Electrical Subpanels: What They Are and When You Need One
An electrical subpanel is a secondary circuit breaker panel that is connected to the main electrical panel in your home. It is typically installed when the main panel is full and there is no more room for additional circuits, or when you want to add circuits to a specific area of your home, such as a workshop or an upstairs apartment.
How a Subpanel Works
A subpanel is essentially a smaller version of your main electrical panel. It has its own circuit breakers, which are used to control the flow of electricity to individual circuits. The subpanel is connected to the main panel by a feeder cable, which is a thick wire that carries electricity from the main panel to the subpanel.
How to Connect a Subpanel
Connecting a subpanel is a job that should be performed by a qualified electrician. The electrician will first need to determine the amperage of the subpanel and the size of the feeder cable that is needed. The electrician will then run the feeder cable from the main panel to the subpanel and connect it to the appropriate terminals.
Capacity Issues
When installing a subpanel, it is important to consider the capacity of both the subpanel and the main electrical service. The subpanel must have an appropriate amperage capacity for the area and circuits it will serve. The main service must also be sized so that it is sufficient to supply power for the added demand created by the subpanel.
When to Install a Subpanel
There are several situations in which it may be necessary to install a subpanel:
- When the main electrical panel is full: If your main electrical panel is full and you need to add additional circuits, installing a subpanel is a good option.
- When you want to add circuits to a specific area of your home: If you want to add circuits to a specific area of your home, such as a workshop or an upstairs apartment, installing a subpanel is a good way to do so.
- When you are upgrading the electrical service to your home: If you are upgrading the electrical service to your home, you may need to install a subpanel to accommodate the additional circuits.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Subpanel
There are several advantages to installing a subpanel:
- Increased capacity: A subpanel can increase the capacity of your electrical system, allowing you to add additional circuits.
- Convenience: A subpanel can make it more convenient to control the circuits in a specific area of your home.
- Safety: A subpanel can help to improve the safety of your electrical system by providing additional circuit protection.
There are also some disadvantages to installing a subpanel:
- Cost: Installing a subpanel can be expensive, especially if you need to upgrade the electrical service to your home.
- Complexity: Installing a subpanel is a complex job that should be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Space: A subpanel takes up space, so you will need to make sure that you have enough space in your home for it.
How to Choose the Right Subpanel
When choosing a subpanel, there are several factors to consider:
- Amperage: The amperage of the subpanel should be appropriate for the area and circuits it will serve.
- Number of circuits: The subpanel should have enough circuits to accommodate the number of circuits you need to add.
- Type of circuits: The subpanel should be able to accommodate the type of circuits you need to add, such as lighting circuits, outlet circuits, or appliance circuits.
- Cost: The cost of the subpanel should be within your budget.
Conclusion
Electrical subpanels can be a valuable addition to your home’s electrical system. They can increase capacity, convenience, and safety. However, it is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of a subpanel before making a decision. If you are considering installing a subpanel, be sure to consult with a qualified electrician.