Key takeaways
- Frequent trips, a full panel, an old fuse box or plans for an EV charger or heat pump are the common reasons to upgrade.
- A service upgrade, such as 100 to 200 amps, involves your utility as well as your electrician.
- Panel and service upgrades require an ESA permit and inspection.
Your electrical panel distributes power to every circuit in your home. Many Niagara homes still have panels that were sized decades ago, before EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs and home offices. Here is how to tell if yours needs an upgrade and what the process looks like.
Signs you need a panel upgrade
- Breakers trip often. See why breakers keep tripping.
- No space for new circuits. A full panel cannot take a new kitchen circuit, EV charger or hot tub.
- A fuse box or a very old panel. Fuse boxes and some older panel models are worth replacing, and many insurers ask about them.
- Heat, buzzing, rust or scorch marks at the panel. Call an electrician right away.
- Big plans. An EV charger, heat pump, addition, basement apartment or hot tub often needs more capacity.
Panel upgrade versus service upgrade
A panel replacement swaps out the panel itself, often for one with more spaces and modern breakers, while keeping the same service size. A service upgrade increases the power coming into your home, for example from 100 amps to 200 amps. That usually means a new meter base, new service cable and a new panel, and it involves your local utility, which disconnects and reconnects power.
How we size it
We do a load calculation based on your home's size, heating and cooling, appliances and future plans. Sometimes a full service upgrade is the right answer. Sometimes a load management device or a smaller change does the job, especially for an EV charger.
The process
- Site visit and load calculation
- A clear quote covering the panel, service work and permit
- ESA permit filed and utility disconnect scheduled
- Installation day, with power off for part of the day
- ESA inspection and utility reconnection
Many panel replacements are completed in a single day. Service upgrades also depend on the utility's schedule.
What affects the cost
- Panel only, or a full service upgrade with meter base and service cable
- The distance between the meter and the panel
- Whether existing circuits need repairs or updates to be connected safely
- Add-ons such as whole house surge protection or a generator interlock
Every home is different, which is why we quote after a site visit rather than over the phone.
FM Electric upgrades panels and services across St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region. See our panel and service upgrades page or call (905) 931-4522.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 200 amp service upgrade take?
The installation is often done in a day, with power off for part of it. The overall timeline also depends on the ESA permit and the utility's disconnect and reconnect schedule.
Do I need a 200 amp panel for an EV charger?
Not always. Many homes can add a Level 2 charger after a load calculation, sometimes with a load management device. A site visit tells you for sure.
Should I replace my fuse box?
Fuse boxes are outdated, offer little room for new circuits and are a concern for many insurers. Replacing one with a modern breaker panel is a common and worthwhile upgrade.
