Not sure what you need? Electrical Panel Upgrades in Hamilton
We do electrical panel upgrades across Hamilton, Burlington, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Waterdown and Grimsby, from old fuse boxes to full panel replacements. Our licensed electricians handle fuse box to breaker swaps, 100 to 200 amp service upgrades and moving a panel to a better spot. Every job starts with a free panel check and quote.
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Signs your panel needs replacing
- Your panel is full. If every slot already has a breaker, there is no room for the circuit you want to add.
- Warm outlets or switches. That is a dangerous sign, and overloaded circuits will keep tripping your breakers.
- Your lights flicker or dim like it's Christmas. That's not a spirit, either. Flickering usually means an uneven supply of power.
- You're blowing fuses on the regular. "Honey, the fuse blew again" is an annoying sign that your panel needs an upgrade.
- Crackling or buzzing from the panel or fuse box. It is a serious warning sign. Call us right away.
Other things send people our way too: a home inspection that flagged the panel, a new EV charger, heat pump or kitchen that needs more power, or an older Federal Pioneer or Stab-Lok panel. We replace every brand of panel, at any amperage.
Not sure yours needs replacing? Try our panel calculator.
Fuse box to breaker panel
Fuses have to be replaced every time one blows. A breaker panel resets with a switch, gives you room to add circuits and protects better against overloads. A fuse box swap is a good time to move to 200 amp service.
"John and his team did an excellent job upgrading my electrical service from a 100-amp fuse box to a 200-amp breaker panel, as well as some other electrical work."
100 to 200 amp service upgrades
If your home has 100 amp service, moving to 200 amps gives you the capacity for an EV charger, a heat pump, a hot tub or a finished basement, with room left for later. Where the job needs it, we replace the meter base and the service mast as part of the upgrade.
Panel upgrade with an EV charger
A Level 2 charger needs its own circuit, and many 100 amp panels are already close to full. We can do the service upgrade and the charger install together. If you would rather not upgrade, a load management device may let you add a charger on your current service. See our EV charger installation page for both options.
Moving or relocating a panel
Is your panel in a bathroom, a closet or a spot you plan to finish? We can move it when we upgrade it, to a place that meets code and works for your home.
"Had to move our electrical panel out of the basement washroom, John was able to come up with a great plan for where to relocate it so it was code compliant."
Sub-panels and larger services
A sub-panel adds circuits for a garage, workshop, hot tub or addition without replacing your main panel. Read what an electrical sub-panel is and what a sub-panel costs to install. We also wire services for duplexes and triplexes, with separate meters for each unit.
400 and 600 amp services
Large homes with a pool, a workshop or several air conditioners can need 400 amp service. Commercial buildings with big HVAC systems, commercial kitchens or server rooms often need 600 amps. See do you need 600 amp electrical service to find out which fits.
How a panel upgrade works
- Free panel check and quote. We look at your panel and what you want to add, and give you a price.
- ESA permit. We file it and handle the paperwork.
- Power off and on. We call the utility to disconnect your power and reconnect it when the new panel is in.
- One day. Panel swaps and upgrades are done in a single day.
- ESA inspection. ESA inspects the work and issues a Certificate of Acceptance.
"We upgraded to a 200amp in our home, had our house basically re-wired and didn’t have to pull permits or do the running around as John and his crew took care of everything."
"John replied to all of my emails very promptly, came in for a quote on short notice, and managed to schedule the work to be done as soon as the power company would allow too."
Upgrading because of aluminum wiring or knob and tube? We often do the panel and the wiring together: see aluminum wiring replacement and knob and tube wiring.
The cost depends on the amperage, whether the meter base and mast need replacing, where the panel goes and the permit. Our free panel check gives you a price for your home. For typical ranges, read what it costs to upgrade an electrical panel.
Frequently asked questions about electrical panel upgrades
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be replaced?
Breakers that keep tripping, flickering lights, a warm panel or a full panel are the common signs. A burning smell from the panel is an emergency: call us right away.
What's the difference between a fuse panel and a circuit breaker panel?
Fuse panels use fuses that have to be replaced once they blow. Breaker panels use switches that you can reset, and they protect better against overloads. Fuse panels are no longer recommended.
Do you replace Federal Pioneer and Stab-Lok panels?
Yes. We replace Federal Pioneer, Stab-Lok and every other brand, at any amperage.
My home inspection flagged my panel. What should I do?
Book a free panel check. We look at what the inspector found and give you a price to replace or upgrade it.
Do I need a permit to replace a panel in Ontario?
Yes. Electrical work like a panel replacement has to be reported to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). We file the permit and handle the paperwork.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
In a single day. We arrange the power disconnect and reconnect with the utility, so you are not left to sort it out.
Should I go with 100 or 200 amp?
It depends on what you run now and what you plan to add. If an EV charger, heat pump or addition is coming, 200 amps gives you room. Our guide to what size electrical panel you need walks through it.
Can you move my panel when you upgrade it?
Yes. We can move it to a spot that meets code as part of the upgrade.
How much does it cost to upgrade an electrical panel?
It depends on the amperage, the meter base and mast, where the panel goes and the permit. We check your panel for free and give you a price. See what it costs to upgrade an electrical panel.
What are the benefits of upgrading to a 200 amp service?
More capacity for the things you run now, less load on each circuit, and room for upgrades later.
Are there any safety benefits to upgrading my electrical panel?
Yes. A new panel meets current safety standards and protects better against overloads than an old fuse box or worn panel.
When should I consider adding a subpanel?
When your main panel is full and you need more circuits, or when you add a hot tub, pool, garage or addition.
Can I install a subpanel myself?
We wouldn't recommend it. A licensed electrician makes sure it meets the Ontario code, and a mistake with live wires can be dangerous.