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Understanding the Difference: Electrical Panel vs. Service Upgrades
We often get asked, “What’s the difference between a panel and a service upgrade?” Here’s a guide to help you understand the basics, the benefits, and why you might consider either option.
What is an Electrical Panel?
An electrical panel—sometimes called a load center, breaker box, or fuse box—is the heart of your home’s electrical system. It distributes and protects the circuits powering your lights, outlets, appliances, and more. Inside, you’ll find circuit breakers designed to shut off electricity to a circuit if there’s an issue, safeguarding your home from electrical hazards.
For a visual idea, check out Home Depot’s selection of electrical panels.
What is Electrical Service?
Your electrical service is where your home connects to the larger electrical grid. It’s the main power source that provides high amperage to your entire house. Electrical service enters your home through either a service mast (overhead) or an underground conduit from the utility transformer. Attached to it is the electric meter, which measures your electricity usage for the utility company.
Why Would I Upgrade My Electrical Service?
Upgrading your electrical service means increasing the amount of power available to your home. This is especially common as more home owners look to support electric vehicle (EV) chargers, hot tubs, rental suites, or high-powered appliances. Today, many homes are upgrading to 200-amp service to meet these growing needs.
All of the wires from the main panel to the transformer get replaced. You will receive a new meter base, a main electrical panel, a main breaker, and a new mast if you have overhead service. These installations may require reconfiguration of your electrical infrastructure placement to bring it up to code (ex you may need a new mast in a different location or your electrical panel and electrical meter may need to be moved). If you have an underground service ground work may be required. Drywall damage may occur.
COST $5500-$8000 (site specific) + BC Hydro outage fee (Roughly $900 but this can vary depending on the amount of work required by BC Hydro)
Why Would I Upgrade My Electrical Panel?
If you’re not planning to increase your overall electricity use but have an outdated or overloaded panel, an upgrade can bring several benefits. Many older homes still have panels from 30 or more years ago, which might not be as safe or efficient as modern options.
● There’s no room to add circuits
● Your panel has been recalled or is unsafe (e.g. frayed wiring)
● To increase the electrical bus size in the panel to accommodate solar panels
This is a like-for-like replacement. All circuits and wiring remain the same only the electrical panel changes. This does not change the amperage of your electrical service. BC Hydro will pull the meter to turn off power. Drywall damage may occur.
COST: $2500-$3500 + BC Hydro outage fee (Roughly $200)
What are the steps if I decide to Upgrade my main panel or electrical service?
- Connection Request
A connection request must be submitted to BC Hydro to schedule an outage. This outage allows our team to safely replace your main panel without power. At this time you will be asked to accept the outage charges which will be added to your next BC Hydro bill. - Scheduling the Outage
Once the connection request is approved, BC Hydro will schedule a temporary power outage at your property. This ensures the safety of everyone involved in the panel swap. You can expect to be without power for the day. - Licensed Electrical Contractor
A licensed electrical contractor will perform the main panel swap. They will ensure all work is completed to code and meets BC Hydro’s standards. - Post-Swap Inspection
After the panel swap, an inspection may be required to confirm that all changes are safe and comply with local electrical codes.
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