I'm converting my garage to a woodshop, so I need 220 service for the table saw and band saw, and potentially later the dust collector and compressor. Also I want to run a new circuit for lights, plus two 110 outlet circuits. That's a possible four 220 and three new 110 circuits.

I've got a Zinsco 225A main house panel, and breakers are pricey. And I've only got five slots open, so I can either replace the main panel or add a subpanel.

City code allows me to do the work myself, and they'll check my plans before, preinspect my garage, and inspect before I run juice through. I'm confident I can do the wiring from the subpanel down (GFCI's on the 110's, NEC allows armored but I'm planning conduit; etc.) but I'm not sure how to proceed on the subpanel.

I think I need to get a 100A breaker for the Zinsco, which will feed the new panel. But what sort of panel should I buy? I don't think I need a master breaker in this subpanel. Subpanel will be right next to the main panel, and just feet from all this equipment. Any recommendation on which box to buy for the subpanel? As I said I plan seven circuits to come off this sub eventually; given 220's using two slots each I guess I need a panel with room for at least eleven circuits. Any model recommendations? Any supplier recommendations?

Thanks!

PS How much would I have to pay an electrician to do just this part, installing the subpanel? It couldn't take that long, and I assume I could save $$ by buying the panel myself... I'm much less nervous about doing the rest, the circuits from the sub.

I was poking around Home Depot and Lowe's today. I think I saw sub panels with room for 12 breakers, giving you a little margin. They had Murrey's, but I would go with a more familiar name, you can't beat Square D, and Seimens from France is likely to be here in 10 years when you decide you want one more breaker. Look for copper busses. It may be cheaper to do the GFCI at the outlet rather than the breaker.

Installing breakers into a hot panel isn't too bad. The worst part is pulling the wire in. Once in, connect it to the breaker before inserting the breaker in the panel. They just push in, and are held by the cover. Have it in the off position when you push it in.

The before and after inspection will protect you from many possible mistakes. Not a bad deal.