Often one of the reasons for using a subpanel is to minimize the length of runs of NM cable and to bring the circuit breakers nearer to the point of use to simplify shutting off or resetting of the breakers.

I have a 100A subpanel in my garage that is at least 40' away feed exactly as you think with steel conduit and sufficient conductors.

So it's more convenient to have access to both boxes - perhaps next to each other - and longer home runs? That seems like a very rational and sound reason. I'm not sure I have enough room to install a sub-panel right next to my service panel, but I can get it very close by - thus minimizing the amount of feeder wires and steel conduit. I'll have to double-check my location of service panel and see where space may be available for the sub-panel.

Thanks for the reply. -redjr

This post was edited by redowns on Fri, Feb 7, 14 at 9:41

In my old house I had one sub panel next to the panel (mostly done to get enough spaces to put sub panel feeders in) and another in the garage-turned-workshop.

In my new house I have no "main panel" really. There's a gigantic 400A disconnect switch on the utility ahead of the ATS for the generator. Then there's a "main" sub panel and several satellite "subpanels" around the house.

So it's more convenient to have access to both boxes - perhaps next to each other - and longer home runs?

Actually, I think they were saying the opposite. It's more convenient to have the subpanel closer to where the circuits are actually used.

Yes, I have two 200A panels in my basement at each end of the house. One is for the living areas and HVAC; the other is kitchen/laundry area. One of those in turn feeds a 100A panel in my garage.

You are correct. I went back and re-read the reply. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I am loosing my mind! :(
Edit.. Is there any point in discussing the cost of each?

This post was edited by redowns on Fri, Feb 7, 14 at 14:24

It's much likely to be cheaper to keep the sub-panel close to the main panel than near the service locations. But it can be very inconvenient.

For example, in a spec home I built with a separate basement apartment, I ran Teck armoured cable to a subpanel in the basement. It's not easy stuff to work with when you have to twist and turn it behind framing.

My question is WHY are you wanting to run metal conduit in a basement???

I don't know why you think it would be cheaper (even in Canada). One big cable is likely to be cheaper than tons of small ones both in labo(u)r and the fact that there's going to be excess copper involved (the ampacity of the feeder is less than the aggregate ampacities of the branch circuits in the sub panel).

"My question is WHY are you wanting to run metal conduit in a basement???"

I'm never said I wanted to run conduit. I'm asking for the better/convenient option - which may include conduit. As I understand Connecticut code when you are using single #2/3 gauge wires they must be encased in steel conduit.

The essence of my question is.. if I locate the sub-panel closer to the circuits than I have to run either the very thick #2, or #3 gauge, 4-conductor cable to the sub, or install conduit and run 4 individual wires which are much easier to work with. No? This is my first time installing a sub-panel hence my question.

If I install the sub inches from the main panel all of this is moot, but then I have to run more 15 and 20 amp home runs for each circuit. Right? Am I not making myself clear?

This post was edited by redowns on Sun, Feb 9, 14 at 17:17

"I ran Teck armoured cable to a subpanel in the basement. It's not easy stuff to work with when you have to twist and turn it behind framing."

Can you be more specific about the Teck cable? What gauge/amp rating was it and I'm assuming it was 4-conductor. LInk? Since I'm installing a 100-amp service panel as my sub-panel (for more circuits), does not the feeder cable need to support at least 99.9 amps steady current without melting or tripping the breaker? Not that it would ever pull that much continuous current.

"I'm never said I wanted to run conduit."

You kinda did. Twice.

Putting the sub-panel closer to the loads (as opposed to next to the main) is a big benefit, on several levels. This is what has been said several times in this thread.

You can feed the sub with whatever feeder you want, but at least 30A. The panel size almost does not matter. It's the calculated (or actual) load that matters.

Be aware that when you are figuring out the size of the sub panel that you need, you don't add up all of the amps of the circuits you are going to install to come up with the size.

If you are only going to have 6-8 circuits in your sub panel, a 100a feeder seems excessive. Especially if those circuits are just 15a 120v circuits.

So you'll have to figure out the proper size of the sub panel before you start doing a cost comparison.

(Edited to say: Never mind, I just saw that you started another thread to discuss this issue)

This post was edited by greg_2010 on Mon, Feb 10, 14 at 9:51

Well, I have metal conduit in my basement. Personal choice I guess.

I forgot to ask for a disconnect on the subpanel in my barn, so now I have to trudge back to the house and into the basement (uphill both ways, and in the snow) whenever I want to kill the power to the subpanel to do any work on it.

SER cable

I've got eight subpanels (there's no real "main" panel as the service disconnect isn't a panel). It's advantagenous to put the panel closer to the loads. You use less wire and can get by with smaller wires.

Then there's the convenience factor not having to go far away to get to the breaker.