feed to detached garage

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GlennG

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Hicksville, NY
I just looked at a detached single car garage. I am debating a small 4 circuit sub panel vs just pulling 2, 20 amp circuits out. If someone could help me with some code references, i remember reading that you are limited to pulling I think 2 circuits out, but I'm not sure. If someone could give me some info on where i can read up that would be great. Thanks
 
You are not limited to two circuits.
A MWBC (multi wire branch circuit) is considered a single circuit.
 
I always prefer the sub panel but look at art.225.30 and all of Part II.. Also look at 250.32 for the grounding electrode and the egc
 
edward said:
You are not limited to two circuits.
A MWBC (multi wire branch circuit) is considered a single circuit.
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If you need more than one MWBC then you have to install a sub panel with a feeder. Also if your subpanel has more than 6 disconnects you need to have a main disconnect.
 
Ask the client what they are going to do in the garage (worst case) , address the service.

I prefer the application of a sub-panel, myself! :) Climate, activity, IE the actual usage are all in play.
 
The customer will just be using the garage to park a car, and it is just big enough for that. There will be no type of work shop or anything like that, just a opener and a few lights. My original thought was a sub panel until i saw the scale of the job and found out what they want to have in it. A sub panel would definitely be a nicer job IMO but i feel it is slightly unnecessary. The contractor is concerned cost so I wanted to way the options. thanks for the responses.
 
Running 2 20A circuits out there will save you on the subpanel and driving 2 ground rods. If the garage is just big enough to fit a car and nothing else and the customer doesn't have any specific plans, then 2 20A circuits may be plenty.

I usually run into a double pole switch as a disconnect and then run one circuit to the receptacles and the other circuit to the lights and door opener.
 
BattleCat said:
Running 2 20A circuits out there will save you on the subpanel and driving 2 ground rods. If the garage is just big enough to fit a car and nothing else and the customer doesn't have any specific plans, then 2 20A circuits may be plenty.

I usually run into a double pole switch as a disconnect and then run one circuit to the receptacles and the other circuit to the lights and door opener.
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When you say 2 -20 amp circuits I think you mean one MWBC. Yes?
 
BattleCat said:
Running 2 20A circuits out there will save you on the subpanel and driving 2 ground rods. If the garage is just big enough to fit a car and nothing else and the customer doesn't have any specific plans, then 2 20A circuits may be plenty.

I usually run into a double pole switch as a disconnect and then run one circuit to the receptacles and the other circuit to the lights and door opener.
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I agree given the paramters mentioned. 2-20 amp circuits on a MWBC with a 2 pole snap switch disconnect should be adequate.
 
"2 -20 amp circuits".......you should install one 15 amp MWBC since you should not be using a 20 amp circuit for the lights, heck even one dedicated garage 15 amp circuit would work for a bare bones single car garage
 
mrtom said:
"2 -20 amp circuits".......you should install one 15 amp MWBC since you should not be using a 20 amp circuit for the lights, heck even one dedicated garage 15 amp circuit would work for a bare bones single car garage
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Why shouldn't he use 20a for the lights?
 
Only other thing to think about is if an electric car is ever in their future. If so, you'd want a 40 to 50 amp feeder to the garage. You could pull 8-3 now and just use it as an oversized 15 or 20 amp MWBC. Then, if they want a car charger, they can replace the disconnect with a panel. So do they want to pay for just the minimum, upsized wire only, or go with a full up feeder and panel.
 
I would at least upsell them on a 1" PVC conduit even if you only pull 2 20's out there. That way they can pull larger out there down the road. The minimal cost of the conduit VS re digging a ditch later down the road is a plus. I also try to sell three ways for the lighting so they can be controlled from the house too.
 
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