Hi!
I want to put a 100 amp subpanel in my garage/work shop and I have a few questions.
I will run a wire from the main house panel across the basement (about 70'), I will connect that wire to an underground wire (30'), the underground wire runs in a PVC conduit directly into the garage and will be connected to the 100 amp subpanel.
I want a panel with 12 spaces as this should cover all my needs.
I will put a 100 amp double pole breaker in the main house panel.
Does the code require a 2nd main breaker on the subpanel?
I want to use copper wire. Is 3-3-3-5 the right choice (NMD90 inside and NMWU underground)?
Anything else I should know?
Thank you!
Sub panels do not require a main breaker in the panel itself due to the fact it will be protected by the breaker you install in your main panel. On another note, permitting is required for this install and depending on the size and demand load for your main panel you may need to upgrade your service to accommodate a sub panel that is 100 amp. I suggest having a licensed electrician do the work.
Hi,
You should know that you need to pull the permit for this work and have someone qualified to do the load calculations because 100A is searious load. That is why you have electricians available in your area. On the other hand you might have a voltage drop considering the length of the run.
Licensed contractor will give you proper solution for your needs, take responsibility for safety and in the end of the day will be responsible for all the work done, confirmed by safety authority in your area. I am not sure about local regulations in Alberta but you should check with your local contractors. Canadian Electrical Code is very specific about permits. You don't have to pull it just when you change minor things (light fixtures, etc).
As others have mentioned, there are many other factors that you MUST adhere to when running the cable and adding extra loads to your home. Length of cable might require upsized cable, depth of underground cable may be from 18"-48" deep depending on where it is installed.
Conduits are made for individual conductors, not conductors with an exterior insulation. Even though many people do this, it is not correct as it can lead to overheating and derating of the actual wires.
connections must be made in approved boxes, with drains (if required) and may also require expansion joints. Trenches require clean fill, possibly treated planks, marker tape, etc.
There are many rules in installing panels as well, locations, hazardous areas, (paint booth or chemicals), heavy motor loads, etc etc.
Do yourself a favour and call a licensed electrical contractor (not just any old electrician) and pay for some advice and also get an electrical permit for your home ownership insurance.
A breaker in the sub panel is not required. To be clear if using copper #3AWG 3 conductor would be correct, yes NMD inside and NMWU for exterior and underground.
Main panel capacity?
Esa Permit?
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