Sub Panels

You have a main panel installed in your home, also known as the circuit breaker, to manage all your home’s electrical use. At Integrity Electricians, we have installed many sub-panels to help balance power use in your home, but if you already have a main panel, why install a sub–panel?

The sub-panel is a smaller version of the main panel, and it assists in power distribution throughout your home. The satellite circuit breaker we will install in your home gets its power from a double-pole 240V circuit breaker fed from the main panel.

The satellite panel has its own breaker network and is carefully divided into separate circuits at the feed or sub-panel. Installing a sub-panel is a safety issue. Your main panel may be capable of handling the wiring and power load, but that doesn’t mean it is 100 percent safe.

The main panel is the workhorse and can be overworked as a family’s demand for power increases. Reducing the stress on the main panel and wear and tear associated with power distribution is critical for safety.

The Differences, Main Panel Sub Panel

The crucial difference between your main panel and sub-panel is simple. While both route power throughout your home, only the main panel receives power from the hydro company. The connection between the two panels is a circuit feeder, and the sub-panel cannot increase the power supply or generate power independently.

Think of the sub-panel as an extension of the main panel functions, as it is subordinate to the main panel.

All The Reasons You Need A Sub-Panel

• Main Panel is Overcrowded

  Wiring is always an issue; having too many things wired into your main panel causes problems. Problems can occur, and if you aren’t an electrician, you don’t know what to look for or how to maintain an overcrowded panel. Adding lighting or, say, a baseboard heater requires an independent circuit that might not be available if you have a crowded main panel.

• Too Much Wiring

  Over wiring can be a power hazard if not kept in check. Over wiring can be best described as a cheat code in the main panel; it works like this. Two breakers allow two circuits to run off a single slot in the main panel. If you have over wiring in the main panel, it can be a code violation, and the results can be a fine and rework to bring the panel into code.

• Home Renovations Or Additions

  When adding new rooms or conducting home renovations demanding more power, remember that your main panel and electricity network were set up to service the existing network. Any additions must be accounted for at the electricity source, which is why a sub-panel makes perfect sense.

• Property Separation

  Your home might contain additional accommodations, like a Granny Flat. When the suite was first installed, it was a small drain on the main panel. Over time, you have power-hungry appliances consuming electricity creating a strain on the main panel.

• Convenience

  Having the sub-panel installed on the main floor of your home is an excellent decision. If the main breaker trips and you need to reset it, you don’t have to go into the basement.

• Safety

  Having a nest of wires running into your main panel is a recipe for disaster. At Integrity Electricians, we strongly recommend the installation of a second panel. An easily accessible sub-panel can be the difference between a catastrophe and not during an emergency, like a fire.

Signs You Need A Sub-Panel

• The need for more electrical outlets, but you’re overcrowded now.
• Finding the correct circuit breaker when necessary.
• The use of extension cords to get power to other areas of the house.

Integrity Electricians, Your Sub-Panel Service Team

With years of experience and expertise, we are the only answer to your sub-panel electrical needs at Integrity Electricians. Our team is highly-qualified, certified and reliable for home’s electrical panel needs. We can work with your budget to craft solutions to satisfy your needs. Call us for a free consultation and free quote.