Sub-Panel Upgrade in Los Angeles — More Circuits, Cleaner Wiring
Planning a garage or ADU circuit? Start here. If your main panel is crowded—or far from where you need power—a sub-panel is often the clean, inspector-friendly fix. For whole-home capacity questions, see our panel upgrade Los Angeles and 200A panel upgrade guides . We also cover permit & inspection so your plan is right the first time.
What Is a Sub Panel? Why and When Do You Need One?
A sub panel—also called a main lug load center—is a smaller secondary panel connected to your main service panel via a 240‑volt feeder breaker. It doesn’t increase your home’s total amperage; it simply redistributes power to specific zones or additional circuits more conveniently and safely.
When a sub-panel makes sense
- You’re out of spaces in the main panel, or tandem breakers are making things messy.
- The distance is long from the main to the garage/ADU; a nearby sub-panel keeps conduit runs short.
- You’re staging upgrades (EV now, tools later); a sub-panel organizes today and future circuits.
- Clearance or location issues make relocating the main panel expensive; a sub-panel can avoid that.
What changes technically
- Feeder & main-lugs: We size the feeder (ampacity + voltage drop), use proper main-lug or main-breaker configurations, and land neutrals/grounds per code.
- Grounding & bonding: Dedicated equipment grounding conductor, isolated neutrals in the sub-panel, and correct bonding at the service only.
- Protection & labeling: Correct breaker sizes, AFCI/GFCI where required, and clear circuit labels for inspection and future service.
- Working clearances: Sub-panel placement that passes AHJ rules (no obstructions/ignition sources; safe access).
Not sure if you need a full 200A? We’ll run a load calculation first. If a sub-panel solves it, we won’t upsell a service change.
Day Process (how we work)
- On-site assessment → check spaces, routes, loads, and where a sub-panel would serve best.
- Feeder sizing & layout → right wire, right path, future-proofing for extra circuits.
- Permit filing (AHJ/LADBS) → scope and inspection window.
- Installation & labeling → neat runs, torque to spec, label every circuit, tidy cleanup.
- Inspection → we coordinate/attend; punch-list (if any) handled promptly.
Curious about the process? Review the panel upgrade steps homeowners should know.
Is a Sub Panel Right for You?
Scenario | Best Option |
Main panel is full but service capacity is adequate | Sub Panel Upgrade |
Need a dedicated area circuit (e.g. garage, workshop) | Sub Panel Upgrade |
Supporting high-power loads (EV, HVAC) exceeds main capacity | Main Panel Upgrade first |
Looking for future-proofing and increased total capacity | Consider Main + Sub Panel Upgrade |
A licensed electrician evaluates load capacity and offers the best recommendation: standalone sub panel upgrade, or paired with a main panel upgrade.
EV, ADU, and workshops — why sub-panels help
- EV charging: A sub-panel near parking keeps runs short and makes future upgrades simple. Pair it with our EV load calculation to avoid over-building.
- ADU/Garage: Dedicated feeds keep remodels organized and inspection-ready.
- Tools & future circuits: Saws, compressors, sauna, or outdoor lighting—all neat and expandable.
Ready for a clean, expandable setup? We’ll design, permit, and install a sub-panel that passes inspection and keeps your wiring tidy.
What’s included with Farashi Electric
- Permit & inspection handled (LADBS/AHJ)
- Clean, code-compliant installation (NEC + local code)
- Circuit labeling & documentation
- Site protection & full cleanup
- Written warranty on workmanship and approved components
- Brands we install: Siemens, Eaton, Square D (UL-listed)
Expert Tips from farashi electric
- Always use licensed electricians for load calculations, conductor sizing, and code compliance.
- Label your breakers and maintain easy access to both main and sub panels.
- Bundle upgrades where possible: combining a small panel upgrade in Los Angeles with future-ready sub panel saves time and avoids disruptions.
- Use a code-compliant grounding electrode system at detached structures. If using ground rods, inspectors typically require two rods spaced ≥ 6 ft unless a single rod tests ≤ 25 Ω—final call by your local AHJ.
Benefits of a Panel Upgrade by farashi electric
Feature | Long-term Benefit |
Proper 200 amp upgrade | Eliminates overloads, flickering lights, and frequently tripped breakers. |
Future-proofing for EV & solar | Ensures safe addition of Level 2 charger, solar arrays, home batteries |
Compliance with code & special breakers | Includes AFCI/GFCI/surge protection as per NEC and 2025 Los Angeles electrical laws. |
Additional sub panels if needed | Enables isolated circuits for garages, workshops, or ADUs |
Licensed electricians from farashi electric | Fast, insured, and thorough service with full documentation |
Mini case scopes
- Encino (91316): Garage sub-panel for EV + tools; short conduit run; labeling; passed inspection same day.
- Burbank: ADU feed via sub-panel; AFCI/GFCI updates; neat reroute to meet clearance rules.
- West Hollywood: Crowded main; added sub-panel to organize dedicated circuits and prep for future EV.
Permits & Inspection (Los Angeles)
Electrical permits are required in the City of LA (LADBS). Many residential sub-panel scopes qualify for Express/e-permit (no plan check), while more complex work may need plan review. We confirm your AHJ, pull the permit, and schedule the final inspection.
Source: LADBS Electrical Permits; LADBS Express Permits.
Working Clearances
Keep the required workspace around the panel: 30 in. wide, 36 in. deep, and door clearance to 90° for safe access. Avoid closets or locations with obstructions. We verify clearances during the site walk.
Timelines
Many straightforward sub-panel installs complete same day after permit approval. Longer conduit runs, drywall/finish preservation, or trenching can add time. We provide a written schedule after the on-site assessmen.
Recent Sub-Panel Replacement & Upgrade Work by Farashi Electric in Los Angeles
Bahram Farashi
C-10 Licensed Electrician (CA Lic. #1102687) — 10+ years installing residential/commercial Electrical Services.
Thomas
Good explanation of when a subpanel solves circuit crowding without changing service size.