Whether your home is equipped with a fuse panel or a circuit breaker panel, the function of the electrical panel is essentially the same. As power is fed into your home via the utility power lines it is intercepted and evenly distributed throughout your home via your breaker or fuse panel. This ensures there will be no dangerous electrical overloads at any point in the house. Should there be an overload on one or more of the circuits, the breaker switch will trip, or the fuse will ‘blow’ or become severed, meaning power will no longer run through that circuit until the fuse is replaced or the breaker switch is reset. In cases where circuits are being interrupted on a frequent basis, it may be time to supplement your original circuit panel with an additional sub-panel.
What Is an Electrical Subpanel
An electrical subpanel is like a mini version of your main electrical panel. It helps distribute electricity to specific areas of your home, especially when your main panel is full or far from the new space you’re powering. Subpanels are commonly used in garages, workshops, or new home additions. They connect to the main panel with a thick feeder cable and then branch off into their own circuits. If the subpanel stops working, it can cause power issues in the areas it controls, but don’t worry, it’s fixable. BPM Electric can repair or replace faulty subpanels to keep everything running as it should.
Reasons for Installing a Subpanel
1. Making Space
There are several reasons to add a sub panel, and most have to do with the safety and efficiency of your home electrical system. One reason for adding a sub-panel can be as simple as the fact that you are running out of space on your main panel. As households expand with new renovations and additions, the need for additional electrical power is extremely likely. If you were to install a new garage, workshop or addition on your house, you may find there isn’t enough space on your main panel to add more circuits that will meet the new power requirements. Some electricians will attempt to reconfigure or replace some circuit breakers on the main panel with lower profile switches that create more space. If these options aren’t enough however, the next step will be to add a new sub-panel.
2. Common Subpanel Functions
If you think you may need a sub-panel, make sure to consider your reasoning. There are plenty of ways a sub-panel can improve your home’s electrical system, but the installation of a subpanel can be an expensive process. To help you be sure you are making the right choice, take a look at some of the common reasons why people choose to install a subpanel at home.
3. New Electrical Circuits
For the most part, if you were to install a new power outlet in an existing room in your home, you probably won’t need an entirely new sub-panel. If on the other hand you are adding a major electrical appliance to your homes such as an electric vehicle car charger, a hot tub or a large A/C unit, the amount of power you will require may lead to a sub-panel installation. This can be extremely beneficial when it comes to avoiding regular circuit overloads. If you happen to live in an older home, the size of your main breaker panel may only allow for 12-16 circuits, meaning you will certainly have to add a sub-panel to maintain constant, uninterrupted power flow to your new appliances.
4. Residential Additions
As we mentioned above, it can make a lot of sense to install a sub panel if you are making any major renovations or additions at home. Beyond the efficiency and peace of mind, your sub-panel will offer, if you plan on renting your new addition, adding a sub-panel which can be easily accessed by your tenant can save a lot of hassle and inconvenience. In fact, electrical codes state clearly that residents must have access to their own circuit panel. If you want to avoid code violations, as well as issues with tenants needing access to your space to reset any tripped breakers, a sub-panel is your best option.
Keeping your home’s electrical system running smoothly and efficiently at all times is easy with the right equipment and experts to handle installation and maintenance. At BPM Electric we are ready to help with any and all of your residential and commercial electrical needs. Give us a call today to get started!
Benefits of Subpanels
More Space for Circuits
Your main panel only has so much room. If you’re adding new appliances, rooms, or features like a hot tub or EV charger, a subpanel gives you the extra circuit space you need without replacing the entire main panel.
Convenience and Access
A subpanel installed in a garage, basement, or rental suite lets you control the power in that area without walking to the main panel. This is especially useful for tenants or workshops.
Improved Organization
Grouping related circuits together in a subpanel keeps things neater and easier to manage. It also makes future electrical work simpler and safer.
Better Efficiency
By placing the subpanel closer to the area it powers, you reduce the load on your main panel and improve power distribution throughout your home.
What You’ll Need to Install a Subpanel
Equipment / Tools
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Flashlight
- Voltage tester
- Wire strippers
- Lineman’s pliers
- Long-nose pliers
Materials
- Electrical subpanel
- Mounting screws
- Feeder cable (approved)
- Breakers for new circuits
- Feeder breaker (approved)
- Staples or cable clamps
DIY Installation Steps
If you’re handy with tools and have some basic electrical knowledge, installing a subpanel might be a project you can take on. Here’s a simplified version of what’s involved:
Step 1: Plan Your Panel
Choose where your subpanel will go. It should be near the area it will power and safely accessible. Make sure there’s room on your main panel for a new breaker.
Step 2: Turn Off Power
Before you touch any wires, shut off the power to the main panel. Use a voltage tester to double-check that everything is safe to work on.
Step 3: Mount the Subpanel
Secure the subpanel box to the wall with mounting screws. Leave enough space around it to access the breakers easily.
Step 4: Run the Feeder Cable
Connect the feeder cable from the main panel to the subpanel. Secure it with clamps and make sure it’s rated for the load.
Step 5: Install Breakers and Test
Add your new breakers, connect your circuits, and test the power. If anything doesn’t feel right, stop and get help by calling us right away.
Important to note: Electrical work can be dangerous. If you’re unsure about any step, or needs support, call in a licensed electrician.
Call Us! Lower Mainland (604) 343-4432 | Prince George (250) 277-1924
Need Help with Your Subpanel Installation
BPM Electric has helped hundreds of homeowners in BC with safe and professional subpanel installations. When you want to upgrade for more power, we’re here to make it easy. Contact us today.
