Service and Panel Upgrade, the GTA

Q: How long does a service and panel upgrade take?

The job itself should take a day -- however, one thing to keep in mind is that there is preparation beforehand in setting up the appointment. After the details of the size and cost have been settled, the electrical contractor will inform you that the upgrade appointment must be coordinated with a power shut-off with your hydro provider. This allows the job to be completed safely. Usually, the exact date of the upgrade will be determined by the utility company, as they schedule whenever their next truck is available. Upgrades should not be a hassle, so MADE ELECTRIC is here to guide you through the process.

The electrical service and panels are responsible for ensuring enough electricity reaches all your devices. A panel upgrade will increase the safety of your home.

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Service and Panel Upgrade, the GTA

The modern reliance of electrical devices has created a greater demand for power. A survey conducted in 2020 found that the vast majority of Canadians have come to rely on the regular usage of electronics, and with their use has come the need to constantly charge, dramatically increasing the electrical pull of the modern home. Houses built in days passed as a result have become outdated and unable to accommodate this change, which is why many opt for a service and panel upgrade.

Upgrading from a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp panel has many benefits. Perhaps the main and most crucial benefit is safety. Extra amperage functions as a safety buffer as it decreases your chance of going over capacity. It is also a good measure to take in case of emergencies, wherein a sudden power surge can easily overload your home’s wiring and seep into your house through its outlets. Having whole house surge protection and using surge plug-ins can protect your home and devices, but an updated panel and service size will also significantly increase your home’s ability to handle these unexpected circumstances.

When selecting an electrical contractor for a service and panel upgrade, it is important to get an estimate for the project. This can be provided after a licensed electrician has conducted a load calculation, which will determine how much capacity is needed for your home and whether there should be a significant upgrade. With the expertise of an electrical contractor, your work is guaranteed to be completed professionally, as electricians can check for any additional upgrades needed and can arrange for an inspection to be done after the job.

If your home has not had a service and panel upgrade in the past 25-40 years, it’s worth looking into, as an outdated electrical panel is a dangerous one, putting your home at risk for electrical fires. The modern demand of electronic devices has created the need for a much higher capacity more than ever before. Don’t take the risk — upgrade your electrical service and panel today!

Contact MADE ELECTRIC for more information, to learn more about service and panel upgrades, and to inquire about having a service and panel upgrade installed in your home! We operate within the GTA to ensure that your home and your electronics are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a service and panel upgrade take?

The job itself should take a day — however, one thing to keep in mind is that there is preparation beforehand in setting up the appointment. After the details of the size and cost have been settled, the electrical contractor will inform you that the upgrade appointment must be coordinated with a power shut-off with your hydro provider. This allows the job to be completed safely. Usually, the exact date of the upgrade will be determined by the utility company, as they schedule whenever their next truck is available. Upgrades should not be a hassle, so MADE ELECTRIC is here to guide you through the process.

What are signs that my service size is too small?

Going over capacity is dangerous, and will usually be exemplified by blackouts when you plug in one too many devices. This shows that your service size is too small, and that more power is required to support the demand. Another related sign that your existing system is outdated is old wiring. The older your wiring is, the more likely it is to be faulty. A key sign is sparking when you go to plug in a device, or scorch marks on a power outlet. Warmth around your electrical panel is also usually an urgent matter and should be looked at immediately by a professional.

Are there any additional charges that I should be aware of?

A licensed electrician should inform you of any additional charges. There may be a “pole cost”, which includes the cost of disconnecting and reconnecting of power to your home. If you have any questions about any charges, let us know and we will be happy to help.