Just wanted to note something about your comment regarding amperage. Do you
have 200A? Huh?
Amperage is a matter of how much you draw, not how much is directed to your
house. Your main breaker is probably rated to a max of 200A (and probably
so is your panel), nothing more. If you try to pull more than 200A, you'll
getit until you pop the breaker or fry something.
"chester" wrote in message
...
I am planning on building a large shed in the backyard, and am planning
on running electrical to it. I am getting a couple of books in on wiring
a house (including one called “Wiring a House”…) but would also be
interested in feedback from experienced electricians.
I have a few questions.
First, how is the easiest way to figure out what I have coming into the
house. My panel says 120/240AC 200 Amp, and I really have to believe
that is what is coming on, but I would like to confirm i have 200A. Does
it say on the meter? My bill? Or do I need to call the electric company?
Second, is there an easy, straightforward method of calculating current
“usage”, or load on the main panel? I am guessing the books will go into
this, but I wouldn’t mind getting some other input on this. I am
assuming I will have enough to add a 120V/15A dedicated for an electric
wall heater, and then one 15A circuit for the shed, since I recently
removed an electric stove in the house (replaced with gas), but I want
to confirm.
I was thinking it might be nice to have a sub-panel in the shed, with
the two circuits. Is there an advantage to this? I was thinking I could
feed the shed with 10g, and then have a 50A panel in the shed, instead
of running two separate wires for the circuits. My plan would be to hook
the feed wire to a GFCI breaker in the main, and then have two 15A
standard breakers in the sub. Is 10g enough for this load on an ~80ft
run (underground)? How would I wire it into the main panel? With one
single 50A breaker, or 2 25A, or some other way. Using 10g 2 w/g or 10g
3 w/g? I have not looked into how to wire a sub panel, so excuse my
ignorance.
Again, just looking for a base before I get my books.
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