Is 60 Amps ok for garage shop?

[maxparot]

For less than 50ft 12awg copper should be fine.

[stewchi]

12 ga should be fine but if you want the upgrade to be up to NEC code you should replace the 20A line with a larger line and put in a sub-panel. NEC only allows one branch-circuit or feeder to the outbuilding per section 250.32. This only applies to detached structures “Outbuildings”.

[Bulkley]

The issue may not be how much power you need. It may be how much you need for what. The average garage is wired as an addition to the house. It can take months to figure out that the reason you keep blowing a breaker is that a kitchen coffee urn is on the same circuit. The advantage of running a separate panel to the garage/shop is that you can by-pass the rest of the house. When you string the rest of your wires, make sure that your big current draws (table saw, dust collector, space heater, etc.) each have separate circuits. Consider using 12 guage (one size heavier than normal household) wire for these if the run is long.

[Tom.Trout]

I'm trying to figure this out. Right now the two gray wires in the picture on the right go to the garage.

This is a 60 amp panel that is located in the old butcher shop...



This is the old butcher shop...



The power wends its way from this panel in the butcher shop (see the two gray wires strung along from the gable) a to the garage. So right now I think I actually have 30 amps to the garage. One circuit for outlets and one for lights.

quote:Originally posted by Bulkley

The issue may not be how much power you need. It may be how much you need for what. The average garage is wired as an addition to the house. It can take months to figure out that the reason you keep blowing a breaker is that a kitchen coffee urn is on the same circuit. The advantage of running a separate panel to the garage/shop is that you can by-pass the rest of the house. When you string the rest of your wires, make sure that your big current draws (table saw, dust collector, space heater, etc.) each have separate circuits. Consider using 12 guage (one size heavier than normal household) wire for these if the run is long.

[Hoover]

That is one old fuse panel!! You definitely need to update your box. You should have one w/circuit breakers and some GFCI to protect yourself. My original post, I'm still stickin' with it.

[scorrpio]

Lowe's currently has a 'GE 100 amp workshop panelt kit' listed on website for $54. (#214802) Has a panel with 12 spaces, a main 100 amp breaker, 4 20-amp breakers and a 24-hole ground bar lug. Put that up in your shop, and run a 6/4 (prefferably UL) cable from a 60-amp breaker in your main box. That will give you enourmous expansion potential.

[Tom.Trout]

Thanks for the heads up. I will pick one up tomorrow!!! Is there a website link to it??? (NEVER MIND,,, FOUND IT!!!)

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...3-TM1210CCUG1K

quote:Originally posted by scorrpio

Lowe's currently has a 'GE 100 amp workshop panelt kit' listed on website for $54. (#214802) Has a panel with 12 spaces, a main 100 amp breaker, 4 20-amp breakers and a 24-hole ground bar lug. Put that up in your shop, and run a 6/4 (prefferably UL) cable from a 60-amp breaker in your main box. That will give you enourmous expansion potential.