Okay, Time to Do Something!

Well, Byron should be starting on the design pretty soon, so it’s time for me to do something.

What I’ve determined is that I need to get the electrical capacity of the shop updated so I can have power for the layout, its lights, and other equipment (vacuum, power tools, etc).

I’ve settled on needing 3 circuits: 1 for lights (15A), 1 for the DCC system and related railroad equipment (20A), and a third for plugging in other non-railroad equipment so I can keep the area clean, make minor updates on the layout, etc (20A).

So, I need to install a sub-panel that hooks to my existing panel at the other end of the shop. Should only need about 60A capacity and I have 10/3 to hook them together (abandoning the red wire). The only issues are where to install the panel so it doesn’t interfere with the layout itself and how to run the wire to it to avoid a large rollup door in between the panels.

I think I’ve figured out the wire routing, but the panel location is still not defined. I’m looking at what needs to be installed after the panel to determine the best way to handle the location. I also need to be sure I don’t run it too close to the layout as it could impact the runs from the panel. No matter where I install the panel, I’m going to have to provide support for it.

My current thinking (no pun intended) is that I’ll need a switch for the light circuit(s) - I might be splitting the lighting to allow for various effects. The outlets won’t need a switch as such, but I may want one for the DCC circuit so it can be shut off visibly without opening the panel and closing the breaker all of the time.

I expect to be getting the panel and breakers this week. Then,once I come up with a design, I’ll include a diagram.