How do I install an electrical subpanel?

 If your home’s service panel doesn’t have room for new circuit breakers, it’s time to consider a subpanel.

There are two types of subpanels: main service and subservice. The main service panel is the primary electrical panel. If the main panel in the basement is not grounded, the feeder breaker in the main panel acts as the main disconnect for the subpanel. Make sure you have enough space to install your subpanel. It is important to ensure you have the appropriate space in your garage for your subpanel.

A subpanel is an electrical panel. It has separate bus bars for neutral and ground wires, but does not have a main breaker. When doing an electrical upgrade, it's very important that it is done correctly so there is no possibility of an electrical hazard. Before starting your installation, make sure the inspector approves the electrical equipment before you install it. Always check and double-check before starting any electrical work! Before you install a new circuit in your home, turn off the power to the home by turning off the breaker at the main power box (in a neighborhood) or the subpanel.

Mount Subpanel

Mount The Subpanel About A Foot Away From The Main Service Panel. Determine How Far The Wires Will Have To Travel In The Subpanel And Pull Wires As Necessary. Take Out The Knockout Slug, Slide The Wires Through, And Then Clamp The Cable.

Plan Route

At the main service panel, make the connections for the wires: ground, neutral, and two hot wires (black and red). Remove the insulation from the wire, knock the sheath out of the end, and tape or clamp the sheathed wire to the knockout. Route the neutral and ground wires carefully and connect them to their bus bar(s).

 

Strip Wires

The route, cut, and strip the red and black wires. Connect them to the feeder breaker. Snap the breaker into place.

Connect Wires

In the Electrical sub panel installation, route the feeder wires, cut and strip them, and connect to terminals. Connect the black and red wires to the hot bus bars, the neutral wire to the main neutral terminal, and the ground wire to the green bus bar.

Finish Connecting Wires

Run cable for new circuits into the subpanel and clamp the cable. Circuit breaker for each circuit; White wire connects to the ground bus bar, neutral wire to the ground bus bar, and black wire to the hot bus bar.



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