Your electrical system is a complex network of wires and switches, constantly working to distribute electricity to different areas of your house or business. While your main electrical panel handles the majority of this workload, there are times when adding an electrical sub-panel becomes necessary. Whether you’re expanding your home, setting up a new workshop, or adding more devices, a sub-panel can provide more electricity without overloading your main panel. But how do electrical sub-panels work, and when should you consider installing one? Let our Philadelphia commercial electricians break it down for you!
What Is an Electrical Sub-Panel?
An electrical sub-panel is a smaller service panel that acts as an extension of your main breaker panel, allowing you to install additional circuits in a particular area of your property. The sub-panel receives electrical power from the main service panel and distributes it to specific circuits.
Unlike your main electrical panel, a sub-panel doesn’t have a main breaker that controls all attached circuits. Rather, it contains its own circuit breakers. These individual breakers provide precise control over the electrical circuits connected to them, making it easier to manage power in different areas of your home or business.
When Does Your Home or Business Need a Sub-Panel?
Installing an electrical sub-panel isn’t necessary for every property, but there are several situations where it makes sense:
Adding a New Garage or Workshop
If you’re building a new workshop or garage, you’ll likely need more power for appliances, power tools, and other electricity-hungry equipment. Running extension cords isn’t a safe or long-term solution to get the power you need. Instead, a sub-panel ensures specific circuits are dedicated to this designated area, preventing tripped breakers and potential electrical fires.
Expanding Your Home or Business
Renovations, home additions, or business expansion often require more outlets, lighting, and appliances than your existing electrical panel can handle. If your current breaker panel doesn’t have space for more circuits, installing an electrical sub-panel can help accommodate the additional load without causing an overload.
Managing Electrical Load in Large Properties
If your house or business has multiple floors, a detached garage, or different wings, an electrical sub-panel can help distribute power efficiently. Instead of running all the wiring back to the main electrical panel, sub-panels allow you to manage power closer to where it’s needed, reducing electrical problems and making regular maintenance easier.
Avoiding Overloaded Circuits and Safety Hazards
Older homes or businesses with outdated electrical systems may struggle to keep up with modern demands. If you frequently experience tripped breakers, flickering lights, or power fluctuations, adding an electrical sub-panel can help reduce strain on your main breaker panel, preventing overheating that can cause dangerous electrical fires.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Installing an electrical sub-panel is not a simple job. Professional installation is essential to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes. Our licensed electricians will determine the specific area and panel size necessary and install new wiring to ensure proper power supply. Once we’re satisfied with the wiring connections, we’ll connect the new sub-panel to your main electrical panel. We can also coordinate with your utility company after re-introduction of service or power loss.
Keeping Your Sub-Panel in Good Condition
After installation is complete, electrical sub-panels require regular maintenance to ensure safe operation. An electrical sub-panel that’s overloaded or has loose wiring can create dangerous conditions in your house or commercial building. Periodic inspections of your sub-panel and main service panel can help prevent problems before they arise, ensuring your electrical system remains reliable for years to come.
Need an Electrical Sub-Panel Installed? Call A-1 Electric!
If you’re experiencing electrical safety concerns, planning to expand with a garage or guest house, or need to improve the power supply connected to a specific area of your property, investing in a secondary distribution center might be the right solution. However, electrical sub-panel installation involves complex work with electricity and can threaten your safety if you don’t have the right tools or training, making it essential to hire professionals for the job.
A-1 Electric has the experience and expertise needed to assess your business or home’s electrical system and install an electrical sub-panel that distributes power efficiently and safely. Call us today to schedule routine or emergency electrical service in Bucks County and ensure your electrical sub-panel is installed by trusted professionals!
