[zikarro]

Greetings.
I have a sub panel in my basement with #8 wire "powering" it. The sub panel has four 20 amp circuits in it powering mostly base plugs and ceiling lights and one double 20 for a 220 line that runs an air compressor.

Here's the question:
Can I add a second sub panel from this one a few feet away from it? I would like to add three more 20 amp circuits for a kitchen remodel and the sub panel only has two available slots.
If I can add a second sub panel to this one should I continue to use #8 wire to this additional sub panel?
Appreciate any suggestions on this.
Thanks

 

[jbfan]

Greetings.
I have a sub panel in my basement with #8 wire "powering" it. The sub panel has four 20 amp circuits in it powering mostly base plugs and ceiling lights and one double 20 for a 220 line that runs an air compressor.

Here's the question:
Can I add a second sub panel from this one a few feet away from it? I would like to add three more 20 amp circuits for a kitchen remodel and the sub panel only has two available slots.
If I can add a second sub panel to this one should I continue to use #8 wire to this additional sub panel?
Appreciate any suggestions on this.
Thanks

Why not buy a larger panel with the number of circuits needed and replace the panel you have?

 

[Saturday Cowboy]

but yes it could be done. with some rules of course

 

[zikarro]

Why not buy a larger panel with the number of circuits needed and replace the panel you have?

Thanks
Your suggestion is a good one and Ive been considering it as it does seem simpler, however the location of the existing panel makes that a little tricky. It just looks like it might be easier to add another small panel a few feet from the existing one if possible.
Can I get away with this if I decide to go that route?

 

[zikarro]

but yes it could be done. with some rules of course

Yup...I like rules. Always gotta follow the rules.
Thanks

 

[Saturday Cowboy]

1. load calc
2 . proper sized wire and OPCD
3. Seperate grounds
4. 4 wire
5.

you might not have enough capacity, give the size of feeders all ready in place to feed both the circuits already in the panel and another sub.

 

[zikarro]

1. load calc
2 . proper sized wire and OPCD
3. Seperate grounds
4. 4 wire
5.

you might not have enough capacity, give the size of feeders all ready in place to feed both the circuits already in the panel and another sub.

Thanks again. The house has 100 AMP service. House does not have much in the way of hefty electrical appliances such as whole house AC. Dryer is natural gas. The biggest draw is probably the air compressor in the garage that is rarely used.
I still should do a load calc., huh? Understand about the other points you mentioned too. Was there a 5th or were you leaving that one open for thought? Would it be better to just get a bigger sub panel and replace the existing one with a larger one if I can get room for it? The sub that is in place has two open slots. I would like one more for a total of three.

 

[Saturday Cowboy]

the fifth was for someone else to fill in do u know about tandem breakers or twins?

 

[NJMarine]

What type panel is it? Does it allow tandem breakers to be installed ?

 

[zikarro]

the fifth was for someone else to fill in do u know about tandem breakers or twins?

I do now. LOL Its a GE panel. How can I tell if it will take tandem breakers?

Tandem breakers, often called split breakers or double breakers, provide two separate circuits in the space of a regular sized breaker opening. Every circuit breaker panel has a limited number of circuit openings available. The problem is that when the openings are all used up and you still need to add another circuit, what do you do? You could change the electrical panel or double up circuits on a breaker, but this could place too much load on a particular circuit. So what then?
The answer that many have found is a tandem breaker. This type breaker is the same size as any other breaker, but it has its difference. This breaker sports two smaller breakers built into one regular sized breaker. Each has its own breaker switch and the breaker snaps in just like a regular breaker. With this simple innovation, you can add a circuit and protect the circuit on its own dedicated line.

 

[zikarro]

What type panel is it? Does it allow tandem breakers to be installed ?

I dont know if it can handle tandem breakers. The panel is made by GE. How can I tell?

 

[jbfan]

Most ge panel can take tandem breakers.
Get us the model number, and post a pic, and we can walk you through this.

 

[zikarro]

Most ge panel can take tandem breakers.
Get us the model number, and post a pic, and we can walk you through this.

OK I will take a pic and check for a model number tomorrow after work. I really do appreciate the help!
Thanks again

 

[Rob1975]

You should have sufficient service. Even if every spot is taken on your panel, most homes use less than 40amps. I would not sub off of a sub. The wiring gets too complicated. Your best bet is to pull from the main panel. If there are no spaces, move a few circuits to the first sub panel and then use the open spaces to supply the second sub panel. IMO this would be the best solution. Load calculators can be found on the net. I don't have enough posts to insert a link, so just google online electrical load calculator.

Good Luck!

 

[zikarro]

OK thanks for the help

 

[zikarro]

You should have sufficient service. Even if every spot is taken on your panel, most homes use less than 40amps. I would not sub off of a sub. The wiring gets too complicated. Your best bet is to pull from the main panel. If there are no spaces, move a few circuits to the first sub panel and then use the open spaces to supply the second sub panel. IMO this would be the best solution. Load calculators can be found on the net. I don't have enough posts to insert a link, so just google online electrical load calculator.

Good Luck!

OK thanks. Im pretty sure I have plenty of service. Just no room to pull from the main.