Help!!
#1
05-20-14, 06:50 PM
Help!!
I just had a central heating system installed to replace cadet heaters.
The installers are not electricians so I thought I would give it a shot my self since bids were coming in between $1800-$2400 dollars. I have done some electrical in the past. My main panel in sub level so I think I am going to have to use a sub panel on the outside of the house since my basement is finished.
The furnace calls for a 220 volt 60amp and a 30amp circuit, the heat pump uses a 220 volt 35amp circuit.
Removing the cadet heaters in my house I will gain 3 double spaces @ 20amps each space.
The other thing I want to do is run 220 volt 30amp circuit to my garage for an air compressor.
all this said since my basement is finished it will have to be run outside and then back inside the house.
What gauge wire would be required between main panel and sub panel?
What other information can I supply to get the required wire size for my loads?
Thank you for your valuable time.
Larry
The installers are not electricians so I thought I would give it a shot my self since bids were coming in between $1800-$2400 dollars. I have done some electrical in the past. My main panel in sub level so I think I am going to have to use a sub panel on the outside of the house since my basement is finished.
The furnace calls for a 220 volt 60amp and a 30amp circuit, the heat pump uses a 220 volt 35amp circuit.
Removing the cadet heaters in my house I will gain 3 double spaces @ 20amps each space.
The other thing I want to do is run 220 volt 30amp circuit to my garage for an air compressor.
all this said since my basement is finished it will have to be run outside and then back inside the house.
What gauge wire would be required between main panel and sub panel?
What other information can I supply to get the required wire size for my loads?
Thank you for your valuable time.
Larry
#2
05-20-14, 07:17 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
I'm praying that you have a 200A service there since you are adding over 100A of continuous duty load. Your service is 120v/240v.
So..... first off..... what size is your main service ?
What will be the total load on the new sub-panel ?
I can see at least 60+30+35+30= 155amps.
I'm praying that you have a 200A service there since you are adding over 100A of continuous duty load. Your service is 120v/240v.
So..... first off..... what size is your main service ?
What will be the total load on the new sub-panel ?
I can see at least 60+30+35+30= 155amps.
#6
05-20-14, 07:54 PM
Group Moderator
A little whoops there with the insulation. That should be insulated better.
Unfortunately it's hard to tape as you cannot kill it without removing the meter.
Unfortunately it's hard to tape as you cannot kill it without removing the meter.
#8
05-20-14, 08:22 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
I hope someone did a demand load calculation before you decided to add such a significant load.
While the breakers you are removing are 20 amps, that does not limit the new circuits to the same ampacity.
While the breakers you are removing are 20 amps, that does not limit the new circuits to the same ampacity.
#9
05-20-14, 08:34 PM
I had 2 licensed electricians come out and look at what I have and what I am doing, I would have to assume they would have done that before giving me a formal estimate for the work.
#10
05-21-14, 05:28 PM
Member
A little whoops there with the insulation. That should be insulated better.
Unfortunately it's hard to tape as you cannot kill it without removing the meter.
Unfortunately it's hard to tape as you cannot kill it without removing the meter.
Yes I have a 120/240 200 Amp main
Load on sub panel =155 amps
Load on sub panel =155 amps
#11
05-21-14, 05:36 PM
Group Moderator
It's important to note that the heat pump doesn't run when the electric heat is energized, so the heat pump load is not added to the electric furnace load.
You get a gold star for today! Nice catch! 
#12
05-21-14, 06:16 PM
OK everyone, I have re assessed my situation. After looking at this it appears that my service panel is not below surface, (brain fart).
Next thing is bury the cable or pvc?
I would like to do the most cost effective way, labor is free.
here is the the length for each load. can someone confirm what I am using for cable?
Compressor 30 amps run of wire 95' 10 ga.
Furnace 60 amps run of wire 65' 4 ga.
furnace 30 amps run of wire 65' 10 ga.
Heat pump 35 amps run of wire 65' 8ga.
Thanks everyone for those of you that have chimed in.
Next thing is bury the cable or pvc?
I would like to do the most cost effective way, labor is free.
here is the the length for each load. can someone confirm what I am using for cable?
Compressor 30 amps run of wire 95' 10 ga.
Furnace 60 amps run of wire 65' 4 ga.
furnace 30 amps run of wire 65' 10 ga.
Heat pump 35 amps run of wire 65' 8ga.
Thanks everyone for those of you that have chimed in.
#14
05-21-14, 06:46 PM
Member
Compressor 30 amps run of wire 95' 10 ga.
Furnace 60 amps run of wire 65' 4 ga.
furnace 30 amps run of wire 65' 10 ga.
Heat pump 35 amps run of wire 65' 8ga.
Furnace 60 amps run of wire 65' 4 ga.
furnace 30 amps run of wire 65' 10 ga.
Heat pump 35 amps run of wire 65' 8ga.
#15
05-21-14, 11:11 PM
Group Moderator
You must consult the data that comes with the unit on wire size due to the continuous loading nature of the electric coils.
