Do I need a separate electrical panel for my basement apartment?

In most cases, yes - a separate electrical panel (subpanel) is required for basement apartments in Ottawa to meet Ontario Building Code requirements and ensure proper electrical separation between dwelling units.

When converting a basement into a secondary dwelling unit or rental apartment, the Ontario Building Code typically requires electrical separation between the main house and the basement unit. This means installing a dedicated subpanel that feeds the basement apartment's electrical needs. The subpanel connects to your main electrical panel but provides independent circuit control for the basement unit, which is essential for both safety and practical reasons like separate utility billing.

The electrical requirements get more complex depending on your specific situation. If you're creating a true secondary dwelling unit (ADU), you'll need completely separate electrical services in many cases, including separate meters for hydro billing. However, if it's a basement apartment within the same household (like an in-law suite), a properly sized subpanel fed from the main panel may be sufficient. The key factors include the total electrical load of both units, the age and capacity of your existing electrical service, and whether you need separate utility billing.

Ottawa-specific considerations include working with Hydro Ottawa for any service upgrades and ensuring all electrical work meets Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements. Most homes built before 1980 have 100-amp service, which often isn't sufficient for adding a full basement apartment - you may need to upgrade to 200-amp service. ESA permits are mandatory for this type of electrical work, and only licensed electricians can perform the installation.

This is definitely professional-only territory - electrical panel work involves working with live high-voltage connections and must meet strict code requirements. A licensed electrician will assess your existing service capacity, determine the proper subpanel size (typically 60-100 amps for basement apartments), and ensure proper grounding and safety disconnects. The cost typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 depending on the complexity and whether a service upgrade is needed.

Your next step should be getting an electrical assessment from a licensed electrician who can evaluate your current service and provide a quote for the subpanel installation. This should be coordinated with your overall basement renovation planning to ensure proper electrical rough-in timing.