Name: Colz Electric
Address: 165 Shannon Hill SW, Calgary Alberta Canada, AB, T2Y 2Y8, CA
Telephone: 403-770-3030
Price range: $000 - $000

When it comes to permits for electrical upgrades, any electrician in Calgary knows it’s necessary to get when they’re working on electrical work. The same applies to those with basic knowledge of electrical wiring – a permit is a must.

For those planning to upgrade their electrical panel, check the cost of a permit before you start getting the paperwork ready for a permit.

Why Upgrade an Electrical Panel?

A common reason people end up having to upgrade their electrical panel is that it’s too old. Compared to modern homes, older homes’ electrical panels are susceptible to causing various electrical issues that can inconvenience homeowners.

For example, if you’re using more appliances that demand more power, you can often expect your circuit to break. In addition, it can get spooky when you notice your lamps and other overhead lighting are flickering. They’re all clear indicators that there are issues with the electrical panel, and it can’t meet your daily electrical demands.

Once you upgrade your electrical panel, you can start having a sufficient supply of clean electricity whenever you need it. Plus, by upgrading, you protect your electronics from damage and potential electrical fire hazards.

Why is a Permit Needed?

According to the City of Calgary, a permit is needed whenever you install, alter, or modify any main electrical service. In this case, the electrical panel counts as such, and you will need to apply for a permit.

The importance of gaining a permit can’t be understated enough. An electrical permit upholds safety code standards, so no electrical fires can potentially happen, and ensure everything is in working order.

Plus, with it being a requirement from the City of Calgary itself, you can bet that failure to get a permit has consequences. Namely, you would get fined and need to call in a professional at your own expense.

How Much Would it Cost?

If you’re planning to upgrade your electrical panel, you need to specifically get a homeowner electrical permit. After all, you don’t want to pay for a plumbing permit accidentally!

You can expect to pay $116.50 when you apply for a homeowner electrical permit. However, the initial cost of a homeowner permit is technically $112. This detail might seem strange at first glance, but it has a good reason. The reason why it’s a bit higher in price is that it accounts for the 4% cut from Safety Codes Council Fee, which is approximately $4.50.

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.

It may surprise you how vast and extensive the role of an electrician is. Thanks in part to home renovation shows, they may be best known for installing new electrical systems in a house, but they hold many more responsibilities than that.

Conducting electrical repairs in Calgary is also an integral part of their job, as wiring and electrical systems can be damaged post-installation. But what might these electrical repairs entail? Let’s take a look!

6 Types of Electrical Repairs

Panel Box Repairs

Your panel box is your main source of electricity. However, if you begin to notice consistent issues with power around your home, your panel box may no longer be operating properly. Electricians will be able to come in and offer any repairs, as well as suggest when a new panel box is required altogether.

Outlet Repairs

Loose and damaged outlets are incredibly dangerous to your property, as the exposed and faulty wires can become a fire hazard as soon as the outlet is utilized. Electricians will be able to repair or even replace your outlets, depending on the severity of the situation.

Generator Repair

For businesses that require constant power, such as hospitals, or homes located in the countryside, having a reliable generator can be the difference between a slight delay and a major headache. Electricians are able to tackle any issue related to your generator, as well as conduct check-ups to ensure it’s still functioning properly.

Wiring Repairs

Older homes tend to have aluminum wiring running through the structure, which, we have since learned, tends to heat up while in use. This can become a major fire hazard. Electricians can be called to replace any old and faulty wiring, ensuring your home is completely safe.

Smoke Detector and Fire Alarm Repairs

When it comes to fire safety, never put off repairs to systems that keep you safe. By conducting a regular test on your safety systems, such as your smoke detectors or fire alarms, you can be alerted when there is an issue. You can then ask an electrician to come in and ensure everything is restored to peak condition.

Lighting Repairs

Similar to that of old wiring, some lighting fixtures are outdated, thus causing more harm than good to your home. By contacting an electrician, you can ensure all wiring and electrical surrounding your lighting is collecting the correct amperage while also taking measures to be more energy efficient, thus saving you money on your monthly bills.

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.

Residential Circuit Breaker Panel with Service Writing

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.

The Cost of Electrical Panel Replacement in Calgary

According to Home Advisor, “the cost to replace an electrical panel averages $1,140, with a typical range of $496 and $1,786”.

Home Guide offers similar prices, stating that “the average cost to replace an electrical panel ranges from $850 to $2,500 depending on the amperage,” noting that “a service panel upgrade to 100 amps costs $850 to $1,600, a 200-amp breaker box replacement costs $1,800 to $2,500, and a 400-amp electrical service upgrade costs $2,000 to $4,000.”

Contacting our Calgary electricians can ensure that you get a hard figure on the cost of electrical panels upgrades in Calgary.

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.

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 Calgary electrical panel upgrades.

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.