What is involved in upgrading a 100-amp panel to a 200-amp panel for a basement renovation in an older home?

Upgrading from a 100-amp to 200-amp electrical panel is a major electrical project that requires a licensed electrician and ESA permits in Ontario. This upgrade is often necessary for basement renovations in older Ottawa homes to handle increased electrical loads from new lighting, outlets, heating, and appliances.

The upgrade process involves several critical steps that must be performed by qualified professionals. Your electrician will first assess your home's current electrical system and coordinate with Hydro Ottawa to upgrade the service entrance cable from the street to your home. The old panel will be completely removed and replaced with a modern 200-amp panel, typically requiring new main breakers and updated grounding systems to meet current Ontario Electrical Code standards.

Service entrance modifications are a major component of this work. The cable running from Hydro Ottawa's transformer to your home (called the service drop) will likely need upgrading to handle 200 amps. This often requires Hydro Ottawa to install new connections at the street and potentially upgrade the meter base. The electrical mast or underground service entrance may also need modifications to accommodate the larger cables.

Inside your home, the electrician will install the new 200-amp panel, typically in the same location as the old one unless code compliance requires relocation. All existing circuits will be reconnected to new breakers, and this is an excellent opportunity to add dedicated circuits for your basement renovation - separate lines for lighting, outlets, electric heating, and any 240V appliances you're planning.

Permits and inspections are mandatory for this work in Ottawa. Your electrician must pull an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permit before starting work, and the installation requires multiple inspections including rough-in and final inspections. The typical cost for a 100-amp to 200-amp upgrade in Ottawa ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of your service entrance and any additional panel relocations required.

Timeline considerations are important for basement renovation planning. The upgrade typically takes 1-2 days for the electrical work itself, but coordinating with Hydro Ottawa for service modifications can add 2-4 weeks to the timeline. Your power will be off for 4-8 hours during the actual panel swap, so plan accordingly.

This upgrade significantly increases your home's electrical capacity and is often required by the City of Ottawa for basement secondary suites, which need dedicated electrical service. The investment also increases your home's value and ensures safe electrical service for decades to come.

For a comprehensive basement renovation that includes electrical upgrades as part of a larger project, contact Ottawa Basements for a free consultation to coordinate all aspects of your renovation timeline.