I spent the weekend running a new cable from my main breaker box in the basement to my garage shop, installing a new breaker box in the shop and running conduit/pulling wire for 3 new 220V circuits. I learned a lot which I’m happy to share with all those who haven’t experienced the joys associated with a “small” electrical project.

I already knew I needed at least 60-amp service to the shop so this dictated 6-gauge wire. The run was 92 feet and involved drilling a hole through my foundation wall. I was given a 200′ roll of 6/2 Teck wire which must have weighed close to 150#. Lots of fun getting that into the house, down the basement stairs and past several shelves filled with glass junk being saved for the next church bazaar.

I had to drill 1 1/2″ holes through 16 joists to pull the cable. The new XRP batteries in my 18V Dewalt drove a new Bosch spade bit through 11 joists. Borrowed an old 1/2″ corded drill to finish the job. Both drills have enough torque to slam your hand into any adjoining surface when the bit grabs, as it seemed to do just about the time it was ready to break through the other side of the hold. My knuckles should heal in a few days!

Pulling the cable was also interesting. I don’t know if you’ve ever worked with 6/2 Teck cable, but that stuff doesn’t bend easily, especially around tight corners! Bottom line for me: I haven’t done that much physical work in quite awhile. It’s a satisfying job to have completed, and the beer tasted GREAT when I called it quits for the day.

Now it’s just a matter of calling back the electrician buddy who gave me the wire and paying him a fair figure for hooking everything up for me. Then I’m back to making serious sawdust!

Regards,

Ron