3Phase 60amp SubPanel for 120v RIMS system

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

I used to be far more active on the forum back when I was brewing. Had a few kids and moved a couple of times between states - now I'm looking to finish up my new electric rig and get to brewin again!

I was at the Habitat ReStore yesterday and came across this 60amp sub panel. I was going to go for a full 15gal 240v 3 keggle system but then realized the cost to getting 240v service in my garage brew space was going to be too much money. Also, my wife wanted most of my equipment gone. So, I made her a deal and reduced everything to a 2-vessel 5gal system that will run off of 120v instead.

Here's my question about this sub panel -

It looks a lot like the spa panels used for 240v setups. I couldn't pass on it considering it was only $5. What I'm wondering is if I can install this sub panel off of my main panel in the garage with outlets and receptacles so that all of my energy needs for brew day are self-contained in this panel. That way I'm not having to find multiple circuits at 15a-20a in my garage when running elements, pumps, etc. at the same time.

Will this work for something like that or do I need to just utilize the existing service in my garage? Thanks!

Pic is attached. From the label it is a GE TED134060 480v 60amp

 

[lschiavo]

That is just a 3 pole breaker, not a subpanel. I don't see how it would be useful in your situation. The spa panels are used mainly to provide GFCI protection and what you have will not.

What is the existing service in the garage? Is there a panel?

 

[user 125772]

Normal residential service generally doesn’t have 3 phase, that’s usually found in industrial service , places like machine shops. I’m not sure what you can use that for (and still be compliant with code)

On the other hand, if you main panel is actually located in the garage, adding a new breaker for a spa panel should be relatively inexpensive/ simple.

 

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

Yeah, the main panel is literally 15ft from where my brew rig is so...

Do I even need a spa panel to run a 120v system with multiple elements, pumps, pid's, etc? Would the simplest solution be to install a 30amp breaker in the main panel and run lines for a receptacle next to my rig where I can plug my control panel into?

If I power the e-panel with that then I should have enough power for everything, right?

 

[lschiavo]

If the panel is that close, it shouldn't cost much to run a 240V feed. Or a few dedicated 120 receptacles if you want to go that way.

 

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

I think I might go the spa panel route after all. I found one online that has a double pull 50amp and single pull 20amp for a pretty good deal. I have been reading up on the fact that if I ever move I can take it with me. Not planning on that happenin but better safe than sorry.

So, my question now is how do I connect the spa panel (located in the brew space) to a power source? Do I still need to have a receptacle wired to my main panel for the spa panel to draw power from?

I do not have a 240v receptacle that I can access, only a couple 120v receptacles.

 

[lschiavo]

You would have to get a 240V feed out of the panel to your brew area somehow. You could run that to a receptacle or straight into a spa panel. A picture of the panel and brew area would help to make some suggestions.

 

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

I did a little looking in my garage and there is a wall that is shared between where the brew area is and my interior laundry room. Can I drill a hole and run an extension cord through the wall? (Using it on brew day and obviously disconnecting it when not in use)

I feel like I read somewhere that doing that is a direct code violation but can't remember...

 

[lschiavo]

It's your house. I don't know that that is a specific code violation as long as you use a proper cord, I guess it would be okay. I would look for a more elegant solution myself.

Could you put a receptacle back to back with the existing dryer outlet and use the existing dryer feed to power the dryer and the new receptacle on the opposite side of the wall?

 

[user 125772]

The purpose of a spa panel is to have GFCI on a 240V receptacle .
If you use 120V, you use either GFCI breakers, or GFCI outlets.

I either scenario, the installation amounts to installing a breaker in the main panel, and using the appropriate sized cable to reach the receptacles.

If you don't know anything about this stuff, I'd recommend you hire someone that does, so that it's done correctly, and could pass an inspection if it was scrutinized.

 

[WhiteArmadilloBrewing]

I understand the purpose of a spa panel and know enough to be somewhat comfortable with working with electricity. However, venturing into panels and walls, I am just doing my due diligence on the forum trying to discern the best way to proceed for my setup and house layout.

I've seen conflicting statements made on a number of posts specifically re: code violations, etc. so I'm just trying to triple/quadruple check everything before forking out cash to move forward.

I appreciate the insight for sure so thanks