60 amp subpanel install

mshaw2 · 10-25-2010, 09:03 PM

I plan on putting a subpanel in an attached garage. Not for anything in particular, just a few power tools and a small compressor. The biggest thing is probably my summer/winter hook up that i am moving out there. I expect to put a 60 amp sub in with three 20 slots, one for the heater and two for everything else. I think this might be over kill, but maybe in the future i might have a wood shop! I have heard 6 gauge is sufficient but four gauge is better. Since i don't have much running do you think 6 is ok? Thank you for any input!!

McSteve · 10-25-2010, 09:11 PM

How long is the run from your main panel to the new subpanel? If it's not very far, #6 is fine, if you're using individual THHN wires in conduit. I think if you're using #6 NM cable, you'll have to bump down to a 50 amp breaker, or go up to #4 wire. I'm not certain on that though.

jbfan · 10-25-2010, 11:13 PM

Don't stop with a small panel.
Pick up a 6 or 8 circuit panel, just in case!

mshaw2 · 10-26-2010, 05:40 AM

it's probably 30-40 feet of wire all running inside. do you mean 50 amp for the feeder?

secutanudu · 10-26-2010, 07:52 AM

Where are you located? Is this garage attached or detached?

mshaw2 · 10-26-2010, 03:00 PM

Warrington, pa, yes this is an attached garage.

sirsparksalot · 10-26-2010, 03:13 PM

If you put a 50 amp subpanel in, you can use #8 THHN. Otherwise, you'll have to go with #6 THHN 194°F which is rated for 75A.

HouseHelper · 10-26-2010, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshaw2

I plan on putting a subpanel in an attached garage. Not for anything in particular, just a few power tools and a small compressor. The biggest thing is probably my summer/winter hook up that i am moving out there. I expect to put a 60 amp sub in with three 20 slots, one for the heater and two for everything else. I think this might be over kill, but maybe in the future i might have a wood shop! I have heard 6 gauge is sufficient but four gauge is better. Since i don't have much running do you think 6 is ok? Thank you for any input!!

Use a 60A or 100A subpanel with 6-12 spaces, fed by 6/3NM (or three #6, one #10 THWN in conduit), and protected by a 60A breaker.

sirsparksalot · 10-26-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HouseHelper

Use a 60A or 100A subpanel with 6-12 spaces, fed by 6/3NM (or three #6, one #10 THWN in conduit), and protected by a 60A breaker.

Is it code compliant to use a panel rated higher (100A) than the protective device (60A breaker) in the house, or wherever it's located?

McSteve · 10-26-2010, 03:35 PM

Yep, sure is. The panel only needs to be rated at least as high as the circuit breaker feeding it. The main breaker in the sub-panel, if it has one, is then used only as a disconnect.

mshaw2 · 10-26-2010, 06:30 PM

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INPUT!!!Let you all know how it turns out!!

philsoldat · 10-26-2010, 10:38 PM

hey make sure to doublechek the ground, i grounded my box to the main box and I cannot get the 'ground' light to light up on the accessories box

mshaw2 · 10-27-2010, 05:28 AM

Yeah, I was planning on settting a new ground rod into the subpanel anyway, so hopefully i'll be alright.

sirsparksalot · 10-27-2010, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philsoldat

... I cannot get the 'ground' light to light up on the accessories box

What is this of which you're speaking?

Jim Port · 10-27-2010, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshaw2

Yeah, I was planning on settting a new ground rod into the subpanel anyway, so hopefully i'll be alright.

There is absolutely no reason to install this on an attached structure. This requirement is for DETACHED structures.

10-25-2010, 09:11 PM	#2
McSteve Mad Scientist Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 703	60 amp subpanel install How long is the run from your main panel to the new subpanel? If it's not very far, #6 is fine, if you're using individual THHN wires in conduit. I think if you're using #6 NM cable, you'll have to bump down to a 50 amp breaker, or go up to #4 wire. I'm not certain on that though.

10-25-2010, 11:13 PM	#3
jbfan Electrical Contractor Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 5,081	60 amp subpanel install Don't stop with a small panel. Pick up a 6 or 8 circuit panel, just in case! __________________ Yes I am a Pirate, 200 years too late. "Jimmy Buffett"

10-26-2010, 07:52 AM	#5
secutanudu Just call me Andrew Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 2,247	60 amp subpanel install Where are you located? Is this garage attached or detached? __________________ Andrew

10-26-2010, 03:13 PM	#7
sirsparksalot Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Central Indiana (USA) Posts: 1,023	60 amp subpanel install If you put a 50 amp subpanel in, you can use #8 THHN. Otherwise, you'll have to go with #6 THHN 194°F which is rated for 75A.

10-26-2010, 06:30 PM	#11
mshaw2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 5	60 amp subpanel install THANKS FOR ALL YOUR INPUT!!!Let you all know how it turns out!!

60 amp subpanel install