Like anything in your house, electrical panels have a lifespan of their own. In due time, it needs to be upgraded or replaced to ensure that your home still runs as expected while guaranteeing that your house is safe against electrical fires.
What does it cost to replace or upgrade your electrical panel in Calgary? We break down the factors that impact the cost while offering insight into the final figures.
What Affects The Cost of Replacing Electrical Panels in Calgary?
Multiple factors can impact the final cost of your electrical panels, including:
- The Type of Circuit Breaker – There are two distinct types of circuit breakers: Single and Double Pole. Each has its own volts system, which can determine how much energy it can produce to support your home. Depending on your electrical output, you will have to decide on which breaker works for you.
- The Brand of the Electrical Panel – The better the brand, the more you’ll have to pay for it. Manufacturers such as Square D, General Electric, Siemens and Leviton might be more on the costly side but will guarantee you years of quality and protection.
- Upgrading to Higher Amps – Upgrading an electrical panel to support more power might be required to ensure your home system works as expected. Like the circuit breaker, you have to consider the number of amps needed to support your household.
- Moving the Electrical Panel – If you plan to move the electrical panel, it will cost you more in labour costs and wiring, as it means you’ll have to shift the focus of your power source. You can choose between indoor and outdoor panel boxes.
- The Labour Costs – The type of system you install, coupled with your current model’s outlay, will impact the amount of work the Calgary electrician has to do. The more work they have to do, the more it will cost you.
What Are The Advantages to Electrical Panel Upgrades?
Opting for replacing or upgrading your electrical panels in Calgary means more power in your home with the ability to run all appliances and electronics safely while increasing the safety and value of your property. You will also be able to reduce the number of electrical repairs you need for your home, saving you money and time.
If you are looking to upgrade your electrical panel, you should understand the reasons and costs associated with this activity. Of course, it is equally likely that if you are currently searching for this service, it is because you know why you should seek an upgrade, but what about those who don’t know whether or not they need an electrical panel upgrade?
For people who don’t know why they need an upgrade, there are many reasons for you to seek one. For instance, Calgary electrical services are continually changing, and older homes may have outdated or potentially dangerous fuse boxes. However, this is not the only reason that an electrical panel upgrade is necessary.
Reasons and Cost of Electrical Panel Replacement in Calgary
Fuse-to-Breaker
One of the more common reasons that people seek an upgrade for their electrical panels is to transition from fuses to breakers. Many people prefer the breaker system because it doesn’t require replacement parts, as opposed to fuses that will break when overloaded and must be replaced, and therefore kept in stock around your home. A licensed electrician can complete this change with the appropriate permits.
This type of upgrade will be more expensive than the others listed here. Typically, the cost will range between $1,500-$2,000, but it will depend on the number of circuits requiring the change and a variety of other factors.
Increased Amperage
Another popular reason for electrical panel upgrades is due to a desire for an increase in the amperage. For instance, if you are residing at an older home and the amperage is designated to 100 amps, you may have trouble running modern appliances such as central vacuums, computers, or others. Plus, some appliances require unique voltage outlets and additional electrical draw to function correctly, and if there is not enough amperage for them to work, you could face serious inconvenience. Usually, these outlets are installed during the building of your home, but if you want to renovate or move those locations, it may be necessary to upgrade your electrical panel at the same time.
In general, this type of upgrade will have a varied cost. Depending on the increase to your amperage, the price can rise from $1,300 for 200 amps up to $4,000 for 400 amps.
Moving the Panel
Some people may wish to move their electrical panel from its current position. For instance, if they are going through basement renovations and want to put a new room in the current location of the panel, or if they are worried about potential flooding and wish to raise the panel out of the danger zone.
This type of panel upgrade will typically range in cost from $1,500 to $2,000, but it will depend on the distance the panel moves and the amount of rewiring that is required.
Contact our Calgary electricians to ensure that you get a hard figure on the cost of electrical panel upgrades in Calgary.
