How to wire this?
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How to wire this?
I'm in process of converting a pole barn into a shop/garage. I essentially have a blank slate as to the method of getting power in there since there is none and the house and power pole are a good ways off and near capacity. It's not going to be cheap no matter what I do so I want to do it the best way when I pay. 
Here's my question - do I want a second meter base and a new 200 amp panel? I don't have a lot of room in the existing panel and want a couple of 220 outlets for a welder and powdercoating oven. At least one has told me there are more taxes and fees to do it that way but it appears to be cheaper than expanding what I have to reach the new spot in addition to providing a lot more room for expansion later if need be. Am I wrong about the cost?
Here's my question - do I want a second meter base and a new 200 amp panel? I don't have a lot of room in the existing panel and want a couple of 220 outlets for a welder and powdercoating oven. At least one has told me there are more taxes and fees to do it that way but it appears to be cheaper than expanding what I have to reach the new spot in addition to providing a lot more room for expansion later if need be. Am I wrong about the cost?
Last edited by doodaa; Nov 21, 2006 at 12:00 PM.
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From: Where's my map???
I would run a whole new line also. It hurts the pocket book when you find out you need more power,and have too upgrade everything you did. Im not sure about using a 200 amp service tho. The whole thing depends on how many high amp tools are going to be used at the same time. I think the total amount of amp breakers in a hundred amp box is 150 allowable. Check your town codes. That will get you on the right course
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Check, ask building official if you can locate him. He's never in the office when I go by there.
I've also had it suggested to talk to the power company.... is this going to be productive or are they just going to sell me the most profitable solution for them?
I've also had it suggested to talk to the power company.... is this going to be productive or are they just going to sell me the most profitable solution for them?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Villa Rica, GA
depending on your power company they will usually run about 1000' of wire for free for a new service. You usually are responsible for the meter base and anything beyond that point. I would recommend sticking with at-least 200 amp for the garage, anything less you may outgrow.
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Originally Posted by Torque1st
A local electrician has the answers and can do the job for you to code so it is safe.
Last edited by doodaa; Nov 21, 2006 at 05:13 PM.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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I do the same thing but sometimes a pro is good to hire. Especially on a job where someone has little knowledge to avoid problems. Getting a few questions answered in here won't make a pro.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: MI
I know the local power company here offers >300 amp services. Although having a second service for the shop could work out if it becomes a buisness.
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Post Fiend
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From: Where's my map???
You can hire a pro as a consultant. Every state has different rules. It's not easy to answer your question without the knowledge of your state or local codes. Your power company can calculate your needs also. Make up a wish list and give them a call.
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From: Wayland, MI
Just got finished building a house and pole barn. When talking with the electric company they said if I run the power to the barn and then to the house it would almost double my monthly bill. I would check hard on upgrading the box in the house and having a line run to the barn from there. I ran 100 amp service to the barn and that will be plenty to run welder and compressor, along with the necessary lights. I almost think 200 amp is overkill for a home hobby shop, unless you are into working with lathes and other machines that may require 3 phase and draw a ton of amps. But it doesn't cost that much more to put in the 200 amo service either. I ended up digging a 5' deep trench and ran the electric and a water line out to my barn. The water goes to a hydrant ( not going to have heat out there all the time) This way I don't have to worry about freezing.
Just my $.02
Good luck with your decision
Toyman
Just my $.02
Good luck with your decision
Toyman
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Originally Posted by Toyman
Just got finished building a house and pole barn. When talking with the electric company they said if I run the power to the barn and then to the house it would almost double my monthly bill.....
Posting Legend
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I have 100A to my house that will be upgraded soon to 200A. I will be feeding a 100A sub panel in my shop area. 100A should be plenty since I usually will be working alone. Now if two guys were working, one on the 3Phase lathe with rotary converter and someone else was welding full power, and some other things like the compressor was running I might be in trouble but I don't see that happening. 100A should be fine for a hobby shop. If you are running commercial then your power is metered at a higher rate and you would need a higher amp service.
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From: Richmond, Virginia
I built a seperate 3.5 car garage several years ago (many years after the original house was built). Hired an electrician to wire and had the power company run about 600' from the box to the garage. They didn't charge me for this and set me up with a new 200A service. My monthly bill isn't bad (about $35.00). Over 1/2 of this is the base service charge. I consider this cheap since it's less than my monthly cell phone bill!! If your power co. will allow it, get the seperate service. No need to worry about overloading the house and you're really only paying the base service extra fee (about $20/mo.). Good Luck!
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From: Ontario, canada
If it's a one man shop with normal consumer power tools, then 100A is plenty. You could probably get away with a 60 amp panel.
The reasoning is, that even though you may have 5 or 6 machines, one person would not be running more than 1 or 2 items at a time.
That said, when I built my new shop, I had a 200 amp service installed in the shop with a line off it run to the house to power the existing 100 amp panel there.
The reasoning is, that even though you may have 5 or 6 machines, one person would not be running more than 1 or 2 items at a time.
That said, when I built my new shop, I had a 200 amp service installed in the shop with a line off it run to the house to power the existing 100 amp panel there.