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	Subject - Sub Panel in another building. Skeeterman I have built a 28' x 28' garage. It sets about 12 feet from my present attached garage on the home. I'm getting ready to wire this garage, and don't want to install new in wires or meter from the yard pole to the new garage. Don't want to pay two electic bills each month. I want to run a "outdoor" type wiring from the panel in the regular garage to the new garage, and to a panel in that building. I will support the cable with with regular outdoor connectors and etc.. This way I will have one electric meter, but a new panel and in the new garage. Can this be done is the question? Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Fred Romex Racer It can be done, but you have to watch overhead clearance issues. Going underground would be better and cheaper. Can you go underground? lctrc789 Romex is right watch your overhead clearance issues and if you can go underground it would be better. What size service do you have in garage or home? What size service or sub panel are you going to add? Remember that this is sub panel and you should use 4 wire systaem two hots one neutralone ground and can add ground rod at the seperate service (sub panel) if you wish. All grounds and neutrals must have seperate bars etc... Get back to us let us know how you came out and watch your local codes as well. Skeeterman Thanks for the quick reply. I would like to run two sets of cables(3 wires each) direct from the Main disconnect at the top of the main panel box in the regular garage to the new sub panel in the new garage. I have thought about running these cables in PVC and staking a copper rod ground there. Is it the proper thing to run the wiring direct from the main disconnect, and not go through the circuit breakers? From sub panel I would run #12-2 for the receptacles and switches.I will have air compressor and heavy power tools (like table saws, routers) running on these wires. Would that be the proper guage wiring here? Not too many books out on this subject matter. Romex Racer Ya better have a breaker in the main panel, otherwise the wires have no overcurrent protection. Why 2 sets of wires? Feed the subpanel with one set, just size it correctly. From what you describe, a 50 amp sub panel with #8 feeders should be plenty... stedder what you are talking about can be done, maybe you could get a local electrician to look at the job and give you your options, there is no need to run two sets, just one off a sub feed breaker in your main panel. Overhead must have steel messenger cable support (meant for overhead feeds) IMO under ground is the way to go unless theres no other way. A local electrician could give you the best feedback. Electricman Skeeterman, Do Not tap off of the Main Breaker as this violates code and all safety issues. I would suggest hiring a qualified electrician to either do the work or help you with it. Underground is defintely the way to go. Ictrc's advice is solid, a 4 wire system is the way I would do it also, I have seen bootleged services (tapped off of main)go dangerously wrong so dont do it. Be safe, Be smart, have it done correctly for your safety and your familys. Skeeterman In my reply I should have stated I already have the garage wired with 12-2 with ground from the sub panel. My main concern is the wiring from the main panel to the sub panel.. I will run the wire (one as you all suggested) from the main to the sub panel in PVC underground, and ground with copper rod at the new garage location. So you are saying, run a #8 cable from a breaker in the main panel to a breaker in the sub panel. I "do not" have any empty slot open in the main panel for another breaker for this seperate garage. I would have to use one of the breakers in use..Is that what you are suggesting? I also question the #8 size wiring. How about #10 3- conductor wiring rated for 30 amps. But I have no problem with #8. Electricman I dont think anyone here is suggesting to (tap)off of an exsiting breaker . You need a double pole ckt breaker on its own to feed your new service. I dont mean to sound insulting and I apologize in advance if I do, but I think this type of electrical work may be a little over your head and my suggestion to you would be to consult a qualified electrician either to supervise your work, or to do it for you. Energreen You wanted a Book?: Wiring a House, by Rex Cauldwell, Taunton Press. Good for a novice to a pro. He does cover sub panel wiring. Other posts gave good advice. It would be a good idea to talk to a local electrician. zapped208 With all do respect Skeeter, Hire an Electrician. If you want to do something, dig the trench. lctrc789 If you are unsure with what you are doing, definitley get some advice or someone to do the job. Check your local codes and see what you may or may not have to have for this. This job may be over your head as far as the code and the proper wirng for a sub panel of this nature. Especially since you said you have no room in main panel etc. Thats why in my original post i ask what size service are you planning on installing and what size do you have in house.