How To Wire A Sub Panel - VERY DETAILED INSTALLATION! Start To Finish

The Excellent Laborer

3 Sept 202349:01

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Joshua demonstrates the step-by-step process of installing a 100-amp, 24 space 48 circuit subpanel. He meticulously covers the unboxing, preparation, and actual installation, including grounding and wiring techniques. Joshua emphasizes the importance of adhering to local building codes and safety precautions throughout the DIY project, offering valuable insights for viewers looking to expand their electrical systems.

Takeaways

🔧 The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to install a 100-amp, 24 space 48 circuit subpanel, flush mounted and intended for interior use.
🔨 Joshua, the DIY enthusiast, emphasizes the importance of subscribing to his channel for more money-saving home improvement tips.
🛠️ Before starting any electrical work, Joshua reminds viewers to check local building codes and obtain necessary permits, as regulations vary by jurisdiction.
💡 The subpanel installation process involves unboxing, preparing the installation area, and properly measuring and marking the conduit length.
🔌 Joshua explains the need to separate grounds and neutrals in the subpanel and the use of appropriate connectors and compounds to prevent oxidation.
🔩 The video details the process of fishing the wire through the conduit, securing it with glue, and ensuring the conduit is straight for proper installation.
🔧 The subpanel is grounded by running a ground rod outside the detached garage and connecting it to the subpanel using bare copper wire.
🔌 Joshua demonstrates how to connect the neutral and hot wires to the subpanel, using the correct terminals and tightening the connections appropriately.
🛠️ The script outlines the process of installing a junction box in the crawl space to transition from stranded to cased wire, ensuring proper wire management.
💡 After completing the wiring, Joshua shows how to test the subpanel by turning on the main breaker and verifying power flow to the connected receptacle.
🔧 The video concludes with Joshua successfully powering the newly installed subpanel and providing links to related content for further guidance.

Q & A

What type of subpanel is Joshua installing in the video?
-Joshua is installing a 100-amp, 24 space 48 circuit subpanel made by Square D. It is designed for interior use and will be flush mounted.
What safety measures are mentioned by Joshua before starting the installation?
-Joshua mentions covering the lugs with lug covers for protection when working inside the panel, and also emphasizes the importance of checking local building codes and obtaining permits for electrical work.
How does Joshua ensure the conduit is installed at the correct height for the subpanel?
-Joshua measures the height of the subpanel and marks the stud space accordingly. He ensures the breaker height does not exceed six foot seven, in accordance with his local area regulations.
What type of wire is used to connect the subpanel to the main house?
-Joshua uses number two aluminum wire, which is stranded and rated for use in conduit. This wire is commonly used in mobile homes.
How does Joshua handle the grounding for the subpanel?
-Since the subpanel is in a detached garage, Joshua installs a ground rod outside the garage and connects it to the subpanel using number six bare copper wire. He ensures the ground rod is driven into the ground and secured with a ground rod clamp.
What is the purpose of the junction box in the installation process?
-The junction box is used to transition from stranded wire meant for conduit to cased wire that will be run under the crawl space. It is necessary due to the different ratings and intended use of the two types of wire.
How does Joshua connect the wires within the junction box?
-Joshua uses insulated splice connectors to join the wires. He ensures the wires are stripped correctly and that the connectors are tightened securely to prevent oxidation and maintain a good electrical connection.
What type of breaker does Joshua install in the subpanel for the new circuit?
-Joshua installs a combination breaker in the subpanel, which provides both arc fault and GFI protection for the circuit.
How does Joshua test the newly installed circuit for power?
-Joshua first uses a non-contact voltage tester to check for current in the wire. Then, he plugs in a router to see if it powers on, indicating that the circuit is functioning correctly.
What is the importance of using Noalox compound when working with aluminum wire?
-Noalox compound is an antioxidant compound used to prevent the oxidation of aluminum wire. This is important because oxidation can lead to a poor electrical connection and potential safety hazards.
Why does Joshua install the panel cover even though the power is not officially on?
-Joshua installs the panel cover temporarily to ensure safety while the subpanel is being used. It prevents people from accidentally coming into contact with the live components inside the panel.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Introduction to Subpanel Installation

The video begins with the host, Joshua, introducing the topic of subpanel installation. He emphasizes the DIY approach to save money and encourages viewers to subscribe for more home improvement content. Joshua outlines the specifics of the subpanel being installed: a 100-amp, 24-space, 48-circuit Square D Homeline version with a main breaker and flush mount. He also mentions that the installation will involve interior use and that the bonding screw is not needed due to the subpanel nature. Joshua stresses the importance of checking local building codes before starting any electrical work and shares that he has pulled permits and is following local codes for his installation.

05:02

📏 Measuring and Preparing for Installation

Joshua proceeds to unbox the subpanel and discuss its contents, including lug covers, a bonding screw, owner's manual, and standard breakers. He explains the jurisdictional requirements for covering lugs and the necessity of separating grounds and neutrals for subpanels. Joshua then measures the height for conduit installation, ensuring compliance with local regulations that limit breaker height. He demonstrates the process of marking the stud space for conduit placement and emphasizes the importance of accurate measurements for proper panel installation.

10:04

🔨 Subpanel Mounting and Conduit Installation

In this section, Joshua focuses on the physical installation of the subpanel. He starts by removing knockouts from the panel corners and measures the conduit length, cutting it to size. Joshua then explains the process of fishing the wire through the conduit and the importance of not getting glue on the wire insulation. He details the process of securing the conduit to the stud space, using an adapter, PVC cement, and screws with washers. Joshua also discusses the need to level and secure the panel properly, ensuring it sits exactly where intended.

15:05

🔌 Wiring the Subpanel: Neutral and Hot Wires

Joshua moves on to the actual wiring process, starting with the neutral wire. He explains how to strip the wire casing and apply NO-Oxide compound to prevent oxidation when connecting aluminum wire. He then demonstrates how to connect the neutral wire to the subpanel's lug and repeats the process for the hot wires, ensuring they are neatly arranged. Joshua also addresses the grounding process, explaining the need for a separate ground bar installation and how to connect it to the panel.

20:06

⚡️ Grounding the Subpanel and Junction Box Preparation

Joshua discusses the importance of grounding a subpanel, especially when it's in a detached structure. He explains the process of running a number six bare copper wire from the subpanel to a ground rod outside the garage. Joshua demonstrates drilling a hole for the wire, fishing it through, and preparing the ground rod. He also covers the use of a ground rod clamp and the importance of driving the rod correctly. Joshua then shows how to connect the ground wire to the ground rod and ground bar within the subpanel, ensuring a secure and effective grounding system.

25:07

🔧 Junction Box and Wire Splicing

Joshua transitions to the crawl space to work on the junction box and wire splicing. He explains the need for a junction box when transitioning from stranded wire in conduit to cased wire run under the crawl space. He demonstrates drilling a hole for the conduit adapter, installing the adapter, and preparing the conduit for connection. Joshua then shows how to splice the number two aluminum wires using insulated splice connectors, ensuring a secure and corrosion-free connection.

30:08

🔌 Completing the Wiring and Outlet Installation

Joshua concludes the wiring process by running a circuit from the subpanel to an outlet. He explains the code requirements for stapling wires and drilling holes in the stud space. Joshua demonstrates how to fish the wire through the holes, install the electrical box, and connect the wires to the receptacle. He emphasizes the importance of proper wire connection and securing the receptacle. Joshua then staples the wires back to the panel box and prepares to connect the circuit to the subpanel breaker.

35:09

💡 Installing Breakers and Testing the Circuit

In the final stage of the installation, Joshua focuses on installing the breakers and testing the circuit. He explains the process of wiring the breaker, including connecting the neutral and hot wires, and securing the breaker in the panel. Joshua demonstrates how to install a combination arc fault and GFI breaker, ensuring both types of protection for the circuit. He then completes the installation by securing the panel cover and turning on the main breaker and the newly installed breaker. Joshua tests the power to the receptacle, confirming the success of the installation.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Subpanel

A subpanel, as discussed in the video, is a secondary electrical panel that is typically used to distribute power to areas of a house or building that are distant from the main electrical panel. It is an essential component for expanding the electrical capacity of a home, particularly for detached structures like garages or workshops. In the video, the subpanel being installed is a 100-amp, 24 space, 48 circuit model intended for interior use and flush mount configuration.

💡Conduit

Conduit is a protective pipe or tube that is used in electrical systems to house and protect electrical wires. It is typically made of metal or plastic and is used to run wires from one point to another, such as from the main electrical panel to a subpanel or from a subpanel to various outlets and fixtures. In the video, the use of conduit is emphasized for running underground wires to the subpanel, ensuring safety and protection against damage.

💡Grounding

Grounding in electrical systems is the process of connecting the electrical system to the earth to prevent damage from electrical surges or faults. It is a critical safety measure that helps to prevent electrical shock and fire hazards. In the context of the video, grounding the subpanel involves connecting it to a ground rod outside the garage to ensure that the electrical system is properly earthed.

💡Breaker

A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by excess current from an overload or short circuit. Each circuit in a home or building has a corresponding breaker in the electrical panel that can be tripped to interrupt the flow of electricity, thereby preventing potential damage or fire. In the video, the installation of a combination breaker (arc fault and GFI) is demonstrated to protect a circuit running to a receptacle.

💡Neutral Wire

The neutral wire is a part of an electrical system that completes the circuit by providing a return path for the electrical current back to the power source. It is typically identified by a white or light-colored insulation and is one of the three primary wires in a standard electrical system, along with the hot wire and ground wire. In the video, the neutral wire is connected to the neutral bar in the subpanel, ensuring the proper flow of electricity.

💡Ground Wire

The ground wire is a safety feature in an electrical system that provides an alternative path for electrical current to flow in the event of a fault, such as a short circuit or a ground fault. This helps to prevent electrical shock and damage to equipment by directing the excess current safely into the earth. The ground wire is typically green or green with a yellow stripe in color-coded systems. In the video, the ground wire is shown being connected to the grounding bar in the subpanel.

💡Hot Wires

Hot wires, also known as live wires, are the conductive paths in an electrical system that carry the flow of electricity from the power source to the electrical devices or outlets. They are typically colored black or red and are one of the two current-carrying wires, along with the neutral wire. In the context of the video, hot wires are connected to the subpanel and are responsible for delivering power to the circuits.

💡Lug Covers

Lug covers are protective devices used in electrical systems to cover and protect the lugs, which are the terminals where wires are connected. They provide an additional layer of safety by preventing accidental contact with live terminals and reducing the risk of electrical shock. In the video, the installer uses lug covers to protect the neutral and ground lugs in the subpanel, as required by local jurisdictional codes.

💡Noalox

Noalox is a compound used to prevent oxidation on aluminum conductors. When connecting aluminum wires to other metals, such as copper, the potential for oxidation exists, which can lead to a poor connection over time. Noalox is applied to the aluminum wire before making the connection to ensure that the joint remains secure and conductive. In the video, the installer applies Noalox to the aluminum wires before connecting them to the subpanel and the grounding bar.

💡Junction Box

A junction box is an electrical box used to house and protect the junctions or connections between electrical wires. It is typically used when wires must be extended or routed in different directions, and the connections need to be protected from damage and moisture. In the video, a junction box is used to transition from stranded wire in conduit to cased wire that runs under the crawl space, ensuring a secure and protected connection.

💡PVC Cement

PVC cement is a solvent used to bond PVC pipes and fittings together, creating a secure and watertight seal. In the context of electrical work, it is used to secure conduit adapters and couplings to the conduit, ensuring that the conduit system is properly assembled and protected. In the video, PVC cement is used to attach a conduit adapter to the Schedule 40 PVC conduit running to the subpanel.

Highlights

Joshua's DIY approach to wiring a subpanel saves money and provides valuable knowledge.

The subpanel being installed is a 100-amp, 24 space 48 circuit, designed for interior use and flush mount.

An important safety measure is to cover lugs in the subpanel to protect when working inside it.

The bonding screw is not needed in this subpanel installation due to separate grounds and neutrals.

Joshua emphasizes the importance of checking local building codes before performing any electrical work.

The process of installing the subpanel involves measuring and marking the correct height and positioning.

Conduits are used to protect electrical wires and must be properly measured and cut for installation.

Stranded wire is used in the installation, which is rated for conduit and commonly used in mobile homes.

Proper grounding of the subpanel is crucial and involves running a ground rod and connecting it to the subpanel.

The junction box is used to transition from stranded wire meant for conduit to cased wire for the crawl space.

Securing the subpanel to the studs with screws and washers ensures stability and safety.

Fishing the wire through the conduit and attaching it to the subpanel with appropriate connectors is a meticulous process.

The use of no-locks antioxidant compound prevents oxidation when connecting aluminum wires.

The main panel and subpanel connection requires careful splicing of wires using insulated splice connectors.

Testing the subpanel and connected circuits for power is the final step to ensure successful installation.

Joshua's methodical and safety-conscious approach to wiring provides a reliable and informative guide for DIY enthusiasts.

Transcripts

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