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Electrical Wire and Cable


Circuit Wiring for a Sub-Panel

How to Install a Sub-Panel: Wiring for a Sub-Panel, Necessary Planning When Installing an Electrical Sub-Panel and the main feeder cable.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Installing a Sub-Panel
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am installing a sub panel and have questions about the main wire connections.

Thanks for your time!
Katie

This Electrical Wiring Question came from: Katie, a Homeowner from Roy, Washington.

Additional Comments: Great resource for a homeowner.

Dave’s Reply:

Thanks for your electrical wiring question Katie.

How to Install a Sub-Panel

Application: Wiring a Sub Panel
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, Danger of Arc Flash.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for installing the sub-panel.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and size of the panel and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing electrical wiring within the immediate area that may interfere with the installation of the sub panel should be identified and turned OFF and Tagged if necessary.
Notice: Installing additional electrical wiring and a sub-panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Installing a Electrical Sub-Panel and Planning the Circuits

More about Wiring a Sub-Panel
Electrical Wiring Codes

Electrical Code

Basic House Wiring Circuits
home-electrical-circuits

2-pole-circuit-breaker

Home Electrical Wiring Plan
home wiring diagrams


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Circuit Wiring for a Sub-Panel”
  1. Judy Hickmann says:

    I am looking for a picture of a sub panel wired correctly to code for Washington State. I have a contractor who I believe did it incorrectly and want to have some knowledge of what is right for when he comes back. I think the guy is not up to par but I have to know more first. Thank you.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Judy, I have photos of panels here on the website, however the best way to know if your alleged contractor did the work properly is to have the work inspected, and that would involve getting a permit for the work that is being done, as it should be.
    Do not allow your contractor to cut corners, an make sure you do not hire a sleeze, as you have said, but rather ask for credentials and referrals, otherwise you could be inviting problems.
    Dave