A tank room electrical question

[DrBDC]

After reading the tank room thread going, I am questioning a plan I had and didn't want to hijack the list of good ideas.

To start, I have only 1 20 amp ciruit and do fine since my sump/fuge/frag system runs opposite of my display system. In the main panel I have a 30 amp with nothing on it. I had thought about running them to the fish room and a mini panel in there. In the tank room thread it was mentioned that it helped to keep them out of the fish room. Should I just run that other line and forget the sub panel? It's only about a 25 ft run to the main panel anyway and I already have a very easy access route.

 

[MayoBoy]

I'd put a sub-panel in the fishroom - just use a weather-proof enclosure/box.

 

[Hobbes8017]

I would do a Sub-Panel and split it out into a few circuits.

 

[scbadiver]

I'd agree with MayoBoy. You could then run seperate circuits so if one trips you wont lose everything. I have my pumps and heaters on 2 different circuits so if one goes the other will keep the tank ok until I find it. Depending on the size of your panel, you could get 3-4 four circuits if you wanted. Just make sure to put GFI on each run.

 

[DrBDC]

So get a 4 breaker sub panel and run it off of the 2 existing breakers on the main? What size breakers do you think I should put on the main for those 2 lines and what size for each in the sub panel? Or do I need to drag someone over to tap into the main to go to the sub panel?

 

[MayoBoy]

Never run a sub panel off 2 separate circuits. Someone working on it might not know that there are 2 feeds and kill them self.

You have a 30 amp available now? Run #10 to a 4 breaker box and put (4) 15 amp circuits in the box. Then you can break those 4 circuits up however you wish.

If you want to have 2 circuits in there, you can either run 2 boxes; or, if the 30 amp doesn't have anything else on it, pull it, put in a 60 amp and run #4 to a larger sub-panel.

 

[DrBDC]

OK, I'm off to home depot to return an enclosure box I bought for a ballast that's too small and look at subpanels as soon as the Mrs. comes home.

 

[scbadiver]

That would work but it seems to me it would be easier to replace the breaker with a bigger one at the main and just make one bigger run. I don't know what size wire but I'm sure one of the other guys here could tell you. I'd to look it up and I'm lazy by nature .

 

[scbadiver]

Slow too apparently! sorry guys. I didn't see your posts!

 

[Hobbes8017]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8903588#post8903588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MayoBoy
Never run a sub panel off 2 separate circuits. Someone working on it might not know that there are 2 feeds and kill them self.

This is so true! Never have 2 Feeds into a box!

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

If you want to have 2 circuits in there, you can either run 2 boxes; or, if the 30 amp doesn't have anything else on it, pull it, put in a 60 amp and run #4 to a larger sub-panel.

This is very similar to what I did. It works well. The only thing I would add is that the Main panel should be a 200amp service.
If not I would consider an upgrade.

 

[DrBDC]

I already changed the main to a 200 amp when I refinished my basement. I had to bring someone in to do that as I'm not real keen on playing with the main power source. I'll mess around with anything after the main breaker. Plus, they had to attach a trickle feed onto it before pulling the meter or UE would have shut the power off via computer.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8903588#post8903588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MayoBoy

You have a 30 amp available now? Run #10 to a 4 breaker box and put (4) 15 amp circuits in the box. Then you can break those 4 circuits up however you wish.

if the 30 amp doesn't have anything else on it, pull it, put in a 60 amp and run #4 to a larger sub-panel.

The latter gives me more overall power availabililty since I'm actually limited by the breaker back on the main correct?

But I'm running on 20 now so I'm already doubling availability even if I just run a regular circuit w/o adding a box. That really would be the easiest.

The 30 amp on the main is just sitting there w/o any circuit. That breaker came in the contractor pack when I bought my 200 amp main and I didn't have a use for it at the time so I just plugged it in at the bottom to cover the blank spot. If I don't add a box I'd probably change that out for a 20.

One of those spa breaker boxes I've seen that come with one gfci included won't do me any future good will it? I saw some that have the breaker and some additional circuits as well that I could throw in some more gfci's and leave the prepackaged 60 amp gfci one open for later. I plan to add a hot tub outside (which happens to be near the same area of my fish room) but it's breaker is probably required outside for quick access isn't it?

Also, if I add a box, do I need to run a true ground outside?

 

[Mr.Firemouth]

I think I grounded back to the main box.
Your other questions should be asked to your electrician also so you dont overload any circuitry. Remember the bigger breakers should use larger wires so the don't get too hot at max out put.
I have had extension cords at work under 10gauge get red hot!
I am not sure how much power you will be pulling. Amperage wise?
Also, I am DIY electrician at my house. I would lay it out and then ask a pro just to be sure.

 

[scbadiver]

As far as the Hot tub goes, I put one in a few years back for a freind and then the code was an outside weatherproof box w/shutoff, outside. It was stated that is should be "x"feet away from tub but not more than "X+" I belive it was 5 or feet away but no more than 50 but don't quote me on the actual numbers. There again though, you'll probably need a licensed electrician to wire it for the permit. (we forgot to ask to pemission but I wanted it right anyway. a few weeks later he got a different job and had to sell the house and thankfully, it went thru inspections with flying colors!)

 

[DrBDC]

What's a permit?

 

[scbadiver]

Exactly!!!

 

[caesura]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8910639#post8910639 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DrBDC
But I'm running on 20 now so I'm already doubling availability even if I just run a regular circuit w/o adding a box. That really would be the easiest.

That would be the easiest and cheapest. I'd set up the room with 2 regular 20amp circuits. Run each from a separate 110 leg in the box. Divide the equipment up for redundancy and buy something cool for the tank.

 

[DrBDC]

That's what I'm thinking. I need another DC8, and a i/o add on box.

 

[caesura]

If you are going to be using any x10 stuff you may want to stay on the same 110 leg with both circuits.

 

[DrBDC]

The empty one happens to be on the same phase as the existing one so I'm set. Once I'm in there playing around I may switch sides on the circuit that my freshwater tanks are on so I can control them by the x10 and get rid of some timers over there too.