What's the cost difference between a main breaker panel and a main lug panel for a garage sub-panel installation?

For a garage sub-panel installation in the GTA, you'll want a main lug panel, which typically costs $50-150 less than a main breaker panel of the same size. Main lug panels are the correct and code-compliant choice for sub-panels since the main breaker protection is already provided at your house's main panel.

Main Lug vs Main Breaker Panel Costs:
A 60A main lug sub-panel runs $200-400 for the equipment, while a 60A main breaker panel costs $250-550. For a 100A sub-panel, expect $300-500 for main lug versus $400-650 for main breaker. The price difference reflects the additional main breaker hardware and mechanisms in the main breaker version.

Why Main Lug is Correct for Garage Sub-Panels:
Main lug panels receive power through lugs (connection points) rather than a built-in main breaker. This is exactly what you want for a sub-panel because the overcurrent protection comes from the feeder breaker in your main house panel. Installing a main breaker panel as a sub-panel creates redundant protection and violates Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements for proper grounding and bonding in sub-panel installations.

Complete Garage Sub-Panel Installation Costs:
The panel itself is just one component. A complete 60A garage sub-panel installation in the GTA typically runs $1,200-2,000, including the main lug panel ($200-400), 8/3 or 6/3 copper wire for the feeder circuit ($3-8 per foot depending on run length), 60A breaker for your main panel ($25-40), conduit and fittings for underground or overhead run ($2-5 per foot), grounding electrode and wire, ESA permit ($150-250), and labour for trenching, wire pulling, and connections.

GTA-Specific Considerations:
Many Toronto-area garages are detached and require underground wiring, which means TECK cable or wire in PVC conduit buried 18 inches deep. Frost heave from our freeze-thaw cycles can shift underground conduit over time, so proper installation with expansion fittings is crucial. If you're planning EV charger installation in the garage, size the sub-panel for future expansion — a 100A sub-panel provides capacity for a Level 2 EV charger (40-50A) plus garage outlets, lighting, and workshop equipment.

When You Need Professional Help:
Sub-panel installation requires an ESA permit and licensed electrician. The work involves calculating load requirements, sizing the feeder circuit properly, installing correct grounding and bonding, coordinating with Toronto Hydro if service entrance modifications are needed, and ensuring all connections meet code requirements. Improper sub-panel installation can create serious safety hazards including electrocution risk and fire hazards from incorrect grounding.

Need help finding a licensed electrician for your garage sub-panel project? Toronto Electrical Repair can match you with local professionals through the Toronto Construction Network for free estimates.