BC
Great Lakes Electric helps Sarnia and Lambton County homeowners assess their existing equipment, understand their options and plan electrical panel upgrades around the work they actually want to do.
Planning an upgrade? Request a free quote or call (519) 384-3664.
Is it time to upgrade your electrical panel?
An assessment is worth arranging when:
- Breakers trip repeatedly, particularly after adding new equipment.
- Your panel is full and a renovation requires additional circuits.
- You're planning an EV charger, hot tub, electric heating or another substantial electrical load.
- The panel or wiring is damaged, visibly deteriorated or has been flagged during an inspection.
- You're considering moving from a 100-amp service to 200 amps to support future projects.
An older panel does not automatically require replacement. Equally, a larger panel does not automatically mean your home has more electrical capacity. We start with the condition of the installation and the loads you need to support.
Safety note: If you notice a burning smell, smoke, sparking or unusually hot electrical equipment, don't open the panel or attempt repairs. Move away from the hazard and seek appropriate emergency help. For urgent electrical repair, see our emergency electrician service.
Panel replacement vs. a 200-amp service upgrade
These terms are often used interchangeably, but the scope and cost can be very different.
Panel replacement means replacing the distribution panel and associated components as required. It may be appropriate when the panel is damaged, obsolete, poorly configured or unable to accommodate necessary circuits.
Service upgrade changes the electrical service capacity available to the property, often from 100 amps to 200 amps. This can involve the panel, meter base, service conductors and coordination with the local electricity distributor. Whether it is necessary depends on an electrical load calculation and the existing installation.
If you're adding a Level 2 home charger, for example, an assessment may identify a suitable installation without a full service upgrade. We won't recommend a bigger project simply because it's the familiar answer.
What our electrical panel upgrade process looks like
- Review your plans. Tell us what's changing: a renovation, new appliance, addition, EV charger or a panel concern.
- Assess the existing system. We review panel condition, available circuit space, service capacity and anticipated electrical demand.
- Explain the recommended scope. You'll understand whether the work involves a panel change, new circuits, a service-capacity upgrade or a combination.
- Plan the electrical work. Where required, the project involves an ESA notification of work, utility coordination and a planned power interruption.
- Complete and check the installation. We discuss circuit identification, inspection arrangements and the documentation relevant to your project.
Electrical changes in Ontario are governed by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Most electrical work requires a notification to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA); the exact requirements depend on the job.
What affects the price of a panel upgrade in Sarnia?
There isn't a credible flat price without seeing the installation. The main cost drivers are:
- Replacing only the panel versus increasing the service capacity.
- Existing panel condition, circuit count and required corrections.
- Meter-base, service-entry or grounding/bonding work that may be needed.
- Utility coordination and access to the working area.
- ESA notification and inspection requirements.
We'll help you understand the scope before work begins. If you can safely take a photo of the closed panel and share your planned equipment or renovation details, that can be useful for the initial conversation. Never remove the panel cover yourself.
Electrical upgrades planned around your next project
A panel is infrastructure, not the end goal. It needs to support the work you want to do now and the sensible changes you may make later.
Whether your next project is a kitchen renovation, home EV charging, hot tub installation or backup generator connection, Great Lakes Electric can discuss the electrical requirements as part of your plan.
We're based in Sarnia and serve Lambton County and surrounding areas. For other installation work, explore our electrical installation services.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to upgrade from 100 amps to 200 amps?
Not necessarily. A load assessment is the sensible starting point. The condition of the panel, the current electrical load and any planned additions determine whether a service upgrade makes sense.
Will I have to turn off the power during a panel replacement?
Usually, yes. The expected interruption depends on the work and any utility coordination. We'll discuss the likely schedule during the quote process.
Does an electrical panel upgrade require an ESA notification?
Most panel and service electrical work requires a notification of work and ESA review. Your contractor should explain the process and provide relevant documentation.
Can a panel upgrade be combined with EV charger installation?
Yes, when both are needed. We can assess the panel and charger requirements together so the work is planned as one project.
How do I know whether my panel is unsafe?
You can't reliably judge electrical safety from age alone. Repeated breaker trips, burning smells, heat, physical damage or other unusual symptoms should be professionally investigated.
Get a quote for an electrical panel upgrade in Sarnia
Tell us what's happening with your panel and what you plan to power next. We'll help identify the next step, whether that's an assessment, a panel replacement or a larger service upgrade.
Request a free quote or call (519) 384-3664.
