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Eliot Portland ADU Electrical Requirements: Meter Packs, Sub-Panels & PGE Permits

Eliot Portland homeowners building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) must install independent 100A meter packs, dedicated service feeders, and sub-panels per Portland BDS and PGE requirements to ensure separate utility billing and code compliance.

Portland BDS ADU Electrical Independence Rules

Portland Building Code Guide 00-10 mandates ADUs have “completely independent electrical service” from main house. No shared panels or circuits allowed. Each ADU needs its own meter position for PGE billing. NEC 230 requires separate service entrance conductors sized for 100A minimum dwelling unit service.

Essential ADU Electrical Components for Eliot Homes

Component

Requirement

NEC Reference

Eliot Specifics

Meter Pack

100A per ADU position

NEC 230.2

PGE multi-position socket required

Service Feeder

2/0 Cu or 4/0 Al

NEC 310.15(B)(7)

Underground conduit typical

Sub-Panel

100A main lug

NEC 408.36

Separate neutral/ground bars

Kitchen Circuits

2x 20A small appliance

NEC 210.52(B)

GFCI countertop protection

PGE Requirements for Eliot ADU Meter Service

  • Submit PowerPartner application 4-6 weeks prior to rough-in.
  • 200A minimum total service for house + ADU.
  • CT cabinet required for 400A+ multi-meter setups.
  • Load test verification before final meter connect.
  • Separate account numbers for each meter position.

Signs Your Eliot ADU Electrical Plan Needs Review

  • Shared main house panel proposed.
  • Single meter serving both units.
  • Undersized feeders (less than 100A per unit).
  • No BDS electrical permit planned.
  • Missing kitchen small appliance circuits.

Complete Eliot ADU Electrical Installation Process

  1. Load Calculation: NEC 220.82 for dwelling units (3VA/sqft general lighting).
  2. PGE PowerPartner: Submit service upgrade application.
  3. BDS Permitting: Electrical + structural permits coordinated.
  4. Meter Pack Install: Milbank or Siemens multi-position on house side.
  5. Service Entrance: 2/0 Cu underground to ADU riser.
  6. Sub-Panel Rough-In: 100A MLU with EV-ready conduit.
  7. Kitchen/Bath Trim: GFCI outlets, dedicated circuits.
  8. Final Inspection: BDS electrical + PGE connect approval.

Eliot-Specific ADU Electrical Challenges & Solutions

  • Narrow Lots: Vertical meter stack, side sub-panel garage mount.
  • Historic Overlay: Preserve main house service appearance.
  • PGE Underground: 24″ conduit depth SE Eliot properties.
  • Shared Grounding: Independent ground rods per NEC 250.52.

Essential ADU Electrical Features Beyond Code Minimum

  • EV-Ready Conduit: 1″ EMT from panel to garage.
  • Tankless Heater Ready: 45A double-pole spare.
  • Smart Panel Ready: WiFi breakers for tenant sub-metering.
  • Surge Protection: Type 2 SPD at ADU sub-panel.

Portland BDS + PGE Timeline for ADU Electrical

Milestone

Duration

Responsible Party

PGE Application

4-6 weeks

Homeowner/Contractor

BDS Permit

2-4 weeks

Electric Avenue LLC

Rough Inspection

Same day

BDS Inspector

Final Connect

1-2 weeks post-final

PGE

Electric Avenue LLC: Eliot ADU Electrical Specialists

Family-owned Electric Avenue LLC manages complete Eliot ADU electrical projects from PGE PowerPartner to BDS final signoff. Our licensed master electricians coordinate all utilities and inspections seamlessly from our family to yours.

Unlock Eliot rental income with code-compliant ADU electrical that passes BDS inspection first time. Contact Electric Avenue LLC today for FREE ADU load calculation, PGE permit coordination, and complete installation plan that maximizes your property value.