[dclynch]

I would like to install a subpanel in my basement and will need a lot of advice.

Overview:

We have 100 amp service delivered to an outside meter and box with a 100 amp breaker. There is a copper cable from the box attached to a buried ground rod. A Romex-type cable goes from this box (3 wires plus ground) through our garage attic to the main panel in the mudroom (about a 30 foot run). There is a 100 amp main breaker in this panel, but all of the other circuits are 15 amps. I would like to bring (approximately) 100 amp service into the basement via a 2" galvanized pipe near the panel that was installed (probably for this purpose) when the house was built in the 1940s. The pipe is in a dry location. The run through the pipe is about six feet and total length of conduit would be about 10 feet plus whatever I add the basement for the final panel position. To make passing the wires easier, I plan to use separate conductors (three wires plus ground) rather than Romex.

The first question is whether the concept is okay. Having a panel in the basement will allow me to wire 20 amp circuits for the kitchen and baths as well as install an electric dryer.

Next is whether there are any height or other location requirements for the panel. The cast iron pipe enters the basement wall at about eight feet above the floor. A cast iron sewer pipe wraps around the basement wall at between five and six feet through the area where the conduit enters. So, where does the panel go? It seems like it would have to be either higher or lower than normal. Are there any code requirements about this?

Thanks in advance and I’ll be back for more!

[dclynch]

Sorry if the first post was too involved.

My question is whether I can use plumbing PVC (ie, white pipe) for the part of the conduit in my basement. The conduit in the garage from the main panel to the galvanized pipe is pretty straight and I'm using electrical PVC (gray pipe). I'd like the portion in the basement to make a fairly sharp turn to get to the subpanel. The plumbing parts are easier to get in my area and readily available in more shapes/sizes.

I'm using 6 gauge THHN in the conduit protected by a 70 amp breaker.

Thanks

[tkrussell]

I thought I answered the first post, it looks very familiar, I will need to check on that.

As far as your second post, not, plumbing pipe cannot be used for electrical wiring, must be UL listed for electrical.

And no, do not use plumbing fittings for elbows. Electrical fittings, such as LB, are available for hard 90 degree turns.

[dclynch]

Okay. It sounded good, but rules are rules.

Thanks