I have 100 amp breaker box I want to put a 60amp double pole breaker in and run 60 amp wire to me garage. Do the y make a 60 amp breaker box with more then 4 breaker slots. or can you run 60 amp wire?

Answer 1

Rated for exactly 60amps you will find limited breaker spaces due to the rating of the hardware used in it's construction and air circulation restrictions from the equivalent limited enclosure area. When rated at a determined amperage level it is required to construct the device based on the worse case possible scenario which includes a continuous running load. This will determine it's minimum standards according to local and national codes for hardware, room, spacing, and, layout. This does not limit you to only this size panel though. As long as you install the 60amp breaker first in your house panel anything installed down stream {from the load side of the 60amp breaker will be protected up to 60 amps. Therefore you are permitted to exceed those ratings and still remain within code because regardless of what your load is, it can not exceed 60 amps without tripping the breaker. You can install a 12/24 {12-full size or 24-half size [mini's]} 100amp panel for additional breaker spaces and the cost difference is negligible. One code issue to consider is if the sub panel in the garage is not in line of sight of that 60amp breaker then you might want to install another 60amp breaker in the garage panel to interrupt the incoming power giving you the ability to work on/in the garage panel without the possibility of someone re-energizing it mistakenly. I would suggest before this to consult with an electrician for a load calculation to determine if there is 60amps of available power in the 100amp panel in the home. This panel may not have an over-current 100amp main breaker which means it is possible to exceed the panel rating of this unprotected panel. Installing a 100amp over-current device {breaker, fused safety switch, fuse block etc...} like your 60 amp breaker to the garage it will limit the total load to only 100amps. Good Luck and obtain all permits and full understanding of the project and safety protocols in it's regards.