I'd like to get the garage wired up for 220v, as the wife seems to think running the dryer is more important than using tools. I've been told that wiring could be run off the circuit for my stove, but I'd kind of like this done properly and I'm pretty sure that my box is maxed out. What are my options in how this is wired (quick and dirty vs. "right"), and what is it likely to cost?

The right way to do it is to put a sub-feed panel in the garage and run the garage off of that. Depending on how difficult it is to get to your original panel, run a line to the garage and then setting up the new panel, our electrician charges anywhere from $1000 to $2500, depending on size, difficulty, additional circuits, etc. The other thing, if you do go the route of a sub-feed, be sure to have who ever does the work to pull a permit so that when you go to sell the house, it doesn't come back to bite you.

Right or wrong, I had a 50 amp range circuit that was not being used once we switched to gas. I ran a sub panel into the garage from that circuit and split off new outlets, 30 amp 220 receptacle for my table saw and a 30 amp receptacle for my welder/planer/jointer to share. Its clean and all wires are run inside conduit. No permit pulled though. Come check it out and get an idea what you might need for your setup if you want.

So can a sub-panel be installed if the main panel is maxed out? I'd love to upgrade to a gas stove, as the 50a circuit would do me just fine for garage needs. The panel is just above the garage (very sloped lot) and easy to access.

Yeah, basicly you abandon the range wires and run the new wires to the garage from the range breaker feeding the sub panel. Then split from there.

Sorry, I wasn't sure if the sub-panel can be run with a full primary panel. Unfortunately, the electric range is staying in place for now, so that circuit is occupied. That could have been more clear.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that you would need to commit to a gas stove. Whether or not you have a gas line already in place, it could be a big can of worms making the switch. On the other hand adding gas line could open the door to garage heater. :)

The simple question is how far away is your panel from your garage. I second pulling a sub-panel. It would give options later and be a safe means of getting power to your garage.

If you'd like I can drop off the jack stands and look at your situation. Does Thursday or Friday work for you? I get off at 2:30 PM and could be there around 2:45 PM.

post a pic of your panel. We will do a load calc and see where you stand.

On that note I ran a 100amps to my garage for the welder and compressor. I installed 1 outlet off it too. Im not gonna go hog wild cause Im a renter and do not plan to leave this electrical in place when I move.

JT, I'd love a gas range but running the pipe would be a pretty major job. A garage heater would be awesome, and that's an easy one since my garage shares a wall with my utility room. Mike, I'll take you up on your offer, I think that's probably what I need. The panel is really close to the garage-it might be a 10 or 15 foot run to get the lines in place. Let me see how things shape up at work and I'll give you a shout. Would you mind PMing me your number? Rob, thanks, I've got a picture around somewhere and will see what I can dig up.

Justin,

Another thing you can do is to pull the dryer or one of the other 220 breakers, put a larger amp breaker in that place to run the sub-panel in the garage. You can put the 220 breaker in the sub-panel for the one you pulled in the main box to power that appliance and still have room for your garage breakers. All this depends on how much power is coming into the main box though. If you are maxed out there, I have another way to go but you have to PM me for that.