Electrical is energized

Posted on by halo3600

Getting future ready. Big step, lots of time, electrical panel is lit. I had no idea that it would take most of the weekend, however it was an important step in construction. I successfully got power from the subpanel (which is where the trenched wire from the main service panel used to terminate) at the house site, to the main panel inside the house. While seemingly simple, you start to appreciate the tedious work that it can take to get electrical done. Wrong sized conduit, bends lining up with holes in structures, and terminating wire correctly are not as simple as they may seem. However, I did get it done.

The indoor, main panel is a “normal” panel, but the way it’s configured is fairly cutting edge. Using Savant companion breakers, I’m able to use a standard QO panel (they have Homeline versions too) for standard breakers but work in smart breakers to the configuration for dimming and relay control. This lets me use the breaker panel as lighting control and turn off outlets or circuits when not in use. Tankless water heater? Turn it off while away. It doesn’t use energy while not in use, but there have been cases of them bursting. Eliminate that by not providing any power to it when no one is at the house. In addition to circuit and lighting control, the smart breakers can monitor energy consumption too. Plus if I ever add solar or a battery, they are ready for load shedding (to increase battery run time). Lots of advantages for working them into the breakers.

Since I was working on electrical for the majority of the weekend, I decided to continue that trend and get the HVAC units wired up too. I got wiring, power, and outlets installed for all 3 units. I was able to test them and see that they easily cooled the place now that insulation is in. As the temps rise in this part of the country for summer, I’ll be able to work inside, in the air conditioning.

Speaking of insulation. That’s all complete. I still need to build a roof over the second floor containers, but all of the ends are finished up and all of the insulation is in. So while the roofs aren’t as energy efficient at the moment, getting it all dried in will go a long way towards keeping it cool inside.

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Published by halo3600

I work in design and a segment of construction for my day job. Building my own house became a passion and using shipping containers is what motivated me. With enough experience in it at this point, I am confident in doing more of it. I like the challenge of building but also being able to have control of the design and the process.