Electrical Panel
Electrical Panel | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Elora
When the charm of historic Elora meets the power demands of smart appliances, EV chargers, and home offices, yesterday’s fuse boxes can’t keep up. HEP’s licensed electricians specialize in electric panel upgrades that give your property the amperage and circuit capacity it needs—without compromising the character you love. From the first site visit to the final inspection, we manage every detail, securing permits, coordinating with the ESA, and cleaning up like we were never there.
Homeowners notice the difference immediately: lights stop flickering, breakers stop tripping, and sensitive electronics enjoy steady, surge-protected power. Behind the scenes, a new, code-compliant panel boosts fire safety, energy efficiency, and even resale value. Whether you’re renovating a century home or building a modern addition, HEP’s electric panel upgrades deliver peace of mind and power to spare—right here in Elora.
Ready to flip the switch on a safer, more capable electrical system? Contact HEP today for a free assessment and see how effortless upgrading can be.
FAQs
Why should I consider upgrading my electrical panel in Elora?
Older panels (usually 60 A or 100 A fuse boxes or early breaker panels) were never designed to handle today’s loads—EV chargers, heat pumps, hot tubs, smart appliances, etc. An upgrade to 100 A, 125 A or 200 A provides more circuits, modern safety breakers, room for future expansion and improved resale value. It also reduces nuisance tripping and the fire risk that comes with overloaded conductors or outdated fuse links.
What are the common signs that my existing panel needs an upgrade?
Warning signs include warm or buzzing breakers, frequent tripping or blown fuses, scorch marks, aluminum branch wiring, a panel manufactured by brands that have been recalled (e.g., Federal Pioneer, Zinsco), and lack of space for new circuits. Adding any large-load equipment—EV chargers, hot tubs, electric heaters—usually requires more ampacity than a legacy panel can supply.
Do I need a permit and ESA inspection for a panel upgrade in Elora?
Yes. In Ontario, any service or panel change must be inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). A Licensed Electrical Contractor files the notification of work, schedules the inspection and obtains the Certificate of Acceptance you will need for insurance or resale. The contractor also coordinates with Centre Wellington Hydro to disconnect and reconnect power on the day of the upgrade.
How much amperage should my new panel have?
Most detached homes are upgraded to 200 A because it comfortably supports electric heating, EV charging and future additions. Smaller homes or condos often choose 100 A or 125 A if the load calculation shows it’s sufficient. Your contractor will complete a detailed load calculation to determine the correct size, factoring in square footage, heating type, major appliances and any planned renovations.
How long does a typical panel upgrade take and will my power be off?
A straightforward panel swap from 100 A to 200 A with no meter relocation is usually completed in one working day. Hydro disconnects service in the morning, the electrician installs the new panel and service equipment, ESA inspects mid-day, and hydro reconnects before late afternoon. During that window—typically 4-8 hours—your whole house will be without power, so plan ahead for refrigeration, internet, and work-from-home needs.
How much does an electric service/panel upgrade cost in Elora and what affects the price?
For most single-family homes, expect $2,500–$3,500 for a 100 A → 200 A upgrade that keeps the meter in place. Costs rise if the hydro service mast must be rebuilt, the meter is moved outdoors, or the panel needs to be relocated—ranges of $4,000–$6,500 are common. Other factors include the length of the grounding electrode run, underground vs. overhead service, ESA/Hydro fees, and whether surge protection, AFCI/GFCI breakers or whole-home surge devices are added.