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A subpanel is essentially a smaller secondary panel that is fed from your main panel and provides additional breaker capacity for a specific area of your home, such as a garage, basement, or addition. Not every home needs one, but for certain situations it is the most practical solution. Here is how they work, from the licensed electricians at EZSMART, serving Toronto and the GTA.
A subpanel connects back to your main panel through a dedicated feeder circuit, then distributes power to its own set of breakers serving a specific area. Think of it as a satellite panel, expanding your available breaker capacity without needing to replace your main panel entirely.
A subpanel adds capacity for a specific area without touching your main service, which is often less disruptive and sometimes less costly than a full panel replacement. However, if your main panel itself is undersized for your home’s overall electrical demand, a subpanel does not solve that underlying capacity issue, since it still draws from the same main service. A licensed electrician can assess whether a subpanel, a full panel upgrade, or both together is the right solution for your situation.
Is a subpanel cheaper than a full panel upgrade?
It depends on the scope of work, but a subpanel is often a more targeted, and sometimes more cost-effective, solution when only a specific area needs added capacity.
Do I need a permit for a subpanel?
Yes, subpanel installation requires a permit through the Electrical Safety Authority.
Can a subpanel be added to any main panel?
It depends on your main panel’s available capacity. A licensed electrician can confirm whether your current setup supports a subpanel.
Do I need a subpanel for a detached garage?
It is a common and often recommended solution for detached garages needing multiple circuits, rather than running many individual circuits from the house.
Thinking about adding a subpanel for your garage, basement, or addition? EZSMART provides licensed subpanel installation across Toronto and the GTA. Call 416-838-9006, and see what our customers say on our Google reviews page.
Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp
