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.

Residential Circuit Breaker Panel with Service Writing

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.

Electricity is one of the most beneficial innovations we have the luxury to benefit from in the 21st century. However, it also comes with a fair amount of knowledge, and professionals must devote a significant portion of their lives to understanding this remarkably versatile and dangerous resource, including learning about electrical panel upgrade in Calgary.

Still, for the casual electricity user, this relationship may not exist. For many of us, it is enough to simply flick the switch on and off before calling it a day. But then, how do we improve our electrical systems when it is time to upgrade or install a new piece of equipment? What must we do to ensure there is sufficient electrical power and guards to prevent short circuits?

How Many Breakers Do You Need in your Calgary Electrical Panel?

The breakers in your home are essentially just a hardwired safety device. The main power generated by the power plant exists on one side of the breaker. On the other side are the electrical circuits, outlet and connected device. Only when the breaker is connected do they receive power and function correctly.

So, when looking for electrical panel upgrades in Calgary, the amperage is not actually terribly relevant. Instead, it is the number of spaces for breakers that you should consider. Why is this?

All of the information you hear about calculating electrical load for a building is correct and relevant to master electricians, architects and builders. Still, for the consumer, it is often not a relevant consideration. Unless you are planning to add larger load sizes for extra appliances, the amount of small-amp breakers is already predetermined.

One of the main reasons for this is that amperage is not a consistent measure. If your blender is on, but your garburator isn’t, the amperage is less than if both devices were being used simultaneously. Because the load isn’t consistent, you can add more circuits to the system without issue. Just don’t go putting in energy-sucking equipment after the fact.

Start Your Electrical Upgrades Today!

Your electrical upgrade goals can become a reality with our help! Contact us to get information, quotes and advice about all your electrical questions and needs!

Colz Electric is the master electrician that you can trust. Our team of highly trained Calgary electricians has all the hands-on skills and experience required to handle all types of residential and commercial jobs. With 24-hour service, we are ready to come out to your home or business for Calgary electrical services or urgent after-hours electrical needs. Our professional results, client trust and superb value showcase our commitment to providing our customers with 100% satisfaction. Speak to one of our Calgary electricians at 403-770-3030.