Ottawa · Ontario
Electrical Panel Upgrade in Ottawa.
Kevin Electric provides professional electrical panel upgrades and replacements in Ottawa by licensed electricians with 15+ years of experience. Upgrade old 60-amp or 100-amp panels, prepare for EV chargers, support renovations, and make your electrical system safer for modern power needs.
What an electrical panel upgrade involves in Ottawa.
A panel upgrade replaces your existing electrical panel with a larger capacity unit, often 200 amps. The work includes removing the old panel, installing the new one, reconnecting circuits, testing connections, and making sure the electrical system is ready for your home’s power needs.
Assessment & Circuit Mapping
We assess your panel, service entrance, grounding, and existing circuits before quoting. Circuits are mapped and labelled so the finished panel is clear and easy to understand.
Panel Installation & Testing
The old panel is removed and the new panel is installed. Every circuit is reconnected, tested, labelled, and checked before power is restored.
ESA Requirements
If inspection, notification, or permit-related steps are required, we explain what is needed and help ensure the work is completed properly.
Ottawa electrical panel upgrade specialists.
Kevin Electric has experience upgrading panels across Ottawa, including older neighbourhoods and newer communities where homes need more capacity for EV chargers, hot tubs, basement renovations, and modern electrical loads.
- Licensed electrical work. Panel upgrades are completed by qualified electricians with safety and code requirements in mind.
- Clear pricing before work begins. You know the full scope and cost before the project starts.
- Local Ottawa experience. We understand the panel and wiring issues common in Ottawa-area homes.
What to know before booking an electrical panel upgrade in Ottawa.
The questions most clients ask first, answered directly.
Does my home need a 200-amp electrical panel upgrade?
Many older Ottawa homes have 60-amp or 100-amp panels that may not support modern loads. If you are adding an EV charger, hot tub, large appliance, basement renovation, or major electrical upgrade, a 200-amp panel may be recommended. We assess your panel and electrical load before advising.
Will my insurance company require a panel upgrade?
Some insurers flag outdated or problem panels, undersized service, aluminum wiring, knob and tube wiring, or unsafe electrical conditions. If your insurer requests an upgrade or documentation, Kevin Electric can assess the panel and provide details about the completed work.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
Most panel upgrades are completed in one day. Power is typically off for part of the day while the panel is replaced and reconnected. More complex work involving service entrance upgrades or grounding improvements may take longer.
Will I need to be home during a panel upgrade?
You should be available at the start to provide access and answer any questions. You do not usually need to stand by all day, but someone should be reachable. At the end, we walk through the new panel, labelling, and any important details.
What is included in a 200-amp panel upgrade?
A typical upgrade includes removing the old panel, installing the new panel, reconnecting existing circuits, labelling breakers, testing connections, and restoring power. If grounding or service entrance work is required, it is explained in the estimate.
How do I know if my panel is Federal Pacific or Zinsco?
Federal Pacific panels often show “FPE” or “Federal Pacific” and may use Stab-Lok breakers. Zinsco panels may show “Zinsco” or “Magnetrip” and often have a silver or grey appearance. These panels are commonly flagged due to known safety concerns and may need replacement.
Electrical panel upgrade in Ottawa: your questions answered.
Specific questions about panel upgrades in Ottawa, answered without the runaround.
How much does a 200-amp panel upgrade cost in Ottawa?
A standard 200-amp panel upgrade in Ottawa often falls in the $2,800 to $3,200 range when the existing service entrance is adequate. Full service upgrades with meter base or service entrance work may cost more. Kevin Electric provides a written estimate after assessment.
Does my insurance company require an electrical panel upgrade?
It depends on the insurer and the condition of your electrical system. Insurance companies may require upgrades for unsafe panels, outdated wiring, undersized panels, or known problem brands. We can inspect your panel and explain what needs attention.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
Most electrical panel upgrades take one full day. Simple upgrades may be completed with power restored by evening. If the service entrance or grounding system also needs work, it may take longer.
Will the power be off during a panel upgrade?
Yes. Power must be shut off while the old panel is removed and the new panel is installed. We explain the expected outage window before the work begins so you can plan ahead.
Do I need a permit for an electrical panel upgrade in Ontario?
Electrical panel upgrades in Ontario typically require proper notification and inspection through the electrical safety process. Kevin Electric will explain what is required for your project and help make sure the work is handled correctly.
What are the signs I need a new electrical panel?
Common signs include frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, burning smells, warm breakers, rust or corrosion, an outdated fuse panel, a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, lack of space for new circuits, or plans to add an EV charger, hot tub, or major appliance.
Can I add more circuits without upgrading my whole panel?
Sometimes, yes. If the panel has capacity and space, additional circuits may be possible. If the panel is full, undersized, outdated, or overloaded, a panel upgrade may be the safer long-term option.
Is a 200-amp panel enough for an EV charger and a hot tub?
Often, but it depends on the home’s total electrical load. EV chargers and hot tubs both use significant power. Kevin Electric completes a load assessment to determine whether 200 amps is enough or whether another solution is needed.
What does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Ottawa?
These are typical ranges. Your actual cost depends on your setup, panel condition, service entrance, circuit count, and code requirements. We provide a written price before work starts.
Standard 200A Upgrade
Existing service entrance adequate$2,800–$3,200Full Service Upgrade
New meter base or service entrance work$3,600–$4,200AFCI Breakers
Where required by current code$50–$80/circuitRated 5 stars on Google.
“Panel upgrade took one day exactly as they said it would. Power was back on by dinner and every circuit was labelled clearly.”
Daniel RousseauWestboro, Ottawa“We needed a 200-amp upgrade before installing an EV charger. The work was clean, clear, and professional.”
Patricia ChenOttawa Area“They gave the most detailed explanation of what needed to be done and found grounding issues others missed.”
Mark SullivanOttawaElectrical panel upgrade in Ottawa and nearby communities.
Kevin Electric provides panel upgrades in Ottawa, Barrhaven, Manotick, Riverside South, and Findlay Creek.
Ready to get started with your electrical panel upgrade?
Free estimates. No obligation. Call or message Kevin Electric and a licensed electrician will get back to you directly.