Second circuit to detached garage?

rjniles

I have a detached garage (workshop) with 1 20amp circuit. I use a small compressor and when it starts my Fluor. lights dim and flicker( irritating). Building is 40 feet from house (maybe 100 feet from CB panel). I would like to add a second 20 amp circuit to run my compressor and table saw. I think this will stop my lights problem. Question is my plan code compliant? Can I have 2 seperate circuits in my detached building without adding a sub-panel?

HouseHelper

Not code compliant. Your options are to run a larger 4-wire UF cable and add a subpanel or run a 12/3UF and have a multiwire circuit. I would opt for the subpanel.

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Plumbvoltage

I second the sub panel. It will give you the ability to add more circuits down the road if you wish.

chris75

One feeder per structure, but how is the gargage fed now? Direct buried wire or conduit?

rjniles

The existing wire is direct buried UF; so I will be digging for any option. Why is there a 1 feeder per building limit? Is it a safety issue?

J. V.

NEC Art. 225.30 makes this rule. The reason is for safety. Lets say you have two circuits feeding a building and you turn one off. But do not realize there is another power source that is still on. You still have power in the building. You want to kill all power with one breaker. So a feeder or multiwire branch circuit would be the choice.