Adding a New Circuit to the Main Panel for a Garage Panel
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I have the electrical main coming into an exterior panel, and being back-fed into a 125 AMP breaker. This then flows through the panel itself and into a sub-panel just inside the building. |
Adding a Breaker for a Garage Panel
Electrical Question: Can I use the main panel’s unused circuit breaker slots to install a breaker for a sub-panel?
I have the electrical main coming into an exterior panel, and being back-fed into a 125 AMP breaker. This then flows through the panel itself and into a sub-panel just inside the building. In the main panel the neutral and ground is wired to the same bus bar. The sub-panel is fed from this main panel and also has a 125 AMP breaker. My sub-panel is full but I need to pull 240V from somewhere. Can I use the main panel’s unused slots of which there are 6 knock-outs remaining?
This electrical wiring question came from Mike, a Homeowner in Orlando , Florida.
Additional Comments: It is handy to be able to actually ask an electrician something!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.
Adding a New Circuit to a Main Panel
Application: Adding a New Circuit to a Main Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced – Not recommended for homeowners, This project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Main Panel, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Main Panel should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Orlando, Florida. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Adding a New Circuit to a Main Panel for a Sub Panel
This electrical wiring project is about adding a New Circuit to a Main Panel for a Sub Panel in a Detached Garage of an Old Home.
The existing Main Panel:
Adding a New Circuit Breaker
Electrical Question Review:
Can I use the main panel’s unused circuit breaker slots to install a breaker for a sub-panel? Mike, From the photo that you have provided, there are additional spaces in this panel for additional circuit distribution, which means that and additional 2Pole 240Volt circuit breaker may be added.
More about Electrical Wiring and Circuit Breakers
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Home Electrical Codes for Main Service Panels
Electrical Wiring Codes
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring
Garage Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
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