Now that my detached garage sub-panel is complete, I'm looking for my next project. When I hooked up the feeders to the new-subpanel, I found my older Challenger main panel a mess. Everything was hooked up correctly inside, but it looked like a rat's nest since every single pole breaker was a slim breaker. In addition, I only have 2 open breakers left and nothing open on the neutral/grounding bars. I plan on adding some new outlets to the basement along with some outdoor outlets in the future. Once I do this, my main breaker box will be 100% full.

I am looking at 2 options:

1. Install a Sub-panel near the main panel
2. Replace the existing main panel with a new main panel

Option #1 poses a problem in that there is really no good location to install the sub-panel near the main panel. I could mount it on the other side of the basement. In addition, it doesn't help "clean up" the main panel.

Option #2 would work out best in that I could re-use and clean up all the existing wiring and get a bigger 100 Amp panel, which will give me plenty of room for expansion. The only problem is the disconnecting the main feeders that come into the house.

Is there somewhere that I can kill power going into the house or will I need to hire an electrician if I go with Option #2? I am 100% confident I can do all the work in either option except for disconnecting the main feeders.

Thanks for the help.

 

Nevermind, I found the answer to my own question.