Electricians - how much is typical to install a sub panel

[Knowklew]

Looking to get a sub panel installed. What is to be expected? My current panel is completely filled and I want to upgrade or something. I figured a sub panel was the obvious thing to do.

Help me understand what I should expect.

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[Flyn]

It's around $1,200 down here to change a panel box. Some older boxes (Federal Pacific) are potentially prone to fires so insurance companies won't insure them. These panel boxes usually need to be replaced before closing on a home.

Not quite the same thing but it's similar in scope.

 

[MrMezger996]

Where are you looking to add sub panel?

 

[Knowklew]

I live in elk grove.
My panel is located in my garage

 

[MrMezger996]

I added this 100amp sub panel in my garage. I have a 60amp breaker for the heater, 30amp 120v circuit and another 30amp 220v outlet for a Welder. I realize I may not be able to run Welder and heater at same time.

 

[Knowklew]

Would you be interested in looking at my panel and seeing what would work?

 

[MrMezger996]

I live in elk grove.
My panel is located in my garage

Sorry I meant where in your house would you like the sub-panel? Right next to your existing main panel? Or like I did, a remote sub panel. I had to run 1” emt conduit with #4 wire. That would add cost to the job. My sub panel is about 90’ away. It was probably $400 in material with conduit, fittings, panel, breakers and wire. Would take an electrician who can bend conduit better then I about 4hrs. Your looking at a $1-$1200 job like said above. If your going to just add a sub panel right to your existing panel cut that cost in half.

 

[Knowklew]

Sub would be next to my main panel. I mainly want to add enough to handle a heated bathroom floor in the future as well as an electric car charger.

 

[MrMezger996]

Do you have a 200amp service? Snap a pic of your existing panel. Try to get a close up of main breaker.

 

[Knowklew]

100 amp in the current box. I want to upgrade to 200. How do I verify what is at the house other than what the panel currently has.

 

[MrMezger996]

That’s going to be bit of an issue. You would need to have your main feed wire increased in size. I wouldn’t suggest adding a sub panel with only a 100amp service.

 

[Knowklew]

I will have to get a quote to get 200 amp service

 

[MrMezger996]

I will have to get a quote to get 200 amp service

Then just a new larger panel installed and eliminate the need for a sub panel

 

[Knowklew]

I figured that is my other option, albeit more costly, but likely more useful in the long run.

 

[cdh027]

Fred,

Talk to the guy (I forgot his name) with the black thunderbird that goes to C&C, He's a local 134 electrician and might do side jobs.

 

[Knowklew]

For reference

 

[radioguy6]

do a load calc to determine if you really need 200 amp service. Also keep in mind if your AHJ follows the newer NEC they probably require AFCI breakers for new work.

I actually just did this myself, remodeled our kitchen and needed more circuits to bring it to code. My panel was full and we debated upgrading to 200 amp service and new panel vs. just adding a small sub panel next to the main. Wasn't worth it to me to have new service conductors trenched. All my appliances are gas, the highest draw is A/C 30amps. Adding a 60amp subpanel adjacent to my 100amp main panel made more sense. The most expensive cost was those damn AFCI breakers.

 

[Knowklew]

I have a full 100 amp box. 2 ac units and want to install an electric car charger as well. I have 200 at the meter, just need it brought into the house

 

[FESTER665]

If you already have 200A at the meter it's a no-brainer to switch to 200A.



The biggest expense is pulling the 200A to the meter usually.

 

[radioguy6]

I have a full 100 amp box. 2 ac units and want to install an electric car charger as well. I have 200 at the meter, just need it brought into the house

yeah then definitely replace existing with a larger 200 amp panel. Forget the sub panel.