I've done lots searching, and gotten some good info, but would like some specific help on my situation.

I would like to run a subpanel to my attached garage. The subpanel would be a ~40' run from my main panel. From this subpanel, I'd like to power:


About 10-15 120v outlets in the garage
1-2 240v outlets in the garage
2 switched and 1 unswitched outlets in the unfinished attic above the garage


I know some of the basics, but there are a few points I'm unclear on.


I was planning on running a 6 ga. feeder from my main panel to the subpanel, since 60 amps is more than I'd ever need (at once). Can the sum of the breakers in the subpanel exceed 60 amps? Seems to me it could, but I'm not sure.
I have a refrigerator which I would like on a non-GFI outlet. I was planning on placing this outlet at the beginning of the circuit, then placing the GFI outlet after that. Any problem there?
For the attic run, I planned to continue one of the outlet circuits into the attic, and have the unswitched outlet, followed by the two switched outlets. Would this work ok?
Anything special I need to know about 240v outlets?


Thanks in advance! :)

2-#6, 1-#8(neutral),1-#10 for ground(Green),
I would put attic on new panel. Tripped breaker can be reset, and Future problems
With attic won't disturb house panel.
8 circuit or better.
New Ranges and dryers use 4 wire
Range 2-#6, 1-"8,1#10
Dryer 4-#10's Black, Red, White, and Green (could use 2 blacks)
Water Heater, 2 Hots and ground. #10 30 Amp, #12 20 amp,#6 cold water ground

Putting the ref outlet on a non gfi should be fine, if the inspector gives you a hard time, tell him its for the fridge only and no tools will be plugged into it, he should understand that some fridges can't be put on gfi.

The sum of the breakers can exceed 60 amps, but not the actual load.

2-#6, 1-#8(neutral),1-#10 for ground(Green),
I would put attic on new panel. Tripped breaker can be reset, and Future problems
with attic won't disturb house panel.
8 circuit or better.
New Ranges and dryers use 4 wire
Range 2-#6, 1-"8,1#10
Dryer 4-#10's Black, Red, White, and Green (could use 2 blacks)
Water Heater, 2 Hots and ground. #10 30 Amp, #12 20 amp,#6 cold water ground

I was planning on using a #6-3, rather than individual wires. This should work, right?

I'm not concerned about the attic affecting the rest of the house.

I assume the rest is in reference to 240v. I'm not sure exactly what I might run out there -- probably a table saw and/or a compressor. I just want to be prepared.

The outlet for a refrigerator does not need to be GFI, however, it does need to be a single outlet receptacle to qualify as non-GFI outlet in a garage allowed for a stationary appliance.

As far as the 240 volt outlets in the garage, these do not need to be GFI protected. They can be if desired, but the cost of 2 pole 240 volt breakers is in the range of $130.00.

A 240 volt circuit needs to be of the amperage rating and size required by the 240 volt unit to be served by this circuit. An air compressor may be either a 20 or 30 amp. A welder may be either a 30 or 40 amp circuit.

Before installing any wire for the 240 volt circuits, be sure to check the 240 volt units you plan to use, and size the circuits accordingly.

Putting the ref outlet on a non gfi should be fine, if the inspector gives you a hard time, tell him its for the fridge only and no tools will be plugged into it, he should understand that some fridges can't be put on gfi.

The sum of the breakers can exceed 60 amps, but not the actual load.

The inspector himself actually suggested this solution to me while inspecting for something else, so I hope he doesn't have a problem with it. :)

I see what you mean about the breakers, but not the load, exceeding 60 amps. That's what the breaker is in the main panel for, right?