Putting in a subpanel is an effective way so as to add extra circuits and enhance your own home’s electrical capability. It is also a comparatively easy DIY undertaking that may prevent cash on an electrician. Nevertheless, it is vital to notice that working with electrical energy will be harmful, so it is vital to take all crucial security precautions. In the event you’re not comfy working with electrical energy, it is best to rent a professional electrician to put in your subpanel.
Step one in putting in a subpanel is to decide on a location. The subpanel ought to be situated in an accessible space that is shielded from the weather. As soon as you have chosen a location, you will have to run electrical conduit from the primary panel to the subpanel. Conduit is a pipe that protects electrical wires from harm. You will additionally want to put in a circuit breaker in the primary panel to guard the subpanel circuit.
As soon as the conduit is put in, you’ll be able to start putting in the subpanel. Begin by mounting the subpanel on the wall after which connecting the wires from the conduit to the subpanel. You should definitely comply with the producer’s directions rigorously. As soon as the subpanel is put in, you will have to activate the circuit breaker in the primary panel and take a look at the subpanel to ensure it is working correctly.
Mounting the Subpanel
Earlier than mounting the subpanel, you have to to collect your supplies and instruments. You will have a subpanel, mounting screws, a screwdriver, a wire stripper, and electrical tape. After you have gathered your supplies and instruments, you’ll be able to start the mounting course of.
1. Select a location for the subpanel. The subpanel ought to be mounted in a dry, well-ventilated space. It must also be simply accessible for future upkeep.
2. Mark the situation of the subpanel on the wall. Use a pencil to mark the situation of the highest and backside of the subpanel.
3. Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Use a drill bit that’s barely smaller than the diameter of the mounting screws. Drill the pilot holes on the marks you made in step 2.
4. Mount the subpanel. Place the subpanel over the pilot holes and insert the mounting screws. Tighten the mounting screws till the subpanel is securely mounted.
a. In case you are mounting the subpanel on drywall, you have to to make use of drywall anchors. Drywall anchors are small, plastic units which are inserted into the drywall and supply a safe maintain for the mounting screws.
b. In case you are mounting the subpanel on a concrete wall, you have to to make use of concrete anchors. Concrete anchors are steel units which are inserted into the concrete and supply a safe maintain for the mounting screws.
c. In case you are mounting the subpanel on a wooden floor, you need to use wooden screws to safe it.
| Floor Kind | Anchor Kind |
|---|---|
| Drywall | Drywall anchors |
| Concrete | Concrete anchors |
| Wooden | Wooden screws |
5. Join {the electrical} wires to the subpanel. Use a wire stripper to strip the insulation off the ends of {the electrical} wires. Join the black wires to the black terminals on the subpanel. Join the white wires to the white terminals on the subpanel. Join the inexperienced or naked copper wire to the bottom terminal on the subpanel.
6. Safe {the electrical} wires. Use electrical tape to safe {the electrical} wires. Wrap {the electrical} tape across the wires a number of instances to make sure that they’re safe.
7. Shut the subpanel cowl. After you have related {the electrical} wires, you’ll be able to shut the subpanel cowl. Be sure that the duvet is securely closed in order that nobody can by accident come into contact with {the electrical} wires.
Connecting Feeder Cables
1. Flip off the primary energy provide.
Earlier than starting any electrical work, at all times flip off the primary energy provide to the world the place you may be working. This can stop any accidents from occurring.
2. Establish the feeder cables.
The feeder cables are the big cables that can join the subpanel to the primary electrical panel. They’re usually black or pink and are sometimes bundled collectively.
3. Lower the feeder cables to size.
The feeder cables ought to be lower to size in order that they’ll attain the subpanel with none extra. You should definitely depart sufficient slack in order that the cables will be simply related.
4. Strip the ends of the feeder cables.
The ends of the feeder cables should be stripped with the intention to make the connections. Use a wire stripper to take away about 1/2 inch of insulation from every finish of the cable.
5. Join the feeder cables to the subpanel.
The feeder cables are related to the subpanel utilizing circuit breakers. Every circuit breaker is rated for a selected amperage, so be sure you choose the proper circuit breaker for the dimensions of the feeder cables. To attach the feeder cables, merely insert the ends of the cables into the terminals on the circuit breaker and tighten the screws.
The next desk reveals the wire sizes and circuit breaker amperages which are usually used for subpanels:
| Wire Measurement | Circuit Breaker Amperage |
|---|---|
| 10 AWG | 30 |
| 8 AWG | 40 |
| 6 AWG | 50 |
| 4 AWG | 60 |
| 2 AWG | 70 |
| 1 AWG | 80 |
| 1/0 AWG | 90 |
| 2/0 AWG | 100 |
| 3/0 AWG | 125 |
| 4/0 AWG | 150 |
Putting in Circuit Breakers
As soon as the subpanel is put in, it is time to set up the circuit breakers. Here is a step-by-step information:
1. Establish the Appropriate Circuit Breakers
Select the suitable circuit breakers for the circuits you will be connecting. Discuss with the subpanel’s documentation for suitable breakers.
2. Collect Crucial Instruments
You will want a screwdriver, a torque wrench, and any specialised instruments talked about within the circuit breaker’s directions.
3. Set up the Floor Bus
Join the inexperienced floor wire from the subpanel to the bottom bus within the subpanel utilizing a torque wrench.
4. Set up the Primary Breaker
Insert the primary breaker into the highest slot of the subpanel and push it in till it clicks into place.
5. Set up the Circuit Breakers
Insert every circuit breaker into its designated slot. Twist it clockwise to lock it in place.
6. Tighten the Terminals
Tighten the terminal screws on every circuit breaker utilizing a torque wrench. Observe the producer’s torque specs to make sure correct connections.
Tip: Discuss with the subpanel’s consumer handbook for detailed directions and security precautions.
Wiring the Circuits to the Breakers
As soon as the breakers are put in, it is time to wire the circuits to them. It is a comparatively easy activity, but it surely’s vital to take your time and make it possible for all of the connections are safe. Listed here are the steps on learn how to do it:
1. Begin by reducing the circuit wires to the suitable size. They need to be lengthy sufficient to succeed in the breakers with out being too lengthy or too brief.
2. Strip the insulation off the ends of the wires about 1/2 inch.
3. Bend the naked wires right into a U-shape.
4. Push the U-shaped wires onto the terminals on the breakers.
5. Tighten the screws on the terminals to safe the wires.
6. Repeat these steps for the entire circuits.
7. As soon as the entire circuits are wired, double-check the entire connections to make it possible for they’re safe.
8. Lastly, activate the primary breaker to energy up the subpanel and take a look at the entire circuits to make it possible for they’re working correctly.
| Circuit | Breaker Measurement | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 15 amps | 14 AWG |
| Shops | 20 amps | 12 AWG |
| Home equipment | 30 amps | 10 AWG |
Finalizing the Set up
1. Set up the Cowl: Safe the subpanel's cowl onto the enclosure utilizing the supplied screws. Guarantee it's correctly mounted and aligned.
2. Connect Conduit and Wire: Join the conduit and wires from the primary panel to the subpanel's corresponding terminals.
3. Tighten Terminals: Use a torque wrench to securely tighten all terminal screw connections. Guarantee they meet the producer's beneficial torque specs.
4. Check Polarity: Affirm the proper polarity utilizing a voltage tester. Make sure the impartial and floor wires are related correctly.
5. Restore Energy: Flip the primary breaker in the primary panel again on to energise the subpanel.
6. Examine for Warmth: Observe the subpanel for any extreme warmth or free connections utilizing a thermal imaging digicam or different appropriate machine.
7. Label and Doc: Affix a label on the subpanel indicating its goal, voltage, and amperage. Moreover, doc the set up particulars for future reference.
Circuit Labeling and Identification:
8. Establish every circuit within the subpanel clearly utilizing labels or tags. This facilitates simple troubleshooting and upkeep.
9. Create a circuit listing or set up a listing holder on the subpanel's inside. This enables for fast identification of circuit areas.
10. Repeatedly examine your subpanel to make sure it stays in good working order and tackle any potential points promptly. Examine terminal connections for tightness, test for any free wires or harm, and make sure the cowl is securely hooked up. By following these steps and sustaining your subpanel, you’ll be able to improve security and reliability.
How To Set up A Subpanel
Putting in a subpanel is an effective way so as to add extra circuits to your own home with out having to improve your foremost electrical panel. A subpanel is a smaller electrical panel that’s related to your foremost panel and supplies energy to further circuits. Putting in a subpanel is a comparatively easy course of, however it is very important comply with the entire directions rigorously to make sure that it’s achieved safely and accurately.
To put in a subpanel, you have to the next instruments and supplies:
- A subpanel
- Electrical wire
- Conduit
- A circuit breaker
- A screwdriver
- A wire cutter
- A degree
After you have the entire crucial instruments and supplies, you’ll be able to start the set up course of. Step one is to decide on a location for the subpanel. The subpanel ought to be situated in a dry, well-ventilated space that’s simply accessible. After you have chosen a location, it is advisable mount the subpanel to the wall. The subpanel ought to be mounted securely utilizing screws or bolts.
The subsequent step is to attach {the electrical} wire to the subpanel. {The electrical} wire ought to be sized in accordance with the amperage of the circuit breaker that you may be utilizing. The wire ought to be lower to the suitable size after which stripped on the ends. The stripped ends of the wire ought to then be related to the terminals on the subpanel. The connections ought to be made securely utilizing a screwdriver.
As soon as {the electrical} wire has been related to the subpanel, you’ll be able to set up the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker ought to be put in within the acceptable slot on the subpanel. The circuit breaker ought to be turned off earlier than it’s put in. As soon as the circuit breaker is put in, you’ll be able to flip it on.
The ultimate step is to attach the conduit to the subpanel. The conduit ought to be sized in accordance with the variety of wires that will likely be operating by way of it. The conduit ought to be lower to the suitable size after which hooked up to the subpanel utilizing a conduit connector. The wires ought to then be pulled by way of the conduit and related to the suitable terminals on the subpanel.
As soon as the subpanel is put in, it’s best to take a look at it to make it possible for it’s working correctly. To check the subpanel, activate the entire circuit breakers. If the circuit breakers journey, then there’s a drawback with the set up. The issue ought to be corrected earlier than the subpanel is used.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Set up A Subpanel
What’s a subpanel?
A subpanel is a smaller electrical panel that’s related to your foremost panel and supplies energy to further circuits.
Why would I would like to put in a subpanel?
It’s possible you’ll want to put in a subpanel if it is advisable add extra circuits to your own home with out having to improve your foremost electrical panel.
How do I select a subpanel?
When selecting a subpanel, it is advisable think about the amperage of the circuits that you may be utilizing. You additionally want to contemplate the variety of circuits that you’ll want.
How do I set up a subpanel?
To put in a subpanel, you have to to comply with the steps outlined on this article.
What are the risks of putting in a subpanel?
There are a number of risks related to putting in a subpanel, together with electrical shock, fireplace, and explosion. It is very important comply with the entire directions rigorously to make sure that the set up is completed safely and accurately.
