As your home grows—whether through a new workshop, finished basement, EV charger, or backyard shed—so do your electrical needs. If your current panel is overloaded or out of space for new circuits, you might be wondering: Should I upgrade my main panel, or can I add a subpanel instead?
For many homeowners across Middle Tennessee and North Alabama, adding a subpanel is the ideal solution. At AC/DC Electrical Services, we help homeowners determine when a subpanel is the smartest and safest option for their property.
Here’s what you need to know.
🔌 What Is a Subpanel?
A subpanel is a smaller service panel that branches off your main panel and controls power to a specific area or group of circuits in your home or property.
It’s like a mini version of your main breaker box, with its own set of breakers and safety features. A subpanel doesn’t increase the amount of power your home receives from the utility—but it helps organize and distribute it more efficiently.
✅ When to Consider Adding a Subpanel
You might need a subpanel if:
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Your main panel is full and you need to add new circuits
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You’re building a detached garage, barn, or workshop
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You’re finishing a basement or mother-in-law suite
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You’re adding high-demand equipment like a hot tub, EV charger, or HVAC unit
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Your home layout makes it difficult to run new wiring back to the main panel
In these cases, a subpanel can save time, money, and complexity—while keeping your electrical system up to code.
⚠️ Why Not Just Add More Breakers?
Many older homes were built with limited breaker space. If you’re constantly resetting breakers or using multiple tandem breakers to “squeeze in” more circuits, it’s a sign your system is at capacity.
A subpanel provides room to grow—without risking overload, code violations, or fire hazards.
🧰 How a Subpanel Is Installed
Subpanel installation involves:
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Evaluating your main panel to ensure it can safely support the additional load
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Running a feeder cable from your main panel to the subpanel’s location
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Installing the subpanel box, breakers, and grounding system
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Labeling circuits and testing for proper performance and protection
This is not a DIY project. Subpanel installations must meet NEC code, pass inspection, and be done by a licensed electrician to avoid risk and liability.
🏡 Common Uses for Subpanels
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Garage or Workshop: Run power tools, lighting, compressors, and heat
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Basement Remodels: Add HVAC, lighting, laundry, or kitchen circuits
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Outdoor Buildings: Power barns, sheds, and irrigation systems
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EV Chargers: Create a dedicated 240V circuit for fast charging
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Home Additions: Add space without overloading your main panel
🔧 A Smart Upgrade That Pays Off
Subpanels don’t just solve power problems—they help your system run more safely, more efficiently, and with less stress on your main panel. And if you’re planning future additions, a subpanel today can help you avoid costly upgrades down the line.
Need more space in your panel—or power where there isn’t any?
Call AC/DC Electrical Services at (931) 271-9603