Many Calgarians spend thousands of dollars improving their kitchens, installing smart home devices, purchasing electric vehicle chargers, or developing their basements, while the most critical part of their home’s electrical system is the electrical panel that goes unnoticed. This electrical panel is located in the utility room or basement and controls the flow of electricity throughout your home. As our houses get more reliant on electricity, we sometimes find old electrical panels that cannot handle today’s electrical needs.
Do you have flickering lights, or do you need to reset your circuit breaker? It is perhaps time for an electrical panel upgrade in Calgary since Calgarian residents now see electrical panel replacement as an important safety measure, rather than another expense for their homes.
Natural Resources Canada indicates the residential demand for electricity keeps growing because Canadians use electric heaters, home offices, electric vehicle chargers, and energy-saving equipment. At the same time, the Canadian Electrical Code sets strict rules to maintain the electrical system’s safety amid increasing needs. Therefore, an old electrical service panel might not only affect performance but also increase electrical safety risks.
The electrical panel, also referred to as an electrical breaker panel or electrical service panel, is the distribution center for electricity coming into your house. Electricity from the utility company is distributed to the panel, where it can be distributed via circuits to your lights, receptacles, kitchen appliances, heating and cooling systems, water heater, garage, and outdoor outlets. Circuits in your home are equipped with breakers that automatically turn off in case of excess electrical current. The electrical panel works like your home’s traffic manager. If you don’t have enough power available, then your home will struggle due to the competition between electrical demands and limited availability.
Many Calgary homes were constructed several decades ago and designed to accommodate a completely different lifestyle.
The average household used to have:
While now, you’ll find in the same houses:
The sudden surge in electrical load will have a lot of pressure on old electrical panels. A 60 or 100 amp panel that used to work well thirty years ago could not give enough load capacity today.
Homeowners do not know when it is time to replace their panels until some signs emerge.
Some common signs include:
Circuit breakers will sometimes trip. But tripping circuit breakers while using common electrical appliances can mean overloaded circuits or an insufficient electrical panel.
If a light dims when a big appliance starts working, your electrical system may not be distributing the electricity effectively.
Any burning odor from the panel must be inspected by professionals immediately. It is important not to neglect any heat build-up from aging electrical panels.
If you want to add new circuits to your home, like basement remodeling and an EV charger, having no available breaker spaces will necessitate electrical panel upgrades.
David and Michelle have just bought a house from the 1970s era in northwest Calgary. At first glance, everything seemed to work fine. But after the kitchen was renovated and an induction cooktop, electric fireplace, and home office devices were installed, circuit breakers were tripped multiple times a week.
The electrician found that the existing 100-amp panel had been maxed out. Instead of constantly resetting breakers, David and Michelle opted for an electrical service upgrade, which is common practice among Calgary homeowners when undergoing a major renovation. The new 200-amp panel gave them extra circuits, increased safety, and made it possible to install an electric vehicle charger in the future without any other electrical services needed.
The electrical demands on houses keep increasing due to the adoption of new technologies. An electric vehicle, alone, may require special high-capacity circuits to be installed. Heat pumps, solar panels, batteries, and induction cooktops put extra strain on the electrical system of a home. And without a panel of appropriate capacity, one risks overloading it or breaking the electrical code rules.
Most property owners first look at electrical panel replacement in Calgary for convenience reasons. But safety is the main factor behind professional advice from certified electricians for an electrical panel upgrade.
Up-to-date panels deliver the following benefits:
This reduces the chances of electrical problems becoming safety issues.
Despite differences between every property, the procedure for an electrical panel upgrade has a standard scheme. The first step includes analyzing your house’s electrical load and further planning.
The old electrical panel gets disconnected and is replaced with a new electrical panel that will be able to cope with your existing and future electrical load. New circuit breakers will be installed, circuits will be labeled, proper grounding will be ensured, and the whole system will get tested thoroughly before turning it back on. Most residential upgrades can be done in one working day.
Some factors determine the price:
Instead of selecting the cheapest offer, homeowners should evaluate the experience, license, quality, warranty, and compliance with the Alberta Electrical Code. A high-quality installation will pay off in the long run.
Not all electrical companies have the same experience and qualifications. If you are comparing some providers, think about:
Experienced electricians always take into account future electrical needs rather than just installing a new panel of the same capacity. Such an approach can save a lot of money in the future.
Electric panel work should never be considered a do-it-yourself project. Panels house high-voltage electrical parts that can cause severe injury or even fire in case of improper handling.
Qualified electricians know:
Professional installation makes sure your electrical system will work safely and comply with all the necessary requirements and codes.
Electrical panel upgrade in Calgary homeowners put their money on not only gives them more room for breakers. Contemporary electrical breaker panels provide safety, meet increased electrical demands, and prepare your home for future technology such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and even solar systems. If you are in need of electrical panel replacement in Calgary, you get call Evolve Electric.
In case of frequent breaker tripping, flickering lights, lack of panel capacity, or if you are going to renovate your home in the near future, consulting an electrician about an electrical service upgrade in Calgary is an efficient choice. With professional electrical services and a right-sized electrical service panel, you’ll get the best electrical panel upgrade in Calgary.
FAQS
1. What is an electrical panel upgrade?
An electrical panel upgrade refers to the installation of a new electrical panel with higher capacity to distribute power safely throughout the house.
2. When should I consider getting an electrical panel replacement?
Breaker trips, light flickers, burning smells, old fuse boxes, lack of breaker space, and remodeling plans are some of the common indicators that you need an upgrade.
3. Which electrical panel size should I get for my house?
Most homes use 200-amp electrical panels, but it really depends on the electrical demand and future expansion plans of your house.
4. How long does it take to complete an electrical panel upgrade?
Most upgrades in residential houses are completed within one day, but depending on the inspections and coordination, it could go up to days.
5. Do I need an electrical panel upgrade to add an EV charging station?
Some homes might not need to upgrade their panel in order to install the EV chargers.
Evolve Electrical Services is a reputable company providing electrical requirements for your residence or workplace and also industrial needs. We offer an extensive selection of electrical services and always go above and beyond for our clients.
