Electrical Panel Upgrades
At Antech Electric, we're Toronto's trusted experts in electrical panel installations, upgrades, and replacements for both residential and commercial properties. Our licensed electricians ensure your electrical distribution panel or circuit breaker panel box are safe, efficient, and up to the rigorous standards of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Electrical panels, also known as breaker boxes or distribution panels, play a crucial role in homes by distributing electricity safely throughout the house. They act as the central hub for your electrical system, receiving power from the utility company and distributing it to various circuits in your home. Choosing the right electrical panel that can handle your home's energy demands is essential for safety, efficiency, and future-proofing your electrical system.
Signs to Consider Updating Electrical Panel
Outdated Fuse Box
If your property still uses a fuse box instead of a circuit breaker panel, it's time for an electrical box replacement.
Lack of GFCI and AFCI Protection
Modern circuit breaker panels include these safety features to prevent electrical fires and shocks, crucial in older homes and buildings.
Limited Expansion Capacity
If your breaker panel is full and can't accommodate new circuits, it's time for an upgrade to support a tech-savvy lifestyle.
Visible Damage or Corrosion
Any signs of physical damage or rust on your electricity panel or circuit breaker box indicate a need for replacement.
Dimming or Flickering Lights
This can be a sign of an overloaded electrical breaker panel struggling to distribute power effectively in your home or business.
Reasons to Consider an Electrical Panel Upgrade & Electrical service upgrade: A Homeowner's Checklist
Before you begin, use this checklist to determine if your electrical panel needs an upgrade or replacement.
Choosing to update electrical panel service is often a key component of a home improvement project, enhancing both the safety and value of your home.
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Your home or business is over 20 years old
You frequently experience tripped breakers or blown fuses
You're planning a major renovation or addition to your property
You're adding new large appliances or electric vehicle charging
Your current breaker panel is less than 100 amps
You rely on power strips and extension cords throughout your property
The Antech Electric Panel Installation and Electrical Box Upgrade Process
Initial Assessment
Our certified Toronto electricians will evaluate your current electrical box or panel, power needs, and future requirements.
Custom Solution Design
We'll create a tailored plan for your new electrical panel or upgrade, considering factors like amperage, circuit requirements, and potential for expansion to meet Toronto's growing energy demands.
Permitting and Approvals
We handle all necessary permits for electrical service upgrades and ensure compliance with Toronto and Ontario regulations.
Installation or Upgrade
Our team will safely install your new panel or perform an electrical box upgrade, ensuring proper connections and grounding to withstand diverse weather conditions.
Testing and Verification
We thoroughly test the new or upgraded panel to guarantee optimal performance and safety in your home or business.update electrical panel
Final Inspection and Approval
We coordinate with the Electrical Safety Authority for the final inspection and approval of your new or upgraded electrical panel.
Book Now
Choosing the right electrical panel ensures your home can safely and efficiently power all your electrical needs now and in the future. Consult with our Licensed Electricians to determine the best panel size for your specific home and lifestyle. Book a call with Antech Electric Today!
Licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) of Ontario
38 Years of experience serving the Greater Toronto Area
Competitive pricing with transparent quotes for electrical panel upgrade costs
Strict adherence to Toronto and Ontario electrical codes
Why Choose Us?
Efficient service with minimal disruption during electrical panel change outs
Fuse Box Electrical Panel
A fuse box is an older type of electrical distribution system commonly found in homes built before the 1960s.
Key features include:
• Uses cylindrical fuses to protect circuits from overload
• Each fuse contains a metal strip that melts when too much current flows through it, breaking the circuit
• Once a fuse "blows," it must be replaced to restore power
• Limited capacity, typically 30-60 amps, which is often insufficient for modern electrical needs
• May not meet current electrical code requirements
While fuse boxes were once the standard, they have several drawbacks including the need for frequent fuse replacements and the temptation to use incorrect fuse ratings, which can create fire hazards.
Circuit Breaker Panel Replacement
A breaker panel, also known as a circuit breaker box or load center, is the modern successor to the fuse box. Replacing an existing panel is often more practical and cost-effective than installing a completely new system, especially when upgrading for increased capacity or safety.
Note: Always ensure that a permit is obtained before starting a panel replacement, and this job should be performed by a licensed professional electrician to guarantee safety and code compliance. If your upgrade increases your home's electrical capacity, a new electrical service may be required, which involves coordination with your utility provider.
Features include:
• Uses circuit breakers instead of fuses to protect against overloads and short circuits
• Breakers can be reset when tripped, eliminating the need for replacements
• The main breaker acts as a master switch to control power flow to the entire panel
• Typically offers 100-200 amp service, suitable for most modern homes
• Allows for easy addition of new circuits as needed
• Meets current electrical code requirements
• Often includes GFCI and AFCI protection for enhanced safety
Breaker panels offer greater convenience, safety, and capacity compared to older fuse boxes, making them the standard in modern electrical systems and an ideal choice for your electric panel upgrade
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Electrical Subpanel Installation
A subpanel is an additional electrical distribution point that's connected to and receives power from your main electrical panel. Subpanels are invaluable for managing electrical loads in specific areas of your home or for powering detached structures.
A subpanel is essentially a miniature version of your main electrical panel. It contains its own circuit breakers and is used to distribute power to a specific area or structure. Subpanels are fed by a large feeder wire from the main panel and typically have their own main breaker.
Key features include:
• Increased Circuit Capacity: Subpanels allow you to add more circuits without overloading your main panel.
• Improved Organization: They help organize circuits by area or usage, making troubleshooting easier.
• Convenience: Subpanels provide a nearby shut-off point for specific areas, eliminating the need to go to the main panel.
• Code Compliance: In some cases, subpanels are required by electrical codes, especially for detached structures.
• Voltage Drop Reduction: For areas far from the main panel, a subpanel can help maintain proper voltage levels.
Understanding Electrical Panel Amperage
Understanding your home's electrical needs is crucial in selecting the right panel amperage. Our experts can help assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable option for your electrical panel replacement.
- The standard for most modern homes, offering ample capacity for typical household needs.
- Recommended for homes between 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, with standard appliances, electric heating/cooling, and potential for future expansions. This size accommodates most modern lifestyles and technologies.
200-Amp Panels
- Suitable for small to medium-sized homes with basic electrical needs.
- Ideal for homes under 1,000 square feet, with few large appliances and no electric heating or cooling systems. These panels are becoming less common in new constructions due to increasing energy demands.
60 to 100-Amp Panels
250-Amp Panels
- High-capacity panels for larger homes or those with extensive electrical requirements.
- Ideal for homes over 3,000 square feet, houses with multiple high-powered appliances, electric vehicle charging stations, or homes with specialized electrical needs (e.g., workshops, home theaters). This size provides extra capacity for energy-intensive households and future technological advancements.
Smart Electrical Panels
As technology advances, so do electrical panels. Smart panels offer:
• Real-time energy monitoring
• Remote circuit control via smartphone apps
• Integration with home automation systems
• Improved energy efficiency and cost savings
• Enhanced safety features
While more expensive initially, smart panels can provide long-term benefits in energy management and home safety. Ask our team about smart panel options for your home.
Upgrading your Fuse Box to a Breaker Box Panel
Upgrading from a fuse box to a breaker panel is a significant improvement to your home's electrical system. Here's why you might consider this upgrade:
1. Increased Safety: Modern breaker panels offer better protection against electrical fires and shocks.
2. Greater Capacity: Accommodate more appliances and electronics without overloading your system.
3. Code Compliance: Ensure your home meets current electrical standards, which may be required for insurance or when selling your home.
4. Convenience: No more replacing blown fuses or worrying about using the wrong fuse size.
5. Future-Proofing: Easily add new circuits for renovations or additional electrical needs.
The upgrade process typically involves:
• Removing the old fuse box
• Installing a new breaker panel
• Upgrading the service cable if necessary
• Reconnecting existing circuits to the new panel
• Adding any necessary new circuits
• Obtaining proper permits and inspections
As licensed Toronto electricians, we handle all aspects of electrical distribution panel wiring. Ensuring your new electrical panel is installed safely and to code. We'll assess your home's electrical needs, recommend the appropriate panel size, and complete the installation with minimal disruption to your daily life.
FAQs
The installation typically takes 1-2 days, including removing the old panel, installing the new one, making necessary connections, and passing the ESA inspection.
During the installation, your power will need to be shut off. We coordinate with the local utility provider to disconnect power at the meter, aiming to complete the work efficiently to minimize disruption. As a professional, I always recommend having a licensed and insured contractor perform these upgrades to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes.
In the GTA, upgrading from 100 amp to 200 amp service usually costs between $2,500 to $5,000 CAD, though prices can vary based on factors like system complexity and distance from the utility pole.
We recommend having your electrical panel inspected every 3-5 years. However, in older Toronto homes, more frequent inspections may be necessary. At Antech Electric, we offer comprehensive panel inspections to ensure your home's safety.
Most panels last 25-40 years, but upgrades may be needed sooner if your power needs increase or Ontario safety standards change
If you notice frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, or burning smells, it's time for an upgrade. Many Toronto homes still have outdated panels that don't meet current electrical safety authority standards. If you’re interested in EV Charger Installation or Smart Home Automation for your home, you may need to upgrade to 200 amp service. Our Antech Electric experts can recommend necessary upgrades and assist you with electrical panel replacement.
We strongly advise against DIY panel upgrades. In Toronto, electrical work requires permits and inspections. Our licensed Antech Electric professionals ensure your upgrade is safe, up to code, and properly installed.
Fuse boxes are outdated and less safe than modern circuit breaker panels. If your Toronto home still has a fuse box, Antech Electric recommends an immediate upgrade to improve safety and meet current electrical demands.
The size depends on your home's square footage and electrical needs. Many Toronto homes upgrade to 200 amp service. Our Antech Electric team can assess your needs and recommend the right size for your home.
A 200 amp panel can handle double the electrical load of a 100 amp panel, offers more circuit breaker spaces, and is better suited for larger homes or those with high-power appliances. It's also more future-proof, accommodating potential additions or new technologies.
Upgrading to 200 amp service typically involves replacing your existing panel with a larger 200 amp panel, installing a new meter base, running thicker service cables, and potentially upgrading the grounding system. This process requires obtaining necessary permits and inspections from the Electrical Safety Authority.
Unusual noises from your panel are a serious concern. If you hear buzzing or crackling, contact Antech Electric immediately. Our emergency electrical service can quickly assess and address potentially dangerous situations.
