Panel Upgrade
Panel Upgrade | Electric Panel Upgrades | Electrical | Rockwood
When the lights flicker or new appliances trip the breaker, it’s a sign your Rockwood home is ready for electric panel upgrades. HEP’s licensed, local electricians replace outdated fuse boxes and undersized breaker panels with modern systems engineered for today’s power demands. You’ll enjoy steadier voltage, room to grow with EV chargers or hot tubs, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every circuit is safeguarded by current code-compliant technology.
From the first inspection to the final walkthrough, we handle everything—permits, utility coordination, surge protection, even neat labeling that makes future DIY projects easier. Transparent pricing and same-day service windows mean less downtime and no surprises. Upgrade once, and power every moment confidently with HEP in Rockwood.
FAQs
Why would a Rockwood homeowner need an electric panel upgrade?
Many Rockwood homes were built decades ago with 60- or 100-amp fuse boxes that were never designed for today’s electrical loads—central air conditioners, EV chargers, hot tubs, high-efficiency appliances, and home offices. Upgrading to a modern 200-amp breaker panel increases available power, eliminates nuisance tripping, removes outdated fuses, and greatly reduces the risk of overload-related fires. It also brings the service up to current Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) standards, something insurance companies increasingly demand before renewing policies.
What signs indicate my current panel is undersized or unsafe?
Common red flags include frequently tripping breakers or blown fuses, warm or buzzing breaker slots, lights that dim when large appliances start, limited space for new circuits, two wires under one breaker (double-lugging), and panels that are more than 30-40 years old. If your panel is a known recall brand such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco, replacement is strongly advised. An ESA-licensed electrician can perform a load calculation and visual inspection to confirm whether an upgrade is required.
What is involved in the panel upgrade process in Rockwood?
1. On-site assessment and load calculation to choose the correct amperage (usually 200 A). 2. Submission of an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) notification and coordination with Alectra (local utility) for service disconnect/reconnect scheduling. 3. Ordering a new CSA-approved breaker panel, service mast, meter base (if needed), and grounding equipment. 4. Day-of upgrade: power is shut off, old panel removed, new panel and breakers installed, grounding and bonding updated, and circuits labeled. 5. ESA inspection and utility reconnect (typically the same day). 6. Final cleanup and homeowner orientation. The entire project usually takes one full day, although complex rewiring may add time.
How long will my power be out and do I need to be home?
The utility disconnects the service for 4-8 hours, depending on weather and site conditions. We schedule the work so power is restored the same day. Someone 18 years or older must be on site to give the electrician access and review the finished work, but you can leave once the crew is set up. Refrigerators and freezers keep food cold for about 4 hours if doors stay closed, but we recommend using coolers for items that must remain below 4 °C.
What does a typical 200-amp panel upgrade cost in Rockwood?
Pricing varies with panel location, wiring condition, and add-ons, but most straightforward 200-amp upgrades in Rockwood range from $3,200 to $4,800 + HST. This includes ESA fees, utility coordination, new panel and breakers, upgraded grounding, labor, and disposal of the old equipment. Costs rise if the service entrance cable or meter base is undersized, if the mast must be relocated, or if whole-home surge protection or generator interlocks are added. We provide a written, itemized quote after the site visit so there are no surprises.
Will the new panel give me room for future projects like an EV charger or basement suite?
Yes. A 200-amp panel provides 40–60 breaker spaces—double or triple what older fuse boxes offered. During the upgrade we can install a spare 50-amp breaker and conduit to the garage for a future Level 2 EV charger or rough-in a sub-panel feed for a basement suite. Planning ahead saves money versus retrofitting later. We also label every circuit clearly to make future electrical work easier and code-compliant.