subpanel recommendations
#1
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subpanel recommendations
Hi All,
I am going to be installing a sub panel in my garage. I am looking for recommendations on the sub panel itself and the best wiring. Here is what I need:
(1) 4-8 space sub panel (60 amps, give or take)
(2) 30' of wiring (routed through drywall)
Anyone have any product suggestions?
Thanks!
I am going to be installing a sub panel in my garage. I am looking for recommendations on the sub panel itself and the best wiring. Here is what I need:
(1) 4-8 space sub panel (60 amps, give or take)
(2) 30' of wiring (routed through drywall)
Anyone have any product suggestions?
Thanks!
#2
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I would do at least a 12 space panel. I don't think a smaller panel would be much cheaper and the extra spaces will allow future expansion. You can get a main lug only (MLO) panel (it doesn't have a main breaker), but they are often more expensive than the standard panels with a main breaker in your local big box store. Also, you could get a 100A panel and feed it with a 60A breaker in the main.
Brand doesn't much matter, people have preferences, but you can't go wrong with Square D or Cutler Hammer.
You'll have to feed it with a 4-wire feed (hot/hot/neutral/ground) in cable or conduit, and the neutral bar in the subpanel needs to be electrically isolated from the metal pan. You may need to purchase a ground bar that screws to the metal pan.
There are 100 other details... feel free to ask away...
Brand doesn't much matter, people have preferences, but you can't go wrong with Square D or Cutler Hammer.
You'll have to feed it with a 4-wire feed (hot/hot/neutral/ground) in cable or conduit, and the neutral bar in the subpanel needs to be electrically isolated from the metal pan. You may need to purchase a ground bar that screws to the metal pan.
There are 100 other details... feel free to ask away...
#3
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You will probably need a separate ground bar which is sold separately, comes with screws, and panel has pre-drilled holes... HOWEVER the store you shop at might only have these for specific panels.
And same with breakers. Might need different kinds, GFCI, etc. Perhaps might want, in the future, to get a surge protector which fits in two slots. Or whatever.... Anyway the store you shop at may have a whole range of breakers for certain panels, but few for other panels.
I like to be able to go to the store and get what I need because they have it in stock...
And same with breakers. Might need different kinds, GFCI, etc. Perhaps might want, in the future, to get a surge protector which fits in two slots. Or whatever.... Anyway the store you shop at may have a whole range of breakers for certain panels, but few for other panels.
I like to be able to go to the store and get what I need because they have it in stock...
#5
I also agree with the others. A 12-16 space panel will do you well long term. I like all panels out there other then GE that uses the skinny breakers (THQP) Cuttler Hammer BR is also a bit on the cheaper side but still made well enough, although most have an aluminum buss. I also like anything with a copper buss.
#6/3 NM-b is good for 60 amps
#6/3 NM-b is good for 60 amps
Last edited by Tolyn Ironhand; 11-17-11 at 06:38 PM.
#6
I agree with the copper bus recommendation and would also avoid GE panels. The Cutler Hammer BR series and Siemens panels are both available with either aluminum or copper bus; it only costs a few bucks to go first class. Although Square D has a reputation for quality, I must note that their Homeline panel is aluminum bus only. Competitive to the others in price, but not in quality in my opinion.