Panel upgrades for homes that have outgrown their service.
100A-to-200A upgrades, fuse-to-breaker conversions, and service replacements across Eastern Ontario. ESA permit handled, utility coordinated, clean finish.
- ESA permit & inspectionPulled and filed under our ECRA/ESA licence
- Utility disconnect coordinationWe book the window with your hydro provider
- New main breaker panel200A as standard; larger on request
- All new breakersIncluding AFCI/GFCI where code requires
- Service mast or meter baseReplaced if existing is undersized or damaged
- Labelled, documented panelCircuit directory filled out properly
Signs you need a panel upgrade
If any of these apply, it's worth a free assessment — we'll confirm whether a full upgrade is actually the right fix.
Your panel is full
Every breaker slot is used and you need to add a circuit for an EV charger, hot tub, basement suite, or heat pump. This is the most common reason for an upgrade.
You still have fuses
Fuse panels or 60A services are legal but insurers increasingly require an upgrade. If your insurance renewal flagged the panel, this is the fix. More on fuse panels.
Flagged panel brand
Federal Pioneer Stab-Lok, Zinsco, and Sylvania panels are known for breaker reliability issues. Many insurers now require these be replaced regardless of age. More on Stab-Lok panels.
Breakers trip frequently
Under normal loads, breakers shouldn't trip. Consistent tripping usually means either an overloaded circuit or a failing panel — worth investigating before it gets worse.
Visible damage or heat
Rust, scorching around breakers, a warm panel cover, or a burning smell are safety issues. If you see any of these, call us and leave the main off until we can look at it.
Major renovation coming
A kitchen reno, finished basement, or addition almost always adds enough circuits that you'll want a 200A service in place before the work starts — not as an afterthought.
Panel upgrade FAQ
Most 100A-to-200A panel upgrades land between $2,800 and $4,500 installed, including the ESA permit, new panel, breakers, service mast (if applicable), and utility coordination. Older homes with knob-and-tube, crowded panels, or difficult meter relocations can push higher. We'll give you a firm itemized number after a 20-minute site walkthrough.
Yes — every panel upgrade in Ontario requires an ESA permit. The utility (Hydro One, Hydro Ottawa, etc.) also needs to disconnect and reconnect service, which we coordinate. We handle both so you're not on the phone with the utility trying to book a disconnect window.
Typically 4–8 hours for a straightforward 200A upgrade. We plan the work around the utility's disconnect window so the power-off period is as short as possible. For more complex upgrades (service mast replacement, underground service), it can extend to a full day. We'll give you an exact window before the job.
Common triggers: your panel is full and you can't add a breaker for an EV charger, hot tub, or basement reno; you have a fuse panel or an old 60A service; your insurance company flagged the panel (Federal Pioneer Stab-Lok, Zinsco, or similar); or you're noticing breakers tripping under normal loads. Any one of these is worth an assessment. We'll tell you honestly whether you actually need a full upgrade or just a few breaker changes.
Yes, but it's less common in residential. 200A is enough for almost every home including EV charging, electric heat, and a hot tub. 400A makes sense for very large custom homes, workshops with heavy equipment, or homes with multiple EVs and a pool. We'll run the load calculation and recommend what's actually needed.
What our customers are saying
Real reviews from real customers on Google.
“I had an excellent experience with Cornerstone Electrical installing the charger for my Ford Mustang Mach-E. The installation was done professionally, everything was neat and well organized, and the entire process was smooth from start to finish. The electrician was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all of my questions. It’s clear they take pride in their work. I highly recommend Cornerstone Electrical to anyone looking for a reliable EV charger installation. Five stars all the way!”
“Great service and communication. I emailed them for a quote. I got a quick response back. I needed a EV charger installed and some breaker change in my panels. The job was quick and everything looks good and professional. I would definitely recommend them.”
“Excellent service / top-notch job completion. Was on time and completed the necessary work in a professional manner. Was very polite and great to work with. Would absolutely recommend.”
Get an itemized quote for your panel upgrade
Send us a photo of your current panel and meter base. We'll come back with a clear quote and a realistic schedule within a business day.
Request a Quote