[Barry J]

My existing breaker panel has no more room, what steps do I take and how easy is it to add another small panel.??? I know I will need an electrician, I have one in the family, I just wanted to know what's involved.
Thanks
Barry

 

[joecaption]

What size is the one you have now? Should be right on the main breaker.
Got a picture with the door open?

 

[Barry J]

I am at work now, will look when I get home tonight

 

[joed]

You need to free up two spaces int he old panel to install a double pole breaker to feed the new sub panel. The space needed could be gained by moving a couple of circuits into the sub panel.

 

[MisterZ]

joed pretty much summed it up.

im curious why you dont ask the family electrician...
it's OK to do the job yourself, provided this is on your home and you pull the required permits.
it is advised to have a skilled electrician do the job, but not a requirement

you'll need:
1- a double pole breaker(not to exceed 90% of the main breaker size)
2- a length of 4-wire to run between the Main and the Sub panels (size depends on Amps)
3- likely a few Neutral bar adapters to accomodate the larger neutral and ground wires
4- No Al Ox if you use Aluminum wire (prevents oxidation)
5- a few odds and ends such as wire clamps, brackets, staples, etc.
6- obviously a new sub-panel
7- safe and adequate space to mount the new panel

if you're asking because of cost... the materials should run under $200 plus a case of beer for the electrician

 

[k_buz]

it's OK to do the job yourself, provided this is on your home and you pull the required permits.
it is advised to have a skilled electrician do the job, but not a requirement

This is NOT true of all areas.

 

[MisterZ]

thanks for the clarification.
it is allowed in NY, and i believe parts of Mass as well... ask your local code inspector

 

[buddy builder]

is this an interior or exterior panel? someone not familiar may call either a breaker panel. if it is an interior panel, first check for tandem slots on the bottom slots of the panel. these look a little different than the two thirds above them. a wafer breaker here would be your cheapest route. if no tandem slots or it is exterior panel, the guys above this post have you covered.

 

[rrolleston]

Yeah here where I am in the northeast they don't require licensing and sometimes the inspection system is a joke.

Have sometimes had them sign off part way through a project and say we don't need to come back anymore.

I like the idea of checking for spaces that accept tandem breakers some outdoor panels also allow them.