How To Install a Sub Panel Start to Finish!

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Ben, I know this video was three years ago, but man, it's a lifesaver. I recently had to wire a new shed, and I couldn't have gotten the sub-panel in the right way without it. I have a friend who used to be an inspector in a neighboring county, and he came to look it over before it gets inspected next week, and he told me that my wiring was better than some electrician's stuff he'd seen. All that is because of you. Thank you!

I went on wire jobs with my dad when I was 4 years old. I'd pick up all the knock outs and thought I was rich with all that coin in my pockets.

Hands-down best subpanel installation video on YouTube. Thoroughly explained in a clear and concise manner, and some of the dry comedic relief had me rolling. Great job sir! Exceptional!

Thanks! I successfully wired my subpanel and ran about 80' of wire and it was probably about 90% due to the information you provided in this and other videos. So fun learning and really felt great when I turned everything on and nothing exploded and all my tests and checks went perfect.. thanks to all of the helpful commenters as well.. I followed every piece of advice I could find.

For the most part you do considerably better then some journeyman and I very impressed with your level of self taught education. But some points to consider. 1) Consider a LR #2 (Locked Recess) driver. I believe some people call it a Robertson. 2) You showed EMT from the panel to the ceiling and you installed PVC. This is NEC for the physical protection of NM cable below 8'. And I would never run NM down a conduit without a connector to protect the wire. Most AHJ's would require a pipe to NM connector transition connector. 3) This next one would be a point of debate among electricians on your placement of the 1/2 PVC conduit. Myself I always work from the outside in. Reason is that when I come back to install another conduit or 2, conductors are not in my way and subject to physical damage when removing knock outs or fishing in new cable. 4) I NEVER loop my wires in a panel. It is messy. Industrial maintenance people would do this because they where constantly moving machines and motors and such. In a commercial or a residential application the odds moving that breaker in the next 20 years or so is extremely unlikely. And it makes it way more difficult to add new circuits. 5) On the neutral and ground bars I never run my wire wild thru. If there is a piece sticking thru I nip it short after installation so it is nice and clean and no sharp objects sticking thru. 6) In the video NEVER make up the main breaker first....what happens if your working with a partner, or breaker is bad or you catch it with another wire and you energize that breaker? It creates a deadly situation. Phase conductors are always last. Order of landing conductors is ground, neutral and phase. this is for your safely so a ground is established for your safety. If for some reason you had to disconnect hot then reverse order (Phase, neutral (Potential Load) and ground) is the correct method. 7) PVC inside a building i almost never do. CODE does not say you can't but some jurisdictions it is. If there is a fire PVC can emit toxic gases. 8) Always tell your subscribers every video to Check State and Local addendum's to the code that have been passed. The NEC is the bases, Local and state can regulate above and beyond the code. I say this as a legal stand point so you don't come in conflict with another city, state code addendum and your subscribers. All in all your bases of understanding surpasses most journeyman.

Ben, for being only 16 years old, you are pretty knowledgeable! What a great teacher you are. Talented and humble at the same time. Incredible combination! (Steady camera and no dumb music is appreciated) Good luck to you.

Unlike many DYI YouTube videos, you actually SHOW what you are doing along with your comments. Great camera work. Oh yes, the sound is also excellent. Thank You

Thanks for posting this video. I just finished installing a sub panel in my house and your video was absolutely essential to my success with that project. If I hadn't come across your video, I probably would not have been able to do this. You walked me through all of the steps and helped me to make sure I had everything I needed for this project. Really terrific video!

This is the most thorough video for a sub panel I’ve come across. Thank you.

Love your videos and Electrical work! My dad was a master electrician for 40+ years and I worked many jobs with him both as a kid and adult. He passed away from cancer in 09:( and now I do all my electrical jobs with my two sons:). Your way of teaching is excellent and reminds me of my dad:) I love all things electrical!! Keep the videos coming. I'm definitely a fan!!

Great video. I really appreciate how precise, organized and clear your work. No stuttering, stammering or searching. Great job dude.

Our Canadian electrical code requires the main breaker to be in separate main panel metal section, with no load breaker wires feeding through main breaker enclosure. This would make working safe when main power is turned off. I like you showing the wiggle wire when tightening stranded . Very good teacher.

Great job! Super informative and you explain things very clearly! I've been in the industrial instrument and electrical trade for over 25 years. It's nice to see young guys picking up the trade and mastering it. My only advice is to always verify zero energy using a meter, saved me a few times. Great job!

Ben, Coming from a career mechanical engineer, MBA Ohio State, and military jet pilot and instructor. Exposed to lots of public speaking training and experience including "charm school where they teach you how to Teach". ---- Probably one of the best how-to videos I've ever seen ! ----- Not only was the tech top-notch, continually emphasizing turning the power on and off and calling out the Hot lugs was fantastic. THANKS. Good job.

Dude, well done! Even my wife sitting over there on the couch commented how direct and concise you were. Right to the point. Nice bits of family comedy weren't a distraction either. Keep it up young man!

Ben!!! You steely eyed bastard I love ya. Watched the video went to home depot and two hours later i was wiring up dedicated curcuits for my garage workshop!!!!! Your the man. I have a 200 amp main and added the same exact sub panel you did with a 60 amp breaker from the main.

The best DIY sub panel install video that I've seen. Excellent job.

I like your style, you're actually a great educator and you voice is not annoying, which allowed me to listen without being annoyed. Great job.

As a former maintenance manager at a major food processing plant I would have used this video and comments as an educational video. We provided specific NFPA 70E training to our state licensed electricians but what this video shows is industrial or residential is regulated by the NFPA. Good stuff guys. Carry on.