Your home's circuit breaker panel determines how electricity is distributed throughout the property and serves as the main distribution point for the structure's electrical circuits. It's usually installed in an out-of-the-way space like a basement, utility room, laundry room, or garage. When getting a circuit breaker installed or repaired, you may want to ask your electrical contractor to also install a subpanel. The guide below explains its benefits.

Why Install a Subpanel for Your Circuit Breaker?

1. You Need More Circuits

The circuit breaker is the home's main power source, providing anywhere from 100 to 300 amps of power total. Panels are rated to handle a certain amount of circuits; this should be viewable on a label on the door. A single circuit can be replaced with a so-called tandem breaker to increase circuit capacity, making two circuits out of one. Alternatively, you can add a subpanel. This will allow you to support more appliances or ones that require more power to function.

2. You Want to Avoid Over-Wiring for Safety Reasons

While tandem breakers are a common solution for households that need more circuits, they can result in over-wiring. Having wires cross-cross one another and get tangled is a potential safety hazard, increasing the risk of shocks or fire. Furthermore, an "overwired" panel can be a violation of building codes in some locations.

3. You've Added to Your Home's Usable Space

You may find that your circuit breaker doesn't provide sufficient circuits if you expand your usable space. For example, your electrical contractor may recommend installing a subpanel after you've completed a home addition or remodeling project—such as transforming your garage into a home office. Houses with distinct units, such as a separate workshop or rental unit, can also use a subpanel for this reason.

For circuit breaker and subpanel installation in Lincoln, NE, trust ABC Electric Company Inc. These electrical contractors offer reliable service, showing up on time and getting the work done by the discussed deadline. They have been in business since 1932, and their skilled team has more than 169 years of combined experience. You can view their full range of commercial and residential services online, and call (402) 435-3514 to request an estimate.