As modern homes continue to adopt high-powered appliances, EV chargers, home offices, and outdoor living upgrades, your existing electrical panel might not keep up. This is where a professional subpanel installation becomes essential. Whether you’re adding a new garage, building a workshop, or simply outgrowing your current panel, an electrical subpanel gives your home the extra breathing room it needs—without a full main panel upgrade.
What Is a Subpanel?
A subpanel, or auxiliary panel, is a secondary breaker box that distributes power to a specific area or group of circuits in your home. It connects to the main electrical panel and serves as an extension of your system.
Think of it as a “satellite station” that relieves the main panel’s burden while organizing and isolating electrical zones more efficiently.
When Should You Install a Subpanel?
If your main panel is running out of breaker slots—or you’re planning a major home upgrade—it’s time to consider a subpanel installation.
Common Scenarios for Installing a Subpanel:
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🛠️ Adding a garage, workshop, or detached building
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🚗 Installing an EV charger or hot tub
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💻 Powering a home office or studio
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🔌 Increasing total electrical load capacity
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🧰 Managing circuits for large renovations or additions
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🧯 Avoiding panel overload and code violations
Subpanel vs. Main Panel Upgrade: What’s the Difference?
If your current panel is outdated or damaged, a full main panel upgrade may be necessary. But if the panel is in good shape and you just need more circuits, a subpanel is the most cost-effective and efficient solution.
Choose a Subpanel If You Need:
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Additional breaker space
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Separate circuit control for another part of the house
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Lower-cost solution than upgrading your entire panel
The Subpanel Installation Process
A proper subpanel installation must be handled by a licensed electrician to ensure safety and code compliance.
Here’s What the Installation Involves:
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Load Assessment – Determine if your main panel can handle the added load
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Permitting – File permits according to local jurisdiction
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Running Subpanel Wiring – Route wire from main panel to subpanel location
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Mounting and Connecting the Subpanel – Secure box, install breakers, make connections
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Grounding and Bonding – Isolate neutrals and grounds correctly
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Inspection and Testing – Verify load balance, code compliance, and functionality
This is not a DIY-friendly project—subpanel wiring mistakes can result in serious fire risks and violations.
Where Can You Install a Subpanel?
You can install a subpanel in nearly any location that requires separate circuit control.
Common Locations:
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🔧 Subpanel for garage or detached workshop
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🏠 Basement or finished attic
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🏡 Pool house, guest house, or ADU
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🚪 Barns, sheds, or outdoor kitchens
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⚡ Utility closets or mechanical rooms
Placement should be dry, accessible, and allow for safe clearance around the panel.
Cost of Subpanel Installation
The cost of a subpanel installation varies based on amp size, wiring distance, accessibility, and whether trenching is required (for detached structures).
Average Cost Breakdown:
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60–100 amp subpanel: $500–$1,500
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125–200 amp subpanel: $1,500–$2,500+
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Labor by a licensed electrician: $75–$150 per hour
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Permitting and inspection fees: $100–$300
For detached structures, additional costs may include conduit, trenching, and GFCI protection.
Subpanel Installation Mistakes to Avoid
A professional approach is key to avoiding long-term hazards.
Avoid These Common Errors:
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❌ Combining neutral and ground bars incorrectly
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❌ Overloading the main panel without calculating demand
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❌ Undersizing wire or breakers
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❌ Failing to pull permits or schedule inspections
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❌ DIY wiring that doesn’t meet NEC codes
Expand with Confidence—Schedule Your Subpanel Installation Today
Don’t let an overloaded panel limit your home’s potential. Whether it’s a subpanel for garage power, outdoor upgrades, or a full renovation, expert installation ensures your system stays safe, expandable, and future-proof.
👉 Contact our licensed electricians today to get a custom quote on subpanel installation, electrical load assessments, or main panel upgrades. Your home deserves power with precision.