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I have 200 amp service. I want a subpanel to handle my garage outlets hot tub and a small welder. besides normal power tools such as a miter saw table saw and ets. I have 3/4 inch pipe ran to my garage already. What are your recmondations. is 60amp #6 wire enough. Can I bulk up the wire such as a #4 run 3 runs in 3/4inch pipe even though its over kill?

Steve K
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You need 4 wires for a subpanel (neutral and ground separated) - as such, 6AWG is all that fits - 4 AWG would require 1" conduit at a minimum (even for 3 wires.)

I don't keep this in my head - I use this, or one like it:

http://www.electrician2.com/calculators/rf_calculator.html

Ecnerwal
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  • That's what I was afraid of. damn do you think 6g is more then enough. I really don't want to run new pipe. – Steve K Jul 26 '15 at 20:40
  • I ment 6g should handle the load I want to run.I know it will not all run at once. Will the hot tub be a huge sucker for electricty causing issues with 6g? – Steve K Jul 26 '15 at 20:42
  • Most hot tubs (check yours to see what it actually is) are 30A disconnect, IIRC. Depending on the welder, might want to turn the tub off when welding - not activities that are likely to overlap. Likely plenty unless you have employees (There are limits to what one guy in a garage is going to use for electricity at one time...) – Ecnerwal Jul 26 '15 at 22:12
  • As long as you're not welding and hot-tubbing at the same time it should be fine. – friedo Jul 27 '15 at 01:08
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    @friedo I hate when people say that. Load calculations are not based on what you might do at the same time (other than HVAC), they're based on what equipment is installed. My wife loves to relax in the hot tub, while I weld. Not to mention, hot tubs may heat and circulate water, even when they're not actively being used. – Tester101 Jul 27 '15 at 01:39