I'm planning for a spa. My panel is full, and there's no opportunity to replace existing breakers with tandems (have them already). It's just plain full. I need two, 25A feeders from the panel for the spa GFCI (50A)... or two "slots". The space just isn't there.
The only option I can think of is a subpanel. But unlike most other forum posters, I'm not putting this in a garage, basement or closet. I assume you can install a subpanel on an exterior wall near the main panel, as long as it meets the spacing req's... 36" depth, 30" width, etc.? I'd have to put it about 5 feet to the side of the main panel. Something like this Eaton 34824 125 Amp, 6 Spaces, 12 Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center: I'll consult an electrician, but I assume you cannot tie this load center directly into the main panel bus bar... and that this 125A sub-panel will require feeders also? If it does, then I would have to re-locate some load from the main panel and distribute through this new sub-panel.
Swapping the main panel for a larger one sounds like a bigger job than adding a sub-panel, but maybe not after all is said and done.
thanks for your thoughts on this!
The only option I can think of is a subpanel. But unlike most other forum posters, I'm not putting this in a garage, basement or closet. I assume you can install a subpanel on an exterior wall near the main panel, as long as it meets the spacing req's... 36" depth, 30" width, etc.? I'd have to put it about 5 feet to the side of the main panel. Something like this Eaton 34824 125 Amp, 6 Spaces, 12 Circuit Outdoor Main Lug Load Center: I'll consult an electrician, but I assume you cannot tie this load center directly into the main panel bus bar... and that this 125A sub-panel will require feeders also? If it does, then I would have to re-locate some load from the main panel and distribute through this new sub-panel.
Swapping the main panel for a larger one sounds like a bigger job than adding a sub-panel, but maybe not after all is said and done.
thanks for your thoughts on this!
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