Industry Expertise
Industry Expertise | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Kingston
From heritage downtown homes to modern lakeside builds, Kingston’s electrical demands keep evolving—and so does HEP. Our master electricians bring decades of local experience to every service call, specializing in electric panel upgrades that give your property the capacity, safety, and smart-home compatibility it deserves. We navigate Kingston Hydro requirements, pull permits, and complete thermal imaging tests so you can add EV chargers, heat pumps, or basement suites without tripping breakers or risking outdated wiring.
Choosing HEP means faster project timelines, transparent pricing, and workmanship backed by a satisfaction guarantee. We replace fuse boxes, expand breaker space, and install whole-home surge protection in one streamlined visit, keeping disruptions to a minimum. If you’re planning a renovation—or simply want peace of mind the next time a storm rolls in—trust our team for code-compliant, future-ready electric panel upgrades that power Kingston safely into tomorrow.
FAQs
Why would I need to upgrade my electrical panel in Kingston?
Older panels (usually 60–100 A fuse or early breaker styles) were not designed for today’s power demands. Air-conditioning, heat pumps, EV chargers, hot tubs and modern electronics can overload outdated equipment, leading to nuisance tripping, overheating or fire risk. Upgrading to a 100 A or 200 A breaker panel gives you additional circuits, more stable voltage and the capacity required by Ontario Electrical Code to add new high-load appliances safely.
How can I tell if my existing panel is undersized or unsafe?
Warning signs include warm breakers, flickering lights, frequent tripped breakers or fuses, a burning smell, corrosion, double-tapped breakers, cloth-covered wiring, or the brand names Federal Pioneer/Federal Pacific, Zinsco or Sylvania (all recalled or obsolete). If your home still has a 60 A service, your insurer may already have asked for an upgrade or an electrical risk inspection. A licensed electrical contractor can perform a load calculation and infrared scan to confirm whether your panel is overloaded.
What happens during a typical panel upgrade and how long does it take?
1. Site visit and load calculation 2. Permit application with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and service upgrade request to Utilities Kingston or Hydro One (for rural properties) 3. Scheduled power disconnection by the utility (usually 3–4 hours) 4. Removal of the old panel, installation of a new meter base if required, bonding and grounding upgrades, installation of a 100 A or 200 A breaker panel, re-terminating branch circuits and labelling 5. ESA rough-in and final inspections 6. Utility reconnection Most residential upgrades are completed in one working day, with power restored the same afternoon, and inspections closed within 24–48 hours.
Do I need a permit and inspection for a panel upgrade in Kingston?
Yes. Ontario law requires that any change to a home’s main service be done under an ESA notification (permit) by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC). The ESA inspector verifies that grounding, bonding, conductor sizing, clearances and breaker types meet the current Ontario Electrical Code. The utility will not reconnect power until the ESA has released the connection authorization, so DIY panel swaps are prohibited.
Will upgrading my panel improve property value or insurance coverage?
Most insurers view a 100 A or 200 A breaker panel as a safer, lower-risk installation than a 60 A fuse panel. Upgrades can reduce or eliminate surcharge premiums and make your property eligible for broader coverage, especially if you plan to add electric heat, a hot tub or an EV charger. Realtors also note that buyers are more comfortable making offers on homes with a modern electrical service, potentially increasing resale value and marketability.
How much does an electric panel upgrade cost in Kingston, and what affects the price?
A straight 100 A to 100 A breaker panel replacement runs C$1,800–C$2,500. Upgrading from 60 A fuses to 100 A breakers averages C$2,500–C$3,500. Moving to 200 A service, which often involves a new meter base, mast, larger conduit and utility fees, typically ranges from C$3,500–C$5,500. Costs vary with panel location, wall repairs, underground vs. overhead service, distance to the pole, aluminium vs. copper feeders, and whether a whole-home surge protector or generator interlock is added. A detailed quote from a Kingston LEC will reflect your specific site conditions.