So I got a new welder last week, but the problem is that our garage doesn't have 220/230V service to it :( It is (I believe) linked off of the small shop behind it. The garage only has a large ON/OFF switch on the back wall where it comes in.

Sorry, but I'm an electricity retard :gary:

The main panel is in the basement of our house....about 100-120' away from the garage. Not sure on the amperage of it either. What would it cost to have 220/230 run to our garage in a simple 100 amp panel box?

Can we do it ourselves? I would have to follow the codes, and I'm assuming, have someone inspect it when we are finished?

I don't know code in VA. I've done construction in several states and each one is different. You should be able to find it via google.

My general experiance is anyone can run wire. Work inside the panel is considered code work and requires a certified electrician in some states. Its actually very easy to do but its also easy to kill yourself or burn down the house. If your an electrical retard I would leave it to a pro.

Most states are going to require an appropriate buried conduit. It generally needs to be below the frost line. Why I don't know. For water it makes sense, but wires? Maybe someone will educate me. To save money you can definately dig your own ditch. That is probably the most expensive part of the project.

Its been a long time but I would say 3~4 hundred for electrian, and about the 4~6 for parts.

in Virginia, you can do all the work yourself. Go down and talk to the building department and they will be able to help you determine the size you need. Get a permit and do it all legit. I just got done doing a structural evaluation on a house where the wiring was the cause of the fire....and the homeowner did it without a permit.


bk

Call 3 electrical contractors. Get 3 quotes with references. Call references to verify work. If you can afford it get it done if not buy a generator :D

And as for getting a permit, remember that getting a permit, having an inspector approve the installation, or even hiring a journeyman electrician will not always guarantee a proper installation. Honestly just from your post I would say leave it up to a licensed and INSURED electrician. As for cost it could be anywhere from $400 to $4000. You might need a complete service upgrade. There just isn't enough information in your post to answer your question. Sorry.

My father will be doing most of the work inside the boxes. He is an 'electrician' for Raymond electric forklifts, and knows his way around it.

Other than that, I really didn't know what other information you would need. Shouldn't need a complete service upgrade, as the house was built in 1970 and the garage in '01 or '02. IF that were to be the case, I'd probably have it run from the pole at the road 100 yards away...

And I was planning on getting quotes. Just haven't had the time to go through the phone book.