Ek's Home   |   Forum   |   Chat   |   Electrical Links   |
	Subject - first stupid question ggb when running s sub panel what is the recommended wire size to use(from main panel to sub)? if it depend on whats going to be fed from the subpanel please give me some scenarios. and breifly describe how you go about running a sub panel. treat me like i know nothing and you are starting with step one! sorry if its stupid i just really want to learn this stuff and get a better concept of a few things! lctrc789 First of all GGB there is no stupid questions,everyone has to start somewhere and you can only get there by asking. Second you may get different answers or answers that may confuse you again ask. The sub panel you are asking about is apparently an interesting question for you. Example 100 amp main panel you want to add sub panel that has 3 120 volts circuits 2 general purpose one dedicated 15 amp, one 230 volt 20 amp circuit. If I calculated right you could run a # 8wire and install a 40 amp circuit this would give you a little room for maybe another circuit if it single 120 volt circuit. But you could run a # 6 wire and install a 60 amp breaker and that would give you more room for the new subpanel. ggb thanks i really appreciate any help and any scenario you can give me Pierre Belarge In sizing a panel, it is not done by referring to the size or number of circuits installed. It is sized according to Art 220. Some calculations have to be performed as to what loads are being connected to the panel. Take a typical 200 amp residential service today (at least in my area). There are usually 2- 2pole 30 amp, 3-2pole 20 amp, 15-1 pole 20 amp and 12-1 pole 15 amp breakers. Add up the individual breakers and it comes out to more than 200 amps (720 amps). That is why calculations of the load, or actual connected load calculations are necessary. a 20 amp circuit does not necessarily carry a 20 amp load. Pierre