Electrical System Upgrade for ADU Project

Finally you got to a stage when your long awaited RTI plans are ready and you can start construction. Congratulations! To ensure that your new ADU will get the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), you will need to pass all necessary inspections, including LADBS electrical inspection. In order to understand whether you need to upgrade your electrical system you may want to consider the following:

1. Assess the Age of Your Electrical System: Determine the approximate age of your electrical system. If it’s older than 30 years, it may be more prone to issues and could benefit from an upgrade.
2. Evaluate Safety Concerns: Check for any safety concerns or outdated components in your electrical system. Look for signs of frayed wiring, frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, or outlets that are warm to the touch. These issues can indicate potential hazards and may require an upgrade.
3. Consider Increased Power Demand: Determine if your electrical system can handle the power demand of your current lifestyle. If you’ve added new appliances, electronics, including electric cars, you may require additional electrical capacity.
4. Review Building Codes and Regulations: California Energy Commission (CEC) updates the Energy Code every three years. On August 11, 2021, the CEC adopted the 2022 Energy Code. In December, it was approved by the California Building Standards Commission for inclusion into the California Building Standards Code. The 2022 Energy Code encourages efficient electric heat pumps, establishes electric-ready requirements for new homes, expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, strengthens ventilation standards, and more. Buildings whose permit applications are applied for on or after January 1, 2023, must comply with the 2022 Energy Code.  https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2022-building-energy-efficiency
5. Consider Future Needs: Anticipate your future electrical needs. If you plan to install new equipment, renovate, or expand your property, it’s wise to consider an upgrade to ensure your electrical system can handle the increased load.
6. Evaluate Energy Efficiency: Assess the energy efficiency of your current system. Upgrading to more efficient electrical components, such as LED lighting or energy-saving appliances, can reduce your energy consumption and lower utility costs 
7. Calculate Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate the cost of an electrical system upgrade against the potential benefits, such as improved safety, increased functionality, and higher property value. Consider the long-term savings and peace of mind an upgrade can provide. 

Although it may seem complex, we propose you start with estimating the existing load capacity and checking whether a new ADU would trigger the upgrade of electrical systems. You may start with measuring the capacity of your individual circuits or your home’s full service, you can then proceed to measure it against the load. Add up the wattage ratings of all the appliances and fixtures that will be using power at the same time.

You don’t need to add all the lightbulbs, all the plug-in appliances, and all the hard-wired appliances,because you’ll rarely run everything at the same time. You’ll definitely not run the AC and the furnace at the same time. Similarly, it’s unlikely to run the vacuum cleaner and the kitchen aid at once. The result will be the suggested amperage needed to power your home adequately. Many electricians have a simple rule-of-thumb, which says that a 100-amp service is usually sufficient for a small or moderate-sized home with standard branch circuits and one or two permanent electric appliances, such as water heater or range. A home under 2,500 square feet should be fine if the heating runs on gas. You’ll need a 200-amp service if your heating and cooling is electric or your house is closer to 3,000 square feet. For larger homes, with all electric appliances and heating/cooling systems, a 300- or 400-amp service is recommended.