Adding a sub panel in the basement

subpanel

I want to add a sub panel in my basement. The main panel is in my garage, the next level up. The distance from the main panel is roughly 10 feet. The main power comes in through the basement and up to the garage panel. If I add a sub panel in the basement, there is no where on the underside of the main panel where I can feed the #2 cable. All the spots left on the lower part of the box are too small.

Obviously the main panel sits between 2 2×4โ€™s. If I ran the cable between the next set of 2×4โ€™s, is it okay by code to run the cable though the 2×4 above the main panel the have it come through the top of the main panel, is that okay.

In addition, does that #2 cable have to be secured to the 2×4โ€™s along itโ€™s route?

One last thing. I purchase a 125 amp panel and I was told the the #2 wire is sufficient by code. Is that correct? I definitely do not need 125 amps in the basement. I will only be using 3 or 4 breakers in that box for lighting and outlets.

I just want to make sure I run this correctly the first time because I will be tearing out drywall in the garage and I will be replacing it too and only want to do the job once. ๐Ÿ˜€

Best Answer

Take the subpanel back and get another one, with an eye toward two features:

  • Auxiliary ground bus included, not an extra-cost add-on
  • lots and lots of spaces. Right now in your construction, spaces are dirt cheap; regrets are expensive. Especially if drywall is involved.

Also look for

  • being bundled with useful "bonus" breakers
  • being a quality type (Siemens, QO, GE Qline, CH)
  • having sensibly priced AFCIs ($40ish) and GFCI/AFCI combos ($55ish). Can't use brand X breakers on brand Y panels; that's not brand loyalty but a matter of proper fit.
  • same type as your main panel (if you care)

It does not matter what the panel ampere rating is, as long as it is >80A because that is the breaker to use with your 75A 2/2/2/4 cable.* There is nothing wrong with getting a 200A subpanel for instance, as long as it has a plentiful supply of breaker spaces. Headroom increases safety and also allows for easy upgrades (just replace the cable/breaker).

The subpanel does not need a main breaker, but if it's cheaper (with bonus breakers) to accept a panel with one, that's fine.


* 75A -- yeah, the advice you got was that wrong. Never take advice from big-box again. In fact let's get you shopping at a proper electrical supply house. Most are locally owned businesses, and most will be happy to deal with you at sensible prices. Be honest with them that you're sick of dealing with big-box and their limited selection**, terrible advice and you're heard electrical supply prices are actually better on most things.

** I suspect that's why they put you into 2/2/2/4 Al.