DANMAS@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 97-05-08 15:46:19 EDT, you write:
>
> > I'm having a new home built, and I'd like to get it wired with 220v
> > to the garage. Any recommendations as to the amperage I should allow
> > for? I'm expecting to eventually use the circuit for a compressor,
> > a small welder and a space heater. No, I don't own these toys yet,
> > I'm just trying to plan ahead.
>
> Larry:
>
> Run as much as you can afford, at least 100 amp. Sooner or later, you will be
> welding in the winter with the heater on, and the compressor will kick in. At
> that rate, even a 100 amp service may not be big enough. That's assuming the
> lights and convience outlets are on the same service as the house. My garage
> is detached from the house, and the 100 amp service I have there is not big
> enough. I plan to update to 200 amps when I can.
>
> At this point in the house construction, the additional cost is minimal.
> Later on, the cost will be much higher. If it were my house, I would install
> a separate 100 amp service panel in the garage, and add outlets/circuits
> later, as I determined where I would actually be using them.
>
> Dan Masters,
> Alcoa, TN
A big factor to consider is whether or not you plan to heat the shop
with
electricity. I use propane for heat and feel that I can
get more that enough power from a 60 amp service. My lighting load
is 1960 watts which draws 9 amps at 220 (12 80w shop lites and 2 500 w
halogens). The compressor draws 16 amps at 220. If I happen to be
using
the arc welder, there goes another 30 amps which is getting close to the
60 amp total, but I can't think of many more "unattended" loads that I
could
be running in my shop... and I could always turn off the compressor.
My house is a different story. Its all electric and I could be running
the
washer, dryer, hot-water heater and oven along with the electric
furnace.
This along with the lights, dishwasher, TV and my daughter's
hairdryer...
all this on a 200 amp service. I think this much power is overkill
for a typical shop. There's nothing wrong with having the extra
capacity if you are willing to pay for it, but like others have said,
There's other things I would rather spend my money on.
Paul
--
Paul Richer
paulr@lsid.hp.com
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