Subpanel for the basement

[Jawn]

I'm considering adding a subpanel to my house (mainly for garage use).

I have a 3/2 house with drive-under garage like is so common in this area. It has 150A service to a 24-space Cutler-Hammer panel for the following major loads:

50A breaker for range (I may swap this to a gas unit, but would like to leave the range circuit intact)

30A breaker for dryer

30A breaker for A/C

30A breaker for 3hp air compressor

The rest is 15A/20A 120v general purpose receptacles / lighting and such.

As is, I had to combine two circuits to have room for the compressor. I would like to separate those two combined circuits, as well as allow room for expansion (might want 240v for something else in the future).

Panel brand... I had intended to stick with Cutler-Hammer (or, Eaton CH series as it's apparently called now). Any reason not to? Any reason to just replace the whole thing with a panel including more spaces instead of adding a subpanel?

Assuming I go with the subpanel... where do I put it?

1. Next to the existing panel. Install is easier. I will move 2-3 circuits to the subpanel, those would be easier as well.

2. In the garage where future expansion will be easier (I suspect most future circuits will be run to locations in the garage).

Last, type of installation...

1. Flush mount panel. I'd definitely use this if installed next to the existing one (flush mount in a finished wall). If in the garage, I'd have to pick a section of frame wall for it.

2. Surface mount panel. This would work if I chose to install it over a concrete block section of wall - but then I guess I also need to run conduit up to the joists above where NM cable will be run. How do you handle the entrance into the conduit, a large JB with cables clamped at the entrance to the JB?

 

[pattenp]

To replace the existing panel or to add the sub-panel is a choice you need to make. If doing it yourself then the sub-panel is the easiest. If the circuits in the sub are mainly for the garage then I'd put it in the garage otherwise put it beside the existing panel. Again this is a choice you need to make. If putting the panel on a block wall the Romex can be run from the sub up the wall in conduit sleeves with using a bushing on the conduit ends where they terminate at the joist. You just staple the Romex within a foot of the conduit end, no need for junction boxes.

Edit: I'd stick with the CH panel. Also if you place the panel next to the existing one use a main lug panel. If you put it in the garage use a main breaker panel for the convenience of having a main breaker in that location.

 

[Jawn]

To replace the existing panel or to add the sub-panel is a choice you need to make. If doing it yourself then the sub-panel is the easiest. If the circuits in the sub are mainly for the garage then I'd put it in the garage otherwise put it beside the existing panel. Again this is a choice you need to make.

Yeah, I figured it was mostly preference, but was fishing for comments along the lines of "I did it _____ way and wish I'd done _____ instead!"

If putting the panel on a block wall the Romex can be run from the sub up the wall in conduit sleeves with using a bushing on the conduit ends where they terminate at the joist. You just staple the Romex within a foot of the conduit end, no need for junction boxes.

Good info, thanks.

Edit: I'd stick with the CH panel. Also if you place the panel next to the existing one use a main lug panel. If you put it in the garage use a main breaker panel for the convenience of having a main breaker in that location.

I assume the idea behind using a main breaker panel as a sub is a convenience, not a requirement.

 

[pattenp]

I did add a sub-panel and in my case I put it in the garage because the garage was an addition and all the added circuits were for the garage. Oh and I used a main lug and wished I'd used a main breaker panel. But to be honest I have had no reason yet to turn off all the power to the garage from the sub-panel. So I don't know why I'm saying I wished I'd put in a main breaker panel.

The main breaker is a convenience thing. It's not required in the sub-panel as long as the sub-panel is in the same building as the main service panel.

Yeah, I figured it was mostly preference, but was fishing for comments along the lines of "I did it _____ way and wish I'd done _____ instead!"


Good info, thanks.

I assume the idea behind using a main breaker panel as a sub is a convenience, not a requirement.