PANEL & SERVICE UPGRADES

Electrical Panel & Service Upgrades

Panel replacements, fuse-panel upgrades and service-capacity planning for EV charging, renovations, hot tubs and other electrical loads.

Orono • Durham Region & surrounding communities

START WITH THE RIGHT SOLUTION

Capacity for what comes next.

The right plan starts with your existing equipment and the electrical work you have in mind.

Panel replacement

Replace aging, damaged or inadequate distribution equipment. A panel replacement and a service-capacity increase are different projects.

Fuse-panel replacement

Assess older fuse equipment and plan a suitable breaker-panel replacement.

100A to 200A service

Review a service upgrade when the existing supply is not adequate for the calculated electrical demand.

EV, hot tub or renovation

Assess existing and planned loads before choosing additional circuits, load management or a larger service.

ASSESS FIRST

Do you actually need an upgrade?

Not every electrical project requires a 200A service.

The appropriate solution may be to retain the existing service, replace the panel, add distribution space, use load management, or upgrade the service. We assess the existing and proposed electrical loads before recommending the next step.

Common reasons to ask

Fuse panel or aging equipment
No available breaker spaces
EV charger, hot tub or pool equipment
Renovation, addition or electric heating
Insurance concerns or future expansion

UNDERSTAND THE OPTIONS

Panel replacement or service upgrade?

Available breaker space and available electrical capacity are separate questions. The equipment condition, calculated load and existing service configuration help determine the scope.

Keep the existing service

If the existing supply remains adequate, a panel replacement or additional distribution space may be the appropriate solution. New loads still need to be assessed.

Increase service capacity

A larger service can provide capacity for greater electrical demand. The proposed rating, equipment and utility requirements must be reviewed for the property.

Service size is determined by the existing and proposed electrical load—not simply the number of appliances being added.

HOW THE WORK PROCEEDS

A clear upgrade process.

Assessment

Review the existing panel, electrical service and planned loads.

Upgrade plan

Determine the appropriate panel and service solution.

Coordination

Coordinate ESA and utility requirements where applicable.

Installation

Complete the approved panel or service work.

Inspection / energization

Complete the required inspection and utility sequencing.

PANEL UPGRADE FAQ

Plan your upgrade with confidence.

Discuss the equipment, scope and coordination your property needs.

How do I know if I need a panel upgrade?

An assessment of your existing equipment, available space, condition and planned electrical loads identifies the appropriate next step.

Do I need 200 amps for an EV charger?

Not automatically. EV charging is one of the loads considered when existing and planned electrical demand is assessed. See our EV charger installation service.

Can an old fuse panel be replaced?

Older fuse equipment can be evaluated for replacement with modern breaker-based distribution where appropriate.

Can I keep a 100 amp electrical service?

In some situations, yes. Service size depends on the existing and proposed load, rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.

How long does a panel upgrade take?

Work scope, inspection requirements and utility coordination affect timing. We will outline the expected sequence for your project.

Will my power need to be disconnected?

Some panel or service work can require a planned interruption. The required sequence will be discussed before work begins.

Does ESA inspect panel upgrades?

ESA notification and inspection are addressed where required for the approved work.

Does the electrical utility need to be involved?

Utility involvement depends on the service scope and configuration. We coordinate requirements where applicable.

Can a panel be replaced without upgrading the service?

Yes, in some cases a panel replacement or additional distribution space may be appropriate without a full service upgrade.

What should I provide for a quote?

Share your property location, what you would like to add or change, known service size, and photos if available. Please keep covers in place when taking photos.

RELATED SERVICES

Plan the rest of your electrical work.

Electrical Service & Repair

Troubleshoot electrical problems and plan the appropriate repair.

EV Charger Installation

Review the electrical work needed for charging at home or work.

Emergency Generators

Plan backup power for the essential equipment you want to support.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

Request a Panel Upgrade Quote

Send your location, what you want to add or change, and the project details you know. Photos of the panel, breaker directory and meter/service equipment can help with the initial review.

Keep equipment covers closed. If you have photos to share, mention them in your message so we can coordinate the next step.

Based in Orono, serving Durham Region and surrounding communities. Explore service areas.

Planning a Panel or Service Upgrade?

Let’s determine the appropriate next step for your property.