illumination to Increase Electrical Capacity by Installing Subpanels
Is your home's electrical system frequently overloaded? Do the lights dim or your breakers trip whenever too many devices are plugged in? Installing a subpanel may provide the illumination needed to increase capacity and prevent blown fuses.
A subpanel branches off your main service panel, distributing electricity to specific areas of your home. Safely adding more circuits, it's the smart way to accommodate expansions and renovations.
What is an Electrical Subpanel?
An electrical subpanel is essentially a smaller secondary service panel. While the main panel connects your home to the main electrical supply from the utility company, a subpanel splits off to feed a separate area of your house.
Subpanels work with your main service panel to provide additional circuits. This lets you allocate electricity more efficiently, especially for high-demand areas or additions.
Why Install a Subpanel?
There are several reasons homeowners opt to add an electrical subpanel:
- Making electrical improvements and upgrades
- Adding more circuits and increasing capacity
- Accommodating home additions and expansions
- Powering extra living spaces like garages and basements
- Preventing frequently tripped breakers
Upgrading old fuse boxes to circuit breakers or modernizing wiring often warrants installing a subpanel too. They enable you to disperse electricity safely throughout areas needing more power.
Determining if You Need a Subpanel
Signs your home would benefit from a subpanel upgrade include:
- Lights dimming when multiple devices run
- Frequently popped fuses or tripped breakers
- Needing to unplug appliances to use others
- Not enough available circuits for your needs
- Flickering lights indicating voltage issues
- Planning electrical upgrades or renovations
If your main panel lacks space for extra breakers, a subpanel can help accommodate increased electrical demand. Contact a qualified electrician if you suspect an issue with old, damaged, or insufficient wiring.
Subpanel Basics
Typical Subpanel Size and Cost
Common residential subpanel sizes include:
- 60 amps
- 100 amps
- 200 amps
Which is right for you depends on electrical requirements. An electrician performs load calculations to determine adequate capacity.
As for cost, installing a 60 amp subpanel starts around $850. A 200 amp upgrade averages $1,500 to $2,100 including materials and professional labor.
Where to Install Subpanels
Make sure to place subpanels in accessible areas allowing sufficient airflow and ventilation. Attics, garages, basements, utility rooms, and some closets can work well. The location should also:
- Be relatively close to the main panel
- Allow room for possible future expansion
- Keep high-voltage equipment away from living spaces
Proximity to the main breaker box affects subpanel installation costs. The farther away, the more wiring is required.
Materials and Tools Needed
Installing a subpanel requires additional materials like:
- Conduit and wiring
- Copper or aluminum grounding rods
- Circuit breakers
- A sturdy mounting board
Useful tools include a voltage meter, wire stripper, drill, level, clamp meter, and cable ripper. Ensure you have everything needed for a smooth and safe DIY subpanel upgrade.
Subpanel Installation Process
Permits
Check your local building codes regarding required permits for home electrical work. Licensed electricians can obtain permits and arrange inspections to verify proper, up-to-code installations.
Subpanel Installation Step-by-Step
The basic process for adding a subpanel is:
- Turn off main breaker and verify power is off
- Mount the subpanel board securely
- Connect grounds and neutral bus bars
- Run conduit and wiring between panels
- Connect subpanel equipment grounding
- Connect feeder wires and grounding electrode
- Install specified breakers
- Restore main power
- Test subpanel functionality
This overview simplifies the intricate details involved for safe, code-compliant subpanel installations and upgrades.
Consider Hiring an Electrician
Qualified electricians ensure subpanels get sized, wired, and installed correctly. They also manage acquiring permits and scheduling inspections for peace of mind.
While DIY subpanel projects for prepared homeowners are possible, the complexity involved is beyond basic electrical skills. The dangers of mistakes also make professional assistance strongly advised.
Safety Tips
Use extreme caution when working on electrical systems yourself:
- De-energize wiring before starting work
- Double-check wires with a voltmeter before touching
- Wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves
- Have an electrician inspect the job afterwards
While subpanels themselves don't require much maintenance, you should still periodically check the equipment as well as wires and connections.
Additional Subpanel Considerations
Expanding Subpanels Over Time
When installing a new subpanel, size it to allow for likely future expansions. While you may only need a 60 amp system now, choosing a larger 100 amp subpanel makes upgrading easier later.
Moderate subpanel upgrades are simpler than replacing an old maxed-out main panel. Discuss expected electrical needs with an electrician when planning additions or renovations requiring more power distribution.
Updating homes with modern subpanels demonstrates electrical safety for potential buyers. It also shows infrastructure supports rewiring, expanding, or adding electrical capacity.
Such preparation for improvements makes houses more attractive to buyers. Get professional advice on adequate subpanel sizes before installing one though.
With the illuminated subpanel pointers, you can make informed decisions. Protect electronics, prevent tripped breakers, and accommodate more circuits by wiring your own subpanel. Just be sure to put safety first and get the proper permits!