We inspect before we quote
No phone-estimate guessing – we look at the actual panel and wiring first.
Signs your panel needs attention
Fused or under 100A
The panel is still fused, or has fewer than 100 amps of service
Trips with normal use
Breakers trip when you run more than one or two appliances at once
No room for new loads
There's no room left for another circuit – or you're adding an EV charger, hot tub, or finished basement
100A to 200A panel upgrades, and beyond
Most older Ottawa homes were built with 60A or 100A service, which was normal for the electrical loads of the time. A modern household running central air, an EV charger, and a kitchen full of appliances often needs 200A to have real headroom. We assess your actual and planned load – not just a rule of thumb – before recommending a size.
What a panel upgrade job involves
A panel upgrade touches the service entrance, the meter base, and the panel itself, and it requires ESA notification. Depending on your utility connection, Hydro Ottawa may need to disconnect and reconnect service for part of the work – we coordinate that scheduling as part of the job so the power outage window is as short and predictable as possible.
Sizing for EV chargers and hot tubs
An EV charger or hot tub is often the reason a panel upgrade gets scheduled in the first place – both draw a sustained, significant load that an older or already-full panel usually can't accommodate safely. We size the upgrade around the specific equipment you're adding, not just a generic bump in amperage.
Why choose us for your panel upgrade
Inspection first, then a written quote
We look at the actual panel and wiring before quoting, not a phone-estimate guess – and every price is written down before work starts, no surprise line items.
ESA-notified work
We handle Electrical Safety Authority notification as part of the job when it's required.
Residential & commercial
Homes, offices, retail, and light-industrial space across Ottawa.
What to expect
Written quote, no surprises
The price is confirmed before work starts.
ESA-notified work
Handled as part of the job when it's required.
Cleaned up when we're done
We leave the site the way we found it.
Panel Upgrade FAQs
How long does a panel upgrade take?
A straightforward residential upgrade is often done in a day, though scheduling the Hydro Ottawa disconnect/reconnect can affect timing.
Will I be without power during the upgrade?
Yes, for part of the day while the old panel is disconnected and the new one is installed and reconnected. We'll tell you the expected window in advance.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Yes, panel upgrades require ESA notification. We handle that as part of the job.
How do I know what size panel I need?
We calculate it from your current and planned loads – appliances, HVAC, EV charging, and anything else you're adding – rather than defaulting to the largest option.