---
title: "What Is Subpanel? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A subpanel is a smaller panel fed from the main panel. It adds circuits in a garage, shop or addition without a second utility service."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/subpanel
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Panels and service

# Subpanel

A subpanel is a smaller panel fed from the main panel. It adds circuits in a garage, shop or addition without a second utility service.

A subpanel gets its power through a feeder from the main panel, then splits it into new circuits closer to where they are used. Southwire notes that underground feeder cable suits separate buildings with sub-panels, such as a garage, shed or pump house.

The main panel must have room for the extra load, so a [load calculation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation) comes first. A subpanel is still a [breaker panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/breaker-panel) with live parts inside. A licensed electrician should install it. See [panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement).

[Daniel Electric can helpElectrical panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement)

## Related terms

-   [Breaker panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/breaker-panel)
-   [Main breaker](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/main-breaker)
-   [Load calculation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation)
-   [Panelboard](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/panelboard)

## Sources

1.  [Southwire: Building Wire and Cable](https://assets.southwire.com/adaptivemedia/rendition?id=689cc1caa2600137129cb72b8b5ea8ba2ca3bdcd&prid=origin&clid=SAPDAM)
2.  [U.S. Department of Energy: DOE Handbook, Electrical Safety (DOE-HDBK-1092-98)](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/DOE-HDBK-1092-98.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)