Do I need a separate electrical panel for a basement suite in BC?

The BC Building Code (BCBC 2024) and Technical Safety BC (TSBC) electrical regulations require basement suites to have their own dedicated electrical service with separate metering capability. This means installing a subpanel fed from your main panel, with its own main breaker and individual circuits serving the suite. The subpanel must be accessible to suite tenants but secured from tampering, typically installed in a utility room or designated electrical room within the suite area.

In most cases, yes — a separate electrical panel (subpanel) is required for basement suites in BC to meet safety codes and provide proper electrical separation between the main house and the suite.

Electrical separation requirements include dedicated 15-amp circuits for lighting, 20-amp circuits for kitchen and bathroom outlets, and separate circuits for major appliances like electric heat, hot water, washer/dryer, and any electric cooking equipment. The suite must have its own smoke alarm system interconnected throughout the suite (but separate from the main house system), and carbon monoxide detectors if there are fuel-burning appliances. All electrical work must be performed by a TSBC-licensed electrical contractor and inspected by Technical Safety BC — this is not DIY work.

These factors make this even more important. Most Vancouver basement suites require separate BC Hydro metering so landlords can bill tenants directly for electricity usage. This requires coordination between your electrical contractor, BC Hydro, and the city's electrical inspection process. The City of Vancouver's secondary suite registration program specifically checks for proper electrical separation during the inspection process. Many older Vancouver homes (pre-1980s) have undersized 100-amp main panels that may need upgrading to 200-amp service to accommodate the additional suite load — budget an extra $2,000-4,000 for this upgrade.

Here because electrical code compliance affects both safety and legal rental status. A TSBC-licensed electrician will calculate the electrical load requirements, determine if your main panel can handle the additional circuits, and ensure proper grounding and bonding. They'll also coordinate the BC Hydro meter installation if separate metering is required. Expect to pay $3,000-6,000 for a typical basement suite electrical installation, or $5,000-10,000 if main panel upgrades are needed.

Next steps: Contact a TSBC-licensed electrical contractor for a site assessment before starting your suite conversion. They'll evaluate your existing electrical system, determine subpanel requirements, and handle all permit applications with Technical Safety BC. Don't forget that suite electrical work is part of your overall building permit application with your municipality — the electrical and building permits must be coordinated together.