What is a Sub Panel?
In essence, an electrical sub panel can be thought of as a mini service panel. Its basic structure is the same as a service panel, with a main feeder wire leading into bus bars and circuit breakers. Branch wire circuits lead off of the circuit breakers into various parts of the house.
A typical amperage and voltage for a sub-panel might be 30 amp., 240 volts.
Note: a circuit breaker sub panel does not provide additional electricity to the house; it is feeding off of the main electrical panel.
There are 2 major reasons why you might want to install a circuit breaker sub panel:
First, if the main service panel does not have enough space to hold circuit breakers for any new circuits that you intend to install. The circuit breaker sub panel can, in a sense, create new space for circuit breakers, but in a physically separate location.
Secondly, the sub panel provides a sense of clarity and separation of service from the main electrical panel. Usually, a circuit breaker sub panel will service one separate area that has a discrete function, such as a kitchen, shop, office, or addition. By installing a circuit breaker sub panel, you make it clear which circuit breakers and branch circuits apply to which parts of the house. It is easy to segregate the duties of all of the branch circuits, and to facilitate sub panel repairs, by keeping the circuits sequestered within the circuit breaker sub panel area.
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