Electrical Panel Upgrades & Electrical Panel Replacement ANTECH ELECTRIC
Electrical Service Upgrade - Panel Installation
ANTECH ELECTRIC
At Antech Electric, our licensed electricians in Toronto and across Ontario are experts in electrical panel upgrades, electrical panel replacement, and distribution panel repair to ensure your home's electrical service upgrades are safe and compliant.
With electrical service teams for both our residential and commercial customers, consisting of some of the best Electricians in Toronto and the GTA. 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 Authority regulations.
Electrical panels play a crucial role in home electrical systems by distributing electricity safely throughout your house, acting as the central power panel. This circuit breaker panel box acts as the central hub for your electrical system, receiving power from the utility company and distributing it to various circuits in your home. Different electric panels for homes have different amperage levels, most often ranging from a 100amp panel to a 200amp panel or higher. It's important that you go with a reliable licensed electrician that can recommend an electrical service upgrade that's sufficient for your home's energy demands. This ensures safety, efficiency, and future-proofing of your home's electrical system.
Signs You Need an Electrical Service Upgrade
Recognizing when your home requires an electrical service upgrade is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency. Several signs indicate that your current electrical panel may no longer meet your home's power demands or safety standards.
Frequent Breaker Panel Trips
If your circuit breakers trip often, especially during times of high electrical usage, this is a strong indication that your electrical panel is overloaded. Frequent trips can disrupt your daily routine and signal that your electrical panel size and capacity cannot handle how much power your household is consuming.
Insufficient Number of Outlets
Relying heavily on power strips and extension cords due to a lack of adequate outlets indicates your electrical panel may be overstressed. An upgrade can add more circuits and outlets to safely accommodate your modern electrical needs.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
When lights flicker or dim unexpectedly, it often points to electrical issues within your home's wiring or panel. This can be caused by circuits drawing too much power or an old panel struggling to distribute electricity effectively.
Warm or Discolored Outlets and Switches
Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch or show discoloration are warning signs of overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. These conditions can increase the risk of electrical fires and should prompt an immediate inspection and possible panel upgrade.
Older Electrical or Fuse Box
Older panels such as an old fuse box electrical panel lack modern safety features and may require electrical panel replacement or an electric panel upgrade to comply with current codes and improve your home electrical panel safety. Upgrading to a new electrical panel enhances safety and brings your home's electrical system up to date.
Burning Smell or Sparks
Any burning odor or visible sparks near outlets or the electrical panel are serious red flags. These signs suggest electrical faults that require prompt attention from a licensed electrician, often necessitating an electrical panel upgrade.
38+ Years
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The Benefits of a Home Electrical Panel Upgrade
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✅Enhanced Safety
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Replaces outdated fuse panel systems or faulty circuit breakers.
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Uses reliable circuit breakers designed to trip quickly during overloads.
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Significantly reduces the risk of electrical fires caused by overheating or faulty components.
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✅Improved Reliability and Performance
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Ensures circuits handle today's electrical loads without frequent breaker electrical panel trips.
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Prevents power interruptions, keeping lights on and appliances running smoothly.
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Avoids inconvenience and potential damage caused by sudden power loss.
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✅Increased Capacity for Modern Technology
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Supports electric vehicles, smart home devices, and energy-efficient appliances with a 200 amp power panel.
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Deciding to upgrade to 200 amp service provides necessary capacity for current and future needs. Ensuring your home electrical breaker box can handle modern demands.
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Future-proofs your home for years to come.
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✅Better Energy Efficiency
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Distributes power more effectively with modern panels.
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Integrates with smart electrical systems to monitor and manage energy use.
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Helps reduce energy bills and supports environmentally friendly living.
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✅Higher Resale Value
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Updated electrical systems appeal to prospective buyers.
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Provides peace of mind regarding home safety and modern convenience.
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Makes your home more competitive in the real estate market.
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Electric Panel Installation and Upgrade Process
Our certified electricians will evaluate your current electrical box and panel capacity needs, future upgrade electric panel requirements, and provide a free estimate for your electrical service upgrade. Our licensed electrical contractors engage in the following process in order to successfully update electrical panel service capacity for your home:
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Initial Assessment
Our licensed electricians will evaluate your current electrical box or panel, power needs, and future requirements. We'll create a tailored plan for your new electrical panel or upgrade, considering factors like amperage, circuit requirements, and potential for expansion
2
Permit & Planning
We handle all necessary ESA permit applications, code compliance review, and detailed project planning for upgrading electrical panel services. Guaranteeing your electrical panel upgrade meets all safety and legal standards for a smooth and worry-free process.
3
Professional Installation
Our team will safely perform your electrical panel upgrade or electrical panel replacement, ensuring proper connections and grounding to withstand diverse weather conditions for all outdoor electric panels for homes. Professional panel installation by licensed electricians is essential for safety and quality.
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Testing & Documentation
We thoroughly test the new or upgraded electric panel, coordinate with the Electrical Safety Authority for final inspection and approval, and provide education on your main electrical service panel. Guaranteeing optimal performance and safety in your home.
Understanding Electrical Panel Amperage
Different electric panels for homes have different amperage levels. Our experts can help assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable option for your electrical panel replacement. Changing electrical panel amperage to accommodate more advanced electrical systems is crucial.
100 amp Electrical Panel
100 amp electrical panels are common in older homes or smaller modern homes.
Key points include:
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A 100 amp electrical panel for home use can handle most everyday appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and lighting.
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May struggle with additional high-demand devices like electric water heaters, air conditioners, or electric vehicle chargers.
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Due to their limited capacity, 100 amp panels often lead to frequent circuit breaker trips when multiple high-power appliances run simultaneously.
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Homes with 100 amp panels might face challenges accommodating new electrical technologies or future expansions without upgrading.
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Upgrading to 200 amp service from a 100 amp panel is a common solution to meet increasing electrical demands and improve overall system safety.
150 amp Electrical Panel
100 amp electrical panels are Suitable for medium-sized homes with several high-power appliances.
Key points include:
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Can support additions like a home office, workshop, or small electric vehicle charger.
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Provides a balanced option for homeowners who need more power than a 100 amp panel but do not require the full capacity of a 200 amp panel.
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Often chosen by those planning gradual upgrades or expansions to their electrical system without immediate need for a large increase in amperage.
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Installation of a 150 amp panel can be a cost-effective solution to improve electrical safety and performance without the higher expense of a 200 amp upgrade.
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Suitable for homes with moderate electrical loads, including central air conditioning units, electric water heaters, and several kitchen appliances.
200 amp Electrical Panel
Many homes initially have 100 amp panels, but an upgrade to 200 amp service is often necessary to meet modern electrical needs and support a comprehensive electrical upgrade.
Key points about upgrading to a 200 amp panel include:
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The current standard for most modern homes.
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Provides double the power capacity compared to a 100 amp panel.
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Safely handles high-demand appliances such as electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and home workshops.
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Offers greater flexibility for future upgrades and additions, like the installation of a 60 amp subpanel.
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Ensures your electrical system can grow with your lifestyle.
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Antech Electric helps determine if a 200 amp panel is the right fit based on your home’s electrical load and future plans.
300 amp Electrical Panel and Above
300 amp electrical panels and above are typically used in very large homes, commercial properties, or homes with specialized equipment.
Some of the key features and benefits of upgrading to a 300 amp electrical panel or above include:
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Can accommodate heavy industrial equipment, multiple EV chargers, and large-scale home automation.
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These high-capacity panels manage substantial electrical loads safely, ensuring consistent power without overloading.
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Upgrading panels of this size involves additional safety measures like enhanced grounding and surge protection.
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Though costly upfront, these panels support advanced electrical needs, future expansions, and energy-intensive operations with confidence.
Understanding The Main Electrical Panel Types and Modern Solutions
Circuit Breaker Panels: Modern Safety and Convenience
Circuit breaker panels are the standard in modern electrical systems, offering superior safety and ease of use compared to older fuse box panels. These panels contain multiple circuit breakers that monitor and control the flow of electricity to various parts of your home.
Key benefits of breaker panels include:
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• Uses circuit breakers instead of fuses to protect against overloads and short circuits
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• Breakers can be reset when tripped, eliminating the need for replacements
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• The main breaker acts as a master switch to control power flow to the entire panel
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• Typically offers 100-200 amp service,
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• Allows for easy addition of new circuits as needed
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• Often includes GFCI and AFCI protection for enhanced safety
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Breaker panels offer greater convenience, safety, and capacity compared to older fuse boxes, making them an ideal choice for your electric panel upgrade
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Fuse Box Panels: Understanding the Older Technology
Old fuse box panels were commonly installed in homes built before the 1960s and use fuses to protect electrical circuits. Each fuse contains a metal wire that melts when overloaded, breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of electricity.
While effective in their time, fuse boxes have several drawbacks:
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Require replacement fuses after each trip, which can be inconvenient.
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Are prone to overheating, increasing fire risk.
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Often lack the capacity to safely handle today's electrical demands.
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Certain fuse box brands, such as Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco, are known to be hazardous and should be replaced immediately.
Homeowners with fuse box panels should consider upgrading to modern circuit breaker panels to improve safety, reliability, and electrical capacity.
Smart Electrical Panels: Smart Home Automation
Smart electrical panels represent the next generation of electrical distribution technology. They combine traditional panel functions with advanced digital features to provide enhanced control, safety, and energy management.
key benefits and features of smart electrical panels
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Real-Time Energy Monitoring
Track your home's electricity use via a smartphone app or web portal to reduce consumption. -
Remote Control and Automation
Control circuits remotely, schedule usage, and integrate with smart home systems. -
Enhanced Safety Features
Detect faults and overloads early with built-in alerts. -
Load Management
Prioritize essential circuits during peak times to prevent overloads.
We offer smart electrical panel upgrades that bring these advanced capabilities to your home, enhancing safety, convenience, and energy efficiency.
Electrical Subpanel Installation
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 breaker panel repair 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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Electrical Panel Upgrades with Antech Electric
An electrical service upgrade involves replacing your existing electrical panel with a new one that has a higher amperage capacity, such as upgrading from a 100 amp panel to a 200 amp panel. This process includes disconnecting power, removing the old panel, installing the new panel, connecting all circuits and wiring, and testing the system to ensure safety and proper operation. Additional work may include rewiring, adding new circuits, upgrading grounding systems, or relocating the panel if necessary. Permits and inspections are required to ensure compliance with electrical codes.
You may need an electrical service upgrade if you experience frequent breaker trips, flickering or dimming lights when using appliances, use multiple power strips regularly, or if your home has an older panel with insufficient amperage (such as 60 or 100 amps) for modern electrical demands. Signs like rust, corrosion, burning odors near the panel, or outdated fuse-based panels also indicate the need for an upgrade. Additionally, if you plan to add high-demand appliances such as electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, or a home workshop, upgrading to a higher capacity panel is recommended.
In some cases, an electrical panel upgrade can be done without extensive rewiring if the existing wiring is in good condition and meets current safety standards. However, older homes often require rewiring or partial rewiring to ensure compatibility and safety with the new panel and to meet modern electrical codes. An electrician will assess your home's wiring during the upgrade evaluation and advise if rewiring is necessary.
Upgrading an electrical panel is a complex and potentially dangerous task that requires specialized knowledge, training, and adherence to electrical codes. It is strongly recommended to hire a licensed electrician to perform the upgrade to ensure safety, compliance with regulations, and proper functioning of your electrical system. DIY upgrades can lead to safety hazards, code violations, and may void insurance coverage.
The cost to upgrade from a 100 amp to a 200 amp electrical panel in Ontario typically ranges between CAD $2,500 and CAD $3,500. This price includes the new panel, circuit breakers, labor, and permits. Additional costs may apply if rewiring, relocating the panel, or other electrical work is required.
A 200 amp electrical service is generally sufficient for most modern homes. It provides enough capacity to safely power multiple high-demand appliances, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps, and future expansions. However, very large homes or those with specialized equipment may require panels with higher amperage such as 250 amps or more. An electrician can assess your specific power needs to determine the appropriate service size.
Choosing between a 150 amp and a 200 amp panel depends on your home's size, electrical load, and future plans. A 150 amp panel suits medium-sized homes with several high-power appliances and moderate expansions, while a 200 amp panel is recommended for most modern homes with multiple high-demand devices and potential for future upgrades. A professional assessment of your electrical load by an electrician will help determine the best option.
Yes, upgrading to a 200 amp electrical service can increase your home's resale value. It signals to potential buyers that the electrical system is modern, safe, and capable of handling current and future electrical demands. This can make your home more attractive in the real estate market and provide peace of mind about electrical safety.
Yes, licensed electricians have the expertise to evaluate your home's electrical needs and safely increase your electrical panel's capacity. They can recommend the appropriate panel size, perform upgrades or replacements, handle necessary permits and inspections, and ensure compliance with electrical codes.
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.
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.
Antech Electric
Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Emergency Electricians
1 Ashbridge Cir Unit 2, Woodbridge, ON L4L 3R5
Serving Many Cities Across Ontario
Emergency
24/7
Certified
ESA
Years
38+
Experienced professional electricians Ontario property owners have trusted for nearly 4 decades. Learn about our specialized electrical services.
Contact Us Today for Your Electrical Panel Upgrade
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Our commitment to quality electrical work, transparent pricing, and customer satisfaction has made us the trusted choice for Electrical Panel Installations for homeowners and businesses.
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