Next Question, Sub panel in detached garage...

OmegaBunny

My garage currently has power comming off one breaker in my main panel. I am wanting to install a new sub panel in the garage so I can run 3 or 4 circuits. I have to go ~50ft from the main panel to the sub panel. My neighbor said I can replce one of the breakers in the main with a 90a breaker and run 10-3 to the subpanel since it is a short distance. To me this seems like the wire would be too small. All circuits are going to be 110, would 10-3 be okay to use? The largest thing I would be powering is a table saw or a circular saw, if that helps.

Speedy Petey

PLEASE do NOT listen to ANYTHING else your neighbor has to say about electrical work!

10/3 would give you 30A @ 240v or 7200 watts worth of power.
6/3 would give you potentially 60A @ 240v or 14,400 watts worth of power.
The only difference being the cost of the wire.
A 2p30 breaker costs the same as a 2p60.

I would go with a 60A feeder. You'll thank yourself later on.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Termite

10 gauge wire is not even in the ballpark for 90amps. You can use it for something else in the shop perhaps, but not the feeder. Your neighbor has no business giving electrical advice!

OmegaBunny

Thats what I thought. So if I use a 90a breaker, what size feeder wire should I use? What is the approximate cost for 6/3 wire if I go 60a?

chris75

#2 AL. is good for 90 amps.

theatretch85

If your largest load is a table saw, even with room for expansion I would stick with the 60 amp feeder and run 6/3 with ground. This would provide you with plenty of power to run several 20 amp circuits in the event you add an air compressor, vacuum, halogen work lights, etc.

Detached garage requires a little more work in running the proper cable and ensuring that it is well protected. You can search through the forums here for "detached garage" and probably find all the info you will need. Please note, you cannot just bury 6/3 romex or NM in the ground or through conduit.