Having an electrician come...What amp and how many breakers do I need?

First off, 20 amps takes 12/2 wire (romex) . . . 15 takes 14/2. If you run 15amp wire and draw 20 amps, fire can result.
It's easy enough to run romex, but you must follow your local and state codes, 'cuz your "real" electrician has to call an inspector, I would think?

These things would include how far into your 2X4"s/2X6" you'd need your routing holes drilled, how far apart staples are required, stuff like that. I'm pretty sure you could find everything you need to know to do most of this job yourself on-line.

I hail from generations of residential electricians.

nickibus said:

Ok so tomorrow I am going to just simply run the wire from where the breaker box is to the growroom. This will help with cost of the electrician for sure.

What gauge and type of wire should I buy (for both the 240's and three 120's)?
Can I just run them all together (like zip-tied together to make it easier)?
What are the do's and dont's of routing wire for this? Can it lay anywhere or does it all need to be attatched to the structure (framing) the entire route.
Its kind of a ways away so do I need to worry about how long the wire is)?

Click to expand...

ran across this thread and thought i'd add my .02 - think electrical code and home insurance. in my state any electrical work has to be at least inspected by a licensed electrician in order to meet code. depending on your insurance policy you may not be covered if you have an electrical house fire. personally, i would have an electrician at least run one 240 line to a subpanel in the attic with enouth amperage to handle your entire operation. less risk if you install only the wires from the subpanel - don;t take advice from this forum on wire sizing - it has to meet code for the amperage and voltage - verify yourself.

Wire-Gauge Ampacity - Transwiki

Here's some gauge info, etc.

Yeah, people shouldn't be advising wire gauges that aren't 100% positive . . . and even then, they aren't responsible should you burn your house down or kill yourself accidentally. Verify!

the finished product is gonna b e killer!

and for the disbelievers, I have 3 friends who actually do have a hot tub in the attic conversion of their home. Its always a warm place in the house and no one can see what youre doing from the neighbors house. Install a bay window while your at it like 2 of them did for looks and one has a 1/4 room skylight.