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trevorlc · Apr 22, 2007, 02:34 PM

I'm in the process of some mild renovation and I'm going to need to install a few new circuits at the opposite end of the house than the main panel is. The path the cable has to take to get there is rather complicated, I was thinking it might be easier to run one larger cable and set up a sub-panel at the other end of the house. (Also because if I needed another circuit at this end of the house in the future the sub-panel would be right there.) I have a great place to install the sub-panel, it's a rather large closest that can't be used as anything but maybe vacuum storage as there is a door in the back side of the closest that we need to keep access to. From Main panel to Sub-Panel the cable run will be just under 50 feet. I was thinking of using a 4 conductor 6 awg (2 Hots, Netural, and Ground - Each Conductor is 6 awg.)to feed the sub-panel. I only want about 60 amps at the sub-panel, that will give me what I need now plus some room to grow. I can't seem to find any panels that are below 100 amps that are not for spa's or other specialty items. Basically My questions are Is a 4 conductor 6 awg wire over 50 feet for 60 amps okay? Is it okay to use a 100 amp panel even though the breaker supplying it is lower? And Finally for the breaker in the main panel supplying the sub-panel I would use a dual 60 amp is that correct or dual 30 amp? Any other suggestions I'd love to hear. Thanks So Much!

tkrussell · Apr 23, 2007, 01:50 PM

A 4 wire copper #6 cable is fine for a 60 amp feeder to a 100 amp subpanel. Yes, it is fine to feed a 100 amp rated panel with a 60 amp feeder. This feeder will need a 2 pole 60 amp circuit breaker installed into the main panel.

Check the price for #2-4 wire aluminum SER cable compared to #6 copper cable, you may be able to save money, and increase the size breaker to a 100 amp later on if more power is needed.