Installing 200-amp electrical service in your aircraft hangar provides the power capacity for serious maintenance work, climate control, and workshop equipment. Proper planning ensures safe, code-compliant installation while meeting your current and future electrical needs.
Assessing Power Requirements
Load Calculation
Calculate your total electrical load before specifying service size:
- Lighting: 3-5 watts per square foot for LED
- HVAC: 3,500-7,000 watts per ton of cooling
- Air compressor: 1,500-3,500 watts typical
- Welder: 5,000-12,000 watts depending on type
- General outlets: Allow 1,500 watts per circuit
Future Planning
Install more capacity than immediately needed—upgrading later costs significantly more than initial oversizing. 200-amp service suits most private hangars while providing growth headroom.
Service Entry Options
Overhead vs. Underground
Service entry location depends on airport infrastructure:
- Overhead: Lower installation cost, visible weatherhead, potential obstruction issues
- Underground: Cleaner appearance, protected from weather, higher installation cost
Meter Location
Coordinate with your utility for meter placement requirements. Some airports provide master-metered power with sub-metering for individual hangars.
Panel Selection and Placement
Main Panel Requirements
For 200-amp service, select a panel rated for the full load:
- Minimum 40-space panel for circuit flexibility
- Main breaker rated at 200 amps
- Copper bus bars for reliability
- NEMA 3R rating if exposed to weather
Panel Location
Install panels in accessible locations with required working clearances (36 inches front, 30 inches wide minimum). Avoid areas subject to flooding or physical damage. Consider ease of access for maintenance and emergency shut-off.
Circuit Planning
Dedicated Circuits
Plan dedicated circuits for major loads:
- HVAC equipment (size per manufacturer requirements)
- Air compressor (typically 30-amp 240V)
- Welder outlet (typically 50-amp 240V)
- Vehicle charging if applicable
General Purpose Circuits
Distribute 20-amp general purpose circuits throughout the hangar:
- Workshop area (multiple circuits)
- Aircraft parking area outlets
- Exterior outlets for ground support equipment
- Lighting circuits (separate from receptacles)
Code Compliance
NEC Requirements
Aircraft hangars are classified under NEC Article 513, requiring specific considerations:
- Hazardous location classifications near fuel handling areas
- Special wiring methods in classified zones
- GFCI protection for appropriate locations
- Proper grounding and bonding
Permitting
Electrical work typically requires permits and inspections. Work with licensed electricians familiar with commercial/industrial installations and aviation-specific requirements.
240V vs. 120V Planning
Balance your 240V and 120V needs:
- 240V circuits for large motors and heating equipment
- 120V circuits for general use, lighting, and small tools
- Consider split-phase 120V circuits that share neutral conductors
Emergency and Safety Features
- Emergency disconnect accessible from outside
- GFCI protection for all 125V receptacles in aircraft storage areas
- Surge protection at the main panel
- Clear labeling of all circuits and disconnects
Professional electrical planning and installation ensures your hangar’s electrical system safely supports your aviation activities for years to come.
