0
When would you want to upgrade the main electrical panel vs just adding a sub-panel?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Depending on how many breakers you have in your exisiting panel if you only have a old 6 or 8 circuit panel then I would suggest a new panel, In the newer building world where you have a 20 or 30 circuit panel then I would suggest a sub panel.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Do you need a grounding rod at a subpanel on a detached building?
Yes. The panel must be grounded with its own grounding rod. The ground will not be provided with the feeders to the panel, these will only contain your phase wires and neutral. Also make sure that any subpanel installed does not have the neutral bonded to ground. This should only be done at the main panel where the electrical utility service is connected.
What size wire should be used from main panel to 50 watt subpanel?
#6 wire is needed. If placing the subpanel in a garage at a good distance, it is recommended to also install a seperate ground rod .
Can you splice wires in an electrical panel?
yes wires is electrical panel
What gauge wire to use for a sub panel?
That would depend upon how many amps will be used in the sub-panel. For example, a 30-A subpanel would need a minimum of 10 AWG feeder conductors.
Where would a 100 amp breaker be used?
In a residential application it would most likely be used as the breaker for the entire main electric panel or a subpanel feed.
Do you need a grounding rod at a subpanel on a detached building?
Yes. The panel must be grounded with its own grounding rod. The ground will not be provided with the feeders to the panel, these will only contain your phase wires and neutral. Also make sure that any subpanel installed does not have the neutral bonded to ground. This should only be done at the main panel where the electrical utility service is connected.
Where is the only place the neutral and ground wires can be on the same buss bar?
The main electric panel is where neutral is bonded to ground. There is usually a screw or strap that connects the two so the same type panel could be used as a subpanel and have the neutral and ground unbonded in subpanel.
Should you upgrade your electrical panel from 70 to 100 amps?
If you are contemplating an electrical upgrade the 70 to 100 jump is not justified. Presuming that you are going to get a qualified electrical contractor to do the installation along with the proper permits, go to a 200 amp panel. Your labour costs are going to be the same no matter what size panel you get installed. The only difference in costs will be the materials. Go for a 200 amp 42 circuit distribution panel. It will increase your resale value of the house should you decide to sell in the future.
How do people upgrade their electrical control panels?
It is unwise to upgrade your electrical control panel yourself, make sure to hire an electrician. If the current box is believed to be faulty, then hire an electrician to come and look at it. A professionals opinion is the only way to know.
What size wire should be used from main panel to 50 watt subpanel?
#6 wire is needed. If placing the subpanel in a garage at a good distance, it is recommended to also install a seperate ground rod .
Can 60A service in an older home be upgraded by adding a newer subpanel or do you have to add a new panel with a bigger wire?
More than likely you'll have to get a new panel with larger wire. The power company may have to come in and upsize their wire to your house as well. And you'll have to get a larger meter can. Fun, isn't it? :)
What is needed to put a 240V outlet in a garage very close to a circuit panel with NO open slots available?
an electrician. you may have to upgrade your service if not you will need an additional box to accomodate the new breaker Assuming you meet local code and license requirements, and know how to shut things off while you're working: The full circuit panel may be a service panel or a sub-panel with main lugs only (no main disconnect). If it's a sub-panel you need to find the breaker that feeds it from the service panel (if any) to make sure it has enough ampacity to run your 220 appliance on top of whatever is there already. Assuming the breaker and feeder conductors will support the additional load, you can add another subpanel (or replace the existing subpanel with a larger one). If not, you can wire a completely new feeder from the service panel to a new subpanel (or just a 220 disconnect/fuse for your new appliance). If the wiring is old, the minimum disturbance to the existing wiring is recommended: put in a new circuit from the service panel. Some subpanels include extra main lug terminals for feeding other subpanels. Otherwise you can either add another tap to the main lugs and run them to the new subpanel, or else replace two of the existing breakers with a 2-pole breaker that feeds the new subpanel. Put the new 220 circuit into the new panel along with the two old circuits removed from the old full panel to make room for the subfeed breakers.
Is it unsafe to have 60A service going into a new electrical box designed for 100A?
Its not recommended because your new main breaker will allow up to 100 amps and your old wire can only safely handle 60amps. If you put a 60amp main breaker in the new box, that would be acceptable. No, it is perfectly safe. Because the box is overrated, there is no problem. If the box is the main panel, and not a subpanel, install a 60A main breaker so you cannot overload your service. If it is a subpanel this 60A breaker should be in the main panel.
When do you know if you need an electrical service upgrade?
1) If you are tripping the main breaker and you do not have an electrical fault in the home. 2) If you are installing additional circuits or appliances and you expect to exceed 80% of the load capacity of the existing service panel.
Can you splice wires in an electrical panel?
yes wires is electrical panel
Christmas light are causing the 15amp circuit breaker to trip and Circuit Panel is full Can I upgrade to a twin circuit breaker without installing a subpanel?
Your only hope is that someone wired the box not to code and that there are two wires going into the offending breaker. If you can't separate wires you can't distribute the load.
Electrical Wiring Installation?
form_title=Electrical Wiring Installation form_header=8293 How would you best describe your electrical project?*= () "Electrical panel upgrade only () Update or add a few fixtures, outlets or switches () Complete wiring for addition or remodel" Please describe this location.*= () Home/Residence () Business
