How to Install an Electrical Sub Panel
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Thinking about installing a Sub Panel? Here is what must be considered first, and you may find that you really do not need a sub panel at all. |
Installing a Sub Panel
Guide for Adding a Sub Panel
Electrical Question #1: What is the best way to install a sub panel?
Project #1
- I want to install a sub panel.
- Can I install a sub panel from another 100 amp main panel?
- What size wire cable should I use?
This electrical question came from: Barbaro, a Handyman in New Jersey.
Electrical Question #2: Can I add a sub panel to a sub panel?
Project #2
- My electrician was supposed to provide for three 220volt outlets in my garage sub panel, but he used all the available breaker space for other circuits.
- Now there is one 220volt outlet circuit with unconnected wires in the panel and no where to go.
- How can I get this one outlet wired up, without replacing the entire sub panel?
- Should I replace the sub panel with a larger sub panel with more breaker space?
Thanks, Jack
This electrical wiring question came from Jack in California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring questions.
Considerations for Installing an Electrical Sub-Panel
Application: How to Install a Sub Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
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. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
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.
Before Installing an Electrical Sub Panel
Many electrical panels allow tandem, twin or quad circuit breakers to be installed which will allow the installation of a few more circuits, so research the type of panel that you have to see if it will allow installing circuit breakers of these types.
- Before installing a sub panel the following should be considered:
- Does the existing electrical panel have enough electrical capacity for the additional load of the new sub-panel.
- Does the existing electrical panel have the physical space available for a circuit breaker that would feed the new sub-panel.
- The size of the sub panel and the cable size that is required for the new sub-panel will depend on the electrical load that will be connected to the new sub-panel.
Factors that Determine the Size of a Electrical Sub Panel
- List all the electrical devices that will be added to the panel.
- Identify any devices that require a dedicated circuit.
- Determine the number of spaces that will be required for circuit breakers in the new sub panel.
- Calculate the total connected electrical load that will be added to the sub panel.
- Using the total connected load and the number of required circuits, determine the amperage of the sub panel and total number of circuit breaker spaces that will be needed.
- NOTE: The amperage size of the sub panel may be less than the total connected load. The actual panel amperage may be factored upon the circuits and equipment that is connected to the sub panel.
Electrical Calculations and Decisions about Electrical Materials
The following resources will assist you when planning to ad a sub panel.
Online Electrical Load Calculator
Residential Electrical Load Calculator, Online and Interactive provides accurate panel load calculations.
- Calculating the Panel Load: Electrical Load Calculator
Online Wire Size Calculator
Basic electrical calculations of voltage drop and power factors help you understand the requirements for electrical projects and safe circuit wiring.
- Sizing Wire for a Panel: Voltage Drop Calculator
Electrical Project Guidelines
Electrical wiring projects guidelines necessary to follow for most any project you may choose to do.
By following a few simple steps you will be considering the components necessary for a successful project.
- Successful Electrical Projects from Start to Finish: Electrical Projects Guidelines
See More about Electric Panels and Circuit Breakers for the Home
Circuit Breakers
An Illustrated Guide to Circuit Breakers Complete with Diagrams and Photos from an Expert.
Circuit Breaker Panel
The home circuit breaker panel contains several circuit breakers that are carefully installed by experienced electricians and electrical contractors.
Electric panel
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
Home Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring
Home electrical wiring projects with pictures and wiring diagrams.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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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I have a sub panel that has a 240 line for a stove that is not being used.
Question is how can I change over 240 to two 120 circuits?
Hi Wayne,
120 volt circuits require a separate neutral wire, and if the existing 240 volt stove cable is a 4-wire cable which includes a separate neutral and ground wire then the neutral wire may be shared with the black and the red or the two power legs to create the two 120 volt circuits. The grounds for the 120 volt circuits are spliced with the ground of the stove cable as well. The existing 240 volt stove circuit breaker will need to be replaced with a 2-pole 15 or 20 amp circuit breaker depending on the size of the wire that will be used for the 120 volt circuits or the desired amperage.
Dave
Thanks DAVE for educating me, I have improved a lot at my work.
Please I need to ground cable, but the environment is very swampy, what doIi do, if we dig water comes out and covers the excavated hole,what do we do?
Hi David,
I’m not sure where you are, but your local area building authority must have specific methods for installing a ground system, so be sure to consult them.
You be have to install a longer ground rod, or multiple ground rods.
If the domestic water system enters the dwelling through a metallic pipe then this will serve as at least one ground source.
Concrete foundations can be grounded using a 20 foot #2 rebar to bond to or install a 20 foot length of copper ground wire into the foundation before it is poured. The size of the ground wire will depend on the size of the electrical service.
Be sure to see the electrical code section of the web site for more information about grounding.
Dave
Want to Install a sub box with a 20 amp circit breaker 120 volts. Main circit breaker is full. I want to use two wire with ground to sub box from Main box. Where do I connect wires from Main box to sub box with the 20 amp breaker.
Hi Bob,
If the panel does not have room for another circuit then a twin or tandem breaker may be the solution, it just depends on your panel.
When adding a sub panel the panel must be fed from a circuit breaker in the main panel. This whole process must be carefully planned out and is not something that can be easily explained here, and for your safety this is not recommended if you are not experienced.
This type of project should be done with a permit and inspected – for your protection.
Dave