- An auxiliary breaker box is an additional electrical panel that can be installed in your garage.
- It serves as a secondary point of power distribution, allowing for separate circuits and increased capacity.
- The main purpose is to provide power for any garage-specific electrical needs, such as power tools, lighting, or charging stations.
2. Advantages of an Auxiliary Breaker Box:
- Increased convenience: Having a dedicated breaker box in your garage eliminates the need to run extension cords across the house and reduces the risk of overloading existing circuits.
- Enhanced safety: By separating the garage’s electrical needs, you can minimize the chances of tripping breakers or experiencing circuit overloads.
- Future-proofing: Installing an auxiliary breaker box allows for easy expansion of electrical capacity, accommodating future needs or renovations in your garage.
Considerations Before Installation:
1. Electrical Load Calculation:
- Determine the electrical load requirements of your garage by listing all the devices and equipment that will be connected to the auxiliary breaker box.
- Calculate the amperage required for each item and total up the cumulative electrical load.
- Ensure that the amperage of the auxiliary breaker box installation exceeds the calculated load to avoid overloading the system and tripping breakers.
2. Municipal Codes and Permits:
- Before proceeding with the installation, research local building codes and permit requirements for electrical work in garages.
- It is crucial to comply with these regulations to guarantee the safety and legality of the installation.
- If necessary, consult a licensed electrician who can provide guidance and assist with obtaining the required permits.
Installation Process:
1. Planning and Preparation:
- Determine the location of the auxiliary breaker box, considering factors like accessibility, proximity to existing wiring, and clearances required.
- Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including wires, conduit, breaker panels, breakers, grounding rods (if necessary), and appropriate safety equipment.
- Turn off the main power supply to your home to ensure safety during the installation process.
2. Wiring and Connections:
- Begin by running conduit from the main breaker box to the new auxiliary breaker box’s location.
- Connect the conduit to both boxes securely, ensuring that all connections are watertight and protected.
- Install the grounding rod if necessary, driving it into the ground close to the auxiliary breaker box and connecting it to the grounding system of the main breaker box.
3. Installing the Breaker Panels and Breakers:
- Mount the auxiliary breaker panels securely, following the manufacturer’s instructions and considering adequate clearances.
- Install the breakers into the auxiliary panels, labeling each one according to its designated function.
- Connect the wires from the main breaker box to the corresponding breakers in the auxiliary panel, ensuring all connections are tight and correctly terminated.
4. Final Steps and Testing:
- Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and properly installed.
- Restore power to the main breaker box and test the functionality of each circuit in the auxiliary breaker box.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of the installation, looking for any signs of overheating, loose connections, or irregularities.
- If any issues are identified or if you are unsure about any aspect of the installation, consult a licensed electrician for professional assistance.
By installing an auxiliary breaker box in your garage, you can create a safe and efficient electrical system that caters specifically to your garage-related power needs. However, before proceeding with any electrical modifications, it is essential to consider factors such as electrical load requirements, local building codes, and safety precautions. If you have limited electrical knowledge or are unsure about any aspect of the installation process, it is always recommended to consult a licensed electrician to ensure a proper and compliant installation.