Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an Exciting Investment Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an exciting investment that adds value and flexibility to your property. However, one of the biggest questions homeowners face is whether installing a subpanel will be sufficient or if a full electrical panel upgrade is necessary. The answer depends on your ADU’s electrical demands and your existing panel’s capacity.
Understanding Electrical Panel Capacity Every home electrical system is rated by its amperage capacity, typically 100 amps, 200 amps, or higher. The amperage represents how much electricity your home can safely handle at one time. When building an ADU, it is crucial to evaluate whether your existing panel can support the additional electrical load or if it will require an upgrade.
When a Subpanel Is Enough A subpanel is often the simplest and most cost-effective solution when your existing electrical panel has enough capacity to handle your ADU’s additional load. In this scenario, the subpanel simply distributes power from your main panel to your ADU, providing a convenient way to control circuits in the new living space.
Choosing the Right Electrical Electrical Panel For ADUs
When You Need a Full Panel Upgrade There are cases where your ADU’s electrical demand will exceed your existing panel’s capacity, making an upgrade to a 200-amp or even a 400-amp panel necessary. Some examples include:
High-power appliances like electric stoves or HVAC systems
Multiple circuits for kitchen and laundry equipment
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
Assessing Your ADU’s Power Needs Each circuit breaker is rated to handle a specific amount of current. During the planning phase, we assess the number and type of appliances your ADU will have:
Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwave)
Heating and cooling systems
Laundry machines
Adding up these loads helps determine if your current panel can handle the additional circuits or if a subpanel can manage the ADU’s needs. If the total exceeds your main panel’s capacity, an upgrade becomes necessary.
Section: Scenarios Requiring a 400-Amp Panel Even with a 200-amp panel, certain scenarios can push your system to its limits:
Large ADU with multiple appliances
ADU paired with a home addition
High-demand systems like hot tubs or heavy-duty HVAC
In these cases, upgrading to a 400-amp panel might be the best solution. The upgrade process involves increasing the electrical supply from your utility provider and installing a larger panel to handle your home and ADU’s combined power needs.
Section: Outdoor and Special Power Considerations Outdoor installations can significantly affect your power requirements. Considerations include:
Exterior lighting
Outdoor kitchens
Electric patio heaters
These additions contribute to your overall electrical load and should be factored into your panel evaluation.
Trust LAProElectrical for Your ADU Panel Solutions
Trust LAProElectrical for Your ADU Panel Solutions At LAProElectrical, we specialize in panel upgrades and subpanel installations tailored to ADU construction and home expansions. Our licensed electricians evaluate your current setup, calculate your total power demand, and recommend the best solution to ensure your ADU and home function safely and efficiently.
Don’t risk under-powering your ADU. Let LAProElectrical ensure your electrical system is built to meet your needs today and in the future.
