I can't tell you how many useless "How to install a sub-panel" videos I had to go through before finding this one. Thanks so much for actually showing the complete, step by step wiring, it's exactly what I needed!
This was some of the best info on youtube. I don't know why you have been gone for almost a decade but I am sure you have so much more knowledge to share with the hungry minds out here. Thanks for the work and I hope you find time to do some more one day.
You have a pretty phenomenal gift of teaching your skills. Many fail (including myself) at properly explaining the skills they know. But you explain things perfectly. Thank you for taking time out of your seemingly hectic schedule to take the time to show others.
Tyrone, your instruction is excellent, and you certainly do a very good service to many, (including myself), by taking the time to record and post these on youtube. Thank you.
I watched about a dozen videos on installing a sub-panel before I found yours. I want to tell you that you presented this information far better than anyone else I have seen on youtube. Great video!
I am a general contractor and putting in a subpanel in my own home. Thank you so much for such a great video and being very clear about the bonding screw. I knew about it, but did not fully understand it. I do now and wanted to thank you.
Tyrone, Excellent job on this video. Your explanations were easy to understand and spot on. I needed a refresher and this served the purpose to a tee. I appreciate you and your wife taking the time to put this together. May God continue to bless You and your family. Thanks
New panel is now in and the 220v outlet I needed to add is as well. Not being an electrician it's nice to get tips and see that I'm doing things right, you're sharing is appreciated.
I truly appreciate you and other electricians taking time to do this; the knowledge I gain helps ensure the general knowledge, skills and even safety for all concerned. Good job, thanks very much. Liked and subbed, for sure!
I just installed one of them panels this weekend I had to go back and buy the ground bar 👌😂 I had to look into the plug on ready panels no more pig tails made look a little cleaner.. wish I would of ran into your video last week my man👌🙏👌
Thanks very much for this informative and helpful video. I'm about to upgrade the small panel in my workshop to a larger panel and a quick refresher always helps.
Roland you want to run 4 wire to the sub-panel and you do not need to drive a second ground rod. Just make sure that you keep the neutral and grounds separated in the sub panel in the out building. Also if you bury cable in the ground make sure it is suitable for direct burial.
VERY GOOD VIDEO, LEARNED SOMETHING NEW: SEU vs. SER CABLE!!! ON A SIDE NOTE: I SEE WE HAVE 37 GUYS WHO DISLIKED THE VIDEO. SUCH A PITY! LET'S GET THAT RESOLVED. I KNOW A GUY WHO KNOWS A GUY WHO KNOWS SOME REAL SERIOUS GUYS IN THE CLEVELAND AREA WHO MAY OR MAY NOT BE CONNECTED TO THE SYNDICATE (THE COSA NOSTRA). THESE "GUYS" WILL LOCATE AND PERSUADE THE "DISLIKERS" TO, SHALL WE SAY HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART!......KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING TYRONE. ALSO, I AM GOING TO TAKE YOUR COURSE, THANKS!
great video! you also sound very much like my uncles from Baltimore. im from and live in Philly, so it really stands out. again, nice video! super informative, easy to follow along with.
Hey Rich I am also a member of the IBEW and I also hold a Master electricians license. I am not sure what you disagree with but when installing a sub panel you do not want to bond the neutral in the sub panel. If you wish to scrape paint before you install ground bar cool but the mounting bolts are threaded into the panel so that is a wast of time. Main breaker in sub panel, again if you wish you can but just spending extra money because you do not need it
Yes the 3awg and 4awg for ground is fine. you are not required to use an anti-inhibitor but it is a good practice to do so, always try to exceed the minimum requirements.
Have watched many video's and yours seems to be more thorough than others, thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with everyone. My home was built in 2007, and has an additional 1400 square feet basement that I am attempting to finish. I am experienced in Industrial electricity. However, I have ran into several issue's and would greatly appreciate your advice on how to rectify these issue's. I purchased a 125 AMP main lug panel with 24 circuits. Upon looking at the existing feed from the main panel to the basement, (to where the future sub will go) the wire (cable) does not appear to be long enough to reach the 2 pole breaker in the existing main panel. The existing cable from the basement junction box to the main panel is NM-B , 2/3 with ground. Would you advise running new cable and if so, what size would you recommend. I have been told by some that a subpanel is not necessary, and by others that it is recommended. It is about a 50/50 toss up. I have photo's for you to view if necessary.
vernonleeper Sorry for the delay getting back to you I did not see the comment. I would assume that you probably cannot run from the junction box that your current service cable is connected to because of the distance you would have to run the new cable to reach your new panel. You never want to have more than say 3 feet of unfused service cable running through the interior of your house. So I would say run a new cable from your existing panel and use the proper size breaker for the cable that you run (avoid the temptation of tapping in to the junction box).
Very good information. I'm putting in a sub panel to an out building. 100 amp GE Should I run a 4 wire cable or 3 wire I was going to use a mobile home feeder 2 2 2 4 cable and do I need a ground rod or use a 2 2 4 cable and a ground rod.with #6 ground Thanks hope you can help Roland
That is a good question. Off the top of my head I would say no do not drive a new ground rod run a new SER cable(has 4 conductors). You do not want multiple paths for fault current to travel. With that being said the jurisdiction having authority would be the ones you want to ask to be sure you do not violate any local codes if you decide to install a ground rod at the sub panel
Excellent tutorial...thanks for taking time from your valuable day to post this video. What is the proper place to install the sub panel? Does it have to be in a certain room or perhaps a hallway or closet?
We were taught that the NEC will never require larger than no# 6 wire to a ground rod but if we want the utility company to hook up, we had better run a no# 4 . Remember local codes can supersede the National Electric Code. Good video ,well done.
If you do not have any free spaces the quick way would be to install 2 tandem breakers which would free up 2 extra spaces for your feeder to the sub panel (most manufactures have tandem breakers for there panels). You need to make sure that your load is not to high by checking the line current with a ammeter. The load should be no more than 80% of the size of the main breaker. (100 amp main load no more than 80 amps) refer to my video on checking current.
At the subpanel, I notice the exposed subpanel feeder line does not have protective conduit as it makes that sharp bend into the bottom of the subpanel. Are you are not permitted to drill an entry hole in the back of the panel, so the bend would be covered and protected inside the box without using an LB fitting?
For exposed cable at the length seen in the video protection is not required. You can however sleeve the cable if you choose to do so it would make the install that much more safer in my opinion.
Hello Ty, Great video's, I'm from NJ and as you know we had Irene & Sandy hit us very hard, If you could do a video on connecting an outside generator outlet using # 10 wire to a 30 amp breaker on the panel box to run a generator, it would be very useful to a lot of people around here as we had a power loss for over two to three weeks with all them storms, and it's going to start again in June Thanks for your video's they are very helpful and explained very well Al from NJ
You want to twist the white wires together and put the bare wires on the bar that is assuming the bar is bonded (connected) to the disconnect. Depending on the type of disconnect switch you purchase sometimes they come with a bonding screw that you screw through the bar to the panel to make the connection.
Excellent video. You mentioned it being a 100 amp panel with the main disconnect in the main panel, it's that breaker in the basement 100 Amp them? I know that's likely a stupid question, but the video doesn't show the rating of that breaker as it's switched to the off position and you can't see it.
Thanks for you time in filming this video installing the 100 amp sub panel. What was the size of the 2 pole breaker you installed in the main panel to supply the 100 amps you brought over to the sub panel with the SER #2 aluminum cable?
im inpressed the only thing i see is i would of come threw the back of sub panel with connecter and drill front of hole bigger so connecter will fit into the wall or maybe a spacer behind each screw holding box on the wall the other thing is a pvc like A lb that way no cable is exposed subject to damage consalt a inspecter befor doing work god bless take care
Great video. Very informative and you're entertaining to watch. Is there anything additional I need to do if I am going to install a subpanel on the outside of the house? Do I need to add another ground? It is for a boatlift. Also I will need 50 amps so what size wire do I need to run from the main panel (about 100 feet)?
Yes you can 70 amps is a odd ball size I think it would be easier to find a 60 amp panel but the answer is yes sizing is based on the load that you are serving. So your total calculated load does not exceed that of all panels or 80% of your service (good rule of thumb)
Hi Tyrone and thank you very much for the video it helps a lot one question in the video you're installing the same panel I would like to install and you answered one of my questions right away about the grounding bar didn't know I needed a separate one now I do thank you for my question i'm updating my sub panel in my garage which has a ground wire that goes right to a rod in the ground ..do I connect that wire from that ground directly to the grounding strip in the panel? Also now I know to get rid of that bonding screw you see i'm updating this from a fused box and upgrading to breakers. Thanks again and great information and video!
if this is your main panel you need the bond screw to bond the service. if it is a sub panel ( a panel that is feed from your main panel) then you do not bond the panel. So if it is in fact a sub panel then the bar for the neutrals need to float (not be connected to the panel) and the ground bar needs to be connected to the panel and here you will terminate your ground from the ground rod if you have one.
Great video Tyrone! Very informative. I've watched quite a few videos on the same subject and yours was definitely the best and covered all the necessary information. I do have a question. I'm installing a 100 amp subpanel in my detached workshop and will be placing a load center with its own main breaker. In your video you ran the #2 wire from a separate breaker in the main panel to the subpanel. When the subpanel has a main breaker how do you connect the #2 in the main panel? Is it connected to a 100 amp breaker in the main panel? It doesn't seem to make sense to have a breaker at the main panel and another one at the subpanel only separated by the #2 wire but there doesn't seem to be any other option.
Rob Neto You can use a main lug panel for your 2nd or sub panel. It has lugs at the top where you would connect your #2 ser cable. The main service panel will be where you install the main breaker.
First of all, thank you for doing this. These video's are very helpful. I have 2 closets and a light in each. Each closet has its own switch. My problem is that you have to have the first closet light on for the second closet light to work. I'm sure it is a small problem but very aggravating. My electrician that wired my house passed away soon after I built my house and is not available to ask.
+kwillis1231 The power for the second light is being feed (supplied) by the switch leg of the first switch. You would have to supply power to the second switch with a source that is not controlled by a switch.
+freespeach1776 The same way you would hook to your main service panel, the only thing that would change when running circuits from a sub panel vs. main panel would be circuits having a neutral would have it get connected to the neutral bar and grounds to the ground bar. In the main panel the 2 bars are one in the same because they are bonded together.
+Charlie Moreno I will tell you that an inspector will look at the main panel first, not only to see if it is wired correctly, but the panels rating. At the time of the build, it could have been a 200 amp main, but only 100 main breaker was used. The panel can be upgraded to 200 if the panels OE sticker is visible. To answer your sub panel amperage is simple, panel rating, main breaker, minus current breaker load = sub panel max. Say it's rated for 200 amp. If a 200 amp main breaker is installed and the total of all of the circuits & breakers add up to 150, then 50 amps is the max. Some will say that not every circuit in the structure is on at the same time, but if that ever happened, it would create heat and a thermal trip of the main supply breaker. Check your boxes rating, make note and change if higher than current breaker, then find the electrical inspector at the permit office and run it by him or her. You could ask the licensed electrical contract working next door, but if he is in a bad mood, or wants to be left alone, may say anything. Check codes in your area and remove any breaker that is not in service to clean up the box, the re-do the math. Happy 2019! Stay safe & wear seat belt. Glass don't taste good.
Hi Tyrone, great video...could you tell me what the difference between using copper vs aluminum? Besides cost, why wouldn't you use copper? I have been told by several folks to use only copper, please comment why using aluminum isn't a problem....thanks!!!
For service cable aluminum is what you would end up using. You do want to use a anti-inhibitor like penatrox on all of your connections. But to answer your question the type of connections used in service entrance type installations (pressure connections) work much better for aluminum than wirenutting to wires together. With the wire nuts the connection have more exposure to the oxygen in the air which cause the aluminum to breakdown. This is just one of the negatives of using aluminum wiring.
Ok after this I am done. What we mean when we say the neutral is floating is that it is isolated from everything else electrically including the ground in a sub panel. article 250-12 read the last part (designed so as to make such removal unnecessary) the ground kit is threaded into the panel hence rendering scraping the panel pointless. If you feel that scraping the paint makes you feel better then have at it BUT IT IS NOT REQUIRED WITH THE GROUND KIT
Nice work, But just wondering if it was possible to use a condulet to run the SER out the brick wall and under the box. Or can you have the SER come out the back of the subpanel so you would not see any wiring.
Pretty good video but the main thing you missed is what size OCP you used for that sub panel with that #2 AL SER. What code cycle are you on? For 2008 cycle you need to use the 60 degree column for ampacities which #2 AL is 75 amps.
How would you do this say if there were no more open breakers in the main unit downstairs? I want to run a sub out to my shed but on the main panel outside the house there are no open positions I think there were only 6 and one goes to the main sub in the garage then AC, Water heater, and a few others. I will most likely pay to have this one done since it seems a little more complicated. But would you replace the current main with a larger panel or run another sub outside somehow?
Thanks Tyrone to you and your wife for a great video. A question for you: can SER cable without conduit be used in a residential application? I want to place a 60 amp sub panel in my attached garage that is about 60 feet away from my main panel. Also the SER would be surface mounted. Anything I can do to avoid running conduit would be better in my eyes. Have a good day.
Could u or would u make a video on explaining the hot /neutral/common/ground wires. I understand the hot but the neutral kinda throws me off. And having this or that box bonded is confusing too. Any help is appreciated
No not a stupid question. The reason you can add the 100amp subpanel is because your total connected load with both panels is a lot less then 100 amps or at least it should be, in other words you should do a load calculation to determine if the main service is large enough to supply every thing that you need. (hint) you DO NOT have to take all the load at 100%
Anthony I would love to do that video but there are several problems! First the materials needed to do the video would be very high. second it is a advanced job to try and teach the homeowner. Third you have to pull a permit to do a service upgrade.
Thanks for the tutorial . I'm installing a sub panel for my basement . My question , does the sub have to be the same brand and also if not does the breaker for the sub panel have to be the same as the main panel to feeder the sub panel
Thank you so much for the nice video. Can you please tell what size breaker you used to connect the sub panel with the main panel? Can I use a 100 amp breaker?
+Leonidas Sarris I used a 100A breaker for my sub panel. You have to size your breaker with the cable that you run out to your sub panel, the breaker can not exceed the current rating of the cable that you run. You also need to size your sub panel as well.
Ty, great video. I have watched it a couple times now. A couple questions. I am running a 100 amp subpanel(basement) from a 200 amp main in my garage above. About 15ft. Is #3 THHN CU wire sufficient? Also have #4 THHN CU for the ground. I bought a QO subpanel. Have not opened it yet but if the bus is aluminum clad do I still need to use Pentrox with the copper wire? Thanks
Great info. Your the best! Can you show how to install a sub meter? I have a small 2nd house on my property and I want them to pay for there own electric use. The 2nd house has a sub panel off my main panel. I will bill them myself and check there meter monthly. Thanks so much
Hi Tyrone I have a question I have seen on some other videos that people also run a solid copper to a grounding rod from the sub panel is that not necessary? And I have to install a sub panel in my house can I run the ser wire through the walls to the sub panel it's about 60 ft away Thank you great video
The neutral must float in the sub panel because otherwise it could deliver current back through to anything connected to it's ground. To put it simply, current takes the shortest path to ground, if you neutral bond a sub panel, that path could well wind up being the panel or metal boxes & conduit that are grounded to that panel, electrocuting you if you happen to touch them and become that short path. Keeping the neutral and ground separate in sub panels keeps a clear, safe path for current..
So quad plex unsheathed versus sheathed ser . im running a 100amp sub for an addition and will be running conduit outside. Just thought the quadplex would be eaiser to pull and still meet my required load.
you are awesome thanks. im adding 3 off a split bus panel. CIrious if i could do it i noticed the wire coming in is 200 amp line im expanding my 1979 built childhood home one outside for an outdoor kitchen with also a hot tub and workshop, then one for a second floor install.
Hello Tyrone! We are planning to install a sub-panel in detached garage. The size of wire is 8/3. From main panel It comes out from 40 amp breaker. Unfortunately, the wire we purchased is too short. The wire is in the garage. I was wandering is there a way to extend the wire with a small box? Thank you so much for your videos.
Yes you can install a junction box, to make life life simple I do suggest that if possible you install the junction box indoor. The requirements for installing the box outside means the box have to be approved for such use and the manufactures installation requirements must be followed.
Quick question for you. If you install a 100 AMP subpanel, but only need to feed a 50 AMP load from that subpanel. You would put a 50AMP breaker on the main panel and run 50 AMP rated conductors? Or do you have to run 100 AMP rated conductors for a 100 AMP rated panel?
Great video. I have a 100A main lug panel in my laundry room and want to upgrade it to a 200A main breaker panel due to the present one being full. The service panel that has the meter is located outside on the opposite side of the house for which the full main lug panel is located now.. I believe that I need to run a new 4/0 4/0 2/0 AL cable from the meter panel to the new 200A main breaker panel in the laundry room. I also want to replace the present 90A breaker in the meter panel with a 200A breaker for my new 200A main breaker panel in the laundry room. Basically this panel will have two 200A breaker installed (one at the meter panel and one in the laundry room panel). How do I connect the huge size AL wire to the new 200A breaker? Do they even make a 200A (GE, Eaton, Cutler) breaker that is not a main or am way off left field? The end goal is to install a 200A main breaker panel in the laundry room. Oh by the way the outside meter panel houses three breakers: 1- 90A main house breaker, 2- 50A AC breaker, and 3- 40A RV breaker).
i am a little confused what size is the service coming into the house? Why do you think the size of the sub panel needs to be 200 amps ( what type of loads are you connecting )
From the main panel can I install subpanel for a second house right next to the main house? I live out in the ranch so permit is not needed. Contacted electrician and said he would do it. Both houses are mine so no problem on paying the electric bill. He would ground the second house. Just want your input. Thanks for the video.
Tyrone great video! Does it matter what kind of material the ground bar is made of? Reason I asked is because I made my own out of steel. Also does it matter on the wire lug screws? Thanks man.
One more thing. Can you add a ground/neutral bar in the Main panal if there is not enough room.If so does it need to be connected to the OG buses thanks again.
I would say yes it does matter typically the ground bar is made with copper, aluminium or a combination of the 2 called aluminium clad, more importantly the bar has to be UL approved and compatible with the panel that it is installed.
I can't tell you how many useless "How to install a sub-panel" videos I had to go through before finding this one. Thanks so much for actually showing the complete, step by step wiring, it's exactly what I needed!
This was some of the best info on youtube. I don't know why you have been gone for almost a decade but I am sure you have so much more knowledge to share with the hungry minds out here. Thanks for the work and I hope you find time to do some more one day.
Unlike most of what is on UA-cam concerning electricity, Tyrone, this is extremely good, professional, and knowledgeable. Fine job, sir!.
You have a pretty phenomenal gift of teaching your skills. Many fail (including myself) at properly explaining the skills they know. But you explain things perfectly.
Thank you for taking time out of your seemingly hectic schedule to take the time to show others.
Thank you for the kind words Gary!
Tyrone, your instruction is excellent, and you certainly do a very good service to many, (including myself), by taking the time to record and post these on youtube. Thank you.
+Science-101 you are welcome
I watched about a dozen videos on installing a sub-panel before I found yours. I want to tell you that you presented this information far better than anyone else I have seen on youtube.
Great video!
Thanks Mac guy
I am a general contractor and putting in a subpanel in my own home. Thank you so much for such a great video and being very clear about the bonding screw. I knew about it, but did not fully understand it. I do now and wanted to thank you.
Tyrone, Excellent job on this video. Your explanations were easy to understand and spot on. I needed a refresher and this served the purpose to a tee. I appreciate you and your wife taking the time to put this together. May God continue to bless You and your family. Thanks
God bless you for taking the time to educate people. Its good to know people like you are out there. Thanks For Your Help.
Very helpful video, Tyrone. My nephew and I are just getting ready to install a sub-panel in his basement so I was happy to find your video. Thanks.
you are welcome mike
This is the best video I've seen fully explaining and showing exactly what to do. I'm grateful for you taking the time to post it.
You are welcome
New panel is now in and the 220v outlet I needed to add is as well. Not being an electrician it's nice to get tips and see that I'm doing things right, you're sharing is appreciated.
I truly appreciate you and other electricians taking time to do this; the knowledge I gain helps ensure the general knowledge, skills and even safety for all concerned. Good job, thanks very much. Liked and subbed, for sure!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. It is a great reference. Your wife did a great job with the video as well.
thanks Tom
Excellent job of explaining the process and why. Appreciate your attention to detail. Thanks!
Thanks Tom and you are welcome
Tyrone I really like how you explain the steps in your videos. I look forward to seeing more.
Thanks Matt
I just installed one of them panels this weekend I had to go back and buy the ground bar 👌😂 I had to look into the plug on ready panels no more pig tails made look a little cleaner.. wish I would of ran into your video last week my man👌🙏👌
Thanks very much for this informative and helpful video. I'm about to upgrade the small panel in my workshop to a larger panel and a quick refresher always helps.
Mr. Robertson, you have an excellent delivery style and presentation approach. Thank you for your assistance in my project.
Thanks and you are welcome
I'm not an electrician, but I like watching your videos. Thank you.
you are welcome
Thanks for doing the sub panel video. You said you were going to do it and you did. You're the man!
Roland you want to run 4 wire to the sub-panel and you do not need to drive a second ground rod. Just make sure that you keep the neutral and grounds separated in the sub panel in the out building. Also if you bury cable in the ground make sure it is suitable for direct burial.
VERY GOOD VIDEO, LEARNED SOMETHING NEW: SEU vs. SER CABLE!!! ON A SIDE NOTE: I SEE WE HAVE 37 GUYS WHO DISLIKED THE VIDEO. SUCH A PITY! LET'S GET THAT RESOLVED. I KNOW A GUY WHO KNOWS A GUY WHO KNOWS SOME REAL SERIOUS GUYS IN THE CLEVELAND AREA WHO MAY OR MAY NOT BE CONNECTED TO THE SYNDICATE (THE COSA NOSTRA). THESE "GUYS" WILL LOCATE AND PERSUADE THE "DISLIKERS" TO, SHALL WE SAY HAVE A CHANGE OF HEART!......KEEP THE VIDEOS COMING TYRONE. ALSO, I AM GOING TO TAKE YOUR COURSE, THANKS!
Best video by far on youtube about subpanels
thanks for your videos. this is just what I've been looking for so I can learn some residential wiring.
great video! you also sound very much like my uncles from Baltimore. im from and live in Philly, so it really stands out. again, nice video! super informative, easy to follow along with.
Terrific! Just the project I'm working on and just the guy I needed to guide me through it. Many thanks, get some sleep!
I look forward to a lot more of your quality videos in the near future
one of the very few demos on youtube that actually says to use penetrox aniinhibitor. thank you for being awesome! #TeamSparky
Hey Rich I am also a member of the IBEW and I also hold a Master electricians license. I am not sure what you disagree with but when installing a sub panel you do not want to bond the neutral in the sub panel. If you wish to scrape paint before you install ground bar cool but the mounting bolts are threaded into the panel so that is a wast of time. Main breaker in sub panel, again if you wish you can but just spending extra money because you do not need it
finally , a sub panel done right ,thanks tyrone
Yes the 3awg and 4awg for ground is fine. you are not required to use an anti-inhibitor but it is a good practice to do so, always try to exceed the minimum requirements.
Thank you for taking the time to do this videos, keep them coming please
Have watched many video's and yours seems to be more thorough than others, thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with everyone.
My home was built in 2007, and has an additional 1400 square feet basement that I am attempting to finish. I am experienced in Industrial electricity. However, I have ran into several issue's and would greatly appreciate your advice on how to rectify these issue's.
I purchased a 125 AMP main lug panel with 24 circuits. Upon looking at the existing feed from the main panel to the basement, (to where the future sub will go) the wire (cable) does not appear to be long enough to reach the 2 pole breaker in the existing main panel. The existing cable from the basement junction box to the main panel is NM-B , 2/3 with ground. Would you advise running new cable and if so, what size would you recommend.
I have been told by some that a subpanel is not necessary, and by others that it is recommended. It is about a 50/50 toss up.
I have photo's for you to view if necessary.
vernonleeper Sorry for the delay getting back to you I did not see the comment. I would assume that you probably cannot run from the junction box that your current service cable is connected to because of the distance you would have to run the new cable to reach your new panel. You never want to have more than say 3 feet of unfused service cable running through the interior of your house. So I would say run a new cable from your existing panel and use the proper size breaker for the cable that you run (avoid the temptation of tapping in to the junction box).
Very good information. I'm putting in a sub panel to an out building. 100 amp GE Should I run a 4 wire cable or 3 wire I was going to use a mobile home feeder 2 2 2 4 cable and do I need a ground rod or use a 2 2 4 cable and a ground rod.with #6 ground
Thanks hope you can help
Roland
This exactly what I needed to see. Great video and explanations.
Thanks spread
Nice work on this video. Very helpful
Nice and thorough. Thanks Tyrone! You've got a new subscriber.
Thanks and you are welcome Drew
That is a good question. Off the top of my head I would say no do not drive a new ground rod run a new SER cable(has 4 conductors). You do not want multiple paths for fault current to travel. With that being said the jurisdiction having authority would be the ones you want to ask to be sure you do not violate any local codes if you decide to install a ground rod at the sub panel
Thanks again you've been a great help and have answered all my questions ..Merry Christmas
You are welcome Brian and Happy Holidays to you as well -_-
Such a great informational video. Thanks for taking the time.
Thanks Chris and you are welcome
Excellent tutorial...thanks for taking time from your valuable day to post this video. What is the proper place to install the sub panel? Does it have to be in a certain room or perhaps a hallway or closet?
no there is no specific location but it must be readily accessible and have a minimum of 3 ft of working space.
We were taught that the NEC will never require larger than no# 6 wire to a ground rod but if we want the utility company to hook up, we had better run a no# 4 . Remember local codes can supersede the National Electric Code. Good video ,well done.
Tyron you the man get some sleep my friend ooo wait if you go to sleep we wouldn’t know how to install a sub panel 👍👍thanks again
Ask not axe. An axe is for cutting wood. However, your instruction is first class. Thanks.
Thats Tyrone for the reply I enjoy your videos.
If you do not have any free spaces the quick way would be to install 2 tandem breakers which would free up 2 extra spaces for your feeder to the sub panel (most manufactures have tandem breakers for there panels). You need to make sure that your load is not to high by checking the line current with a ammeter. The load should be no more than 80% of the size of the main breaker. (100 amp main load no more than 80 amps) refer to my video on checking current.
At the subpanel, I notice the exposed subpanel feeder line does not have protective conduit as it makes that sharp bend into the bottom of the subpanel. Are you are not permitted to drill an entry hole in the back of the panel, so the bend would be covered and protected inside the box without using an LB fitting?
For exposed cable at the length seen in the video protection is not required. You can however sleeve the cable if you choose to do so it would make the install that much more safer in my opinion.
Hello Ty, Great video's, I'm from NJ and as you know we had Irene & Sandy hit us very hard, If you could do a video on connecting an outside generator outlet using # 10 wire to a 30 amp breaker on the panel box to run a generator, it would be very useful to a lot of people around here as we had a power loss for over two to three weeks with all them storms, and it's going to start again in June
Thanks for your video's they are very helpful and explained very well
Al from NJ
You want to twist the white wires together and put the bare wires on the bar that is assuming the bar is bonded (connected) to the disconnect. Depending on the type of disconnect switch you purchase sometimes they come with a bonding screw that you screw through the bar to the panel to make the connection.
Excellent video. You mentioned it being a 100 amp panel with the main disconnect in the main panel, it's that breaker in the basement 100 Amp them? I know that's likely a stupid question, but the video doesn't show the rating of that breaker as it's switched to the off position and you can't see it.
Thanks for you time in filming this video installing the 100 amp sub panel. What was the size of the 2 pole breaker you installed in the main panel to supply the 100 amps you brought over to the sub panel with the SER #2 aluminum cable?
I believe the main panel had a 200 amp main and the breaker in the main panel that supplied the sub panel is 100 amp.
Great vid! I will be doing this exact thing and this was very helpful.
im inpressed the only thing i see is i would of come threw the back of sub panel with connecter and drill front of hole bigger so connecter will fit into the wall or maybe a spacer behind each screw holding box on the wall the other thing is a pvc like A lb that way no cable is exposed subject to damage consalt a inspecter befor doing work god bless take care
Great video. Very informative and you're entertaining to watch. Is there anything additional I need to do if I am going to install a subpanel on the outside of the house? Do I need to add another ground? It is for a boatlift. Also I will need 50 amps so what size wire do I need to run from the main panel (about 100 feet)?
Definitely subscribing 👌👌 keep up the good videos and knowledge
Yes you can 70 amps is a odd ball size I think it would be easier to find a 60 amp panel but the answer is yes sizing is based on the load that you are serving. So your total calculated load does not exceed that of all panels or 80% of your service (good rule of thumb)
Hi Tyrone and thank you very much for the video it helps a lot one question in the video you're installing the same panel I would like to install and you answered one of my questions right away about the grounding bar didn't know I needed a separate one now I do thank you for my question i'm updating my sub panel in my garage which has a ground wire that goes right to a rod in the ground ..do I connect that wire from that ground directly to the grounding strip in the panel? Also now I know to get rid of that bonding screw you see i'm updating this from a fused box and upgrading to breakers.
Thanks again and great information and video!
if this is your main panel you need the bond screw to bond the service. if it is a sub panel ( a panel that is feed from your main panel) then you do not bond the panel. So if it is in fact a sub panel then the bar for the neutrals need to float (not be connected to the panel) and the ground bar needs to be connected to the panel and here you will terminate your ground from the ground rod if you have one.
Nice work, very clean job, you must have done one or two before, LOL
Very informal, I learned a lot . Thanks
Thanks and, You are welcome Dennis
No, You are, Tyrone!! The MAN.
Great video Tyrone! Very informative. I've watched quite a few videos on the same subject and yours was definitely the best and covered all the necessary information. I do have a question. I'm installing a 100 amp subpanel in my detached workshop and will be placing a load center with its own main breaker. In your video you ran the #2 wire from a separate breaker in the main panel to the subpanel. When the subpanel has a main breaker how do you connect the #2 in the main panel? Is it connected to a 100 amp breaker in the main panel? It doesn't seem to make sense to have a breaker at the main panel and another one at the subpanel only separated by the #2 wire but there doesn't seem to be any other option.
you can have one in both but normally you just use a main lug panel for the subpanel.
Thanks for the quick response! That's what I thought. It didn't make sense to have 2. So how do you connect the #2 wire in the main panel?
Rob Neto You can use a main lug panel for your 2nd or sub panel. It has lugs at the top where you would connect your #2 ser cable. The main service panel will be where you install the main breaker.
That's what I needed to know. I'll look closer for those lugs in the main. Thanks again!
First of all, thank you for doing this. These video's are very helpful. I have 2 closets and a light in each. Each closet has its own switch. My problem is that you have to have the first closet light on for the second closet light to work. I'm sure it is a small problem but very aggravating. My electrician that wired my house passed away soon after I built my house and is not available to ask.
+kwillis1231 The power for the second light is being feed (supplied) by the switch leg of the first switch. You would have to supply power to the second switch with a source that is not controlled by a switch.
Great video Tyrone.... Let me ask you how would you connect up a hot water heater to a sub panel...
+freespeach1776 The same way you would hook to your main service panel, the only thing that would change when running circuits from a sub panel vs. main panel would be circuits having a neutral would have it get connected to the neutral bar and grounds to the ground bar. In the main panel the 2 bars are one in the same because they are bonded together.
Soon as I heard to and do I thought 🤔Maryland 😆 great video!
Excellent educational tutorial! My question is; how do you determine what amperage your sub panel should be? Please help.
+Charlie Moreno I will tell you that an inspector will look at the main panel first, not only to see if it is wired correctly, but the panels rating. At the time of the build, it could have been a 200 amp main, but only 100 main breaker was used. The panel can be upgraded to 200 if the panels OE sticker is visible. To answer your sub panel amperage is simple, panel rating, main breaker, minus current breaker load = sub panel max. Say it's rated for 200 amp. If a 200 amp main breaker is installed and the total of all of the circuits & breakers add up to 150, then 50 amps is the max. Some will say that not every circuit in the structure is on at the same time, but if that ever happened, it would create heat and a thermal trip of the main supply breaker. Check your boxes rating, make note and change if higher than current breaker, then find the electrical inspector at the permit office and run it by him or her. You could ask the licensed electrical contract working next door, but if he is in a bad mood, or wants to be left alone, may say anything. Check codes in your area and remove any breaker that is not in service to clean up the box, the re-do the math. Happy 2019! Stay safe & wear seat belt. Glass don't taste good.
Hi Tyrone, great video...could you tell me what the difference between using copper vs aluminum? Besides cost, why wouldn't you use copper? I have been told by several folks to use only copper, please comment why using aluminum isn't a problem....thanks!!!
For service cable aluminum is what you would end up using. You do want to use a anti-inhibitor like penatrox on all of your connections. But to answer your question the type of connections used in service entrance type installations (pressure connections) work much better for aluminum than wirenutting to wires together. With the wire nuts the connection have more exposure to the oxygen in the air which cause the aluminum to breakdown. This is just one of the negatives of using aluminum wiring.
Thank you for the video, it was helpful for me. God bless
You are welcome Sohrab
Ok after this I am done. What we mean when we say the neutral is floating is that it is isolated from everything else electrically including the ground in a sub panel. article 250-12 read the last part (designed so as to make such removal unnecessary) the ground kit is threaded into the panel hence rendering scraping the panel pointless. If you feel that scraping the paint makes you feel better then have at it BUT IT IS NOT REQUIRED WITH THE GROUND KIT
Nice work, But just wondering if it was possible to use a condulet to run the SER out the brick wall and under the box. Or can you have the SER come out the back of the subpanel so you would not see any wiring.
yes you can do either if you have to use a lb or similar fitting be sure to increase your conduit size to account for the bend radius on the cable
Why'd this man stop making videos? He was good
Thanks... such a quick response do you ever sleep!
Love the channel and "how to steam crabs" in with all the electrical videos...lol!
Pretty good video but the main thing you missed is what size OCP you used for that sub panel with that #2 AL SER. What code cycle are you on? For 2008 cycle you need to use the 60 degree column for ampacities which #2 AL is 75 amps.
Good video, why did you put a sub-panel in when there was a lot of room on the main?
How would you do this say if there were no more open breakers in the main unit downstairs? I want to run a sub out to my shed but on the main panel outside the house there are no open positions I think there were only 6 and one goes to the main sub in the garage then AC, Water heater, and a few others. I will most likely pay to have this one done since it seems a little more complicated. But would you replace the current main with a larger panel or run another sub outside somehow?
Thanks Tyrone to you and your wife for a great video. A question for you: can SER cable without conduit be used in a residential application? I want to place a 60 amp sub panel in my attached garage that is about 60 feet away from my main panel. Also the SER would be surface mounted. Anything I can do to avoid running conduit would be better in my eyes. Have a good day.
Sorry for the delayed response your comment was buried in youtube netherland. yes the ser can be run so long as it is not buried in the ground.
Could u or would u make a video on explaining the hot /neutral/common/ground wires. I understand the hot but the neutral kinda throws me off. And having this or that box bonded is confusing too. Any help is appreciated
No not a stupid question. The reason you can add the 100amp subpanel is because your total connected load with both panels is a lot less then 100 amps or at least it should be, in other words you should do a load calculation to determine if the main service is large enough to supply every thing that you need. (hint) you DO NOT have to take all the load at 100%
Anthony I would love to do that video but there are several problems! First the materials needed to do the video would be very high. second it is a advanced job to try and teach the homeowner. Third you have to pull a permit to do a service upgrade.
Thanks for the tutorial . I'm installing a sub panel for my basement . My question , does the sub have to be the same brand and also if not does the breaker for the sub panel have to be the same as the main panel to feeder the sub panel
No
Thank you so much for the nice video. Can you please tell what size breaker you used to connect the sub panel with the main panel? Can I use a 100 amp breaker?
+Leonidas Sarris I used a 100A breaker for my sub panel. You have to size your breaker with the cable that you run out to your sub panel, the breaker can not exceed the current rating of the cable that you run. You also need to size your sub panel as well.
Ty, great video. I have watched it a couple times now. A couple questions. I am running a 100 amp subpanel(basement) from a 200 amp main in my garage above. About 15ft. Is #3 THHN CU wire sufficient? Also have #4 THHN CU for the ground. I bought a QO subpanel. Have not opened it yet but if the bus is aluminum clad do I still need to use Pentrox with the copper wire?
Thanks
Great info. Your the best!
Can you show how to install a sub meter? I have a small 2nd house on my property and I want them to pay for there own electric use. The 2nd house has a sub panel off my main panel. I will bill them myself and check there meter monthly. Thanks so much
Great video. Nice clear instructions.
Thanks portdover
Hi Tyrone I have a question I have seen on some other videos that people also run a solid copper to a grounding rod from the sub panel is that not necessary? And I have to install a sub panel in my house can I run the ser wire through the walls to the sub panel it's about 60 ft away
Thank you great video
The neutral must float in the sub panel because otherwise it could deliver current back through to anything connected to it's ground. To put it simply, current takes the shortest path to ground, if you neutral bond a sub panel, that path could well wind up being the panel or metal boxes & conduit that are grounded to that panel, electrocuting you if you happen to touch them and become that short path. Keeping the neutral and ground separate in sub panels keeps a clear, safe path for current..
Great Video- get some sleep..
could I use 2-2-2-4 Quad over SER if I run PVC conduit? Or can i go either way?
Not sure what you mean with 2-2-2-4 but if you are talking about tri-plex it is used for open air so probably cant be pulled into conduit
So quad plex unsheathed versus sheathed ser . im running a 100amp sub for an addition and will be running conduit outside. Just thought the quadplex would be eaiser to pull and still meet my required load.
you are awesome thanks. im adding 3 off a split bus panel. CIrious if i could do it i noticed the wire coming in is 200 amp line im expanding my 1979 built childhood home one outside for an outdoor kitchen with also a hot tub and workshop, then one for a second floor install.
You are welcome Kevin
Hello Tyrone! We are planning to install a sub-panel in detached garage. The size of wire is 8/3. From main panel It comes out from 40 amp breaker. Unfortunately, the wire we purchased is too short. The wire is in the garage. I was wandering is there a way to extend the wire with a small box? Thank you so much for your videos.
Yes you can install a junction box, to make life life simple I do suggest that if possible you install the junction box indoor. The requirements for installing the box outside means the box have to be approved for such use and the manufactures installation requirements must be followed.
"behind the camera" LOL! Awesome!!
Thanks for the information Tyrone.
+Mark Powls You are welcome Mark
Quick question for you. If you install a 100 AMP subpanel, but only need to feed a 50 AMP load from that subpanel. You would put a 50AMP breaker on the main panel and run 50 AMP rated conductors? Or do you have to run 100 AMP rated conductors for a 100 AMP rated panel?
Great video. I have a 100A main lug panel in my laundry room and want to upgrade it to a 200A main breaker panel due to the present one being full. The service panel that has the meter is located outside on the opposite side of the house for which the full main lug panel is located now.. I believe that I need to run a new 4/0 4/0 2/0 AL cable from the meter panel to the new 200A main breaker panel in the laundry room. I also want to replace the present 90A breaker in the meter panel with a 200A breaker for my new 200A main breaker panel in the laundry room. Basically this panel will have two 200A breaker installed (one at the meter panel and one in the laundry room panel). How do I connect the huge size AL wire to the new 200A breaker? Do they even make a 200A (GE, Eaton, Cutler) breaker that is not a main or am way off left field? The end goal is to install a 200A main breaker panel in the laundry room. Oh by the way the outside meter panel houses three breakers: 1- 90A main house breaker, 2- 50A AC breaker, and 3- 40A RV breaker).
i am a little confused what size is the service coming into the house? Why do you think the size of the sub panel needs to be 200 amps ( what type of loads are you connecting )
From the main panel can I install subpanel for a second house right next to the main house? I live out in the ranch so permit is not needed. Contacted electrician and said he would do it. Both houses are mine so no problem on paying the electric bill. He would ground the second house. Just want your input. Thanks for the video.
I do not see why not, however the jurisdiction having authority always have the final say so, but if no permit is needed then I say go for it
Thanks for the great and timely video. I was wondering if there was some reason you used aluminum cable over copper?
Exelent explanation thanks
thanks to you my friend. very professional
+Real Real You are welcome
Tyrone great video! Does it matter what kind of material the ground bar is made of? Reason I asked is because I made my own out of steel. Also does it matter on the wire lug screws? Thanks man.
One more thing. Can you add a ground/neutral bar in the Main panal if there is not enough room.If so does it need to be connected to the OG buses thanks again.
I would say yes it does matter typically the ground bar is made with copper, aluminium or a combination of the 2 called aluminium clad, more importantly the bar has to be UL approved and compatible with the panel that it is installed.
Thanks much:)
np :-)
According to code yes but you have to check with your local jurisdiction.
Tyrone, can you tell me how much torque goes on each lugs on the service entrance cable? Great vid
if you look inside the panel it will have a chart that will include that info. (it can differ from one panel to another)
Great job man.