Thanks for the input. So do I understand this then that I simply install a
20 amp wall switch at the garage entry point and a panel with 2 pole
breaker? Again thanks.

"HorneTD" wrote in message
hlink.net...
JohnF wrote:
Sorry I left out key info. The garage is detached and is approx 50'
from
the main house panel . It is a 240V line; the wire is #12/3 plus
ground.
At the moment only a 120v leg is attached to a 15A receptacle. I want to
use
the existing wire that is running from the house to the garage.
Thanks.
John


"zxcvbob" wrote in message
...

JohnF wrote:


My main house panel has a 30 AMP breaker that controlling a single line

that

runs to the garage and has only a receptacle attached to it. I have a
complete main panel box/100 amp breaker and other breakers that were

taken

out when the main panel was recently upgraded to 200 AMP. I want to
have
several separate lines in the garage for door opener, work bench,

lights,

etc. My question is how do I hook up the line to the extra panel? Do
I
just connect to the 100 amp main just so that both sides of the panel

box

are energized and then connect the couple of lines I need in the garage

to

the individual 15 AMP breakers in the usual manner? Your input is
appreciated. John

John
If the wire is twelve gage then there is no need for any panel in the
garage. Just change the breaker from a thirty ampere to a double pole
twenty ampere breaker. At the garage you install a switch box that will
hold a two pole single throw switch. The black wire goes to one pole of
the switch the red wire to the other pole of the switch with the white
spliced through and the green/bare bonded to the switch strap or yoke.
The switch should be rated for the full twenty amperes but you could use
two separate single pole switches if you preferred. A single two pole
switch is better practice. The switch will serve as the building
disconnecting means and it must be located very close to were the wires
enter the building. The circuit that you will then have is called a
multiwire branch circuit. You are allowed to use two single pole
breakers on that circuit but one two pole breaker is better practice for
residential property. If the circuit will supply a 240 volt load, such
as a large unit air conditioner, in addition to the 120 volt loads then
you must use a two pole breaker to protect it and a two pole switch as
the building disconnecting means. That circuit will give you the
equivalent of two twenty ampere 120 volt circuits without running
another wire. The circuit for your work bench receptacle outlets will
be connected between the white and black and the circuit for the lights
and door opener will be connected between the white and the red. Each
circuit will then have 120 volts with 240 volts between the black and
red. That is what allows the two circuits to share the white neutral.
--
Tom