Do I Need a Panel Upgrade in My Ottawa Home?

If your home was built more than a couple of decades ago, there is a good chance your electrical panel is working harder than it was ever designed to. Between EV chargers, heat pumps, home offices, and modern appliances, today’s electrical demand looks nothing like it did when many Ottawa homes were first wired.

What Is an Electrical Panel?

Your electrical panel is the control centre of your home. It distributes power safely to every circuit and protects your system by tripping breakers when something isn’t right. When a panel is outdated, overloaded, or deteriorating, it can no longer do that job reliably.

Signs You May Need a Panel Upgrade

1. Your Breakers Trip Frequently

Occasional trips happen. Frequent tripping does not. If your breakers trip when you run basic appliances, your panel may not have the capacity to handle your electrical load.

2. You Still Have a Fuse Panel

Fuse panels were common decades ago, but they are no longer suitable for modern homes. Replacement parts are difficult to find, and they don’t offer the same level of protection as modern breaker panels.

3. Your Home Has 60 or 100 Amp Service

Many older Ottawa homes were built with 60 or 100 amp service. Today, most homes require 200 amp service to safely support modern electrical use.

4. Lights Flicker or Dimming Happens Often

If your lights dim when appliances turn on, it can be a sign that your panel is overloaded or struggling to distribute power evenly.

5. You’re Planning Renovations or New Additions

Kitchen renovations, basement finishing, additions, EV chargers, hot tubs, or heat pumps often require more power than your existing panel can provide.

Common Panel Issues in Ottawa Homes

Ottawa has a large number of homes built between the 1950s and 1980s. In these homes, we often see:

• Undersized electrical services

• Panels with limited breaker space

• Aging or recalled panel brands

• Systems not designed for today’s energy demands

A panel that was “fine for years” can quickly become inadequate as your home evolves.

Is a Panel Upgrade About Safety or Convenience?

Both.

From a safety perspective, outdated panels increase the risk of:

• Overheating

• Electrical fires

• Equipment damage

• Insurance issues during claims or renewals

From a practical standpoint, a panel upgrade:

• Supports modern appliances

• Allows for EV charger installation

• Prepares your home for future upgrades

• Increases resale value

  
  

What’s Involved in a Panel Upgrade?

A proper panel upgrade includes:

• Evaluating your current electrical load

• Upgrading service size if required

• Installing a new breaker panel

• Coordinating permits and inspections

• Ensuring full code compliance

This is not a DIY project. Panel upgrades must be completed by a licensed electrician and inspected to meet Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements.

When to Call an Electrician

You should have your panel assessed if:

• You’re unsure of your service size

• You experience frequent breaker issues

• You’re planning electrical upgrades

• Your home is older and hasn’t been evaluated in years

A quick inspection can prevent expensive problems down the road.

Trusted Panel Upgrades in Ottawa

Tauren Electric provides professional panel upgrades for homes throughout Ottawa and surrounding areas. If you’re wondering whether your home needs a panel upgrade, we are happy to take a look and give you clear, honest guidance.

Contact Tauren Electric to schedule an assessment or request an estimate.