Subpanel

[Eric29]

I’m finally going to start my subpanel project. I’m going to install a panel about a foot and a half from the main panel inside the house and the subpanel will have room for up to 20 breakers. I’ll feed it with a 60 amp breaker, which I think is fine for what I’m doing.

Two questions. Do I need a main breaker in the subpanel if I’m going to have more than six breakers? Im thinking of the “six swipes of the hand“ rule, but the main panel is really right next to the subpanel.

Also, the 20 amp breakers in the subpanel will theoretically be able to draw more current than I’m feeding to the panel. I know this isn’t a safety issue since it will be protected by a 60 amp breaker in the main. I just don’t know if this is code compliant although I suspect it is because in just about every main panel that’s installed, the theoretical pull of all the breakers exceeds the amperage of the main. I just wanted to ask people who do this for a living though before I begin.

Thanks.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Something like that *probably* will depend on where you live based on local codes...

If you want to ignore that, then IMO no you do not need a "main breaker" for the sub-panel since the main panel is right next to it which will have a breaker for over-current protection and also if you need to cut the power to the sub-panel.

 

[Norcal]

Main not required in the same structure, since the panel to the main panel is close it's not even desirable unless a main breaker panel is such a screaming deal that can't pass it up.

 

[Eric29]

Thanks man. And I assume I dont have to worry about the number of breakers even though I’m feeding 60 A into it?

Main not required in the same structure, since the panel to the main panel is close it's not even desirable unless a main breaker panel is such a screaming deal that can't pass it up.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Thanks man. And I assume I dont have to worry about the number of breakers even though I’m feeding 60 A into it?

Nope, you can put as many breakers as you want in there. That's the point of breakers is they are protecting over-current for their leg of the wiring...

Now, if you find you are constantly tripping the 60A feeding your sub-panel a lot, then you might want to consider up-sizing everything. Otherwise nothing to worry about.

 

[pattenp]

……... the subpanel will have room for up to 20 breakers. I’ll feed it with a 60 amp breaker, which I think is fine for what I’m doing.

You shouldn't just put a panel and feed it with whatever amps without doing a load calculation first. It's bad planning to use a gut feeling approach.