How do i get more power for my room?

420forme

Active Member
I want to build a new growroom in the basement but there is like 2 outlets down there and the power box is full. How do I add more power so I can run a full growroom? Can a electrician add a new 50amp line or something with a bunch of 120v and a couple 240v outlets even with the box full?
 
May have to add a sub-panel. You are supposed to have an electrician do this with permits and all. I planned on putting one it but found enough unused circuits to make it work.
Only 2 outlets in the basement and no room in the box? You may want to pull the front cover and make sure all the breakers are wired up, may have some dead ones in there.
 
Yeah seems odd that its full, ill have to check. I have no problem hiring someone to wire my (workshop), I don't want to burn up my new house. Any idea how much it would cost to have it done?
 
No i really don't wouldn't let anyone in my house to fix anything...... but thats just me.
But what i do know from being a contractor is
A. Get at least 3 estimates and go with the middle one (unless one is terribly off, then get another to replace it), never go with low bidder.
B. Know exactly what you are going to need (50 amp sub panel or whatever) and have a way to explain why you need this in your basement. The lack of openings is a pretty good reason though.
IF you want you could open your box and take pictures and i will see if i can identify any spots you can use.
 
You cannot gain more power unless it is already available from the service drop which is either under ground, or outside where the wire come from the utility company to the pole that goes through your roof, and thus down and into the panel (breakers or fuses). You need to first start with the Amperage that is coming into your house. Most newer homes will have a 200 Amp service; some will be 150A (rare) or 100A and I have even seen 60 Amp service too. If you cannot determine the Amps coming in, look at the "Main" breaker. It'll have the amount on it. If you have 200A you are probably "OK" with adding a sub-panel. Extension cords are the least favorable way to bring power over to your grow. Depending on your local code, bringing a 30A or 50A line over would entail a: sub-panel; wiring (either in conduit or pipe, or in a Romex version) and the outlet/box, etc. where the new lines are connected from. A 50A, 240V sub-branch would be enough power to run just about everything possible that you'd need. If at all possible, asking an electrician would be necessary if you do not understand basic wiring. This is risky even if you know him unless you tell him you are gonna' install an electric, double oven in the grow room for Holiday cooking! He shouldn't question this unless he's a toker too. An older electrician (no offense) probably won't put 2+2 together, but you never know. A picture of your panel, with the cover OFF would help tremendously. There is an electrician on here that'll help too. I think we all can walk you through it, but ask questions unless you are 100% sure you know something is fact. Electricity and water are not a good mix, so safety here is paramount.
 
Thanks guys, ill get a pic of the panel. I've never done major electric work, so I'm probally gonna need to get someone. My last house I had a contractor build a room in my basement I told him it was gonna be my snake room and had to be completely sealed ;)
 
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