If your lights dim when the dryer starts or your breakers trip every weekend, your electrical panel may be at its limit. This guide shows the seven most common signs homeowners in Vancouver see before a panel upgrade—and what to do next.
Quick context for BC homes: Typical residential electrical service in Canada ranges from 60 to 400 amps. Many older homes still run on 60A or fuse panels, which can struggle with today’s loads.
How to Tell Your Panel Is at Its Limit
1) Breakers Trip Frequently
Repeated trips suggest the panel or a branch circuit is overloaded. While a single nuisance trip can point to a faulty device, recurring trips across multiple circuits are a strong capacity signal. Keep a quick log for a week:
Which breakers trip?
What was running at the time?
Do trips cluster around dinner or laundry time?
2) Lights Dim or Flicker Under Load
If lights dim when the oven, heat pump, or vacuum starts, that momentary voltage drop can indicate your panel is near capacity or that a circuit is tightly loaded. Dimming paired with warm breakers or buzzing (below) is a bigger red flag.
3) Panel Feels Warm, Smells Burnt, or Shows Rust
A panel should be cool to the touch. Warmth, a burnt odour, or visible corrosion (rust around the cover, staining near breakers) needs immediate attention. These symptoms can signal loose connections or moisture intrusion.
4) You Still Have a Fuse Box or 60A Service
Fuse boxes can be safe when maintained, but insurance and renovation plans often push toward replacement. 60-amp service was common decades ago; it’s often undersized for modern homes with EVs, heat pumps, or suites. BC guidance shows many homes operate within the 60–400A range, but upgrades become likely as loads increase. BC Housing
Quick check: Your main breaker label usually lists 100A, 125A, 150A, 200A, etc. If you see 60A or a fuse pullout, ask for a load calculation.
5) No Space Left for New Circuits
If every breaker slot is taken—and you’re eyeing an induction range, hot tub, or workshop—your electrician may propose:
A main panel upgrade (more capacity and spaces), or
A subpanel (adds spaces but not total service capacity).
Which path is right depends on your calculated load and future plans.
6) New Loads: EV Charging, Heat Pumps, Suites
Level 2 EV chargers, cold-climate heat pumps, rental suites, and shop equipment add continuous or high-demand loads. BC Hydro recommends confirming service capacity and obtaining an electrical permit before installing a Level 2 charger; power-management devices can help, but some homes still need a service/panel upgrade.
Watchlist of common new loads:
240V Level 2 EV charging
Cold-climate heat pumps
Secondary suites or kitchen additions
Hot tubs, saunas, or large woodworking tools
7) Buzzing, Crackling, or Scorch Marks
Audible noise from the panel, darkened plastic around breakers, or scorch marks should be treated as urgent. Cut power if needed and call a licensed pro.
Panel upgrades: when it’s urgent (and when you have options)
You likely need an upgrade if:
You’re repeatedly tripping multiple breakers,
Your main is 60A and you’re adding large loads, or There are heat/corrosion safety concerns.
But you might avoid a full upgrade with load management (priority switching) or efficiency swaps (e.g., heat-pump water heater, heat-pump dryer) that free up capacity. BC resources show homeowners can sometimes electrify without upsizing to 200A using careful load management.
Permits, Codes, and Safety in Vancouver
Electrical work tied to your service or panel typically requires a permit and inspection.
City of Vancouver: Most electrical work needs a permit; minor like-for-like replacements are exceptions.
Technical Safety BC: Issues installation permits across BC except in municipalities like Vancouver (which handle their own). Permits require a licensed contractor/FSR and inspections at key phases. Technical Safety BC
EV chargers: BC Hydro outlines step-by-step installation, including capacity checks and permits.
Bottom line: A licensed Vancouver electrician will handle permitting and coordinate inspections so the work passes cleanly and safely.
What a Vancouver electrician will do during your upgrade
Expect a clear plan and documentation:
Load calculation: Review your panel size, main breaker, and historical usage; model future loads (EV, heat pump, suite).
Scope & permits: Identify whether you need a service upgrade (e.g., 100A→200A), a panel replacement, or both; apply for permits and book inspections.
Upgrade & cleanup: Replace panel/meter equipment as required, re-terminate circuits, label breakers, test, and provide final documentation.
Options to manage load: If capacity is tight, discuss power-management devices or staged upgrades before committing to costly civil work.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Publicly available ranges (materials + labour) vary by amperage, access, and whether the meter/panel must move. Independent reporting suggests:
100A panel: ~$800–$1,500
200A panel: ~$1,300–$3,000
300A panel: ~$1,800–$3,500
400A panel: ~$2,000–$4,000
BC guidance notes full service upgrades (e.g., 100A→200A including utility coordination) can run $3,500–$7,000+, with special site conditions pushing higher. Getting quotes is essential because underground feeds, pole work, or remedial wiring can add significantly.
To budget accurately, ask for:
A written scope (panel vs. service upgrade)
Permit/inspection fees and timelines
Any trenching, meter/panel relocation, or utility charges
Load-management alternatives and their cost/benefit
For a deeper consumer explainer on price factors, you can reference This Old House’s cost guide here: Cost to upgrade electrical panel. This Old House
Your next step with TDR Electric
Book a same-week assessment. We’ll calculate your load, review upgrade vs. load-management options, and handle permits and inspections.
Learn more about service panel upgrades.
Ready to move forward? Contact TDR Electric for a quote and timeline.
FAQs
Do I always need a 200A panel?
Not necessarily. With smart load management and efficient appliances, some homes operate well below 200A—your electrician will verify with a load calculation.
Can I add an EV charger without upgrading?
Sometimes. BC Hydro outlines capacity checks and EV power-management devices that can make Level 2 charging possible on existing service, but permits are still required.
Who pulls the permit in Vancouver?
Your licensed contractor typically applies, coordinates inspections, and closes the permit. Vancouver runs its own system; other BC areas may use Technical Safety BC.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most straightforward upgrades are completed within a day once permits are in place; complex service changes or relocations can extend timelines due to utility coordination. (Timelines vary—your quote will specify.)
Will a new panel raise home value?
A modern, correctly sized panel is attractive to buyers because it supports EVs, heat pumps, and renovations while improving safety.