Installing sub panels can be a great way to improve the wiring system of your home or building. Sub panels provide additional space, convenience, and efficiency while ensuring power is easily accessible in localized areas – extending through multiple branch circuits further from the main service panel.
A sub panel is a smaller service panel that distributes power to a specific region of the home or other building on the property. It’s basically a satellite circuit breaker panel that has its own breakers and is usually installed in a location that’s convenient to the area it serves.
A subpanel is fed by a double-pole breaker at the main service panel, and this single feed circuit is then distributed through additional branch circuits at the subpanel.
Some homes require installation of sub panels for additional circuits located a further distance from the main service panel or for ADU’s and guest houses. An electrical sub panel is typically rated 60 amp to 125 amps, depending on the current usage required.
Additional circuits for EV (Electric Vehicle) chargers and other appliances would be branched off of a sub panel for these types of installations. An electrical sub panel on a detached structure requires it’s own grounding system.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is constantly evolving in terms of safety when it comes to electrical panel grounding systems. An electrical panels proper grounding system consists of a conductor wire from the grounding bar located inside the electrical panel, unbroken to the cold water pipe, ending at an 8’ foot ground rod that is driven into the earth.
A Guest house, garage or a room addition might be a place to put an electrical sub panel. It may also be required for Electric Vehicle owners who need a dedicated circuit for their new EV charger.
Before you begin installing an electrical sub panel in your home or request this service from your local electrician, ask yourself if you really need one. Check out our FAQs sharing some insights from our electricians as they provide reasons to install a sub panel in the home, which type of sub panel is recommended, and where you should put a sub panel.
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If the main service panel doesn’t have enough room for new circuit breakers and you are unable to use tandem breakers, an electrical sub panel may be the solution. A sub panel connects to the main electrical panel with a thick three-wire cable. Before scheduling an electrical sub panel installation, consider consulting with an inspector to make sure you don’t overload your system.
What electrical codes should I be aware of?
Sizing sub panels to the need of your anticipated load can be a bit complicated. You’ll need to forecast the amount of available power load you’ll need and what the existing service from the main panel has to offer. For instance, If you have a 200-amp main service, you’ll have no problem adding a 100-amp sub panel to feed the guest house, garage, ADU, etc. or a 60-amp sub panel to power lighting and standard outlets in another section of your home. But if you only have a 60-amp service, to begin with and want to add a 60-amp sub panel, you’ll have to upgrade your main service panel first to allow for such a distribution addition.
When adding a sub-panel, our electricians suggest adding at least a 12-slot circuit breaker box.
All electrical panels are held to stringent standards according to the National Electrical Code (NEC). Both subpanels and main circuit boards must have at least 36 inches of space in front, 30″ across their face, and a minimum of 78″ above the floor/ground level. Keep your home’s power safe – follow NEC regulations!
