I currently have a 200 amp main panel that is full. I'm planning on installing some equipment for a water well pump, water softner, etc. and it seems to make sense at this point to install a sub-panel for that equipment.
I've never had a problem doing minor electrical work around the house in the past. However, this job is bigger than I've ever done so I wanted to get some advice.
Some details:
- Both panels are in the basement. The wire will need to run both through the floor joists in some locations and then along a joist in another location.
- I have an electric water heater. Since the sub-panel will be installed in the same room as the water heater, I plan on removing the 2-pole 30 amp breaker for the water heater and using that slot for the breaker that will feed the sub-panel.
- I'll need 70-80 feet of wire to run from the main panel to the new sub-panel.
- Picture of current main panel attached.
- Sub-panel breakers:
- water heater: 2-pole 30 amp
- jet pump: 20 amp
- well pump: 2-pole 30 amp
- cistern relay circuit: 15 amp
- water treatment equipment: 20 amp
I can provide more details if needed, just not sure what someone would need to know.
Questions:
- Does the sub-panel seem over loaded? If so, I could keep the water-heater in the main panel and free up space in the panel another way.
- I know I need four-strand wire to run to the sub-panel (2 hot, neutral, ground) but copper or aluminum and what gauge?
- When I run the wire along the floor joist, does it need to be secured to the joist or can it just hang there and rest on the drop ceiling? Seems like it should be secured to the joist with wire hanger or something.
- What are the things about this project that I don't know that I don't know. :) These are the scary things IMO...i.e. the questions I don't know enough to ask.
Thanks in advance. I'm happy to provide more details if you need them.
Edit #1:
Another question has come up: should I put a 100 amp breaker in the sub-panel to act as the "main" for the sub-panel? Or is the 100 amp breaker in the main panel sufficient?