Panel and service upgrades
Electrical Panel Upgrade Caledonia
Move from 60 or 100 amps to 200-amp service so there's room for an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub or addition.
Is your panel holding you back?
A lot of homes were wired for 60 or 100 amps, which worked fine before EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs and finished basements came along. Add those loads to a small service and you run out of capacity, run out of breaker spaces, or both.
A panel upgrade swaps in a new breaker panel and, where needed, increases the service to 200 amps. We plan it, file the ESA permit and arrange the power disconnect and reconnect with Hydro One.
Signs your panel needs an upgrade
Out of spaces
No empty slots left, or circuits doubled up on tandem breakers to make room.
Big loads coming
An EV charger, heat pump, hot tub or electric range needs more capacity than you have.
Old fuses or a problem panel
Fuse boxes and certain older panels are harder to insure and can be unsafe.
Breakers trip or run warm
Frequent trips or warm breakers can mean the panel is overloaded.
Electrical Panel Upgrade in Caledonia: What's Involved
- We look at your existing panel and service and calculate the load, including anything you're planning to add.
- You get a written quote that spells out the panel size, service size and what's included.
- We file the ESA permit and book the disconnect and reconnect with Hydro One.
- Power is off for part of the day while the new panel and service go in.
- Every circuit is reconnected and labelled, and ESA inspects the work.
Adding an EV charger? It's easiest to install the circuit during the upgrade. See EV charger installation or visit our Caledonia electricians home page.
100 amps, 200 amps or load management?
100 amps
Often fine for a smaller home with gas heat, but tight once you add a charger or hot tub.
200 amps
Today's standard. Plenty of room for an EV charger, heat pump, electric range and more.
Load management
If only one large load is being added, an energy management device may avoid a service upgrade.
How Much Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
Moving to a 200-amp panel and service typically costs about $2,000 to $4,500, plus permit fees. The distance between the meter and the panel, whether the meter base or mast needs replacing, and how many circuits move over all affect the price.
Electrical Panel Upgrade questions
Does every home need 200 amps?
No. A load calculation shows whether your current service can handle what you're adding. Sometimes a load management device is enough.
How long will we be without power?
For most homes, part of a single day.
Do you handle Hydro One and the permit?
Yes. We file the ESA permit and coordinate the disconnect and reconnect with Hydro One.
Will a new panel help with my insurance?
Insurers often ask about panel type and age, so replacing an old fuse or breaker panel usually helps.
Need more power for your home? Call to plan the upgrade.
Call (289) 779-3531Where we work
We serve Caledonia and nearby communities across Haldimand County and south Hamilton.