If you buy a 240V table saw for use in your detached garage what will you need to do to properly wire your shop?

Answer 1

s for USA, Canada and countries using similar 60 Hz mains suppliesProperly Wiring a ShopIn USA typically a home is powered from a mains transformer (in the street) which supplies two powered "hot" leads with a common neutral that is connected to the transformer's center-tap. The main fuse panel in the house typically alternates these two 120V power lines down the fuse box. You need to connect your table saw to a DOUBLE CIRCUIT BREAKER that taps into both "hot" power lines to supply it with 240V. More DetailsIf your shop is not wired already, I would recommend the following:

Figure out what you intend to power, and figure out the maximum amount of power you need.

Run one circuit from the house to a subpanel in the garage. Our outbuildings are powered off a 40A 220V supply, to give you an idea.

In the garage, install branch circuits for lights, outlets, etc. This will allow for futureproofing as if you want 4 circuits in the garage, you don't need to run 4 circuits from the house. Also you will have 120/240V just like in the house. (Our garage has a 120V circuit for lights, 2 120V outlet circuits, and 1 240V circuit for the air compresor) It is safer as well as one breaker kills the garage completely. Home Depot sells a nice little Square-D sub-panel for $20 that I have used many times in our outbuildings.

While this may be simply described here, it is actually a big job. Consult an electrician if you are unsure, especially for the high current feed to your subpanel.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

If you do this work yourself, always turn off the powerat the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicator to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.