HERMS with 2 elements at same time or not?

[lschiavo]

The 50 amp breaker in the basement is removable but if I want to use a breaker in subpanel, I'd have to run the wires back up to the garage from there.

I had an electrician out today and he said the best option (other than getting a 50A breaker for my main panel) would be to install a 100A load center next to the main panel and then run both the subpanel and spa panels off this.

He quoted me $700 to install the 100A panel, rewire the 100A sub to it, and install a 50A spa panel with an outlet. This includes all parts and labor (except we would be using the 50A breaker from my subpanel for the spa panel). I have no idea how much electricians run...does this seem reasonable?

That sounds a little high for my area. Off the top of my head I would probably quote about $500 but labor rates are different depending where you live and they are probably cheapest here

If there is a permit included, I would say it is reasonable as that is probably over $100 on top of labor and material.

 

[summerofgeorge]

Well, I have awesome news...I asked my neighbor if he knew where to find the breakers. He pulled out a bag of them and asked what size! He replaced his panel a few years ago but kept all the breakers in case anyone needed them. I just have to hook him up with homebrew now...done and done!!! I don't know why I didn't think to ask neighbors before. It was the same builder for the neighborhood so we probably all had the same boxes to start.

Now I can really start planning the electrical side of my build. :rockin:

 

[lschiavo]

Well, I have awesome news...I asked my neighbor if he knew where to find the breakers. He pulled out a bag of them and asked what size! He replaced his panel a few years ago but kept all the breakers in case anyone needed them. I just have to hook him up with homebrew now...done and done!!! I don't know why I didn't think to ask neighbors before. It was the same builder for the neighborhood so we probably all had the same boxes to start.

Now I can really start planning the electrical side of my build. :rockin:

Nice score! That will save you some $$.

 

[awarner322]

Browsing around...have a real novice question here.

I understand that if you plan to run 2 heating elements at the same time, you would need a 50a breaker.

My noob question is....does that also require you to run the entire system with 220V?

(Don't worry....I don't plan on tackling this project...so I don't need to be told I can kill myself with this stuff)

 

[LandoLincoln]

Browsing around...have a real novice question here.

I understand that if you plan to run 2 heating elements at the same time, you would need a 50a breaker.

My noob question is....does that also require you to run the entire system with 220V?

(Don't worry....I don't plan on tackling this project...so I don't need to be told I can kill myself with this stuff)

Yes and no.

I'm running a system with 50a 240v so I can run both 5500w elements at the same time. I have three mini circuit breakers inside my control panel: (2) 50a 240v circuit breakers, one to run each element and then I have (1) 15a 120v circuit breaker to run everything else (pumps, PIDs, etc.)

 

[awarner322]

Yes and no.

I'm running a system with 50a 240v so I can run both 5500w elements at the same time. I have three mini circuit breakers inside my control panel: (2) 50a 240v circuit breakers, one to run each element and then I have (1) 15a 120v circuit breaker to run everything else (pumps, PIDs, etc.)

Thank you...that clears it up somewhat. Do you have any pictures of your build by any chance?

 

[AllanMar]

My build (in progress) is a 50A GFCI to the panel, with 2x 25A (240V) and 2x 10A (120V) DIN breakers in the panel.
I did a 5500W and 4500W in each HLT and BK. I've wired it such that I can select either 5500W HLT & 4500W BK or Both in HLT or Both in BK. I went with the 4500W vs 2x5500W to give me a little more room on the 50A.

 

[MrNatural]

Yes and no.

I'm running a system with 50a 240v so I can run both 5500w elements at the same time. I have three mini circuit breakers inside my control panel: (2) 50a 240v circuit breakers, one to run each element and then I have (1) 15a 120v circuit breaker to run everything else (pumps, PIDs, etc.)

You're running 6 AWG to your elements?

 

[LandoLincoln]

You're running 6 AWG to your elements?

Oops. I meant (2) 30a 240v circuit breakers.

 

[LandoLincoln]

Thank you...that clears it up somewhat. Do you have any pictures of your build by any chance?

I'm still in the process of building it, but here's the schematic I'm working off of.

 

[MrNatural]

Oops. I meant (2) 30a 240v circuit breakers.

Whew!! Mid-build myself and that kind of stuck out. This stuff is a blast - if time and money aren't a concern.