Are you curious about the number of subpanels you can have on a 200-amp service? When it comes to electrical systems, service capacity is a crucial factor to consider. The service is the point at which electricity enters your home or building and is then distributed throughout the electrical system, and one of the common capacities for electrical services is 200 amps.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine the number of subpanels you can have on a 200 amp service and what factors influence this decision.
How Many Subpanels Can Be Installed on A 200-amp Service?
The number of subpanels that can be installed on a 200-amp service will depend on several factors, including:
- the size of the main panel
- the amperage of the subpanels
- the load that each subpanel will handle
Typically, a 200-amp main panel will have space for at least two or three subpanels. The size of the subpanels can vary, but most electricians will use a 100-amp subpanel capable of handling a large amount of electrical power.
It is important to note that the total load of all the subpanels combined should be at most the capacity of the main panel. For example, if the main board has a 200-amp capacity, the total load of all the subpanels combined should be at most 200 amps.
If you want to learn more about your panel, you can watch this video.
What are subpanels?
A subpanel is a smaller version of the main electrical panel connected to the main breaker panel that is installed to provide additional electrical circuits to a specific area of a building or home. Subpanels are commonly used to distribute electrical power to areas such as garages, workshops, or basements.
A sub-panel has circuit breakers and can be used to control the flow of electricity to specific areas or appliances in a building. They allow you to run electrical individual circuits and isolate electrical loads, making it easier to diagnose problems and reduce the risk of overloading the main electrical panel.
Does the size of the subpanels matter?
The size of the subpanels is one of the most important factors to consider when determining how many subpanels you can have on a 200-amp service. Subpanels come in different sizes, and the size you choose will depend on the electrical load of the building or home.
A smaller subpanel may be sufficient for a garage or workshop, but a larger subpanel may be needed for a basement that will be used as a living space. It is important to choose a subpanel that is appropriately sized for the electrical load it will serve.
How does the capacity of the subpanel influence its installation?
Another factor to consider when determining how many subpanels you can have on a 200 amp service is the capacity of the subpanels. Subpanels are available in different capacities, and the capacity you choose will depend on the electrical load of the building or home. Choosing a subpanel with enough capacity to handle the electrical load it will serve is essential.
Circuit breaker size and capacity
When installing a subpanel, it is important to choose the correct size of the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker size will depend on the load that the subpanel will handle and the size of the conductors that are used to connect the subpanel to the main panel.
In general, the circuit breaker size should be equal to or larger than the load that the subpanel will handle. For example, if a subpanel will handle a load of 100 amps, a 100-amp circuit breaker should be used.
It is also important to choose a circuit breaker with the correct capacity. The capacity of a circuit breaker is measured in watts and refers to the amount of electrical power that the breaker can handle before it trips and cuts off the power.
How Do You Determine Subpanel Loads?
Proper load calculation helps to ensure that the subpanel and all associated components, such as circuit breakers and neutral wire, are appropriately sized for the load they will carry.
- Identify the appliances and electrical devices that will be connected to the subpanel. This includes: lights, air conditioners, washing machines and other electrical equipment.
- Determine the watts required by each appliance.
- Calculate the total watts required by all the appliances that will be connected to the subpanel.
- After that, convert the total watts to amps. This is done by dividing the total watts by the voltage of the electrical system.
How to Install Subpanels?
Installing subpanels in an electrical system can provide additional capacity and flexibility to meet the electrical demands of various appliances and devices. The gauge of wire used to connect the subpanel to the main panel must be appropriate for the load and distance between the panels. A licensed electrician can help you determine the appropriate gauge wire to use.
- First, you need to install a feeder breaker – it is the main breaker in the subpanel that protects all the circuits connected to it.
- Then run the Feeder Cable in a conduit or other protective covering to prevent damage.
- You will need to connect the hot wires to the feeder breaker in the subpanel and install circuit panels to protect individual circuits within the subpanel.
- The last step is to connect the general lightning to the individual circuit panels within the subpanel.
Conclusion
A 200-amp service can supply power to a large number of appliances, lights, and other electrical devices. The number of subpanels that can be installed on a 200-amp service will depend on several factors, including the size of the main panel, the amperage of the subpanels, and the load that each subpanel will handle.
Typically, a 200-amp main panel will have space for at least two or three subpanels. If you still have questions, let us know in the comments.