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Started By
Message
Adding sub panel
Posted on 10/31/24 at 7:26 am
Posted on 10/31/24 at 7:26 am
I want to add a sub panel as I’m out of space on my existing panel and will need to add a few appliances as part of a renovation that technically should be on their own breaker. The existing has 20 slots with 100amp main breaker.
1. Ive been told I need to increase the main breaker on the main panel since code is either 125 or 150. Is there any issue with replacing that 100 amp main breaker whether I add a sub panel or not?
2. If I add a sub panel with 6 or 8 new breakers and only plan to connect electric dryer, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher, is a 60amp breaker suitable to feed that sub panel and if so, what should I increase the main breaker to?
Anything else I should be considering?
1. Ive been told I need to increase the main breaker on the main panel since code is either 125 or 150. Is there any issue with replacing that 100 amp main breaker whether I add a sub panel or not?
2. If I add a sub panel with 6 or 8 new breakers and only plan to connect electric dryer, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher, is a 60amp breaker suitable to feed that sub panel and if so, what should I increase the main breaker to?
Anything else I should be considering?
8
Posted on 10/31/24 at 7:39 am to cberni1
Main breaker is 90% probably rated to the panel and/or service. Main panel should be upgraded and service entrance verified for extra load.
Posted on 10/31/24 at 8:43 am to cberni1
I'm not an electrician but my main has 2 100 amp breakers that need to individual sub panels. I would think you would need to do the same like said above.
Posted on 10/31/24 at 10:35 am to cberni1
My main shop has a 200 amp panel and a while ago I added a 100 amp subpanel off of that for my woodshop. Power gets used up quickly. For instance, in my woodshop, i needed to run a 5 hp planer, 3 hp dust collection, mini split AC and lights with no issues. I did it all myself and it's not too bad.
For a proper house, in my opinion you need to upgrade your main panel before you do anything.
For a proper house, in my opinion you need to upgrade your main panel before you do anything.
This post was edited on 10/31/24 at 10:41 am
Posted on 10/31/24 at 11:13 am to cberni1
quote:
Anything else I should be considering?
Get a qualified person do this job.
Posted on 10/31/24 at 1:08 pm to cberni1
Are you out of space, as in, not able to add more double breakers? BC that is a shite load less expensive than adding a subpanel to get a few dedicated circuits.
But if it were me, I would consider upgrading the panel to a 200 amp panel and only doing the subpanel if it is the only affordable option.
But if it were me, I would consider upgrading the panel to a 200 amp panel and only doing the subpanel if it is the only affordable option.
Posted on 10/31/24 at 1:36 pm to cberni1
You don’t need a sub panel, just go to a 200 amp service
Posted on 10/31/24 at 2:13 pm to cberni1
This is one of those "you don't know what you don't know" situations. This should be left to a licensed electrician. Just a thought but, it's very likely that your service wiring is rated for 100 amps....you can't just add subpanels because you are out of space.
Posted on 11/1/24 at 10:42 pm to cberni1
As others have stated, just upgrade your main panel and a subpanel likely isn't needed. Get a 42 circuit panel with a 200A main and be done with it.
Having said that, you could be waiting for a while. Not sure how easy panels are to obtain at the basic residential level but in the industry right now they are averaging 16-20 weeks. The most recent for me is a Crouse-Hinds (Eaton) panel so maybe Square D, Siemens, or GE could provide something quicker. Just be aware of the demand for electrical equipment right now and make an early but quick decision.
Having said that, you could be waiting for a while. Not sure how easy panels are to obtain at the basic residential level but in the industry right now they are averaging 16-20 weeks. The most recent for me is a Crouse-Hinds (Eaton) panel so maybe Square D, Siemens, or GE could provide something quicker. Just be aware of the demand for electrical equipment right now and make an early but quick decision.
Posted on 11/2/24 at 7:07 am to bapple
quote:
Having said that, you could be waiting for a while. Not sure how easy panels are to obtain at the basic residential level
They are relatively easy for basic residential service. For instance, 5 of these are in stock in Lafayette at Lowes. Probably a few more circuits than he needs.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-200-Amp-30-Spaces-60-Circuit-Main-Breaker-Plug-On-Neutral-Load-Center-Value-Pack/50311159
Posted on 11/2/24 at 9:15 am to mdomingue
quote:
They are relatively easy for basic residential service. For instance, 5 of these are in stock in Lafayette at Lowes. Probably a few more circuits than he needs.
Good to see homeowners can still get panels quickly!
From what I’ve seen and learned about panels, in the long run the difference in price between more and fewer circuits is marginal. Get the biggest panel with the most circuits possible. 30 is probably reasonable but a 40 circuit panel might not be that more and can give flexibility later.
Posted on 11/2/24 at 9:35 am to bapple
My 100 amp sub panel in my woodshop has 16 and I wish I had 4 more. I'd like to add at least one more 30 amp 240v breaker.
Posted on 11/2/24 at 3:37 pm to bapple
quote:
From what I’ve seen and learned about panels, in the long run the difference in price between more and fewer circuits is marginal.
Yeah. I think the next step up is maybe $20 more.
Panels are like boats, whatever size you think you'll need, get the next size bigger if it'll fit where you are going to put it.
Posted on 11/3/24 at 4:53 am to td1
quote:im out of space to add anymore breakers but not out of space to add double pole breakers. I think a few double pooe breakers are my best option then the sub panel would be next.
Are you out of space, as in, not able to add more double breakers
To be clear, I don’t think I need or want to spend on 200amp service right now because the only actual load addition I’m adding is a dishwasher. Everything else stays the same but my goal is get the big appliances on their own breakers and outlets to isolate them. That was the reason for either a sub panel or 2 pole breakers
This post was edited on 11/3/24 at 4:57 am
Posted on 11/3/24 at 12:16 pm to cberni1
what did the electrician say when you talked to him?
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