Electrical Panel Services Ottawa – Licensed Electricians

Electricians Ottawa specializes in upgrading electric panels to improve power management, enhance safety, and support the electrical needs of modern homes.

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What is a main electrical service panel?

Electrical panels are devices that house the circuit breakers. This is a safety feature that operates when the electric current into your house exceeds the safe level for the system it is feeding.

Why do you need a main electrical panel?

The electrical panel works somewhat like a switchboard. It takes the power from the utilitycompany and then sends it to the appropriate appliances or outlets through your home. It breaksdown the large load coming in and distributes it to the lights, outlets, and other electrical items in your home.

What is involved in a main panel upgrade?

We try to make things as easy as possible for the owner and residents. Prior to the upgrade, we prepare and file all the necessary documentation with the local agency and Hydro Ottawa or Hydro One, as applicable. We disconnect all power during the upgrade for safety purposes and restore it once the project is completed satisfactorily. In most cases the disruption is minimal.
This is our process for various services including:

Service upgrades
Meter base repairs and replacements
Service mast repairs
Service mast repairs
Grounding systems
Whole-house surge protection
Accurately labelling the household circuits on existing panels
Installation of subpanels

Installing solar photovoltaic panel system. Solar panel technician installing solar panels on roof. Alternative energy ecological concept.

Subpanel Installation

A subpanel is a secondary electrical panel that can be installed in areas of the home requiring additional circuits. For example, if you’re building an addition, finishing your basement, or adding a garage or workshop, a subpanel helps distribute power efficiently to these new areas without overloading your main panel.

Benefits of Installing a Subpanel:
1. Easier management of electrical systems in larger homes or for specific areas like a workshop, garage, or outdoor space.
2. Reduced load on the main electrical panel, ensuring even distribution of electricity throughout your home.
3. Helps keep your home’s wiring organized and simplifies troubleshooting or circuit repairs in the future.

Electrical Panel Services We Offer

Electrical Panel Upgrades

If your home is still running on an older panel, upgrading to a modern one is a necessity for safety and efficiency. Many older homes in Ottawa have 60-amp or even 100-amp electrical panels, which are insufficient for handling the energy needs of today’s homes. With more and more devices, appliances, and electronics in every home, upgrading to a 200-amp service panel ensures that your electrical system can safely and efficiently distribute power without overloads.

Why Upgrade to a 200-Amp Service Panel?

1. Modern homes have greater power requirements due to appliances such as electric ovens, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
2. Upgrading ensures your home is safe from electrical overloads and short circuits, which can lead to dangerous electrical fires.
3. It also increases your home’s value, especially if you’re planning a renovation or selling your property. Many prospective buyers see this as a key selling point.

Circuit Breaker Additions

If you’re adding new appliances or upgrading your home with modern technology, your existing circuits may not be enough to handle the increased load. Ottawa Electricians can add new circuit breakers to your panel to ensure your system can manage the demand without tripping breakers or causing power outages.

Common Scenarios for Adding Circuit Breakers:
1. Installation of large appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens that require their own dedicated circuit.
2. Renovations or home additions, where new areas will require power.
3. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that often need a dedicated 220V circuit.

Dedicated Circuit Installation

Some appliances and devices, such as refrigerators, HVAC systems, and EV chargers, require their own dedicated circuits to ensure they receive enough power without overloading other circuits. A dedicated circuit is one that serves only a single appliance, preventing issues like breaker trips and ensuring safe operation.

Benefits of Dedicated Circuits:
1. Avoiding frequent breaker trips caused by overloaded circuits.
2. Protecting appliances from potential damage due to insufficient power.
3. Improving the overall safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system.

Breaker & Fuse Replacement

Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to protect your home by interrupting the flow of electricity in the event of an overload or short circuit. Over time, these components can wear out or become damaged, which can lead to frequent breaker trips or complete loss of power to certain areas of your home.

Signs You Need Breaker or Fuse Replacement:
1. Frequent tripping of breakers, especially under normal electrical loads.
2. A breaker that won’t reset or stays off after being tripped.
3. Flickering lights or appliances that lose power intermittently.
4. Burning smells or scorching around your electrical panel, indicating overheating.

Why You Need Electrical Panel Services

Ensuring that your electrical panel is up-to-date and functioning properly is not just about convenience – it’s a matter of safety. Electrical panels that are too old, overloaded, or damaged pose a significant fire hazard. Here’s why professional panel services are essential for your home:

1. Safety and Code Compliance

Outdated electrical panels are not just less efficient; they are dangerous. Older systems may not be able to handle modern electrical demands, leading to overheating, electrical fires, and other hazards. At Ottawa Electricians, we ensure that all upgrades and repairs meet or exceed local electrical codes, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe.

Example: We recently upgraded a home from a 60-amp service to a 200-amp panel in Ottawa. The old panel was overloaded, causing the homeowner to experience frequent power outages and breaker trips. After the upgrade, the client no longer experiences these issues, and their home is now safer and more energy-efficient.

2. Improved Home Efficiency

When your electrical panel is functioning properly and capable of handling the electrical load of your home, your system runs more efficiently. Upgrading your panel or adding circuits helps to reduce the strain on your electrical system, leading to fewer outages and longer-lasting appliances.

Energy Efficiency Tip: Combine your panel upgrade with the installation of energy-efficient appliances to maximize your home’s efficiency and reduce your monthly energy bills.

3. Future-Proofing Your Home

As technology continues to evolve, your home’s electrical needs will grow. Smart home devices, electric vehicles, and high-efficiency appliances all require more power. By upgrading your electrical panel now, you can ensure that your home is prepared to handle these demands in the future.