How to Install a Subpanel in Your Garage (with Diagram) (2024)

Installing a subpanel in your garage is a great way to add additional electrical outlets and circuits to your home. It can also be a relatively simple project for DIYers with some basic electrical skills.

This article will walk you through the steps of installing a subpanel in your garage, from planning and preparation to wiring and testing. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right subpanel for your needs and how to safely work with electricity.

So if you’re ready to add some extra electrical capacity to your garage, read on!

A subpanel is a distribution panel that is used to provide additional electrical circuits to a home or business. Subpanels are typically installed in garages, workshops, and other areas where there is a need for additional electrical outlets.

Installing a subpanel is a relatively simple project that can be completed by most DIYers. However, it is important to follow the proper safety precautions and procedures to avoid any potential hazards.

This guide will provide you with the step-by-step instructions you need to install a subpanel in your garage.

Planning the Subpanel Installation

The first step in installing a subpanel is to plan the installation. This involves determining the size and location of the subpanel, as well as the type of subpanel and circuit breakers you will need.

Determine the size of the subpanel. The size of the subpanel you need will depend on the number of circuits you need to add. A typical subpanel will have 10-20 circuits.

Determine the location of the subpanel. The subpanel should be located in a convenient location that is accessible to the main panel. It is also important to make sure that the subpanel is located in a dry area that is protected from the elements.

Choose the type of subpanel and circuit breakers. There are two main types of subpanels: metal and plastic. Metal subpanels are more durable, but they are also more expensive. Plastic subpanels are less durable, but they are also less expensive.

The type of circuit breakers you need will depend on the amperage of the circuits you are adding. Standard circuit breakers are rated for 15 or 20 amps. If you are adding circuits that will draw more than 20 amps, you will need to use a higher-rated circuit breaker.

Prepare the wall for the subpanel. The wall where you are installing the subpanel must be strong enough to support the weight of the subpanel. If the wall is not strong enough, you will need to install a wall stud to support the subpanel.

Installing the Subpanel

Once you have planned the installation, you can begin installing the subpanel.

Mount the subpanel to the wall. The subpanel should be mounted to a wall stud using the screws that are provided with the subpanel. Make sure that the subpanel is level and secure.

Connect the subpanel to the main panel. The subpanel must be connected to the main panel in order to provide power to the circuits. To do this, you will need to connect the main panel’s hot and neutral wires to the subpanel’s corresponding wires.

Connect the circuits to the subpanel. The circuits that you are adding to the subpanel must be connected to the subpanel’s circuit breakers. To do this, you will need to connect the circuit’s hot and neutral wires to the subpanel’s corresponding wires.

Installing a subpanel is a relatively simple project that can be completed by most DIYers. However, it is important to follow the proper safety precautions and procedures to avoid any potential hazards.

By following the steps in this guide, you can install a subpanel in your garage and add additional electrical circuits to your home or business.

Additional Tips

• When choosing a subpanel, make sure that it is compatible with the main panel.
• Make sure that the subpanel is properly grounded.
• Use a qualified electrician to install the subpanel if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

3. Testing the Subpanel

Once you have installed the subpanel, you need to test it to make sure that it is working properly. Here are the steps involved in testing the subpanel:

1. Turn on the power to the subpanel.
2. Check the operation of the circuit breakers.
3. Test the circuits in the subpanel.

Turn on the power to the subpanel.

The first step in testing the subpanel is to turn on the power to it. To do this, locate the main breaker in your main panel and turn it on. This will turn on the power to all of the circuits in the subpanel.

Check the operation of the circuit breakers.

The next step is to check the operation of the circuit breakers in the subpanel. To do this, flip each circuit breaker on and off. The circuit breaker should snap into place when it is turned on and should pop out when it is turned off.

Test the circuits in the subpanel.

The final step is to test the circuits in the subpanel. To do this, plug in a lamp or other appliance into each of the circuits in the subpanel. The lamp or appliance should light up when you plug it in, indicating that the circuit is working properly.

If any of the circuit breakers do not work properly or if any of the circuits do not work, you will need to troubleshoot the problem.

4. Securing the Subpanel

Once you have tested the subpanel and confirmed that it is working properly, you need to secure the subpanel. Here are the steps involved in securing the subpanel:

1. Lock the subpanel door.
2. Label the circuits in the subpanel.
3. Install a cover plate on the subpanel.

Lock the subpanel door.

The first step in securing the subpanel is to lock the subpanel door. This will prevent unauthorized people from accessing the subpanel and potentially causing a dangerous situation.

Label the circuits in the subpanel.

The next step is to label the circuits in the subpanel. This will make it easier to identify which circuit is responsible for which appliance or light fixture.

Install a cover plate on the subpanel.

The final step is to install a cover plate on the subpanel. This will protect the subpanel from dust and debris and will also help to keep it secure.

By following these steps, you can install a subpanel in your garage safely and securely. A subpanel can provide you with additional electrical outlets and circuits, which can be helpful for powering large appliances or adding new circuits to your home.

Q: What is a subpanel and why do I need one?
A: A subpanel is a smaller electrical panel that is connected to the main panel. It provides additional outlets and circuits for areas of your home that are far away from the main panel, such as the garage. Subpanels are also used to protect circuits from overloads and to provide a central location for circuit breakers.

Q: How do I choose the right size subpanel?
A: The size of the subpanel you need will depend on the number of circuits you need to add. Each circuit will need a 20-amp breaker, so you can calculate the total number of amps you need by adding up the amps for all of the circuits you want to add. You will then need to choose a subpanel that is rated for at least that amount of amps.

Q: Where should I install the subpanel?
A: The subpanel should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area that is accessible to the main panel. It is also important to make sure that the subpanel is installed on a sturdy surface that can support its weight.

Q: How do I install a subpanel?
A: Installing a subpanel is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid making mistakes. The following steps will walk you through the process of installing a subpanel:

1. Turn off the power to the main panel. This will ensure that you do not accidentally shock yourself while working on the subpanel.
2. Locate a suitable location for the subpanel. The subpanel should be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area that is accessible to the main panel. It is also important to make sure that the subpanel is installed on a sturdy surface that can support its weight.
3. Mount the subpanel to the wall. The subpanel should be mounted using the screws that are provided with the subpanel. Make sure that the subpanel is level and secure.
4. Connect the subpanel to the main panel. The subpanel is connected to the main panel using two wires: a hot wire and a neutral wire. The hot wire is connected to the top terminal of the subpanel, and the neutral wire is connected to the bottom terminal.
5. Install the circuit breakers in the subpanel. The circuit breakers are installed in the subpanel in the same way that they are installed in the main panel. Each circuit breaker is labeled with the amperage of the circuit it protects.
6. Turn on the power to the main panel. Once the subpanel is installed and the circuit breakers are installed, you can turn on the power to the main panel.

Q: What are the safety precautions I should take when installing a subpanel?
A: There are a few safety precautions you should take when installing a subpanel:

• Turn off the power to the main panel before you begin work. This will prevent you from accidentally shocking yourself.
• Use insulated tools when working on the subpanel. This will help to prevent you from accidentally touching live wires.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Work in a well-ventilated area. The fumes from the electrical components can be harmful if you inhale them.

Q: What are some common problems with subpanels?
A: There are a few common problems that can occur with subpanels:

• The subpanel is not properly grounded. This can lead to electrical shocks and other hazards.
• The subpanel is overloaded. This can cause the circuit breakers to trip or the subpanel to overheat.
• The subpanel is not properly maintained. This can lead to corrosion and other problems that can cause the subpanel to fail.

Q: How can I avoid problems with my subpanel?
A: There are a few things you can do to avoid problems with your subpanel:

• Have the subpanel installed by a qualified electrician. This will ensure that the subpanel is installed correctly and safely.
• Keep the subpanel clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent corrosion and other problems.
• Inspect the subpanel regularly for signs of damage or wear. This will help you to identify and fix problems before they become serious.

  In this blog post, we have discussed how to install a subpanel in your garage. We have covered the steps involved in the process, as well as the tools and materials you will need. We have also provided some tips and tricks to help you get the job done correctly.

If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it is best to hire a qualified electrician to install your subpanel. However, if you are confident in your abilities, you can follow the steps in this blog post to complete the project yourself.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

• A subpanel is a secondary electrical distribution panel that is used to branch off from the main electrical panel.
• Subpanels are typically installed in garages, workshops, and other areas where additional electrical outlets are needed.
• The process of installing a subpanel is relatively straightforward, but it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the work is done correctly.
• If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, it is best to hire a qualified electrician to install your subpanel.