# How to Determine How Much a Sub Panel Can Handle
Electricity powers our laptops, music players, televisions, coffee makers, and heating appliances. It's delivered by a utility from large-gauge wires located outside. It's then divided into individual branch circuits at the distribution panel and sent to each room in a home. A sub panel is used if the main distribution panel is full, or if another smaller panel is needed for another area of the home or for a shed. Each panel is rated for its maximum amp capacity.
Instructions
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1
Look on the sub panel for its specifications. They're typically located on the cover, in the center of the panel.
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2
Record the maximum amp capacity and suitable wire types. Wire types are commonly copper (Cu) and/or aluminum (Al).
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3
Look at the main breaker that's protecting the panel for its amp rating. The rating of this breaker must be less than or equal to the rated amp capacity of the sub panel for a safe electrical system.
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4
Look at the wires entering the side of the panel for their wire type. This is printed on the wires' insulation. Don't touch the wires; doing so may give you an electrical shock. The wires entering the panel must be listed in the suitable wire types for a safe electrical system.
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