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With new building codes, most modern homes are now required to have electrical stoves, which can place a significant load on your current electrical panel. If you’re building a new home, a panel upgrade is often necessary to ensure your electrical system can handle the increased demand for power. A 200-amp panel is typically the go-to choice for new construction projects, offering ample capacity for standard household appliances and any future needs.
When adding an ADU, especially in California where ADUs have become very popular, you will likely need to upgrade your electrical panel to a 400-amp system. This includes splitting the power: 200 amps for the main house and 200 amps for the ADU. This ensures both structures have enough power for heating, cooling, lighting, and any appliances. Additionally, ADUs often require their own dedicated circuits for electrical stoves, washers, dryers, and other high-power devices, making it crucial to have sufficient power distribution between the main home and the ADU.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has driven the need for more powerful home electrical systems. Many homeowners are now installing EV chargers, which require dedicated circuits and can add a significant load to your electrical panel. In many cases, if your current panel doesn’t have enough capacity, an upgrade to 200 amps (or more) will be needed to support the charger and the rest of your home’s electrical needs.
As homeowners add new appliances or make home improvements, they may find there’s no more room for additional breakers in their current electrical panel. In situations like these, upgrading the panel to 200 amps provides the necessary space and power for new circuits. Alternatively, if all you need is more room for breakers, you can add a subpanel. This can be a more cost-effective solution when the existing panel still meets your power needs but lacks the physical space for expansion.
Even if your current electrical system is meeting your needs, it’s important to consider future-proofing your home. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for more electricity will only increase. By upgrading your electrical panel now, you’ll be prepared for future appliances, smart home devices, or any additional structures you may want to build, such as an ADU or a home office.
Panel upgrades are essential as modern homes increasingly require more power for new appliances, ADUs, and EV chargers. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel or adding a subpanel ensures your home’s electrical system can meet these demands.
Panel upgrades are becoming increasingly common as homes adapt to modern electrical demands. Whether you're building a new home, adding an ADU, installing an EV charger, or simply running out of room for breakers, upgrading your panel to 200 amps or adding a subpanel can ensure your electrical system is ready for the future. It's an investment that not only enhances safety but also adds value to your home.
