Do Sub-Panels (in garage) Typically Include a Main Switch?

4 years ago

Having a new home built. They will be putting a main panel (with higher Amp breakers) at bedroom end of house on outside wall. There will be a 'feeder wire' that runs from main panel to the opposite end of house thru attic to a sub-panel in the garage. The sub-panel will then have the individual 20A circuits to various household lights, wall plug circuits...

QUESTION: Do they typically also put a 'main switch' at the top of sub-panels (and all the individual 20A switches lined up below) when located far from main panel? Or is that switch something I need to specify or ask for?

(in future I want to be able to put an interlock at the sub-panel so I can add an input plug for a portable generator next to the garage for emergencies.)

thanks,

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Comments (5)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
4 years ago
Ask your electrician and let them know your future plans.
BT
4 years ago
Sub-panel is fed by a breaker in the main panel, already switched thus does not need another breaker. The only thing that required is to remove the bonding screw between neutral and ground bus bars.
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worthy
4 years ago
Simplest to arrange for the electrician to install a manual transfer switch so you can safely use a portable generator during a blackout.
rwiegand
4 years ago
Probably not typical, as it's an added expense. Your electrician can certainly provide one. I forgot to ask and now have to walk back 200 feet and down into the basement when I want to kill the power tot he subpanel in my shop. A second breaker or a switch would have been a lot more convenient!
outpaientzero
4 years ago
If the sub panel is in the same building a main breaker in the sub panel is optional, so is something you should request. If you get any resistance it's not because of code but an electrician without a panel with a main on his truck.

Remember what BT said about removing the bonding screw/strap/bar between neutral and ground. It's often overlooked by even the most experienced and qualified, and the work could be preformed by a first year apprentice.

A state electrical inspector went ballistic when he noticed I removed the bonding bar on a new sub panel feeding an auxiliary building, and after he stopped yelling at me I quoted the code section and said I was just doing what the "code" required. Without even an oh he dropped the bonding bar and turned to my earth ground telling me I needed to drive in another rod next to the one I put in, WTF!