Electrical Subpanel Repair
Gragg Electrical Services provides expert electrical subpanel repair to ensure your distributed power is safe. Our licensed electricians in East Canton, OH troubleshoot and fix all subpanel issues correctly.

Top Electrical Subpanel Repair Service in East Canton, OH
A subpanel is a smaller, secondary electrical panel that requires the same professional attention as your main service. Gragg Electrical Services offers specialized repair services for all types of electrical subpanels. Whether your subpanel is in a detached garage, a workshop, or a large home addition, our electricians can resolve any issue. We handle problems like tripping breakers, signs of overheating, or faulty wiring connections. Our team understands the specific code requirements for subpanels, such as the separation of grounds and neutrals. We ensure all repairs are performed safely and correctly to restore proper function. For any subpanel problem in East Canton, rely on our expertise. We are committed to the safety and integrity of every part of your electrical system.
Financing Available For
Electrical Subpanel Repair
We offer flexible financing options to make your electrical subpanel repair more affordable. Spread the cost over manageable monthly payments without delaying the reliability of your electrical system. Ask us about our quick approval process and competitive rates today.
FREE ESTIMATES
We provide free estimates with clear pricing and honest recommendations to help you make informed decisions.
24/7 EMERGENCY ELECTRICIAN
Our team is available for emergency electrical repairs any time, day or night, to restore safety and power for your family / business.
lIFETIME GUARANTEE
Our work is backed by a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee to give you long-term peace of mind and reliable performance.
Electrical Subpanel Repair
An electrical subpanel acts as a remote distribution hub, extending your home’s electrical capacity to a specific area like a garage, workshop, or a large addition. Just like your main panel, a subpanel can develop problems over time that require professional repair. The electricians at Gragg Electrical Services are proficient in diagnosing and repairing all issues related to subpanels. From incorrect wiring to failing breakers, we have the expertise to handle the job safely. We understand that a faulty subpanel can pose the same risks as a faulty main panel. Our focus is on restoring the safety and functionality of your remote power distribution system with precision and care.
One of the most critical aspects of subpanel repair is ensuring it is wired correctly relative to the main panel. A common and dangerous mistake found in improperly installed subpanels is the bonding of the neutral and ground bars. In a subpanel, these two bars must be kept separate, with the ground bar bonded to the panel’s metal enclosure and the neutral bar floating or isolated. This is a key difference from a main panel. Our electricians can correct this common but hazardous wiring error, ensuring your grounding system functions correctly and preventing stray current from traveling on the ground wires.
We also frequently repair issues related to the feeder circuit that supplies power to the subpanel. This heavy-duty cable runs from a breaker in your main panel to the main lugs of the subpanel. A loose connection at either end of this feeder can cause serious problems, including voltage drops, flickering lights in the area served by the subpanel, and dangerous overheating. Our electricians can inspect these connections, tighten them to the proper torque, and repair any heat-damaged wiring. If the feeder cable itself is undersized for the load it serves, we can replace it with a properly gauged wire.
Like any electrical panel, the circuit breakers within a subpanel can also fail. They can wear out over time, become weak, and start to trip unnecessarily. Conversely, they can fail to trip during an overload, creating a fire hazard. We can test the breakers in your subpanel and replace any that are found to be faulty. We will replace them with the correct type and brand of breaker specified for your particular subpanel, ensuring a safe and reliable fit. We can also troubleshoot the branch circuits leaving the subpanel to determine if frequent trips are being caused by a wiring fault rather than a bad breaker.
Another common repair involves upgrading a subpanel that has run out of space. If a subpanel was installed years ago for a small workshop, but you have since added more tools and circuits, you may find that the panel is completely full. In some cases, we can free up space by using space-saver or tandem breakers, if the panel is listed for them. If not, the best solution is often to replace the small subpanel with a new, larger one that has more circuit capacity. This provides the space you need for your current loads and for any future expansion.
Physical damage or corrosion can also necessitate a subpanel repair. A subpanel located in a damp basement or an outbuilding can be susceptible to moisture intrusion. This can cause rust and corrosion on the bus bars and breaker connections, leading to poor conductivity and overheating. We can replace a damaged or corroded subpanel with a new enclosure that is properly rated for the environment it is in, such as a weather-resistant NEMA 3R panel for outdoor or damp locations. This ensures the long-term durability and safety of the installation.
All of our subpanel repairs are performed with the highest commitment to safety and code compliance. Our licensed electricians will de-energize the subpanel’s feeder breaker in the main panel before beginning any work. We will ensure that all wiring is correct, all connections are secure, and that the subpanel has a proper equipment grounding conductor running back to the main panel. A properly installed and maintained subpanel is a safe and convenient way to distribute power throughout your property. Trust Gragg Electrical Services to keep yours in perfect working order.
Very satisfied with quality of service and work will use Gragg for any further electrical work.
Service was quick and complete. I will definitely use them again for my electrical needs.
Excellent, friendly service. Fair price. Mike W. Did a great job!! Thank you
Mike was our technician and he did an outstanding job. He showed up on time, was diligent and solve our problem. I would highly recommend.
Cory was very professional when he arrived. He was respectful of our home and explained the new safety requirements that are now included in their work. I feel very confident working with Gragg.
Mike did an awesome job on our estimate! Was extremely thorough and helped me understand the whole process!
Cory was very knowledgeable and friendly about answering questions, I don’t know the ins and outs about home electricity. We went through the inspection in detail and gave an easy to understand explanation about what is needed. I recommend these folks to anyone looking for a home electrician.
The website is amazing and user friendly! Customer service was outstanding and courteous. Corey was very informative, knowledgeable, polite and prompt. I will be calling Gragg for future electrical work and referring others.
Dr. Frankenstein could take some notes from Kyle and Cam at Gragg Electric, who did an amazing job resurrecting our ancient generator from the dead. Kyle’s customer service was phenomenal. Brittany (hopefully that’s how it’s spelled; my apologies if it’s “Britneigh”) who scheduled the appointment was incredibly friendly and helpful. Cost was reasonable and what I would expect from the service rendered. I would definitely recommend Gragg Electric to others, and I will be having them back for my next electric project!
Great employee that came to our house. The gentleman told us exactly what we needed and why. Answered any questions we had. Great experience!
Mike and his team were able to finish a panel install and completed multiple fixes. Will definitely recommend to others.
Fantastic service! Highly recommend Gragg Electric. Affordable and reliable! Thanks for providing the necessary upgrades we needed.
Andrew and Harley put in an overhead light in my grandma’s living room. They were thorough, double checked and gave us options when something unexpected popped up, and were very kind to my grandma. Highly recommend for their timeliness, excellent communication and friendliness.
Had Mike come do the quote and it was fast and great service. Asked if he himself could come do the final work just from how thorough he was with everything. Highly recommend him.
He was quick and very noligable. Very nice and polite and gets the job done.
Had a great experience kind very professional they did a great job fixing our sign
This company is very nice. Everything went over smoothly and the pricing is reasonable. Thank you Cory for taking your time to find the issue. We finally have working outlets. I definitely recommend.
These guys are great! They were able to fit me in next day for loss power in one our rooms (open neutral). Cory was knowledgeable and professional during his visit. while troubleshooting, he was able to narrow down what might be the cause of the problem. I said "might" because he was not able to access the attic to search for a junction box, to validate his suspicion. I have attic access in the garage but the way the hvac was installed there is no way to get where the connections are. So now i am removing the broken whole house fan so I can have access to those junctions. $150 was worth the visit to help me get closer to finding this open neutral.
I called Gragg Electric because I had discovered that the old 60 amp fuse box that powers my clothes dryer was worn out. Mike came to my house, accessed the situation, came up with the best fix, went and purchased all the materials he needed and came back immediately and installed everything for a very reasonable price.The entire process took just less than 3 hours. Mike did a fantastic job and was totally professional and congenial and gave be advice on afew of my future projects. I could not more satisfied.
They had a tech out to handle my issue within an hour of my same day call. Mike W was knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend this local company.
This was the first place I called but Brittany at the office was extremely accommodating and stayed in contact with me throughout the day to get one of their electricians to my house same day. Cory is extremely knowledgeable and easy to talk to about any concerns. Our home was built in the 80s and there are a lot of what feels like odd decisions made with the electrical layout of our house. Cory helped diagnose a few of those quirks and we will definitely be sleeping easier now that we know there aren’t any major issues. The estimate for upgrading our panel and service was fair for today’s market.
Came out and did quote for free. Super friendly. No complaints. Would use again
Gragg Electrical Service has some very nice employees working for them. A very knowledgeable group of employees who always get any job done right! Very good prices on top of everything else. Highly recommended.
Zac did a great job with installing a new panel and dryer circuit for us at my home in Massillon. Gragg was prompt and the price was fair. We will be using Gragg in the future.
Corey did a great job he was fast efficient and very polite. I highly recommend
When my utility pole with my electric meter on it got pulled down by an Ohio edison street pole, Gragg electric was the only company that stepped up and got the job done the same day they received my message. Communication with Brittany was wonderful. I will not hesitate in the future to call them again. Great job guys!
I had lights flickering and the Breaker Box was making a sizzling noise! I had never used this company before but after reading their reviews I decided to give them a call. Brittney was polite, professional, courteous, and personable. They were able to squeeze me in, same day, due to my emergency. Mike arrived on time. He was very professional, personable, and he explained every step of the way so that I could follow along. I WILL be contacting them soon for further work that has to be done! Very affordable, reliable, and thorough.
Mike fixed the problem in no time at all. He went the extra mile and double checked all the other outlets, as well! I’m very grateful. Thanks, Mike!
Years in business
5-Star Reviews
satisfied clients
Jobs Completed
Most Common Electrical Subpanel Repair Questions
Subpanels are a common feature in larger homes and properties with outbuildings, but they can be a source of confusion. Understanding their function and potential issues is key to maintenance. Here are answers to the most common questions about electrical subpanel repair.
The primary purpose of a subpanel is to serve as a convenient, secondary point of power distribution for a specific area of your property that is located at a distance from your main electrical panel. Think of it as a satellite breaker box. For example, if you have a detached garage or workshop, it is much more practical and cost-effective to install a subpanel in that building. An electrician can run a single, large feeder cable from the main panel in your house to the subpanel in the garage. This single feeder then powers the subpanel, which in turn distributes power to multiple individual circuits for the lights, outlets, and tools in that building.
This approach is far more efficient than running numerous separate circuits all the way from the house to the outbuilding. It saves on wiring costs and simplifies the installation. Subpanels are also commonly used in very large houses. If a home has a large addition, a finished basement with a kitchen, or an in-law suite, a subpanel might be installed in that area. This makes it much more convenient to reset a tripped breaker, as you do not have to walk all the way back to the main panel which could be on a different floor or at the other end of the house.
Another key purpose of a subpanel is to expand the circuit capacity of your home when the main panel is full. If your main panel has no more physical slots for new breakers, but the overall service capacity is still sufficient, a subpanel can be installed right next to the main panel. A feeder from the main panel powers the subpanel, which then provides the additional breaker spaces needed for new circuits. This is often a more economical solution than replacing the entire main panel, assuming a load calculation permits it.
The separation of the ground and neutral conductors in a subpanel is a critical and non-negotiable safety rule in the National Electrical Code. In the main electrical service panel, and only in the main panel, the neutral bar and the ground bar are connected together with a screw or strap called the main bonding jumper. This is the single point in the entire system where these two conductors are bonded. Every panel downstream from the main panel, which includes all subpanels, must have its ground and neutral bars completely separate and isolated from one another. This is fundamental for the proper functioning of the grounding system.
The reason for this rule is to prevent objectionable and hazardous current from flowing on the equipment grounding conductors. The neutral wire is a normal current-carrying conductor; it is the return path for all the electricity used by your 120-volt appliances. The ground wire, on the other hand, is purely a safety wire. It should never carry any current during normal operation. If you were to improperly bond the neutral and ground bars together in a subpanel, you would create a parallel path for the neutral current to flow back to the main panel. This means that the metal grounding wires and the metal conduit of the subpanel’s feeder would become normal current-carrying conductors.
This is dangerous for two main reasons. First, it can create a shock hazard. The metal casings of appliances and fixtures are connected to the ground wire, and they could become energized with stray voltage. Second, it can interfere with the proper operation of safety devices like GFCIs and AFCIs, which rely on the separation of ground and neutral to detect faults. When our electricians repair or install a subpanel, one of the first and most important things we verify is that the grounds and neutrals are properly separated and that the neutral bar is not bonded to the panel’s enclosure.
It can be very difficult for a homeowner to know if a subpanel is wired incorrectly, as many of the most critical errors are internal to the panel. This is why you should always have a licensed electrician install or inspect a subpanel. However, there are some external warning signs that might indicate a problem. If the breakers in the subpanel trip frequently, or if the lights and outlets fed by the subpanel flicker or work intermittently, it could be a sign of a loose connection in the feeder wiring or improper connections within the panel itself. A buzzing sound coming from the subpanel is also a serious warning sign of arcing.
One of the most common DIY mistakes is the improper bonding of grounds and neutrals, as previously discussed. Another common error is using the wrong type of feeder cable. A subpanel requires a 4-wire feeder cable containing two hot wires, one neutral wire, and a separate equipment grounding wire. Some DIY installers improperly use a 3-wire cable (like one used for an old dryer circuit), which does not provide the necessary separate ground path. This creates an unsafe and ungrounded subpanel. The feeder breaker in the main panel and the feeder wire gauge must also be properly sized for the subpanel’s load.
The best way to know if your subpanel is wired correctly is to have it inspected by a qualified electrician from Gragg Electrical Services. We can safely open the panel and perform a thorough inspection. We will verify that the grounds and neutrals are separated, that a proper 4-wire feeder is used, that all connections are tight, and that the panel is properly grounded and bonded. If you have a subpanel in your home, especially if you suspect it was not installed by a professional, a safety inspection is a wise investment.
Yes, if the subpanel is located in a separate, detached building like a garage, workshop, or barn, then the National Electrical Code requires it to have its own grounding electrode system. This typically means installing one or two grounding rods at the detached building and connecting them to the ground bar inside the subpanel. The purpose of this local grounding electrode is to protect against potential differences in voltage between the two buildings, especially during a nearby lightning strike. It helps to keep the electrical potential of the two separate buildings equalized.
It is critical to understand that this local ground rod is a supplemental ground. It does not replace the need for the equipment grounding conductor that runs back to the main panel. The subpanel must still be fed with a 4-wire feeder cable that includes this equipment ground wire. The equipment ground wire is what provides the low-impedance path needed to clear a fault and trip a circuit breaker. The local ground rod at the detached building serves a different purpose related to lightning and voltage stabilization. Both are required for a safe and code-compliant installation.
If the subpanel is located within the same building as the main panel, such as in an upstairs addition or a basement, then it does not require its own separate ground rod. In this case, the subpanel relies on the main building’s grounding electrode system via the equipment ground wire that is part of the feeder cable. An electrician installing a subpanel will know these specific rules and will install a local grounding electrode system only when it is required by code for a detached building.
The feeder is the electrical cable that “feeds” power from the main electrical panel to the subpanel. It is a heavy-duty, multi-wire cable that acts as the umbilical cord between the two panels. The feeder originates at a large double-pole circuit breaker in the main panel. The size of this breaker determines the maximum power that the subpanel can draw. For example, a common garage subpanel might be fed from a 60-amp breaker in the main house panel. The feeder cable itself must be sized appropriately to handle this amperage, with 6-gauge copper wire being typical for a 60-amp feeder.
For any new subpanel installation, the feeder must be a 4-wire cable. This cable contains four separate conductors inside its sheath. There are two “hot” conductors, which provide the 240-volt power. There is one “neutral” conductor, which acts as the return path for 120-volt circuits. Finally, and most importantly, there is an “equipment grounding conductor,” which is the safety wire that connects the metal case of the subpanel back to the grounding system at the main panel. This 4-wire configuration is essential for a safe subpanel installation.
Repairing the feeder is a common subpanel issue. The connections at the breaker in the main panel or at the lugs in the subpanel can become loose over time, causing overheating or voltage problems. The cable itself can also be damaged. If the feeder runs underground to a detached building, it could be accidentally cut by digging. Our electricians can troubleshoot and repair feeder circuits, which may involve tightening connections, splicing a damaged section of cable in an approved junction box, or replacing the entire feeder if it is undersized or badly damaged.
No, installing or repairing a subpanel is a complex electrical task that should only be performed by a licensed electrician. This job involves working inside your main electrical panel, which contains live parts that can be fatal if touched. It also requires a deep understanding of the specific National Electrical Code rules that apply to subpanels, which are some of the most commonly misunderstood rules by amateurs. A mistake in a subpanel installation can create serious fire and shock hazards. The risks of a DIY installation far outweigh any potential cost savings.
One of the most critical errors a DIY installer makes is improperly handling the neutral and ground connections. As we’ve discussed, bonding the neutral and ground together in a subpanel is a dangerous code violation that can energize the grounding system. Another common mistake is using the wrong type of feeder cable, such as an old 3-wire range cable, which lacks the separate equipment ground conductor. Sizing the feeder breaker and wire incorrectly is another potential error. These are not simple mistakes; they are fundamental safety failures that can have severe consequences.
To ensure the safety of your home and family, always hire a professional for any work involving a subpanel. A licensed electrician will perform a load calculation to determine the correct size for the feeder, select the appropriate equipment, and install it in full compliance with all NEC requirements. The work will also require a permit and an inspection from your local building department, which a professional contractor will handle. This ensures the installation is independently verified as safe.
If the circuit breakers in your subpanel are tripping, the causes are the same as they would be in a main panel. The most common reason is a simple circuit overload. You may be running too many high-power devices, like space heaters or power tools, on a single circuit fed by the subpanel. The breaker is doing its job by tripping to prevent the wire from overheating. The solution is to redistribute your loads among different circuits or to have an electrician install a new, dedicated circuit for the high-draw equipment.
Another likely cause is a short circuit or a ground fault in the wiring or in an appliance connected to the subpanel circuit. A frayed cord on a tool or a damaged wire in an outdoor light fixture can cause a fault that will trip the breaker. If the breaker trips instantly with a snap, it is almost certainly a short circuit that needs to be located and repaired. Our electricians can troubleshoot the circuit to find the source of the fault. If the subpanel feeds outdoor circuits, a faulty GFCI breaker or outlet could also be the cause of the tripping.
It is also possible that the breaker in the subpanel itself is old or faulty and needs to be replaced. Or, less commonly, there could be an issue with the feeder supplying the subpanel from the main house, causing voltage problems that affect the circuits. If you are experiencing persistent tripping in a subpanel, it is best to have a qualified electrician investigate. We can systematically diagnose the issue to determine if it is an overload, a dangerous fault, or a problem with the panel itself, and then we can perform the appropriate repair.
Whether a subpanel needs its own main breaker depends on a few factors, primarily its location and the number of circuits it contains. If a subpanel is installed in the same building as the main service panel, it is not always required to have its own main breaker. The feeder breaker located in the main panel can serve as the disconnecting means for the entire subpanel. This is a common setup for subpanels installed right next to the main panel simply to add more circuit spaces.
However, if a subpanel contains more than six circuit breakers, the code often requires it to have a single main breaker to act as a master shut-off for that panel. This provides a quick and easy way to de-energize all the circuits fed by the subpanel at once. For this reason, most subpanels that you can buy come with a main breaker already installed. It is good practice to use a main breaker subpanel even when it is not strictly required, as it adds a layer of convenience and safety.
If the subpanel is located in a detached building, like a garage or a barn, then it is absolutely required to have a main breaker. This is a critical safety rule. It ensures that anyone in the detached building has a readily accessible means to shut off all the power to that building in an emergency without having to run back to the house. The feeder breaker back in the main house panel does not satisfy this requirement. Our electricians will always install a main breaker subpanel in any detached building to comply with this important safety code.
Work With The Top Electrical Subpanel Repair Service Near You
Contact Gragg Electrical Services for any issues with your electrical subpanel. Our licensed East Canton electricians will ensure your subpanel is repaired correctly and safely.
