Garage/Shop project

[wedge5]

I am in the process of upgrading the wiring to my garage. I got a new air compressor that is 220 and the wiring will handle it but barelly. I need to put a new breaker box also. The one that is in there now is a screw in type so I just bought a 125amp 14 slot box. I am going to add some more lights and outlets. After I that I need to hook up my heater and add the insulation.

It will be great when it is done but man it will be alot of work.

 

[oneway71]

It will be a nice upgrade to your shop. I myself put in a large box a few years ago but only have had time to wire lights and a couple out lets. I need to run more......
You will like it when the fuse's no longer need replacing.

 

[MoparMuscleGuy]

When I built my shop, I made sure that I didn't skimp on the wiring/electrical box. I left myself room for about 20 extra breakers. Congratulations on your upgrade.

 

[wedge5]

Over the years I have added a bunch of over head lights. The previous owner had alot of outlets put in. I only need to add a few more lights and outlets. As of now I only need to use 4 of the spots. 2 for the lightes/outlet and 2 for the compressor. I plan on adding a welder outlet in the near future so that will take up 2 more. 1 for the heater and 1 for a outside lighting. I should have about 6 extra for future adventures.

 

[268RTs4ME]

Wiring

Put in a 200 amp Breaker Box, look ahead, it won't cost you but a few dollars more. plenty of room for alot more stuff. Just buy the breakers that you need right now, you'll be glad you did in the long run with 200 amp service.

 

[wedge5]

Why would I need a 200A box. Not trying to be a wise a$$. Just don't know?

This is my normal house garage not a full shop. The most I could ever really add as far as power consumption is a welder. The heater is LP so the only electricity I would use is for the thermostat. I will only be adding a pole light to shine in the back yard.

 

[Ron 73]

Wish ya luck in it.. Mine needs up graded I wouldn't mind havin a larger better lite shop.. I remember all to well not having anything at all though so im a happy go happy with what i got....

 

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

If you are not 100% sure of the National Electric and Local codes, do yourself and others a big favor and hire a LICENSED AND INSURED contractor who, with a permit will provide you with what you need now.If you need a heavy up (service upgrade), or a replacement panel, or just additional power and lighting, an insured contractor is the way to go. I have seen plenty of substandard installations that it is a wonder no one was injuried or worse, only because someone was to tight or trusted an untrained person with their electrical work.By getting an eletrical permit you are getting the supervision of , hopefully, a certified professional who will make sure the installation is compliant (safe).The work you have done will be there long after you are gone!

 

[sicksatellite]

DAMN!!!! NICE SHOP MoparMuscleGuy!!! I Want One Like That!!

 

[Joe Mopar]

When I built my shop, I made sure that I didn't skimp on the wiring/electrical box. I left myself room for about 20 extra breakers. Congratulations on your upgrade.

How big is this building ?

 

[MoparMuscleGuy]

How big is this building ?

Hello Joe Mopar. The shop is 20 ft wide and 25 ft deep (500 sq ft with 13 ft ceiling peak). I built it a couple years ago and enjoy it very much. Here's a few more photos of my shop. I added AC, cable TV, Phone, Security ADT, etc. The bottom photo is my Dart Swinger that's in the front Garage until the Plymouth is done. MMG

 

[Joe Mopar]

Very nice garage MMG !

 

[scotts74birds]

I am an electrician, and I used a 125amp loadcenter in my 24x24 garage. Remember, the amperage is EACH phase. So there would be 250 amps available. I fed mine with a 100 amp, 2 pole breaker from the main panel. Since most of us gearheads will use things like welders and compressors, I recommend a panel with a copper bus, due to the high in-rush current of these items. Pick a panel with a main disconnect breaker in it also, not a "main lug only" panel.

 

[wedge5]

I did. I picked up a 100amp box for the garage. They were sold out of the 14 slot box so I had to get the 20 slot one. It had the copper bus and a main disconnect breaker also.
My friend works for the power company and before that worked for a heating/cooling business plus did contract work for new homes. He will be doing all the electrical work.

2 slots: lights and plug ins
2 slots: Compressor
1 slot: the heater thermostat only
1 slot: outside lights and 2 outside plugs
Now what to do with the other 14? I will leave 2 for a future welder but after that I don't have much else. I really only needed to upgrade my wire because of the 220 compressor. I could have ran it with the wire that was in the garage but to do so I was going to have to turn stuff off just in case. I didn't want to do that so here I am.

 

[68sportsatelliteragtop]

I am an electrician, and I used a 125amp loadcenter in my 24x24 garage. Remember, the amperage is EACH phase. So there would be 250 amps available. I fed mine with a 100 amp, 2 pole breaker from the main panel. Since most of us gearheads will use things like welders and compressors, I recommend a panel with a copper bus, due to the high in-rush current of these items. Pick a panel with a main disconnect breaker in it also, not a "main lug only" panel.

Another item of concern would be the available ampacity to supply power to the shop after a load calculation of the existing service has been determined.I have seen many installations were someone lacking professional knowledge has double tapped line side connections or fed panels with subfeeds that overloaded the main rating of the house service. Voltage drop and conductor sizing is also an issue that need to be addressed when planning an installation. A 240v welder and compressor running at the same time could easily account for 70 or more amps.The point I am trying to get across is that someone without a working knowledge of electricity and the NEC should not attempt an installation that has the potential to cause loss of life or property without at least consulting with a qualified electrician.BTW, I've been a master electrician since 85 and an inspector for 5+ years.

 

[scotts74birds]

I agree with your concern. I never said to put a 125 amp service in the garage if you only have a 60 amp service to the house! Of course, an installation to code is the desired goal.