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Pro tip: Had to pick between a new panel or a subpanel for a garage workshop job last month
A client in Springfield wanted to run a 240v welder, a dust collector, and a bunch of tools in his new garage. His main panel was full. I could either upgrade his whole service to a new 200-amp panel for about $2,500, or install a 60-amp subpanel off the main for around $800. Went with the subpanel because the main service wires were still good and it saved him a lot of cash. It took me a full day to run the feeder and get everything labeled right. Everything works fine now, but I'm wondering if I should have pushed harder for the full upgrade for future proofing. What would you guys have done in that spot?
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the_eric7mo ago
Honestly, you made the right call. A 60-amp subpanel is plenty for a garage shop unless he's planning to add a car charger or a full HVAC unit later. Future proofing is nice, but for $1700 less, he can just upgrade later if he ever needs to. Most guys never max out a setup like that anyway.
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coray706mo ago
Ran into almost the same thing last year with a detached garage. Put in a 60-amp subpanel and it's been perfect for a table saw, compressor, and a small welder running one at a time. The cost difference is just too big to ignore unless you know for sure they're adding something huge later. Saved my client a bundle and he's thrilled, plus it leaves the main panel alone which is less headache. If the need comes up later, upgrading the subpanel feeder or doing a full service change is still an option.
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the_pat6mo ago
Exactly. My neighbor ran his whole woodshop on a 60-amp sub for ten years before he added a car charger. He just had the feeder line swapped from 6-gauge to 3-gauge copper when the time came. The panel itself was fine.
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