Call Now: (587) 323-4123
Panel Upgrades are a crucial step in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and capacity of your home’s electrical system. For Calgary homeowners, particularly those considering a 200-amp service upgrade, understanding the process, benefits, and associated considerations is essential.
An electrical panel, often referred to as a breaker box, serves as the central hub for your home’s electrical distribution. It allocates power to various circuits throughout your residence. Over time, as homes age and electrical demands increase, existing systems may become outdated or overloaded, indicating the need to upgrade an electrical panel.
Signs That Indicate The Need For A Panel Upgrade:
In Calgary, many older homes are equipped with 60 to 100-amp panels, which may not meet the demands of modern appliances and technologies. Upgrading to a 200-amp service provides the capacity needed for today’s electrical needs.
The Hidden Dangers of Stab-Lok Panels
Stab-Lok electrical panels, manufactured by Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and some by Schneider Electric, are widely known for their serious safety hazards. These panels, commonly installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1980s, have a high failure rate due to faulty breakers that often fail to trip during overloads or short circuits. When a circuit breaker doesn’t trip as it should, the wiring can overheat, increasing the risk of electrical fires.
Additionally, many Stab-Lok breakers have been found to lose their connection to the panel bus bars, leading to dangerous arcing and power fluctuations. Some studies estimate that FPE panels are responsible for thousands of electrical fires across North America. Because of these well-documented dangers, Stab-Lok panels are considered a major fire hazard, and many insurance companies refuse to cover homes that still have them. If your home has a Stab-Lok panel, it’s critical to replace it as soon as possible with a modern, code-compliant electrical panel to protect your home and family.
Click here to check out out blog post: The Dangers of Stab-Lok Panels
Upgrading your electrical panel requires careful planning and expert execution. SureTek’s electricians will assess your system to determine if a 200-amp service upgrade is needed. We handle all permits to ensure compliance with local electrical codes and coordinate with the utility company for any necessary power disconnections. During installation, we replace the old panel, reconnect circuits, and complete a final inspection to guarantee safety and code compliance.
Ready to work with SureTek?
Wondering about the cost to upgrade your electrical panel? At SureTek Electric, we provide expert panel upgrades tailored to your home’s needs. Whether you’re upgrading to a 200-amp service for increased capacity or replacing an outdated panel, our team ensures a smooth, code-compliant installation. A properly upgraded panel can improve electrical safety, support new appliances, and even increase your home’s value. Read more about SureTek by clicking here.
Have questions about the process or pricing? Contact us today for a consultation, or read our blog post to learn more about what to expect with an electrical panel upgrade.
On average, a 100A Panel Replacement will cost between $2500-$3500 depending on a number of factors. A 200A Upgrade will typically cost around $4000 or more. Underground service upgrades that required excavation will generally cost upwards of $5000. Contact us to get your free estimate.
A panel upgrade usually takes between 1-2 weeks to schedule, depending on the season and availability from the local utility company. Electrical inspections are generally readily available to book – but the utility company may be booked for a couple of weeks into the future. For underground service upgrades, there can sometimes be a longer wait for the utility company. If you are considering a Panel Upgrade – contact us ASAP to find out when it can be scheduled.
Trying to read Panel labels and schedules can be a frustrating experience. Many labels are changed, faded or simply inaccurate. SureTek will re label your electrical panel during the installation process based on the original labels and well identified circuits. If you are interested in having an accurate, detailed panel label, SureTek offers a CircuitIQ digital mapping service which can be added to your panel upgrade. Contact us for more details and costs.
Selecting a reputable and experienced electrician is crucial for a successful panel upgrade. The following items are important to consider when making your choice:
– Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the electrician is licensed and carries adequate insurance. SureTek is fully insured and licensed.
– Experience: SureTek’s professionals have experience in panel upgrades, particularly 200-amp services.
– References & Reviews: Check reviews and ask for references or photos of previous works to gauge performance. Check out SureTek’s hundreds of satisfied customers. Click here.
– Transparent Pricing: Ask for details pricing and a guaranteed estimate, don’t put yourself at risk for unexpected chargers. SureTek provides upfront estimates that are guaranteed.
If you want to learn more about panel upgrades, check out our blog post, highlighting the benefits and more details. Click here to read our Panel Upgrade blog post.
Aluminum Wiring: Why It’s a Hazard and How SureTek Electric Can Help Aluminum was commonly used in homes built between 1965 and 1978, but it has since been recognized as a significant fire hazard. While
Power Up Your Panel: Details on Electrical Panel Upgrades As a homeowner in Calgary, you may have heard about the importance of electrical panel upgrades. With modern homes consuming more electricity due to new appliances,