ESA Electrician License #: 7016029
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Trusted electrical experts Since 1987
Antech Electric / Antech Electrical inc.
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Electrical Panel Upgrades
Electrical Panel Upgrade Services In
Toronto & The GTA
An outdated or overloaded electrical panel limits what your property can safely handle. Antech Electric provides licensed electrical panel upgrades, 100 amp to 200 amp service upgrades, fuse box to breaker panel conversions and emergency panel replacement across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Every upgrade is installed by ECRA/ESA licensed electricians, wired to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, coordinated with your local utility and closed out with ESA inspection and documentation.
ECRA/ESA Licensed
Contractor #7016029
39 Years of Experience
Serving the GTA since 1987
Residential · Commercial
Industrial panel upgrades
24/7 Emergency
Panel failures & power loss
Free Written Estimates
Transparent, itemized pricing
WSIB Coverage
Fully insured crews
Burning smell, scorch marks or a hot panel? Stop using the panel and call an electrician immediately — 905-660-1384
Warning Signs
Do You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Most panels give clear warnings before they fail. If your property shows any of the following signs, a licensed assessment of your panel and service capacity is the safest next step.
Frequent Breaker Trips
Breakers that trip repeatedly are telling you the circuit or the panel is being asked to carry more load than it was designed for.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
Lights that dim when an appliance, air conditioner or dryer starts usually indicate a panel or service that is undersized.
Burning Smell or Sizzling
Any burning odour, buzzing or sizzling sound at the panel is an emergency. Loose connections and arcing are fire hazards.
Heat or Discolouration
A warm panel cover, scorch marks or discoloured breakers point to overheating terminations that must be assessed right away.
Fuse Panel Still in Service
Fuse panels are obsolete, difficult to insure and cannot support modern electrical loads. Conversion to a breaker panel is recommended.
Insufficient Breaker Spaces
No open spaces left — or tandem breakers doubled up — means there is no safe capacity for new circuits or renovations.
Federal Pacific, Zinsco or Stab-Lok Panels
These panel brands have documented failure-to-trip histories and should be replaced regardless of their apparent condition.
Overloaded Circuits
Extension cords, power bars and shared circuits for heavy appliances are signs the panel no longer matches how you use power.
Emergency safety notice: If you smell burning, see smoke, hear arcing or find scorched breakers, do not open the panel. Keep everyone clear and call Antech Electric's 24/7 emergency line immediately.
Our Services
Electrical Panel Upgrade & Replacement Services
Antech Electric handles every stage of a panel upgrade — assessment, load calculation, permits, installation, inspection and documentation — for residential, commercial and industrial properties throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Residential Electrical Panel Upgrades
Homeowners across Toronto and the GTA upgrade their panels to support additions, finished basements, heat pumps, hot tubs and EV chargers safely.
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100 amp to 200 amp service upgrades
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Full panel and breaker replacement
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Fuse box to breaker panel conversion
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Sub-panels for basements, garages and additions
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Main breaker, mast and meter base replacement
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Circuit labelling and load balancing
Commercial Electrical Panel Upgrades
Retail units, offices, restaurants and multi-unit buildings depend on distribution that matches their equipment load and future tenants.
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Single and three-phase distribution upgrades
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Tenant fit-up panels and metering
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Load calculations for new equipment
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Off-hours installation to protect operations
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Code-compliant panel schedules and labelling
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ESA inspection and documentation
Industrial Electrical Panel Upgrades
Plants and warehouses require switchgear, motor control and distribution capacity engineered for continuous heavy load.
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Switchgear and distribution panel replacement
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Three-phase 600V service upgrades
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Motor control centre and feeder upgrades
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Power quality and capacity assessments
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Planned shutdown coordination
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Arc-flash aware safe work procedures
Emergency Panel Repair & Replacement
Panel failures, burned breakers and lost power are handled around the clock by licensed electricians with stocked service vehicles.
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24/7 emergency response across the GTA
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Burned, arcing or failed breaker replacement
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Partial power loss and lost-neutral diagnosis
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Storm and water-damaged panel replacement
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Temporary safe-off and make-safe service
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Utility and ESA emergency coordination
Service Capacity
100 Amp to 200 Amp Electrical Service Upgrade
A service upgrade increases the total power available to your property. It is the most common upgrade we perform in the GTA, because modern homes use far more electricity than the 60A and 100A services originally installed.
Panel Replacement vs. Service Upgrade
Panel Replacement
The existing panel and breakers are replaced while the incoming service size stays the same. This addresses an unsafe, obsolete or full panel without changing total capacity.
Service Upgrade
The service entrance, mast, meter base, main breaker and panel are upgraded together — typically 100A to 200A — increasing the power available to the property. Utility and ESA coordination is required.
A load calculation determines which one you actually need. Antech Electric provides that calculation in writing before any work is quoted.
Is 200 Amp Service Right for Your Property?
Service sizing is based on a calculated load, not a guess. These are the factors our electricians review during the assessment:
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Total square footage of the property
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Electric range, dryer and water heater loads
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Central air conditioning or heat pump
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Electric vehicle charging now or in the future
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Hot tub, pool equipment or workshop tools
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Planned additions, basement suites or garages
When 100A may be adequate
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Smaller homes with gas heating, range and dryer
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No EV charger and no plans to add one
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Existing breaker panel in good condition with open spaces
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Calculated load comfortably below panel capacity
When 200A is appropriate
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Electric heating, range, dryer or water heater
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EV charger installation now or planned
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Central air conditioning or heat pump added
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Major renovation, addition or secondary suite
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Home workshop, pool or hot tub equipment
400A guidance: Large homes, multi-unit residential buildings and properties combining electric heating with multiple EV chargers may require a 400 amp service or a second panel. We confirm this with a full load calculation and utility review before specifying equipment.
Fuse Panel Conversion
Fuse Box to Breaker Panel Conversion
Fuse panels were standard in Ontario homes built before the 1960s. They are no longer suitable for modern electrical demand and are one of the most common reasons homeowners are asked to upgrade by insurers and home inspectors.
Why fuse panels are replaced
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Fuses are frequently over-fused with the wrong amperage
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No ground fault or arc fault protection is available
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Insurance companies often refuse or surcharge coverage
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Capacity is far below modern household demand
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Replacement fuses and parts are increasingly obsolete
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Breaker panels reset safely without handling live parts
Never replace a blown fuse with a higher amperage fuse. Over-fusing removes the only overcurrent protection on that circuit and is a leading cause of electrical fires.
Conversions are completed by ECRA/ESA licensed electricians, inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority and documented for your insurer.
Scope of Work
What Does an Electrical Panel Upgrade Include?
Every Antech Electric panel upgrade follows the same ten-step scope so nothing is missed and the installation passes inspection the first time.
01
Electrical load calculation
Existing and planned loads are calculated to Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements.
02
Permit and ESA notification
We file the ESA notification and handle inspection scheduling.
03
Utility coordination
Disconnect and reconnect is arranged with your local distribution utility.
04
New panel and breakers
A correctly sized panel with new breakers and adequate spare spaces.
05
Main breaker and service entrance
Mast, meter base, service conductors and main breaker as required.
06
Grounding and bonding
Grounding electrode, water bond and gas bond brought to current code.
07
Circuit transfer and terminations
Every existing circuit is transferred, torqued and tested.
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AFCI / GFCI protection
Arc fault and ground fault protection added where code requires it.
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Labelling and panel schedule
A legible, accurate directory of every circuit in the panel.
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Testing, inspection and cleanup
Full testing, ESA inspection sign-off and a tidy work area.
Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost Ontario
General ranges for the Greater Toronto Area. Your written estimate confirms the actual price before any work begins.
Panel replacement (same service size)
$2,000 – $3,500
100A to 200A service upgrade
$3,000 – $5,500
Fuse box to breaker panel conversion
$2,500 – $4,500
400A service or dual-panel installation
$7,000 +
Ranges are for general guidance only and are not a quote. Pricing varies with site conditions, utility requirements and equipment.
What Affects Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost?
These variables determine where a project lands within the ranges shown.
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Service size and whether the mast and meter base are replaced
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Overhead versus underground service entrance
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Panel location, access and required wiring extensions
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Condition of existing grounding and bonding
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Number of circuits to transfer and AFCI/GFCI requirements
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Utility disconnect fees, permits and ESA inspection
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Asbestos, knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring remediation
Get an exact price in writing
Free written estimates with itemized scope — no obligation, no surprises on invoice day.
EV Charging
EV Charger Panel Upgrades & Load Capacity
A Level 2 EV charger can add 30 to 60 amps of continuous demand. Many GTA homes on 100A service cannot support that load without a service upgrade or managed charging.
Possible solutions
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Upgrade the service from 100A to 200A for full-speed charging
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Install an EVEMS load management device to share existing capacity
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Dedicate a properly sized 240V branch circuit with its own breaker
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Add a sub-panel in the garage for charging and future loads
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Set charger output to match the calculated available capacity
Ontario requires an ESA-permitted installation for every EV charger. We confirm available capacity with a load calculation before recommending a charger size.
Code & Compliance
Ontario Electrical Safety Code & ESA Requirements
All panel upgrades in Ontario are regulated work. They must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority.
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2024 Ontario Electrical Safety Code, 29th Edition compliance
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ESA notification filed before work begins
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Mandatory ESA inspection and certificate of acceptance
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Section 8 load calculations for service sizing
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Correct grounding, bonding and AFCI/GFCI protection
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Accurate panel directory and equipment labelling
ECRA/ESA Licensed Electrical Contractor #7016029
Work is performed to the 2024 Ontario Electrical Safety Code, 29th Edition. Every job is filed, inspected and documented — protecting your insurance coverage and your property value.
How It Works
Our Electrical Panel Upgrade Process
A predictable five-step process from first assessment to final documentation.
01
Panel & Load Assessment
A licensed electrician inspects your panel, service entrance, grounding and bonding, then completes a load calculation for current and planned demand.
02
Written Recommendation & Quote
You receive a written recommendation explaining whether a panel replacement or full service upgrade is required, with itemized pricing.
03
ESA / Utility Coordination
We file the ESA notification, obtain approvals and schedule the utility disconnect and reconnect around your availability.
04
Panel or Service Upgrade Installation
The new panel, main breaker, service entrance and grounding are installed and every circuit is transferred and torqued to specification.
05
Testing, Inspection, Labelling & Documentation
Circuits are tested, the panel directory is completed, ESA inspects the work and you receive your documentation for insurance and resale.
Typical timeline: Most residential panel upgrades are completed in one day, with power off for approximately four to eight hours. Service upgrades requiring utility disconnect are scheduled in advance so you know exactly what to expect.
Service Areas
Electrical Panel Upgrade Services Across Toronto & the GTA
Antech Electric has served Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area since 1987. Our licensed electricians work across the region daily, with stocked vehicles for panel upgrades, service upgrades and emergency replacement.
Toronto
Downtown, East York, Leaside and the core
Vaughan
Panel upgrades and 200A service
Woodbridge
Home of our service shop
Mississauga
Residential and commercial panels
Richmond Hill
Service upgrades and EV circuits
Markham
Panel replacement and sub-panels
Etobicoke
Fuse box conversions
Scarborough
100A to 200A upgrades
North York
Older home panel replacement
Burlington & Oakville
Residential and commercial service
Brampton, Hamilton & Milton
Panel and distribution upgrades
We Also Serve
Kitchener
Pickering
Oshawa
Whitby
Newmarket
Ajax
Guelph
Barrie
Aurora
Orangeville
Brantford
Belleville
Bowmanville
Collingwood
Peterborough
Sarnia
and other Southern Ontario communities
Not sure if we cover your area?
Call and we will confirm coverage and scheduling for your municipality.
Why Antech
Why Choose Antech Electric for Your Panel Upgrade?
Panel upgrades are safety-critical, regulated work. Choosing a licensed contractor with decades of GTA experience protects your property, your insurance and your family.
39 Years of Electrical Experience
Antech Electric has upgraded panels across Toronto and the GTA since 1987 — through every code cycle and utility requirement change.
ECRA/ESA Licensed Contractor
Licence #7016029. Every panel upgrade is filed with the Electrical Safety Authority and inspected before closeout.
WSIB Covered & Fully Insured
Our crews carry WSIB coverage and liability insurance, protecting you and your property on every job.
Free Written Estimates
Itemized scope and pricing in writing before work begins. No verbal guesses and no surprise add-ons.
24/7 Emergency Response
Burned breakers, arcing panels and lost power are handled around the clock by licensed electricians.
Residential, Commercial & Industrial
From a single-family fuse box conversion to three-phase industrial switchgear, one contractor handles it all.
Licensed · Insured · WSIB Covered · ESA Inspected · Serving the GTA since 1987
Speak to an electrician
(905) 660-1384
24/7 emergency panel service across Toronto and the GTA.
Antech Electric
1 Ashbridge Circle, Unit 2, Woodbridge, ON CA L4L 3R5
Licensed & Code-Compliant
39 Years Experience
24/7 Emergency Service
Transparent Pricing
WSIB Covered
Real Questions. Straight Answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Panel Upgrades
Answers from Antech Electric for Toronto, the GTA & Southern Ontario
The answers you need for a safer brighter tomorrow
Expert answers. Real solutions. Stronger communities
Basics
Get the essential answers about electrical panel upgrades.
What is an electrical panel upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade replaces your old electrical panel or fuse box with a modern electrical panel that provides greater service capacity, better energy distribution, improved safety features and room for additional circuits. Depending on your needs, it may also include a full electrical service upgrade—increasing the amperage delivered from the utility to your property.
How do I know if I need an electrical panel upgrade?
The most common signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights when using major appliances, burning smells near the panel, insufficient breaker spaces, or an existing fuse panel. If your panel is over 30 years old, uses a recalled brand (Federal Pacific, Zinsco), or you're planning to add an EV charger, heat pump or hot tub, you likely need to upgrade.
Can you replace a fuse box with a breaker panel?
Yes. Fuse box to breaker panel conversion is one of our most common services. The conversion replaces outdated fuse technology with modern circuit breaker protection, enhances safety, and typically includes inspection of existing wiring and grounding updates. If the service size also needs to increase, the conversion is combined with a service upgrade.
Can you get a panel upgrade without rewiring the whole house?
In most cases, yes. A panel upgrade replaces the main panel and service entrance equipment—your existing branch circuit wiring is transferred to the new panel. However, if the inspection reveals deteriorated wiring, aluminum wiring concerns or knob-and-tube wiring, targeted remediation of affected circuits may be recommended. A complete house rewire is not typically required for a standard panel upgrade.
What is the difference between a panel upgrade and a service upgrade?
A panel replacement can replace the breaker panel without changing the amperage supplied to the property. A service upgrade increases the available electrical capacity, such as changing from 100 amp to 200 amp service.
What is the difference between a panel upgrade and an electrical service upgrade?
A panel upgrade (panel replacement) replaces the breaker box itself while keeping the same service capacity from the utility. An electrical service upgrade increases the total amperage delivered to your property—for example, upgrading from 100 amp to 200 amp service—which requires larger service entrance conductors, potentially a new meter box and mast, and utility coordination. Many projects combine both.
Costs & Capacity
Straight talk about pricing, capacity and your options.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Ontario?
Upgrading an electrical panel costs between $1,500 and $5,000 depending on scope. A panel-only replacement at the same service size typically costs $1,500–$3,500. A full 200 amp service upgrade typically costs $2,500 to $4,500. Underground service, wiring remediation, panel relocation and commercial or industrial work can increase costs further. The best way to determine your cost is through a free on-site estimate.
How much does it cost to upgrade from 100 amp to 200 amp service in Toronto?
A standard 100A to 200A overhead service upgrade in the Toronto area typically costs $2,500 to $4,500 including the new panel, breakers, labour, ESA permit and basic utility coordination. Where additional work is required—new service entrance conductors, meter base replacement, underground service or wiring issues—costs can range from $4,000 to $6,500 or higher.
Is 200 amp service enough for my home?
For most modern homes, 200A service provides ample capacity. A 200 amp panel supports multiple high-demand appliances simultaneously, including an EV charger, heat pump, electric range, hot tub and central air conditioning. For very large homes or properties with unusually high electrical loads, 300A or 400A service may be appropriate. A load calculation determines what your property actually requires.
Can I install an EV charger without upgrading my panel?
It depends on your current service capacity and available breaker spaces. A Level 2 EV charger typically requires a 240V, 40A dedicated circuit. If your panel has available space and your service can support the additional load, an EV charger can often be installed without a full service upgrade. If your panel is at capacity, a service upgrade or load management solution may be necessary. A licensed electrician can assess your specific situation.
Process & Compliance
A smooth, code-compliant upgrade from start to finish.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
Upgrading an electrical panel typically takes 4–8 hours for the physical installation. A typical 200 amp panel upgrade can be completed in one to two days. However, the full timeline from estimate to completion usually spans 2–5 weeks, accounting for ESA permit processing, utility coordination and scheduling. Complex projects may take 6–12 weeks.
Does an electrical panel upgrade require ESA notification/inspection?
Yes. Electrical panel upgrades require an ESA inspection for compliance under Ontario's Electrical Safety Code. Your licensed electrical contractor files the ESA Notification of Work (permit), and an ESA inspector verifies the completed installation before issuing a Certificate of Acceptance. Permits for electrical panel upgrades in Ontario cost between $100 and $500. Skipping this step can void insurance coverage and create legal liability.
What happens after an ESA inspection?
After electrical work filed under a Notification of Work has been reviewed and accepted, ESA issues a Certificate of Acceptance to the person who filed the notification.
Commercial & Emergency
Powering homes, businesses and communities – 24/7.
Does Antech Electric perform commercial electrical panel upgrades and industrial electrical panel upgrades?
Yes. Antech Electric provides commercial and industrial panel upgrades including high-capacity service expansion, three-phase distribution panels, subpanel installation, and emergency panel replacement. We coordinate planned downtime for commercial operations and handle all ESA and utility requirements for industrial electrical projects.
Can Antech provide emergency electrical panel replacement?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency electrical service for burnt panels, failed main breakers, storm damage, overheating and unsafe panel conditions. Call 905-660-1384 for immediate assistance. Our licensed electricians assess the situation on-site and perform emergency repairs or replacements to restore safe power as quickly as possible.
Still Have Questions About Your Electrical Panel?
Our team is here to help. Get expert advice and a free, no-obligation estimate for your panel upgrade in Toronto and the GTA.
Same expertise.
A brighter tomorrow.