Subpanel

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Hello - I need to install a sub panel in the basement for a
washer
electic dryer
circuit for lights
circuit for outlets
bathroom outlet
i didn't really want to install a 100 amp sub panel with a main breaker for this. What do most do for something smaller that has a main breaker? Thank you
 

growler

Senior Member
Location
Atlanta,GA
Hello - I need to install a sub panel in the basement for a
washer
electic dryer
circuit for lights
circuit for outlets
bathroom outlet
i didn't really want to install a 100 amp sub panel with a main breaker for this. What do most do for something smaller that has a main breaker? Thank you

I'm not sure what you are asking. You don't need a main breaker in the sub panel if you don't want one.

I normally use a 100 amp main lug panel but run smaller feeder cable and protect it at say 80 amps. #2 AL, SER is not that expensive but is no longer good for 100 amps on a sub panel but can be used for 80-90 amps.

It always good to have a little extra in the basement for whatever they put in there next.
 
I'm not sure what you are asking. You don't need a main breaker in the sub panel if you don't want one.

I normally use a 100 amp main lug panel but run smaller feeder cable and protect it at say 80 amps. #2 AL, SER is not that expensive but is no longer good for 100 amps on a sub panel but can be used for 80-90 amps.

It always good to have a little extra in the basement for whatever they put in there next.

:thumbsup: One of those 6/12 panels is only like $20 cheaper than a 20/40 100amp, and I find them kinda small and annoying. I've used #4 and even #6 service for a sub but even #2 at 90 amps is pretty cheap.
 

petersonra

Senior Member
Location
Northern illinois
Occupation
engineer
Hello - I need to install a sub panel in the basement for a
washer
electic dryer
circuit for lights
circuit for outlets
bathroom outlet
i didn't really want to install a 100 amp sub panel with a main breaker for this. What do most do for something smaller that has a main breaker? Thank you

You can often get a 100A panel with a main and a bunch of 20A Cbs at one of the big box stores for less than what it would cost you to get a 100A panel MLO panel. Here is a 100A load center with main, a 2 pole and 5 single pole breakers. $75. if you do not want to feed it with wire rated for 100A you can always use a lesser rated feeder breaker and smaller wire.

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Dennis Alwon

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
Ok I thought I needed a main breaker since it wasn’t in sight of the main box.

As long as it is in the same structure you are good with a main lug. For instance in a detached garage you would have the same requirements as a service-max 6 throws (breakers usually) or one main required
 

mbrooke

Batteries Included
Location
United States
Occupation
Technician
There is no such requirement. These days it is usually more cost effective to buy load centers with a main breaker since they outsell MLO panels by a lot.

You spared me from saying it. Yes! :happyyes::happyyes: A 20/40 with a 100amp main is only slightly more expensive then a small 6/12 which will get full anyways and sucks to work in. Never understood why people force themselves to buy something which isn't worth half of what you pay.


OP: The 100amp main in many panels will take #6 and over.
 
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