ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues detached garage service

i need a tie breaker...1/2 of us say that you size a service (not a subpanel from house) for a detached garage adjacent to a single family dwelling using the table in 310.15(B)(6).....while the other 1/2 says that 310.16 is the one because the garage is not a "dwelling unit"...well, any opinions?....the 100A service to the garage is for (according to plans) lighting and a handful of receptacles. it was easier for the homeowner to run a new service overhead than to dig up the driveway.

If the garage is fed from the house panel, you must use 310.16. If the garage is fed from a separate service, then it is a residential service, and 310.15(B)(6) may be used.
Outbuildings accessory to one and two family homes are still residential.
Assuming, of course, you have 240/120 volts, not 208/120 volts (network).

They may be zoned residential but they are not dwelling units.

A stand alone garage is not a "dwelling unit" as defined in Article 100 regardless of how it is supplied.

It does not matter if it is located on a dwelling units property, it is still not a dwelling unit so you must use 310.16

[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 11-19-2006).]