I'm out of Breakers!

A

Augus7us

Joined
Oct 9, 2014
Messages
694
Hey Guys,

I'm out of breakers in my shop and have a few tools that I am itching to get online and start using. I'm considering using my last open slot to feed a second smaller breaker box to save me money and time over buying a larger box and replacing the current one. I'm renting this place for another year at most so I'd rather not go through the hassle and money. I have nothing that will draw high amperage going to the second box, nor would anything run continuously so I'd jump it with a 20 amp breaker from my main box.

All amperage and wire size, etc being correct is there any reason this wouldn't work other than it probably not being up to code?

Thanks!
 
maybe I'm missing something, but unless you need the breakers to feed a type of outlet/power you don't already have in your shop, what's wrong with getting a couple good quality extension cords and plugging in just the tool you are using at the moment?...it's a bit of a hassle, but it's cheaper than installing breakers in a place you don't own.
 
Thanks Count, unfortunately those would only free up one slot. I only have a small panel that came with the shop, which is actually intended for large bus style RV storage.

I should have mentioned this in my original post this is for 220. So buying new plugs and an extension chord long enough would go above the 35$ to have a 8 circuit panel shipped from amazon. That would give me the 4 outlets I really could use and i have breakers and wire.
 
The incoming wire is likely the size for the existing panel, and the addition of a sub-pannel would be a bad idea.
The first problem would be that it is illegal. The second is that it could easily overload the existing panel and cause damage or a fire. Get an electrician to take a look at your wiring and panel and see what the best options are.
 
I added a sub panel for my garage. It's mounted right next to my main 100 amp panel. I used a 220-40 amp breaker in my main panel to feed the sub panel. I have 2-30 amp 220 breakers in there along with 3-20 amp 110 breakers to feed lights and wall outlets. I had a journeyman electrician help me and it was easy and cheap. Homedepot has a sub panel with breakers for under $50. You can also use piggyback breakers to free up space in your main panel. I chose a sub panel so my garage was in one box and easy to separate. Next year I may change out the service to a 200amp main panel but this setup works great. My house uses very little amperage anyway due to having hydronic heat and gas appliances. Just watch your amperage draw at any given time. Have an electrician look it over and help if needed.
 
My first question would be "what does your landlord think about this?". Since it's a rental, I'd be very wary of making any permanent changes, especially if not done by a licensed electrician who will do the work to code. You don't really want "probably not up to code" to be an excuse.

Next question: what is the size of the current sub-panel in your shop? What's currently hooked up to each breaker? Is the main feed rated for the size of the box to begin with?

As far as code is concerned, I believe you are allowed to daisy chain a sub off of a sub (as long as ground and neutrals aren't bonded, and capacity limits are observed). For example, don't put a larger main breaker into the first sub panel to run your second.

Now, when you say "jump with a 20 amp", you're talking about a 220VAC breaker, right? I assume you're thinking about transferring a single breaker from each hot leg of the first sub panel to the second, so that you can replaced them with a feeder breaker for the second sub?

If so, this should work. Just make sure the original sub (and what ever is feeding it) can handle the additional load.


Now, my last question would be, how much more would it cost to just replace the original sub with a larger one in the first place? (capacity limits still being observed of course)

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a licensed electrician, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn once...
 
I ran a sub-panel to the back of my shop for more breakers, but all the wiring is large enough to handle the load. One thing to think about is if more than one machine is running at a time. I have two power hammers on one breaker, but only run one at a time, by law that breaker is overloaded, but we have no wiring codes, permits or inspections here.
 
Thanks for the info fellas. Its a 100 amp feed to a 12 circuit panel. There was one pair of florescents and one receptacle when I rented the place, the rest I ran myself. It has galvanized walls with a sheet of plywood screwed in and the box is screwed to that with room for a sub panel.

The units are pretty cool, wasn't a lot of rich RV owners near this place so most are rented out to construction crews. They don't care what I do as long as I don't do permanent damage to the walls. I've been forging, grinding and making all kinds of racket and its a lot cheaper than leasing a small building around here. It will do until we purchase our new place, with a shop!

I only run one tool at a time plus lights, radio and a fan in the summer. The only exception is when I run my kiln.
 
A hundred amps and twelve circuits, sounds like you have plenty. Are you thinking one circuit to one outlet. Two 220v outlets, and three 120v circuits with multiple outlets around the shop leaves you with five circuits for lights fans and misc. Sorry if I'm missing something.
 
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