SamAt
Jan 11, 2008, 10:23 AM
Hi,
I am doing a second addition, all work myself consisting of a new kitchen, rec room and expansion of master bedroom; I feel comfortable with electrical work in general and my previous work passed with flying colors but I would very much appreciate guidance; I will say in advance it's extremely generious of you pro's to offer same!
I am running a sub-panel because my existing Cutler Hammer CH load center is pretty much full but mostly because it's a long way to the new addition (> 100 feet) and I want to minimize voltage drop and I plan a future additional exteriour sub-panel as well. My main panel is well grounded both at main copper feed and with grounding poles.
1. Sub-panel location: I know I should not put near flamables (e.g. a closet) and that I must honor the access area requirements stated in the code but I can't tell what other restrictions apply: can I place the sub-panel in an interior wall for example? Any additional wall-board/fireproofing restrictions?
2. Arc-fault breakers: the code is pretty clear that I should be using them in most rooms but does not mention kitchens, and does not distinguish between lighting and receptical circuits that I can tell so:
Should I use arc-fault in Kitchen? (I already am aware of GFCI requirements.)
How about for a pure lighting cirquit?
Shop recepticals and lighting?
3. Load
3a: Future extension sub-panel:
I have included a future outdoor sub-panel in my load calculations: is there anything wrong with running a seond sub-panel from the first? Does the fact that it will be outside (in a weathproof enclosure and using outdoor cables of course) affect this? The reason I wish to go sub-panel is two fold: 1) Breakers are scarce in my main panel (though I could go half/height I guess) 2) It's a much shorter and easier run.
3b Ampacity:
I calculate 80 amps is more than sufficient for all projected load. I translated this to:
3 #4 THHN conductors running from paired 40 amp breakers. (And I will make an effort to rebalance load on the main panel as well.) A portion of the run is outside so I plan 1" electrical grade PVC which allows 3, or 1 1/4 which allows six if there is benefit.
3c Grounding:
It's my understanding that I do NOT ground a sub-panel and either use a panel specifically designed for same or convert a Cutler Hammer main panel. Amy I correct? Any advice on panel?
Again, thanks so much for taking the time for me!
Sam
I am doing a second addition, all work myself consisting of a new kitchen, rec room and expansion of master bedroom; I feel comfortable with electrical work in general and my previous work passed with flying colors but I would very much appreciate guidance; I will say in advance it's extremely generious of you pro's to offer same!
I am running a sub-panel because my existing Cutler Hammer CH load center is pretty much full but mostly because it's a long way to the new addition (> 100 feet) and I want to minimize voltage drop and I plan a future additional exteriour sub-panel as well. My main panel is well grounded both at main copper feed and with grounding poles.
1. Sub-panel location: I know I should not put near flamables (e.g. a closet) and that I must honor the access area requirements stated in the code but I can't tell what other restrictions apply: can I place the sub-panel in an interior wall for example? Any additional wall-board/fireproofing restrictions?
2. Arc-fault breakers: the code is pretty clear that I should be using them in most rooms but does not mention kitchens, and does not distinguish between lighting and receptical circuits that I can tell so:
Should I use arc-fault in Kitchen? (I already am aware of GFCI requirements.)
How about for a pure lighting cirquit?
Shop recepticals and lighting?
3. Load
3a: Future extension sub-panel:
I have included a future outdoor sub-panel in my load calculations: is there anything wrong with running a seond sub-panel from the first? Does the fact that it will be outside (in a weathproof enclosure and using outdoor cables of course) affect this? The reason I wish to go sub-panel is two fold: 1) Breakers are scarce in my main panel (though I could go half/height I guess) 2) It's a much shorter and easier run.
3b Ampacity:
I calculate 80 amps is more than sufficient for all projected load. I translated this to:
3 #4 THHN conductors running from paired 40 amp breakers. (And I will make an effort to rebalance load on the main panel as well.) A portion of the run is outside so I plan 1" electrical grade PVC which allows 3, or 1 1/4 which allows six if there is benefit.
3c Grounding:
It's my understanding that I do NOT ground a sub-panel and either use a panel specifically designed for same or convert a Cutler Hammer main panel. Amy I correct? Any advice on panel?
Again, thanks so much for taking the time for me!
Sam