Home Hardware Site Tips #18: Benefits of additional service panels on upper floors of a house (VIDEO)
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VideosIn fact, this house built by Hugh Yalden of Harvest Home Restorations, Toronto, has THREE service panels. Huge explains why...
There are GREAT reasons to install a second – or even a third – electrical service panel in a new build. Placing an additional service panel on an upper floor, feeding back to the main panel (say in the basement) is a genius idea.
In this video, Rob Koci of CANADIAN CONTRACTOR talks about this method of wiring a house with Hugh Yalden, owner of Harvest Home Restorations, Toronto.
The 5,600 square feet home that Hugh recently built, feature no less than three service panels: one main 200 amp service in the basement and two auxiliary 100 amp services on upper floors.
This method reduces the amount of cabling in the house by one third, Hugh says. The savings in labour were substantial. And it’s easier for the homeowner to access a service panel on an upper floor, too. The electrical inspector who approved Hugh’s electrician’s work said he wondered why more contractors don’t go to this configuration. It just makes so much sense!
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How does he accomplish the multiple panel? Do the second & third panels run through or around the main 200A panel? I really want to know as I have the same setup in mind but was unsure as to how. I’m not an election.
Thanks,
Terry
Hello Terry,
Thank you for the question. We have one main 200A panel in the basement where the service into the house enters. We then have 2 more 100A panels that run from this main panel to a panel on each floor (Main and Second floors). Each panel on each floor services that particular floor. I hope that helps.
Regards,
Hugh Yalden
AS A LICENCED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR – I HAVE ALWAYS INSTALLED SUB. PANELS ON ALL FLOORE – MAKES A LOT OF SENSE
JUST MAKE SURE THE LOCATION OF PANEL AND THE HEIGHT OF THE BREAKES MEET OEC REGULATIONS.
CORRIDORS AND HALLWAYS ARE FINE AND CAN BE COVERED WITH A PHOTO OR ARTFRAME, REMOVABLE