Hello,

I'm in the electrical planning stage of turning my 2 gar (approx. 400 sq. ft.) garage into a shop. I'm trying to figure out the best way to accomplish this whether it be having the electric company install a new meter or using the existing sub panel in my garage.

A little background information that will probably be helpful:

In the house, we have a 100amp fuse box. The line to the garage is controlled by two 60 amp fuses contained in a box that pulls out from the main fuse box (I can't remember what it's called). Also on this circuit are some house ceiling fixtures and receptacles. I have no idea when or who installed the line from the fuse box to the garage and am concerned that significant corners were cut in the installation (in terms of overloading these fuses, appropriate wire sizes, etc.).

The wiring in the garage is haphazard and nowhere near close to code or anything reasonably safe for that matter (a lot of current carrying bare copper is exposed). I figure whichever route I take (new meter / using the existing line run from the fuse box), I will be rewiring the entire garage. I can't be sure of the wire gauge running from the house to the garage but I'm thinking maybe 6 or 8.

Also, I will need to power my jointer, table saw, router, planer, and compressor although in all likelihood never at the same time. (As a side note, my jointer was described as 120 / 240 v; is a conversion of a tool that is 240v convertible typically a big undertakeing?

Last, if I do ask the electrical company to install a meter, are the going to give me a hassle with permits etc?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Stratmando

Sounds like a 8 circuit 60 amp.
120 to 240 on planer is a matter of connecting the right combination, usually under cover at connections or on motor.

stanfortyman

Absolutely. Only this is not a hassle. It is a required part of doing this type of work.

If you install a new service to the garage/shop, why would you think a permit and inspection were not required?