Electrical Upgrades

Modernize your Home's Electrical System

Comprehensive Electrical Upgrades in Halifax

An electrical upgrade generally refers to improving or modernizing a home's electrical system to handle increased power demands or to meet current safety standards, often involving replacing the main electrical panel and associated wiring.

If you are adding new circuits to your panel (like electric vehicles, hot tubs, or heat pumps), or if you're simply using more electricity, your existing electrical system might not be able to handle the increased load, leading to tripped breakers or even safety hazards like a fire.

Older homes often have outdated or insufficient electrical capabilities with an undersized service or fuse panel. Flickering lights, constantly tripping breakers, burnt-out outlets, or a warm-to-the-touch electrical panel are all signs that your electrical system might need an upgrade. If you notice any signs of electrical problems, it's crucial to address them promptly to ensure the safety of your home and family.

Have an electrician investigate and diagnose the concerns you have by troubleshooting in order to find the actual cause. Contact us so we can advise on how to proceed.

Upgrade Applications

  • Electrical Panel Upgrade: This is a common type of upgrade, where the main electrical panel (also known as the fuse box or breaker box) is replaced with a larger capacity panel to accommodate more circuits and appliances. There's a few options for panel upgrades including upgrading from a fuse panel to a breaker panel. You can also upgrade to a physically larger panel if you have limited breaker spaces or have run out of room. Your third option is adding a sub panel (pony panel) to give you additional breaker spaces. Another panel upgrade that is highly recommended is adding a whole home surge protector to protect your entire panel and all the electronics in your house.
  • Service Upgrade: When you are upgrading from 100 amp or 125 amp to 200 amp you are upgrading your service. This involves replacing your electrical panel, the service mast and wiring and the meter base on the outside of your house.
  • Meter Upgrade: When you upgrade your electrical service it may also involve replacing your meter base. If the meter itself needs to be changed it will be handled by Nova Scotia Power because the meter is their property.
  • Adding or Upgrading Outlets: However 20 amp T-slot or 15 amp split receptacles are standard in kitchens due to higher current draw appliances like coffee makers or toasters. Upgrading to 20 amp requires some complex electrical work because you need to replace the outlet as well as the wire. Larger 12 gauge wire is required for 20 amp receptacles.
  • Adding Smart Outlets: When you install a smart home system, smart outlets are a useful addition. These special outlets allow any appliances plugged into them to act as a smart device that can be controlled remotely. In addition, they increase the range of your smart hub because they act as network repeaters.
  • Higher Capacity Outlets: 20 amp T-slot or 15 amp split receptacles are standard in kitchens due to higher current-draw appliances like coffee makers or toasters. Upgrading to 20 amp requires some complex electrical work because you need to replace the outlet as well as the wire. Larger 12 gauge wire is required for 20 amp receptacles.