Finishing Subpanel Install (Questions)

try metric hardware

check for loose / intermittent connection or faulty toggle switch or faulty lamp sockets.

insuficient data. if in the US it most likely could be 220 single phase or

As for the lamps twinkling might also be a loose connection some where.

Check with the manufacture for replacement screws.

Sometimes you just have to use whatever works. I've used ordinary sheet metal screws with the point cut off, but you really shouldn't. I'd rethread the 10-32's if you have the tap and screws already. Make sure that they aren't too long - you don't want them sticking into any wires.

Make sure it isn't the neutral to ground strap, if this is a subpanel you already have the neutral grounded at the main panel. If you're talking 2 neutral bars that are on each side of the panel and need to be hooked to each other, then they should be connected. If this is true though, all the 120v circuits on the side that the main neutral is not connected to should not work.

You would never have 2 or more broken bulbs going off simultaniously. Are they screwed in securely? I've seen that problem.When they go out do you hear a sizzling noise from the light bulb? Could be anything from a faulty switch to a faulty wire splice. If they worked fine before you had your subpanel installed, I'd look more into the subpanel.

Typically in Canada (and I believe the states) you have a 240/120v house service. You should have 4 wires from your main to your sub. The 2 colored are your hot and have 240v between them (usually red and black). The white is your neutral and will have 120v from it to each colored wire. The green or bare is your ground and would have 120v from it to each colored wire.

The wires should be 3/0 but could be 2/0 if it's the main service (canadian code exception). That's assuming that you have a 200A breaker also.