New subpanel?

[Zenman]

In the near future I'm planning to add some electric to my soon-to-be workshop in the basement which is about 50 feet away from the main panel (new 200 amp panel). I have a bunch of toys... um... I mean tools. Your basic wood working tools plus an arc welder and my wife's kilns... They all run on 110v, but who knows maybe I'll get some 220v tools soon.

So my question is; is it worth installing a new subpanel in my workshop or run several new lines as needed from the main panel? How many amps for the subpanel? Also what type of wire and\or conduit would be needed to be run to the subpanel?

Thanks!

[jwelectric]

First if you are going to be doing a lot of cutting and sanding in your basement lets hope you have one hell of a dust system.

Second if you are planning on welding where there is a lot of wood dust in your basement let’s hope and pray that you have one of the best homeowners insurance polices out there.

Third the size of the remote panel will depend on the load imposed.

Fourth the method in which you wire this remote panel is a design issue.

I hope I have helped in some way but with the information given it is the best I have to offer.

[Zenman]

1. Dust collection system is planned.

2. Actually I haven't done any welding in the past 20 years, but thought I should mention it since I still have it.

3. I guess I should figure out the maximum number of tools\appliances that could actually be running at the same time. For now lets just say one lighting circuit, and four 20 amp circuits all (possibly) being used at the same time. (lights, sump pump, dust collector, table saw, kiln)

4. Yes, this is the main question, wire type and design.

[jwelectric]

1. Dust collection system is planned.

Not just a dust system but a damn good dust system. Remember you are in your house and wood dust is flammable.

2. Actually I haven't done any welding in the past 20 years, but thought I should mention it since I still have it.

Again wood dust is flammable.

3. I guess I should figure out the maximum number of tools\appliances that could actually be running at the same time. For now lets just say one lighting circuit, and four 20 amp circuits all (possibly) being used at the same time. (lights, sump pump, dust collector, table saw, kiln)

This would have to be known in order to give you any more information. It is very possible that you will exceed the limits of your service which could mandate a new service

4. Yes, this is the main question, wire type and design.

This would by your choice. You are the only person that can answer this question

[Zenman]

OK thanks, I'm just in the planning stages and wont start on this for a while. I'm just trying to figure out costs right now, and comparing different options. Once I spec out a dust collection system I will be better able to define the loads. I do have another question if you don't mind...

The cable will be run inside the basement, and assuming the subpanel will be 100 amps. Which type of cable can I use - NMB or do I need SE or ...?

[jwelectric]

The amount of money you have to spend on the project will determine the methods used.

Personally I would install aluminum SER (4 conductor) cable as it will be the cheapest method and just as safe as any other.

On a side note, I did a little shop for a friend a few years back and he ended up having to do a service change from a 200 to a 320 continuous to accommodate the equipment he installed. After his kilns and turn tables were added with the lighting his service wasn’t large enough for the added loads. He also added heat and AC to this area which was a fairly large load. This was an expense that he wasn’t expecting and almost stopped the installation. When I eat supper tonight I will be eating from one of his plates.

As far as finding what the project will cost all you have to do is get a couple of electricians to bid the job. Just because you get a bid doesn’t mean they have to do the work and you will have the estimated cost of the installation.