Can I run a sub-panel off of a sub-panel?

[randynavarro]

While trying to answer this for myself, I realized I've never come across this situation in the field, otherwise I'd have an answer.

Getting ready to do some damage on my place, but need some more amps in the garage. . .

[Jeff Remas]

Yes. You can run a sub panel off a sub panel then run a sub panel off of that sub panel then run 2 more sub panels off of that sub panel then a sub panel off of each of those sub panels and so on and so on and so on.

As long as your calculated loads all match and all feeders are properly wired.

[randynavarro]

So let me get this straight Jeff -

I can run a sub panel off a sub panel?

[Marc]

My practice, when I was contracting in electrical, was to keep the breaker serving the subpanel at no more than half the ampacity of the main breaker. The reason for this was to reduce the chance of a fault on the subpanel from tripping the main breaker. It's a big inconvenience to the customer when that happens.

The same plan is applied for any panel feeding off of a subpanel.

Marc

[randynavarro]

Ok then.

Thank you.

I'll be sub-paneling away soon . . .

[Jeff Remas]

So let me get this straight Jeff -

I can run a sub panel off a sub panel?

I think so, not sure but think so.[:-crazy]

[Richard Saunders]

No, you cannot. No more than you can run a main panel off of a main panel. A sub panel off of a sub panel would be a sub sub panel, so semantically it is not possible to run a sub panel off of a sub panel.

[plummen]

why not just install a properly sized service and panel to take care of the load if theyre all in the same area? then you can feed the garage panel directly from there,or am i missing something here?

[randynavarro]

why not just install a properly sized service and panel to take care of the load if theyre all in the same area? then you can feed the garage panel directly from there,or am i missing something here?

Thanks for trying - you're not missing anything.

I'm getting ready to rip out the original service for a major remodel. However, before I do that, I need to get more power to the garage in order to start and complete the remodel. You know, power tools, tablesaw etc..

So, I need new sub to the garage and then I'll upgrade the main service at the house.