-As the enthusiasm for Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs) grows, homeowners are asking more questions about costs and their return on the construction investment. While there may be some general remodeling or construction shortcuts that can save money on the initial investment, electricity should not be one of those shortcuts!
San Luis Obispo’s electrical contracting team from Electricraft, Inc. has prepared the following considerations for electrical wiring for ADUs.
Whether the ADU is a remodeled basement, a standalone unit in the backyard, for rental, or a home for relatives, the electrical system must be safe, efficient, and code-compliant. Deciding to upgrade the main service panel and associated wiring or a subpanel for higher safety and easier management is only one of the things to think about.
Remember, the ADU is going to have a kitchen, several appliances, a variety of electronics, lights, and other needs for electrical power that any other home has. Some jurisdictions might require the ADU to have a separate electrical panel.
While still in the planning process, check with the local code regulations. Before any electrical work begins, it’s essential to create meticulous plans and obtain the necessary permits. This includes submitting detailed plans to your local building department. These plans should outline the electrical layout, including the location of outlets, switches, light fixtures, and the main electrical panel. Consulting with a licensed electrician during this phase can help identify potential issues and ensure the design meets all relevant codes and regulations.
The San Luis Obispo electrical contracting team has long-standing relationships with most of the building departments and code inspectors in the county. Working with experts who have been designing and installing commercial and residential electrical systems since 1984 is going to ensure safe, effective electrical wiring that meets all the codes.
The many considerations
The many considerations that need to be addressed when wiring an ADU include:
- Load calculation—One of the critical steps in wiring an ADU is calculating the electrical load. This involves determining the total amount of electricity that will be used by the unit, including appliances, electronics, HVAC systems, lighting and more. An accurate load calculation ensures that the electrical system can handle the demand without overloading.
- Circuit design—Each area of the ADU will have different electrical needs. For example, kitchens and bathrooms require dedicated circuits due to the high-power appliances typically used in these spaces. General living areas and bedrooms can often share circuits but ensure there are enough outlets to meet code requirements and convenience. All circuits should be protected by circuit breakers that are correctly rated for the expected load.
- Wiring methods—The right kind of wiring is essential. Common choices include non-metallic sheathed cable (Romex), conduit, or armored cable. Romex is typically used for most residential applications, but in some cases, especially where wires are exposed or in potentially wet locations, conduit or armored cable might be necessary.
- Grounding and bonding—Proper grounding and bonding are essential for personal safety and electrical safety. Grounding provides a path for electrical current to safely dissipate into the earth in the event of a fault. Bonding ensures that all metal parts of the electrical system are electrically connected. This prevents shock hazards and reduces the risk of electrical fires.
- GFCI and AFCI protection—Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) are crucial safety devices. GFCIs protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is detected, making them essential for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. AFCIs protect against electrical fires caused by arcing faults and are required for all living spaces.
- Lighting and receptacles—Lighting and receptacle placement needs to be both functional and code-compliant. Adequate lighting enhances safety and usability, while strategically placed receptacles prevent over-reliance on extension cords, reducing fire risks.
- Energy efficiency—Energy-efficient options such as LED lighting and Energy Star-rated appliances reduce electricity consumption, and decrease the load on the electrical system, potentially saving on initial installation costs and long-term on the utility bill.
- Inspection and testing—Finally, after all wiring is complete, a thorough inspection and testing phase is crucial. This ensures that all electrical work meets code requirements and is safe to use.
Relying on local experts
Electricraft, Inc. and its San Luis Obispo County electrical contracting team are who to call for any electrical service in San Luis Obispo County and the Central Coast. The company founder, Jon P. Treder founded Electricraft, Inc. in 1984 and it remains a family-operated business to this day. The company team continues the local traditions of raising their families and supporting their communities.
The company provides electrical system design, installation, inspections, troubleshooting, repairs and upgrades for:
- Residential electrical needs, including single-family, condos, apartments, rentals, new construction, housing tracts, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), detached garages, she-sheds, and backyard workshops and studios.
- Commercial and industrial electrical services meet the highest standards for all phases, including switches, sockets, light fittings, distribution boards, conduits and cabling systems, circuit protection, and more.
- Public works projects include sewer lift stations, potable water pump stations, municipal water treatment plants, electrical infrastructures, emergency standby generators, fiber optic and copper cabling, and much more.
The team has provided complete electrical and solar design and installation services for local governments, medical facilities, and public and private EV charging stations. From repairing an electrical circuit in a home to designing and installing complex electrical systems for a commercial campus, no job is too small or too large.
