- RAISE THE STANDARD.. EVERY JOB.. EVERY TIME!
Bay City
- (989) 778-2500
Traverse City
- (989) 778-2500
- RAISE THE STANDARD.. EVERY JOB.. EVERY TIME!
- (989) 778-2500
- (231) 778-2501
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Bay City
Traverse City
If your main panel is maxed out or you’re expanding your home, adding a workshop, hot tub, EV charger, or finished basement, you may not need to replace your entire electrical service. A sub panel can safely extend your system and give you room to grow.
At BTE Electric, we help homeowners understand when a sub panel is the right choice—and when it’s not. Whether you need installation, repair, or an upgrade, our licensed electricians will give you straight answers and safe solutions.
A sub panel is a secondary electrical panel that branches off from your main service panel. It allows you to create dedicated circuits in another part of your home or property without overloading your main panel.
Think of it as a “satellite panel” that gives you localized control, additional breaker space, and room to expand—without tearing out your existing setup.
ANSWER: We often get asked:
“Can I just add more breakers to my main panel?”
In some cases, yes. But when your main panel is full, overloaded, or far from the area needing power, a sub panel is the better—and safer—solution.
You may need a sub panel if you’re:
Sub panels aren’t just about convenience. They’re about keeping your system balanced, code-compliant, and scalable.
ANSWER: The cost of a sub panel depends on the size, location, and the complexity of the installation. On average:
BTE always provides clear, upfront pricing—and we’ll walk you through whether a sub panel is the best investment, or if you’re better off with a service upgrade.
ANSWER: A sub panel adds capacity for specific areas, relying on the main panel for power. A main panel upgrade increases your entire home’s capacity (e.g., from 100A to 200A). Sub panels are cheaper and targeted, but if your main panel is outdated, an upgrade may be needed first. We’ll help you choose the right option for your needs.
ANSWER: When you hire Bierlein-Trombley Electric for sub panel work, you’re getting more than just a box with breakers. Our full installation includes:
We never cut corners on grounding, bonding, or feeder wire sizing—because that’s where safety starts.
ANSWER:
Can a sub panel be in a garage or basement?
Yes—sub panels can go in any accessible location, as long as there’s enough clearance and it’s not a “wet” area like a bathroom.
Do I need a disconnect at the sub panel?
Not always. It depends on the location and amperage. For detached structures, a main disconnect is usually required—we’ll handle all the code compliance for you.
Can I install a sub panel myself?
Legally, yes. But sub panel installs involve critical grounding and bonding decisions that, if done wrong, can be a fire or shock hazard. It’s one of the most common DIY mistakes we see.
ANSWER: At Bierlein-Trombley Electric, we’re your local power experts, dedicated to your home’s safety and efficiency. Here’s why we’re trusted:
Homeowners trust us for sub panel installs because:
Whether you’re planning a project, out of breaker space, or just want room to grow, a properly installed sub panel can make your home’s electrical system future-ready. Call BTE Electric today for a free estimate.
We’ll walk you through your options, explain the costs clearly, and help you get the extra power your home needs—safely and professionally.