Putting in a subpanel is a good way so as to add extra circuits and enhance your property’s electrical capability. It is also a comparatively easy DIY venture that may prevent cash on an electrician. Nonetheless, it is vital to notice that working with electrical energy may be harmful, so it is vital to take all crucial security precautions. In case you’re not snug 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 must be situated in an accessible space that is protected against the weather. As soon as you have chosen a location, you will must run electrical conduit from the principle panel to the subpanel. Conduit is a pipe that protects electrical wires from injury. You will additionally want to put in a circuit breaker in the principle 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. Be sure you comply with the producer’s directions rigorously. As soon as the subpanel is put in, you will must activate the circuit breaker in the principle panel and take a look at the subpanel to ensure it is working correctly.
Mounting the Subpanel
Earlier than mounting the subpanel, you’ll need to assemble your supplies and instruments. You will want 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 must 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’ll need to make use of drywall anchors. Drywall anchors are small, plastic gadgets 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’ll need to make use of concrete anchors. Concrete anchors are metallic gadgets 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 linked {the electrical} wires, you’ll be able to shut the subpanel cowl. Ensure that the quilt is securely closed in order that nobody can unintentionally come into contact with {the electrical} wires.
Connecting Feeder Cables
1. Flip off the principle energy provide.
Earlier than starting any electrical work, at all times flip off the principle energy provide to the world the place you may be working. It will forestall any accidents from occurring.
2. Establish the feeder cables.
The feeder cables are the massive cables that may join the subpanel to the principle electrical panel. They’re sometimes black or pink and are sometimes bundled collectively.
3. Reduce the feeder cables to size.
The feeder cables must be minimize to size in order that they will attain the subpanel with none extra. Be sure you depart sufficient slack in order that the cables may be simply linked.
4. Strip the ends of the feeder cables.
The ends of the feeder cables have to be stripped so as 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 linked to the subpanel utilizing circuit breakers. Every circuit breaker is rated for a particular amperage, so you’ll want to choose the right circuit breaker for the scale 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 sometimes 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 Right Circuit Breakers
Select the suitable circuit breakers for the circuits you will be connecting. Seek advice from the subpanel’s documentation for appropriate breakers.
2. Collect Obligatory 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 Fundamental Breaker
Insert the principle 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. Comply with the producer’s torque specs to make sure correct connections.
Tip: Seek advice from the subpanel’s person guide 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 process, however it’s vital to take your time and guarantee that all of the connections are safe. Listed below are the steps on learn how to do it:
1. Begin by slicing 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 quick.
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 all the circuits.
7. As soon as all the circuits are wired, double-check all the connections to guarantee that they’re safe.
8. Lastly, activate the principle breaker to energy up the subpanel and take a look at all the circuits to guarantee that they’re working correctly.
| Circuit | Breaker Measurement | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 15 amps | 14 AWG |
| Retailers | 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 offered screws. Guarantee it's correctly fixed and aligned.
2. Connect Conduit and Wire: Join the conduit and wires from the principle 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 really helpful torque specs.
4. Take a look at Polarity: Verify the right polarity utilizing a voltage tester. Make sure the impartial and floor wires are linked correctly.
5. Restore Energy: Flip the principle breaker in the principle 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 digital camera or different appropriate system.
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 straightforward 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 places.
10. Recurrently examine your subpanel to make sure it stays in good working order and deal with any potential points promptly. Examine terminal connections for tightness, verify for any free wires or injury, and make sure the cowl is securely connected. 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 a good way so as to add extra circuits to your property with out having to improve your foremost electrical panel. A subpanel is a smaller electrical panel that’s linked 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 all the directions rigorously to make sure that it’s performed safely and accurately.
To put in a subpanel, you’ll need the next instruments and supplies:
- A subpanel
- Electrical wire
- Conduit
- A circuit breaker
- A screwdriver
- A wire cutter
- A stage
After you have all the 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 must be situated in a dry, well-ventilated space that’s simply accessible. After you have chosen a location, you’ll want to mount the subpanel to the wall. The subpanel must be mounted securely utilizing screws or bolts.
The following step is to attach {the electrical} wire to the subpanel. {The electrical} wire must be sized in line with the amperage of the circuit breaker that you may be utilizing. The wire must be minimize to the suitable size after which stripped on the ends. The stripped ends of the wire ought to then be linked to the terminals on the subpanel. The connections must be made securely utilizing a screwdriver.
As soon as {the electrical} wire has been linked to the subpanel, you’ll be able to set up the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker must be put in within the acceptable slot on the subpanel. The circuit breaker must 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 must be sized in line with the variety of wires that can be operating by means of it. The conduit must be minimize to the suitable size after which connected to the subpanel utilizing a conduit connector. The wires ought to then be pulled by means of the conduit and linked to the suitable terminals on the subpanel.
As soon as the subpanel is put in, you must take a look at it to guarantee that it’s working correctly. To check the subpanel, activate all the circuit breakers. If the circuit breakers journey, then there’s a drawback with the set up. The issue must 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 linked to your foremost panel and supplies energy to further circuits.
Why would I want to put in a subpanel?
Chances are you’ll want to put in a subpanel if you’ll want to add extra circuits to your property with out having to improve your foremost electrical panel.
How do I select a subpanel?
When selecting a subpanel, you’ll want to take into account the amperage of the circuits that you may be utilizing. You additionally want to contemplate the variety of circuits that you will want.
How do I set up a subpanel?
To put in a subpanel, you’ll need 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, hearth, and explosion. You will need to comply with all the directions rigorously to make sure that the set up is finished safely and accurately.
