ELECTRICAL PANEL UPGRADES
Electrical Panel Upgrades & Repairs
If your home or business is experiencing flickering lights, tripping breakers, or struggling with an outdated electrical panel, it may be time for an upgrade. Modern electrical systems demand more power than ever, and older panels simply weren’t designed to handle today’s appliances, technology, and equipment. At Triton Electric, we provide professional, code compliant panel upgrades that improve safety, increase capacity, and prepare your property for the future.
What is an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Your electrical panel, often called the breaker box, acts as the control center for your entire electrical system. It distributes power to all circuits throughout your home or commercial space. Many older properties still rely on 60 amp or 100 amp panels, which are no longer adequate for modern electrical loads. A panel upgrade replaces this outdated system with a new 200 amp or larger service, giving your property the capacity and protection it needs to operate safely and reliably.
A properly upgraded panel ensures that your wiring, breakers, and circuits can handle increased electrical demand without overheating or creating hazards. It also brings your system up to current electrical code, making your property safer and more efficient.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Electrical Service
Increased Power Capacity for Modern Homes
Today’s homes use far more electricity than older electrical systems were designed for. EV chargers, heat pumps, air conditioning units, hot tubs, workshops, home offices, and modern appliances all require significant power. Older panels, especially 60 amp and 100 amp services, often struggle to keep up, leading to tripped breakers, flickering lights, or overloaded circuits. Upgrading to a 200 amp panel gives your home the room it needs to support current and future electrical demands safely and efficiently.
Improved Safety and Reduced Fire Risk
Electrical safety standards have evolved over the years, and many older panels no longer meet modern requirements. Outdated or overloaded panels can overheat, fail, or create unsafe conditions behind the scenes. Some older brands, such as Federal Pacific or Zinsco, are even known for higher failure rates. A new electrical panel provides proper grounding, better circuit protection, and updated safety features that significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in your home.
Compliance With Electrical Codes and BC Hydro Requirements
Electrical codes change regularly to improve safety and performance. Many older panels no longer meet the standards set by the Canadian Electrical Code or BC Hydro. Upgrading your panel ensures your home stays compliant, avoids issues during inspections or renovations, and meets the requirements for adding larger loads such as EV chargers or air conditioning units. A code compliant panel keeps your system safe, reliable, and ready for future upgrades.
Increased Home Value and Better Resale Appeal
A modern 200 amp electrical panel is a strong selling feature for homebuyers. It signals that the home is safe, well maintained, and capable of supporting modern electrical needs. Homes with outdated panels often fail inspections or limit what new owners can install. Upgrading your electrical panel not only improves the safety of your home but also increases its market value and makes it more appealing to buyers looking for a move-in ready property.
Support for Home Renovations and Additions
If you are planning a renovation, adding a suite, finishing your basement, or expanding your home, your electrical panel must be able to support the increased load. Many older panels simply don’t have enough capacity or available breaker spaces. A modern panel gives you the flexibility to add new circuits, install new appliances, or upgrade your electrical system without limitations. This makes your renovation smoother, safer, and compliant with local electrical regulations.
Better Performance and Fewer Electrical Problems
Homes with outdated panels often experience nuisance issues such as flickering lights, warm outlets, buzzing breakers, and frequent breaker trips. These symptoms are typically signs of an overloaded or deteriorating panel. Upgrading your electrical panel eliminates these problems by ensuring your circuits receive stable, reliable power. The result is a quieter, safer, and more consistent electrical system throughout your home.
Essential for Adding an EV Charger
Electric vehicle chargers draw a significant amount of power, and many older homes do not have the capacity to support them. If you are installing a Level 2 EV charger, a panel upgrade is often required to safely accommodate the increased load. A new 200 amp panel provides the dedicated circuit, grounding, and capacity needed to run an EV charger without overloading your system. This ensures safe charging and protects both your home and your vehicle.
Ideal for Heat Pumps, A/C, and High-Demand Appliances
Heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless water heaters, and other high-demand appliances require substantial electrical capacity. Installing these systems on an outdated panel can lead to overloaded circuits, tripped breakers, or unsafe wiring conditions. A panel upgrade ensures your home can properly support these appliances, allowing them to run efficiently and without interruptions.
Overhead vs Underground Service Upgrades
When upgrading to a 200 amp electrical panel, many homes also need their service upgraded to safely handle the increased power. Every property is fed either by an overhead service drop or an underground service conduit, and each type has its own requirements. Triton Electric handles both, ensuring your home meets BC Hydro standards and the Canadian Electrical Code from start to finish.
Overhead Service Upgrades
Homes with overhead power lines often require updates to the service mast, weatherhead, and meter base before a 200 amp panel can be installed. Older masts may not meet clearance requirements or structural strength for a higher amperage service. During an overhead upgrade, we reinforce or replace the mast, install a properly rated meter base, update grounding and bonding, and ensure the service conductors are ready for BC Hydro reconnection. The result is a safer, stronger service entrance that protects your home from weather, tension, and electrical load.
Underground Service Upgrades
Underground-fed homes have different needs. An underground service upgrade often involves replacing the service conduit, installing a new meter base, and ensuring the buried wiring meets depth and material requirements. In some cases, trenching is required to install a larger conduit that can support a 200 amp service. We coordinate with BC Hydro for disconnects, reconnections, and inspections, and make sure the entire underground system is properly rated and protected from moisture, soil pressure, and future load demands.
Both overhead and underground service upgrades are essential parts of a safe, long-lasting panel upgrade. Whether your home needs a new mast, new meter base, larger conduit, updated grounding, or full BC Hydro coordination, we handle the entire process professionally and efficiently. This ensures your home has a reliable, code-compliant service capable of supporting modern electrical loads for years to come.
Increased Power Capacity
New appliances, EV chargers, hot tubs, air conditioning units, and home additions require more power. An upgraded panel provides enough capacity to support these without overloading circuits.
Compliance with Electrical Codes
Electrical standards change over time to improve safety. A panel upgrade ensures your home meets BC Hydro regulations and the latest Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) standards.
Increased Home Value
A modern 200-amp panel adds value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers who prioritize a safe and efficient electrical system.
Enhanced Safety & Fire Prevention
Old panels can be a fire hazard, especially if they’re overloaded, outdated, or recalled. A new panel ensures proper grounding and circuit protection, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
Why Upgrade Your Electrical Panel?
Electrical Panel Upgrade Process
- Free Consultation & Assessment – We evaluate your current electrical panel, power usage, and future needs to determine the best upgrade solution.
- Selecting the Right Panel – We recommend a 200-amp service or higher based on your home’s size and electrical demand.
- Permit & Inspection Handling – We obtain all necessary permits and ensure the upgrade complies with local regulations.
- Installation of the New Electrical Panel – Our electricains install your new breaker panel, ensuring proper connections, grounding, and labeling.
- Final Testing & Inspection – We test your electrical system, confirm everything functions properly, and schedule a final inspection with the local authority.
Equipment We Use for Electrical Panel Upgrades
When upgrading your electrical panel, the quality of the equipment matters just as much as the installation. We only work with trusted, code-approved manufacturers such as Siemens, Square D (QO or Homeline), and Eaton to ensure your new panel is safe, reliable, and built to last. These industry-leading names are known for their durability, consistent breaker performance, and strong compatibility with BC Hydro requirements. Whether we’re installing a new 200-amp panel, breakers, a meter base, or surge protection, we use high-quality equipment that meets the highest safety standards and provides long-term peace of mind for your home.
Panels We Replace for Safety
Some older electrical panels are known for safety issues, unreliable breaker performance, and a higher risk of overheating or electrical fires. If your home still has one of these outdated systems, replacing it is strongly recommended. Triton Electric provides safe, code-compliant upgrades to modern equipment that meets today’s electrical standards and BC Hydro requirements.
Federal Pacific (FPE)
Federal Pacific panels are widely recognized as unsafe due to breakers that fail to trip during overloads. Many fail testing even under normal conditions. If your home has an FPE panel, replacing it is one of the most important electrical upgrades you can make.
Zinsco / Sylvania
Zinsco and older Sylvania panels often have breakers that melt or fuse to the bus bars, preventing them from disconnecting during faults. These panels are no longer manufactured and should be replaced to avoid potential fire hazards.
Old Fuse Boxes
Homes with original fuse panels often struggle to handle modern electrical loads. Upgrading to a breaker panel improves safety, convenience, and capacity while bringing the home up to current code.
If your home has any of these older systems, we can safely replace them with modern, reliable equipment that provides proper protection and long-term peace of mind.
Signs You May Need a Panel Upgrade
FAQs
How do I know if my electrical panel needs to be upgraded?
Some common signs include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, warm or buzzing breakers, limited breaker space, and difficulty powering modern appliances or equipment. If you are adding an EV charger, heat pump, hot tub, or planning a renovation, an upgrade is often required to safely support the increased electrical load.
What size of electrical panel do most homes need?
Most modern homes benefit from a 200 amp panel, which provides enough capacity for today’s electrical demands and future upgrades. Larger homes, properties with multiple suites, or commercial spaces may require a higher-capacity service. During our assessment, we evaluate your current system and recommend the right panel size for your needs.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
In most cases, a standard panel upgrade can be completed within one day. More complex installations, such as service upgrades or properties requiring additional grounding or meter base work, may take slightly longer. We handle all permits, inspections, and BC Hydro coordination to ensure the process goes smoothly from start to finish.
Is upgrading my electrical panel worth the investment?
Yes. A new panel improves safety, increases available power, helps prevent electrical fires, and ensures your home meets modern electrical code. It also increases property value and avoids issues during home inspections or renovations. For homes with new appliances, EV chargers, or added living spaces, a panel upgrade is often essential.