I am in the process of installing a subpanel to consolidate the wiring in my workshop. The panel is rated for 150amps, but I purchased a 125 amp to install in the main panel. I additionally have a 100amp breaker as well. The largest bound copper cable I can get without a special order from the local electrical supply house is 2/3 which will handle up to 95amps. I would prefer not to wait for the special order if I don't have to. 50amps is the next size down at the local Home Depot, ( I need to see what the electric supply house has, I assume I can get a 70, 80, or 90)
My questions are:
- I am thinking that I really don't need 100amps, so I wanted to query others to see what they have installed. (I am in the process of totally up the equipment and amps that I would expect would be needed at a given time to make sure I have all that I need, but that is not complete) I do have a fair amount of machinery and can see 2 - 3 users larger pieces of equipment plus auxillary air compressor, dust collection, air filtration, general power consumption that will add up. In my mind, it's not that much more expensive to add the extra amps at this point and would rather overplan than be under powered at a later date which would be much more expensive to upgade, if I needed it.
- I can purchase Aluminum to handle the 125amp's but I have heard bad things about the aluminum connection corrosion. I know I can put the special grease on the connections to prevent the corrosion. Any thoughts or comments?
David