpanel, not the feeder to it.
OK, thanks.Griff
If the subpanel will only be a few feet away from the main panel, why does he need the subpanel at all? Are there not enough spare slots in the main panel?
Right - every space in the main panel is occupied with a breaker installed when the house was built.
Don't know if it's recommended but I suppose he could have some split 2-fers installed in the place of a single breaker there now. 15 amp circuits mostly.
Not really much going on in the house beyond normal refrigerator, washer/electric dryer, and central air/electric heat unit.Griff