Panel & Sub-Panel Installation and Upgrades in Toronto – Residential & Commercial
Residential & Commercial Panel Installation & Upgrades in Toronto
Do You Need a Panel Upgrade?
If your lights flicker, breakers trip often, or you still have an old fuse box, your electrical system may be due for an upgrade. The same goes if you’re adding new high-demand equipment like an EV charger, heat pump, or electric water heater. These all put extra load on your panel and wiring.
Common signs it’s time to upgrade or expand your panel:
- Replacing an old fuse box or outdated 60–100A panel
- Adding EV chargers, heat pumps, or electric heating systems
- Renovations or adding rooms, suites or new circuits
- Burn marks, corrosion, or heat around your panel
- Insurance or ESA inspection requirements
If your home also needs more overall power from the utility, you may need a service upgrade instead. We’ll help you determine which option fits your situation.
Panel Options & Services
Whether you need a main panel replacement, a sub-panel for new space, or a full service upgrade, we make sure your power setup is safe, tidy, and ready for the future.
- 100A, 125A, 200A residential breaker panels
- Sub-panels for garages, basements, shops, and additions
- Commercial 3-phase panels, disconnects, and distribution gear
- Meter base and service mast replacements
- Full 200A service upgrades, above or below ground
- ESA permits, inspections, and full code compliance on every job
Our Panel Installation & Upgrade Process
Site Visit & Assement
Planning & Permits
Professional Installation
Testing, Inspection & Cleanup
Main Panels vs. Sub-Panels:
What’s the Difference?
A sub-panel, on the other hand, is an extension of that main system. It’s a smaller distribution point that adds more circuit space or power to specific areas.
Main Panel
The main panel is where electricity from the utility first enters your property. It includes the main disconnect breaker that controls the entire system.
We replace outdated or undersized panels to make sure your power is safe, balanced, and ready for higher-demand equipment.
Sub-Panel
A sub-panel is powered from the main panel and distributes power to a specific area such as a garage, basement, shop, or addition. It’s perfect when you’ve run out of breaker spaces but your main service still has enough capacity.
We size the feeder cables correctly, balance the load, and install proper grounding and bonding to meet ESA standards.
When to Choose Which:
- Main Panel Upgrade: If your panel is outdated, full, or can’t support your total load.
- Sub-Panel Addition: If your main panel has available capacity but not enough breaker slots, or you’re expanding into a new space.
- Service Upgrade: If your overall electrical service (100A or 125A) can’t support your total load. In that case, see our Service Upgrade page for details.
Why Homeowners & Businesses Trust Us
Licensed and Insured
We’re a fully licensed Electrical Contractor (ECRA/ESA #7017720) with $5 million liability coverage and full WSIB protection. Your project is always backed by qualified professionals who take safety seriously.
Warranty & Peace of Mind
All of our work comes with a one-year warranty on parts and labour. We stand behind every installation and service call we complete.
19+ Years Experience
We know Toronto homes and businesses. From downtown condos and storefronts to older neighbourhood wiring and commercial panels. We work with Toronto Hydro, ESA inspectors, and local suppliers every day.
Clean & Organized Work
We treat your property with respect. That means drop sheets, vacuums, tidy wiring, and no mess left behind. When the job is done, everything looks as clean as it is safe.
All-in-One Service
From load calculations and panel upgrades to energy management systems, permits, and final inspection, we handle the coordination at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panel Installations
Do I need a panel upgrade to install an EV charger, electric water heater, or heat pump?
Most modern systems run best on a 200A panel to safely handle larger electrical loads. Before upgrading, we’ll check your major appliances, sauna, hot tub, steam shower, and any other high-demand equipment to calculate your total capacity. If your existing service can handle the load, we may only need to install a sub-panel or rearrange circuits instead of a full upgrade.
Can a sub-panel help if my main panel is full?
Yes. A sub-panel is often the best way to add more circuits when your main panel is full but still has enough overall capacity. It creates extra breaker space and keeps your wiring organized without replacing your existing service. We’ll check your total electrical load first to confirm that a sub-panel is the right solution for your home or business.
What’s the difference between a sub-panel and a service upgrade?
A sub-panel adds circuit space and helps distribute power to new areas, but it doesn’t increase the total amount of electricity coming into your property. A service upgrade increases your overall capacity by upgrading your meter base, service conductors, and main breaker to handle more power. We’ll assess your system and recommend whether a sub-panel or a full service upgrade is the better fit for your needs.
Can I install a sub-panel in a detached garage, workshop, or garden suite?
Yes. Installing a sub-panel in a detached garage, workshop, or garden suite is a safe and code-compliant way to supply power to that space. We size the feeder cables correctly, run conduit underground or overhead as required, and ensure proper grounding and bonding. All work is done under an ESA permit and inspected for your safety.
How much does a panel upgrade cost?
Costs vary depending on the panel size, condition, and whether a service or meter base replacement is needed. A basic residential panel replacement in Toronto typically starts around $2,000 to $3,000. Projects that include sub-panels, larger capacity, or commercial equipment may cost more. You’ll always receive a clear, itemized quote before any work begins.
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Can I upgrade my panel without replacing the entire service?
Yes. If your main service size is still adequate, you can upgrade or reorganize the panel without replacing the entire service. In many cases, a new panel or sub-panel is all that’s needed to improve safety and add circuit space. During our site visit, we’ll confirm whether your system only needs a panel change, a sub-panel, or a full service upgrade.
Is a permit or ESA inspection required?
Yes. Every new panel or sub-panel installation in Ontario requires an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit and inspection. We handle all of this for you, from filing the paperwork to meeting the inspector on-site. Once approved, you’ll receive an ESA Certificate of Inspection for your records and insurance provider.
What size panel do I need for my home?
Most modern homes use a 200 amp panel, which provides plenty of room for EV chargers, heat pumps, and future expansion. Smaller homes or condos may be fine with 100 or 125 amp panels, depending on total load. We’ll calculate your electrical demand and recommend the right size for your home.
Will upgrading my panel increase my property value?
Yes. Upgrading to a modern, code-compliant electrical panel improves safety and reliability, which can increase your property’s value. It also helps with insurance approval and shows buyers that your home is ready for modern electrical needs such as EV chargers or electric heating systems.
Still Have Questions?
Every home and business is a little different, and we’re happy to walk you through the right options for your electrical system. If you’re unsure whether you need a panel upgrade, a sub-panel, or a full service upgrade, give us a call and we’ll take a look together.
Upgrade Your Power with Confidence
Get the power and peace of mind you deserve with a professional electrical panel or sub-panel installation or upgrade from Symmetric Electric Ltd.
We’ll make sure your system is ready for today’s demands, and tomorrow’s.
Safely, efficiently, and to Ontario code.
