Why Should You Install a Subpanel in Your Home?
What is a Subpanel?
You might have already heard of the main panel that carries the entire electric load of a home. This main electrical panel is also called a circuit breaker, which is where the electricity enters your home. If you already have the main panel that does the entire job, why should you learn about subpanels? What exactly are subpanels?
To put it simply, a subpanel is a smaller panel compared to the main panel. It helps distribute power to different areas in your home. It is also called a satellite circuit breaker and gets its power from a double-pole 240V circuit breaker from the main panel. It has its own breakers and is divided into different branch circuits at the subpanel.
Your main electrical panel might have enough space to house all the wiring for the house, but that does not mean it is safe. This is one of the reasons why people opt for a subpanel as it helps take the load off the main panel and improves safety levels. According to electrician Vancouver, it is a great idea to invest in a subpanel as having a crowded main panel is a disaster waiting to happen.
The subpanel can be installed right next to the main electrical panel, or it can also be installed in the room you want to divide the use of electrical power.
Difference between Main Panel and Subpanel
It can be difficult to understand the difference between the main panel and the subpanel. The main panel is the entry point of the electrical power, which also distributes power to different areas of your house. On the other hand, a subpanel acts as a mini panel that also distributes electricity, but it is not the entry point of electric power into your home.
Subpanels are connected to the main electrical panel using a circuit feeder. One of the biggest differences between the two is that a subpanel does not have the ability to increase the power supply on its own or generate it.
The main reason for this is because they are connected to the main supply and get electricity from the main supply. This means that a subpanel is an extension of the main panel.
Why should You Install a Subpanel?
There are many reasons why electrician Vancouver recommends experts and homeowners to get a subpanel. If you need to install a subpanel you must look for an electrician near me.
Here are all the reasons why you should install a subpanel:
Overcrowded Main Panels
Main panels are often overcrowded with lots of connections, and it is very difficult for homeowners to take care of their main panel. Since they do not maintain these panels, it can be very dangerous as the cover plate of these main panels is often missing.
You might not have difficulties with an overcrowded panel daily, but it might become very dangerous in the future.
Moreover, if the main electrical panel needs fixing, it can be very difficult for an electrician to find their way around the panel, and this can lead to a lot of mishaps. If an electrician Vancouver helps you out, they might request you to get a subpanel to make it easier for them to navigate.
If you install new lighting or a baseboard heater, you might have to give it a completely independent circuit, which is impossible if you already have a crowded main panel.
Over wiring
Over wiring can be used as a cheat code. It allows users to get more power out of the main breaker panel. There are tandem breakers there that permit two different circuits to make use of a single slot. This can be difficult, but it is not exactly a power hazard right away.
The circuit breakers are not exactly like double-pole breakers and can work with a single slot. In many areas, over wiring is a violation. If homeowners wish to avoid the violation and its consequences, they must install subpanels and stop overpowering the main one with extra wires.
Renovations or Additions
You might have added more rooms to your space or are considering adding a second garage. Whatever additions or renovations you make, it is important to realize that it will have a negative impact on your main panel. You already have enough load on it, and it is better to keep the load off of it.
The best way to keep the load off the main panel is to install a subpanel. This subpanel can make it very easy for an electrician to complete the wiring of the additional areas.
Moreover, it is a better idea to have the panel closer to the additions so that the distribution of power is easier. Electricians can keep the electric subpanel as organized as possible.
Separate Property
You may have an additional property connected to the one you have. This separate property might not be in your direct use and can be used in a separate capacity. For instance, it might be a rental property, or it might serve some purpose that is not directly linked to the expenses of your house. This is why, if you have a separate unit in your building, it is best to get a subpanel that can help you maintain differences.
The extra unit, despite being small, may have some high-power-consuming appliances that can overpower your main unit. These appliances might also have different requirements for electrical use, which is why it is better to have a separate panel for them, so it becomes easier to manage everything.
Many people start different businesses from within their homes, and this can affect their main circuit. This is why it is better to keep your business power usage separate from home electricity. The subpanel can help distribute the load, and you can hire an electrician in Vancouver to get new wiring.
Convenience
It can be very convenient to have a subpanel near the additional space or the new outlet. It will allow easy access to the panel whenever the circuit breaker trips. Moreover, most main panels are either in the basements or the attic, and these places can be hard to access.
This is why having a subpanel on the same floor you live in can make it very easy to access it, and you don't have to go all the way to the basement or the attic just to fix your circuit breaker.
If you have outbuildings, you can get the subpanel for them so that you can access the power easily through a subpanel.
Safety
If several wires are going into the same circuit, it can be hazardous. Many electricians in Vancouver suggest that it is more secure to have a subpanel. You might have the main panel out of the building, which is why it is better to have a safety blanket and keep the subpanel within your reach. This allows you to access it easily during a fire or any other emergency.
You can also use the subpanel to turn off the electricity, and you will not have to worry about electrocuting yourself.
Moreover, it is important to have a safe regulation of power all over your home so that there is no surge in power and things become more manageable.
Is it Time for you to Finally Install a Subpanel?
Are you confused about whether or not you should get a subpanel? There might be some clues that you are ignoring. The following clues suggest that you need to look for an electrician near me and install a subpanel right away.
Do you need more outlets but your main supply is crowded? If your main supply is crowded and you still think that you need more outlets, you must get a subpanel to share the load and give you as many outlets as you need.
Do you struggle with finding the right circuit breaker at times? This means that your main supply is overcrowded, and one way to solve this is to get a subpanel.
Have you been using extension cords to get electricity to other parts of your home, such as your garage or the outhouse? If that is the case, you need a subpanel to distribute electric power so that you can use it conveniently, wherever you need it.
Hire an Electrician in Vancouver Today!
If you have finally decided to get a subpanel, it is best to look for an electrician near me and get the subpanel. Make sure you choose the right expert to help you. Go for someone who has years of experience and can help you at the most reasonable prices possible. There are many experts out there, so make your choice wisely.