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 | By Dave Rongey Summary: Electrical Sub-Panel wiring considerations for the home complete with pictures. Careful planning for your Sub-Panel with immediate and future load considerations will help you understand how to size your Sub-Panel. This information will help as you consider a Sub-Panel and its size. © By: Dave Rongey |
How to Install and Wire a Sub-Panel the Right Way
DIY Electrical Wiring Video
How to Install and Wire a Sub Panel
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Make a List of all the things you plan to use
120 volt devices
Lighting
Electrical Convenience Outlets
GFCI Protected Outlets240 volt equipment
Considerations to help determine Sub-Panel Circuit Requirements:
Motor Loads:
Hot Tubs [see the Hot Tub Page]
Well Pumps
Air Conditioners
Sub-Panel Considerations-
Correct amperage for all existing loads and future requirements.Important Factor: Find out if the Main Service or the Panel that will supply the Sub-Panel Circuit have adequate Load Capacity and space for the needed circuit breaker.
How big should your Sub-Panel be ? (Watts and Amperage)
This will help you consider the circuits to be served by the Sub-Panel including general purpose electrical outlets and any special equipment which will be needed.Special Considerations:
Large 220 Volt Loads such as Welders, Air Conditioners, Motors, Well Pumps and the like may require larger size wire and conduit to provide the necessary current this equipment requires. Be sure to list all the label requirements and manufacturers specifications.
Long Distances from the power source will produce Voltage Drop, especially over 175 feet. A 2% Voltage drop factor and correction will most likely require an increased size of the wire and conduit.Wire Types and Capacities
Cables and common wire typesDevices and Junction Boxes Select the right box for your application
120/240 Volt Sub-Panel Circuit Requirements
4-Wire System consisting of:
2-Insulated Power Conductors (Black & Red)
1-Insulated Neutral Conductor (White)
1-Ground Conductor (Bare or Green)
Don't Make This Mistake!
[click pictures to enlarge]See AlsoHow to Install a Subpanel in Your Detached Garage: Step-by-Step GuideHow to Install a Subpanel in Your Garage (with Diagram)How to Install a Subpanel in Garage in 8 Easy StepsHow to Wire a Subpanel to a Detached Garage
| More about Wiring a Sub Panel
Learn more about wiring a sub panel |
Home Electrical Wiring
Wire a GFCI Outlet without a Ground Wire
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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
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Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
Questions about Sub-Panels
Questions about Wiring Panels
Let Us Hear Your Question!
Roger in Virginia asks:
Is the Wire Size to my Sub Panel Too Small?
I recently installed a sub panel in a storage building located about 150′ from my home. I fed this sub panel with #10 UF cable. From this sub panel, I am feeding 2 – 20 amp circuits with #14 wire. With nothing but the fluorescent lighting on, I pull about 2.7 amps of current with a measured voltage of 125 volts on this feed. When I turn on my shop vac however, I am pulling about 11 amps of current, and my measured voltage on this circuit drops to 118 volts. This causes my fluorescent light bulbs to cycle on and off. Is the voltage drop enough to cause this issue, or am I missing something?
Dave’s Reply:
Wire Length and Voltage Drop
When planning the wire size for a sub panel, or any panel for that matter, it is important to factor in the length of the distance to the panel from the source, and the amperage of the sub panel. The circuit loads placed upon the sub panel will determine the size of the sub panel as well. So basically, everything starts with planning the load that will be placed on the sub panel, and then we calculate the wire size feeding the sub panel based upon the distance. It is also important to factor in any electric motors that may be used due to the starting load which will effect the amperage and the voltage.
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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outletsProvides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiencyLights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is includedTests standard 3-wire outletsUL ListedLight indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
Circuit Breakers, Panels, Parts and Accessories
Circuit Breaker Siemens ITE
More about: Sub panel electrical
Install an Electrical Sub Panel
Considerations When Planning An Electrical Sub Panel
Planning for a Garage Electrical Sub Panel
Electrical Panel Size Considerations
Fix an Electrical Circuit for a Sump Pump or Septic Pump
Upgrade Old Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring
Installing or Upgrading Electrical Wiring
Possible Causes of Lost Electrical Power
- Install an Electrical Sub Panel Thinking about installing a Sub Panel? Here is what must be considered first, and you may discover that you really do not need a sub panel at all.
- Considerations When Planning An Electrical Sub Panel How do I Plan for a Sub Panel Installation? Planning the right amperage and cabling for a sub-panel used in a basem*nt, garage and other locations.
- Planning for a Garage Electrical Sub Panel How Can I Install Electrical Wiring and a Sub Panel in a Garage? Planning and Installing a Garage Sub Panel.
- Electrical Panel Size Considerations What size should the Main Electric Service Panel be for all the Electrical Circuits? How to Determine What Size an Electrical Panel Should Be, Factors that must be considered when sizing an electrical panel.
- Fix an Electrical Circuit for a Sump Pump or Septic Pump My pump is not working and I am trying to troubleshoot the problem: How to Identify Typical Septic Pump Problems.
- Upgrade Old Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring Can I upgrade circuit wiring and outlets and still keep the lighting circuit in tack? How to Fix Old Electrical Wiring Problems: Guide for Repairing Old Wiring, Upgrading Knob and Tube Wiring and a Fuse Box
- Installing or Upgrading Electrical Wiring I had my entire house rewired, the attic looks like an explosion of a wiring factory, is this safe for the wires to be everywhere? What to do about Problems with Your Home Electrical Project.
- Possible Causes of Lost Electrical Power What would cause a circuit to loose power after an electrical storm? How to Diagnose Electrical Problems and Lost Power After Electrical Storm.
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Top of List DIY Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Electrical Tips to Help You!
Circuit Breakers
Circuit BreakersHome Circuit BreakersCircuit Breaker Panel House Wiring CircuitsTypes of Breakers15 Amp BreakerGeneral Electric BreakerZinsco BreakerFuses and Breakers GFCI and AFCI BreakersGround Fault and Arc FaultElectric Panel Circuit ListingSub Panel Electrical WiringMore about Circuit Breakers
Installing Electric Circuits
Electrical Project Skill Level:Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety:
Identify the panel circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for circuit wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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