Quite often homeowners run out of space in their main electrical panel for additional circuits. When you add an addition or expand the garage you often need more electrical circuits to power appliances, lights and wall outlets. You have no choice but to add more electrical circuits to supply power for these additions. The best solution is to install a subpanel but they are not familiar on how to install an electrical subpanel.

A subpanel can dramatically increase your power capacity, enabling you to power multiple light and wall plug circuits or power tools without tripping a breaker or blowing a fuse. It also enhances safety because you can shut off power at the panel in the event of an emergency.

How to install an electrical subpanel:

Subpanels are often installed as a supplement to the main service panel if all of the circuit slots in the main panel are full. The subpanel is located downstream from the main electrical panel. It may set within a few inches of the main panel or it can be several feet away.

It is wired a little differently from the standard main panel. The neutrals are isolated from the grounds, whereas in a typical main panel the neutral and ground busses are connected. Subpanels are typically installed to add additional circuits and/or save wire. Rather than running several long runs of wire to all the circuits from the main panel you’ll only need one wire to power the subpanel. The additional circuits that are much shorter can be run from the subpanel.

When determining where you want to install a subpanel you must follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements in addition to whatever local requirement may exist in your area. Check with your local code officer for local requirements.

According to the NEC there needs to be a free working space in front of the subpanel that’s 36 inches deep and at least as wide as the subpanel itself or 30 inches wide, whichever is greater. The space above the panel must be completely open to the structural ceiling and the space below must be open to the floor without any obstructions.

The subpanel should be screwed to a firm backboard that is large enough to support the subpanel and provide space to attach the wiring that is coming in and out of the panel. Once the panel is mounted you are ready to start adding additional electrical circuits and installing circuit breakers.

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