Out of breaker slots
Most homes run a 150A or 200A main panel with a fixed number of breaker slots. When a remodel or addition needs more circuits than the panel can hold, you run out of room before the project is done.
Section 1.0 — Overview · Sub Panel Installation
Your main panel isn't broken. It's just full.
A sub panel adds a secondary distribution point that feeds a new garage, ADU, or addition — without replacing your whole main panel. We pull the permits, coordinate the inspection, and handle the utility shutoff so you can finish the renovation.
Section 2.0 — The problem · 3 symptoms
Why this work matters.
ADUs need their own panel
California's ADU boom is turning garages and backyard structures into living spaces. An ADU has its own kitchen, bathroom, HVAC load, and lighting — and California rules require it to have its own sub panel fed from the main house.
Garages and additions add load
A woodworking shop, a new kitchen, or an above-garage office stacks on dedicated circuits. Rather than running each one the length of the house back to the main panel, a sub panel distributes power locally.
Section 3.0 — The solution
Our approach, in one paragraph.
A sub panel is a secondary panel fed from your main panel by a dedicated feeder circuit, distributing power to one area of your property without new runs back to the main every time. First we assess your main panel — available capacity, existing load, and whether the planned feeder fits without a main panel upgrade first; occasionally the two make sense to schedule together, and we'll tell you if that's the case. Then we size the sub panel for the anticipated load of the space being served, not a standard spec — a backyard office needs a different panel than a three-car workshop. We pull the electrical permit, schedule the inspection, and coordinate the SCE or LADWP utility shutoff required during the feeder connection. Then we run the feeder, mount the sub panel, land the circuits, and run a load test before inspection.
Section 5.0 — Peace of mind protocol · 5 steps
From first call to lifelong protection.
- 1
Main panel assessment
We assess your main panel — available capacity, existing load, and whether the planned feeder circuit fits without a main panel upgrade first. If a main panel conversation makes more sense, we'll say so up front.
- 2
Sizing & written quote
We size the sub panel for the anticipated load of the space being served — a 60A panel for a garage workshop is a different project than a 100A panel for an ADU. You get a transparent quote and a realistic timeline, not a price-by-phone estimate.
- 3
Permits & utility coordination
Sub panel work is a permitted electrical scope in LA County (unincorporated and City of LA) and Ventura County. We file the application, schedule the inspection, and coordinate the SCE or LADWP shutoff for the feeder connection — you won't need to call the utility yourself.
- 4
Install, test, inspect
We run the feeder circuit from your main panel, mount the sub panel, land the circuits, and perform a load test before inspection. Most residential sub panel installations are completed in one day.
- 5
Code-compliant sign-off
The installation is inspected and signed off code-compliant — which matters for homeowners insurance, future home sales, and fire safety. We've done this work across the SCV and SFV since 2007 and stay your electricians for as long as you own the home.
Section 6.0 — Questions · 5 entries
Questions worth answering.
It depends on what's driving the project. If your main panel has adequate amperage (200A is typical for modern homes) but has run out of breaker slots, a sub panel is often the right solution — you extend the system without replacing the whole thing. If your main panel is undersized for your total home load, or it's an older panel with safety concerns, a full upgrade may make more sense. We'll assess your panel during the initial visit and give you a straight answer.
The cost varies based on sub panel amperage (a 60A panel feeding a garage workshop is a different project than a 100A panel for an ADU), the distance the feeder circuit needs to run, and whether any main panel work is needed first. We provide transparent quotes after assessing your specific situation — not price-by-phone estimates that change on arrival.
Yes. Sub panel installation is a permitted electrical scope of work in both LA County (unincorporated and City of LA) and Ventura County. A permit ensures the work is inspected and code-compliant — which matters for homeowners insurance, future home sales, and fire safety. We handle the permit application and coordinate the inspection.
Most residential sub panel installations are completed in one day. Permitting through LA County typically adds five to ten business days before installation can begin; we manage that process. If the feeder circuit requires significant trenching (for a detached garage or ADU on a large lot), that may add half a day. We'll give you a realistic timeline during the quote.
Yes — ADU sub panel installation is a common project for us throughout the Santa Clarita Valley and San Fernando Valley. California ADU rules require the unit to have its own electrical sub panel fed from the main house. We handle the permit coordination with LA County or the relevant municipality, size the sub panel for the ADU's anticipated load, and complete the installation to pass inspection.
Section 7.0 — Related services 3 entries
What we typically pair with this.
01
Main Panel Upgrade
Main electrical panel upgrades to 200A and beyond — licensed, permitted, and utility-coordinated for homes in Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley.
View service
02
Dedicated Circuits
Dedicated circuit installation for high-draw appliances, home offices, EV chargers, and HVAC equipment — code-compliant and permitted in Santa Clarita and Valley Glen, CA.
View service
03
Home Additions Electrical
Full electrical rough-in and finish work for home additions, garage conversions, and ADUs — permit pull, utility coordination, and code-compliant installation in Santa Clarita and Valley Glen, CA.
View service
Where we work
Where we provide sub panel installation.
Santa Clarita & the SCV
Serving Santa Clarita, Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Newhall, and surrounding communities.
View Santa Clarita →Valley Glen & the SFV
Serving Valley Glen, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, and Northridge.
View Valley Glen → Ready when the next outage isn't
Your "Peace of Mind" Assessment, on us.
We'll walk your property, evaluate your system, and give you a clear, plain-English plan — with a fixed quote you can take to the bank.
- Licensed C-10 contractor (#938027) — fully insured
- Permit handling, install, and inspection — done for you
- Clear, itemized quotes after a free on-site assessment
- Serving Santa Clarita & the San Fernando Valley
- A real human answers — not a queue