What is Required to upgrade to 200 amp Service?
Please Fill out free estimate form to Schedule an Appointment to meet our Electrical contractor and master electricians or call us on 416 – 450 – 4030 to speak to one of our friendly team member or e-mail us: Info@kiyanelectric.can
https://kiyanelectric.ca/pages/free-estimate
What is Required to Upgrade to 200 Amp Service in Ontario?
One of the best methods to make sure your home's electrical system will last is to upgrade your electrical panel to a 200 amp service. As more high-power gadgets, EV chargers, and innovative heating and cooling systems come out, a 200 amp upgrade ensures your electrical system can safely and efficiently manage these needs.
Why Upgrade to 200 Amp Service?
A lot of older homes in Ontario still use 60 amp or 100 amp service, which isn't enough for today's needs. Upgrading to 200 amps gives you:
· Increased electrical capacity for new appliances and renovations
· Better safety, reducing the risk of overloads or electrical fires
· Improved home value, making it ready for EV chargers or hot tubs
But this upgrade isn't as easy as just flipping a breaker. These are the most important things you need to do to upgrade to 200 amp service.
1. Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor
In Ontario, only a licensed electrical contractor can lawfully do a service upgrade. Our Master Electricians at Kiyan Electric take care of all the permits you need and make sure that your upgrade meets the criteria set by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Call us today for a free consultation about upgrading your panel.
2. Obtain an ESA Permit
Your electrician needs to obtain an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit before they can begin the upgrade. The ESA inspects the finished work to make sure it fulfills safety standards, which is important for insurance and resale purposes.
3. Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Taking out your old panel and putting in a new 200 amp panel is the most important part of the process. This includes:
· Installing a 200 amp rated breaker panel
· Adding new breakers for the circuits in your home
· Making sure the wiring and labeling are done correctly for safety and code compliance
4. Upgrade Meter Base and Service Mast (If Needed)
You will also need to upgrade your current meter base or service mast if they are not rated for 200 amps. This part typically needs to be coordinated with your utility company to safely disconnect and reconnect power.
5. Upgrade Service Entrance Cable
Your service entrance cable (the wire from the utility pole to your meter) must be large enough to handle 200 amps. This often involves replacing the old cable with a heavier gauge wire to safely carry the increased load.
6. Coordinate with Utility Provider
During the upgrade, the utility company has to shut off the power and then turn it back on when the work is finished. Your contractor will coordinate this with them so that you don’t have to wait too long. At Kiyan Electric, we make sure that everything goes smoothly so your electricity is restored as soon as possible. Contact us to set up your assessment if you’re ready to upgrade.
7. Inspection by ESA
The ESA will inspect the work after it is done to make sure it is safe and compliant. Your upgrade won’t be complete or legal to use until it passes inspection.
8. Consider Your Future Needs
During the upgrade, think about future plans like:
· Basement suites or home additions
Your electrician can add more breaker slots to your panel so that you don’t need another upgrade in the future.
Why Choose Kiyan Electric for Your 200 Amp Upgrade?
At Kiyan Electric, we offer:
· Services that are fully licensed and insured (WSIB covered)
· Handling of ESA permits and inspections
· Professional work by Master Electricians
· Fair and transparent pricing
We make sure your home is safe, efficient, and ready for modern electrical needs. Call us today to get your free quote and start your upgrade with peace of mind.
