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    Reneadvo's Avatar
    Reneadvo Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 8, 2010, 02:47 AM
    What is best install a sub panel or use existing spare breakers
    Currently adding a washing room and a bathroom in my garage. Should I install a subpanel or use my existing spar breakers.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    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's Avatar
    Reneadvo Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jan 9, 2010, 01:17 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell View Post
    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's Avatar
    creahands Posts: 2,854, Reputation: 195
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    #4

    Jan 9, 2010, 01:36 AM

    If dryer is 220 volts, must have its own breaker and dedicated line.

    Good luck

    Chuck
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #5

    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's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #6

    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 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...s/16023110.pdf

    If the garage is detached, a sub panel would probably be more cost effective.
    daddysmurf's Avatar
    daddysmurf Posts: 23, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jan 9, 2010, 08:00 AM

    National Electrical Code (NEC) requires A twenty amp circuit to the Washer
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #8

    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's Avatar
    Reneadvo Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Jan 9, 2010, 11:38 PM

    My garage is detached. Why would it be more cost effective to install a sub panel.
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #10

    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's Avatar
    Reneadvo Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #11

    Jan 10, 2010, 04:10 AM

    Thinking of going direct burial. The distance is approximate 20 ft .away from my house.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #12

    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's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #13

    Jan 10, 2010, 07:57 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by Reneadvo View Post
    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's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #14

    Jan 10, 2010, 08:15 AM

    That's two conduits. One for low voltage (phone, internet, TV, automation systems) and one for high.
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