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View Full Version : What is best install a sub panel or use existing spare breakers


Reneadvo
Jan 8, 2010, 02:47 AM
Currently adding a washing room and a bathroom in my garage. Should I install a subpanel or use my existing spar breakers.

tkrussell
Jan 8, 2010, 03:43 AM
Always best to use any spare spaces in the Main Panel, and only install a sub-panel when absolutely necessary.

Reneadvo
Jan 9, 2010, 01:17 AM
Always best to use any spare spaces in the Main Panel, and only install a sub-panel when absolutely necessary.

Should I use one breaker for the washer and dryer or washer by itself.

creahands
Jan 9, 2010, 01:36 AM
If dryer is 220 volts, must have its own breaker and dedicated line.

Good luck

Chuck

tkrussell
Jan 9, 2010, 04:29 AM
If the dryer is gas and only needs a 120 volt receptacle,then both washer and dryer can use the one 20 amp 120 volt receptacle and circuit required for laundry area.

KISS
Jan 9, 2010, 06:56 AM
The requirements for the NEW fancy front load washers are much higher. I was reading a manual in a store in the past year or so and they recommended dedicated 15 A circuits. I found this on page 1-4 for the Neptune Washers, Maytag Neptune MAH3000AWW - Service Manual (http://www.scribd.com/doc/11205556/Maytag-Neptune-MAH3000AWW-Service-Manual) which states that the max power consumption is 800 W.

This service manual is being stupid. Just says requires 15A circuit for electric dryer: http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16023110.pdf

If the garage is detached, a sub panel would probably be more cost effective.

daddysmurf
Jan 9, 2010, 08:00 AM
National Electrical Code (NEC) requires A twenty amp circuit to the Washer

Stratmando
Jan 9, 2010, 08:23 AM
I might consider a Small 60 Amp Panel in the Garage, so you only take up 2 spaces in the Panel.
You may want to use a Portable Heater, Welder?

Reneadvo
Jan 9, 2010, 11:38 PM
My garage is detached. Why would it be more cost effective to install a sub panel.

KISS
Jan 10, 2010, 02:50 AM
Yes. You would also need ground rods at your new panel with 4 conductors from your main panel. In the subpanel, neutrals and grounds MUST remain on separate busses.

How far do you have to go?

Will conduit be a problem or would you want direct burial?

You have to go 18" deep.

Reneadvo
Jan 10, 2010, 04:10 AM
Thinking of going direct burial. The distance is approximate 20 ft .away from my house.

tkrussell
Jan 10, 2010, 05:12 AM
Reneadvo, it would be great if you explained ALL of the details and ask ALL of your questions at once.

Stratmando
Jan 10, 2010, 07:57 AM
My garage is detached. why would it be more cost effective to install a sub panel.

Especially if its detached, Most of the Cost involved is Labor for the trench. Takes the same amount of time, to run 3/4 inch as it does 1/2 inch PVC.
While trench is open I would consider a Conduit for Cable/Satellite, maybe water, Alarm, Phone? That's Just Me. You could even have wire for a 3 way between House and Garage. It can be as Nice or as Primitive as you want it to be. If you ran 1 circuit now, I could almost Guarantee you will want more with in the year? My opinion?
If nothing else, at least use 3/4" conduit.

KISS
Jan 10, 2010, 08:15 AM
That's two conduits. One for low voltage (phone, internet, TV, automation systems) and one for high.