5 Steps of Running a Subpanel to a Detached Garage

  1. Step 1: First and Foremost. Ensure that you cut your power before beginning. …
  2. Step 2: Prepare For Your Garage Subpanel. …
  3. Step 3: Install your Backer. …
  4. Step 4: Connect Your Wire to Subpanel. …
  5. Step 5: Main Panel.

How do you install a 100 amp subpanel in a garage?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So what we did is we trenched one foot below the ground level. And we're going to put it in there now this is where it will actually meet up and get electricity.

Does a garage sub panel need a main breaker?





The subpanel may be equipped with a main breaker to allow for power interruption without having to go back to the main panel, but it is not required to have a main shutoff circuit breaker, since the feeder breaker back in the main panel serves this function.

How many amps does a garage subpanel need?

This depends on how much power you typically use when working in your garage. If you are running welders and compressors that require high voltage then you will need a 100-amp sub panel. If you are just doing small jobs then you will only need a 50- to 60-amp sub panel.

How do you install a sub panel in a garage?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Turn it off next I found a nearby stud and pre-drilled holes for a plywood backer to map the sub panel. On. These two screws are for actually mounting the Sun panel.

Does a subpanel in a detached garage need a ground rod?

The detached structure is required to have its own Grounding Electrode System (GES) i.e. ground rods. The subpanel in the detached structure will have its grounds and neutrals separated.

Does a subpanel need a ground rod?





Yes, any sub panel outside of the main building requires it’s own ground rod and a ground wire back to the main building.

Should a subpanel be bonded?

Rule #3: In a subpanel, the terminal bar for the equipment ground (commonly known as a ground bus) should be bonded (electrically connected) to the enclosure. The reason for this rule is to provide a path to the service panel and the transformer in case of a ground fault to the subpanel enclosure.

How do you run electricity to a detached garage?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So this is what we're using to bring the electricity out to the garage. It's called uf wire which stands for underground feeder.

What is the 6 breaker rule?

The “six breaker throw rule” was a requirement in the National Electrical Code that a service must have have a main disconnect that shuts off all power and it cannot take more than six switch throws to do it, and the main disconnect(s) also must be clearly marked, as in the photo above.

How much does it cost to add a subpanel to a detached garage?



The average cost of installing a subpanel is between $400 and $1,750, depending on the amperage and number of circuits installed. Typically subpanels have 4 to 20 or more circuits and between 100 and 150 amps.

What does the NEC require for a detached garage?

At least one 120-volt, 20-ampere branch circuit shall be installed to supply receptacle outlets in attached garages and in detached garages with electric power. Code Change Summary: A new code section was added to require a 20 amp circuit for a dwelling unit garage.

Does a 60 amp subpanel need a ground rod?

In the same building or attached building no ground rod is required just hot hot neutral ground, with ground and neutral being isolated from each other in the sub panel.

Does a detached garage need its own ground rod?



Yes, you need a grounding electrode (ground rod) local to the detached building.

Why do you not ground a subpanel?

So, why do you separate the ground and neutral in a subpanel? Because when we bond them together, it gives your neutral wire (the one carrying electrical currents BACK to the source) multiple pathways. That’s how the chassis of some equipment will become energized.

Can ground and neutral be on same bar in subpanel?

The answer is never. Grounds and neutrals should only be connected at the last point of disconnect. This would be at main panels only.

Why does a subpanel need 4 wires?

The neutral and ground are not bonded in the subpanel. In this setup if a hot wire coming in contact with the non-current carrying parts of the electrical system, (outlet covers, panel covers etc), the 4th ground conductor will provide a low resistance patch back to the source tripping a breaker.

How many wires can be in a subpanel?



A subpanel requires two hot wires connected to a 240-volt double-pole breaker in the main panel. It also needs a neutral wire and a ground wire. The cable used for this run is known as a “three-wire cable with ground.” The two hot wires, called feeder wires, will provide all of the power to the subpanel.

Is neutral required for sub-panel?

The neutral and ground MUST NOT be bonded at a sub-panel. They should only be bonded at the main service panel. If you bond them anywhere other than the main service, the neutral return current now has multiple paths, including though your ground wire.