Tank room electrical DIY: subpanel or no subpanel?

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Thanks for the suggestions.

I did find one wrinkle. At the City of Calgary website, trying to find out what "code" requires, I found this little tidbit:



(It cuts off at that point, they don't finish the sentence .... sure is nice to proofread stuff once in a while! )

I wonder how easy it would be to pass electrical inspection if it's fairly obvious that it's a tank room. The room will be well ventilated but is that enough? Also by reading between the lines a little, it sounds like enclosing the panel in a cabinet wouldn't be an option.

Guess I'm going to have to do some more homework..

Well that is interesting ... because I am building my tank room in the coming weeks and my electrical panel is in the same room as the tank room ... I on the other hand have no room on my main panel to add anything but a 220 line to goto a subpanel ... will have to talk to a electrician to see how I can plan around this little obstacle

[BMW Rider]

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Thanks for the suggestions.

I did find one wrinkle. At the City of Calgary website, trying to find out what "code" requires, I found this little tidbit:



(It cuts off at that point, they don't finish the sentence .... sure is nice to proofread stuff once in a while! )

I wonder how easy it would be to pass electrical inspection if it's fairly obvious that it's a tank room. The room will be well ventilated but is that enough? Also by reading between the lines a little, it sounds like enclosing the panel in a cabinet wouldn't be an option.

Guess I'm going to have to do some more homework..

I think the intent of that is that you are not supposed to have your panel in something like a bathroom where there would be lots of moisture. I don't think that your fishroom would be a concern. Also, the panel can be placed in an enclosure, but not in the back of a closet or something where it is difficult to access. I have wooden cabinet doors that conceal my power panel, Not an actual cabinet, just a shallow framework with doors to make it look more attractive.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Buk_A_neer

I on the other hand have no room on my main panel to add anything but a 220 line to goto a subpanel ... will have to talk to a electrician to see how I can plan around this little obstacle

you want to put 220 to the subpanel, you split it in the subpanel into two 110 lines. so if you send 40 amp 220 to the subpanel you have a capability of 80amps of 110.

Steve

[Buccaneer]

Thanks Steve ... I figured that as I have a buddy that did the subpanel thing for a detached garage ... what I was more worried about is the possible moisture issue as my main electrical panel ( and future subpanel ) are in the same room as my tank so need to know what will be needed to make that happen.

[mark]

My 75g sump, mixing barrels etc., is in the basement mechanical room along with the electrical panel. Was concerned about moisture (more on the rim joist than panel) so been watching.

My humidity is 40% max and when we had the cold weather (-20°s), just had a little bit of condensation on the window. Considering CMHC says 30-50% in a house over winter, not bad.

Haven't done a summer here yet but know I'll be evaporating more since imagine I'll have a fan blowing on the sump. I've installed a bathroom fan which I'll put on a dehumidistat and also have a dehumidifier available.

Either way unless you have a tiny fish room and a large amount of evaporation, don't think you'll have a moisture problem with a electrical panel.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Buk_A_neer

Thanks Steve ... I figured that as I have a buddy that did the subpanel thing for a detached garage ... what I was more worried about is the possible moisture issue as my main electrical panel ( and future subpanel ) are in the same room as my tank so need to know what will be needed to make that happen.

ahh ok, by the way, where the hell is DeWinton. It sounds familiar but I can't place it.

Steve

[Gizmo]

Cutler Hammer sells a Water tight sub panel (I believe it was 8 cct's) and a 4 cct for things like hot tubs, outside environments etc. Has a lid.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

ahh ok, by the way, where the hell is DeWinton. It sounds familiar but I can't place it.

Steve

According to my 15 yr old daughter it is a hick town just south of Calgary ... between Calgary and Okotoks

[Puff]

i did my electrical trade training in calgary...and from what i gathered they're pretty anal about that rule.

but if you installed a GFCI then it might be a bit better...wait...nevermind.lol. we're talking about panels.hahaha.

my bad my bad

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Puff

i did my electrical trade training in calgary...and from what i gathered they're pretty anal about that rule.

but if you installed a GFCI then it might be a bit better...wait...nevermind.lol. we're talking about panels.hahaha.

my bad my bad

Ah but you could feed the subpanle with a GFI breaker off the main panel.

Steve