Electrical Panel Upgrades
for EV Charging in Surrey, BC
Your panel might not have the capacity for a Level 2 EV charger without an upgrade. We handle everything from the load calculation to the permit to the BC Safety Authority inspection — serving Surrey, Langley, Delta, and the Fraser Valley.
Do You Need a Panel Upgrade?
A Level 2 EV charger needs a dedicated 240V, 40 to 60 amp circuit. Most Surrey homes built after 1990 have a 200A panel with enough capacity to add one without any upgrade.
Older homes with a 100A panel are a different story. Add an EV charger to a 100A panel that's already running a heat pump, electric dryer, and oven and you're asking for nuisance tripping, or worse.
We check your panel before any install. If you need an upgrade, we quote it honestly and do both jobs at once so you're not paying two call-out fees.
A 200A panel upgrade also benefits the rest of your home. If you're planning any other electrical upgrades, now is the right time to do it all together.
Signs your panel is maxed out
Breakers that trip regularly, lights that dim when appliances start, or a panel labelled 100A are all signs that an upgrade makes sense before adding an EV charger.
100A to 200A upgrade
The most common upgrade we do. We replace the main panel, upgrade the service entrance, and install a new 200A breaker. Permits and inspection included.
Sub-panel for a garage or workshop
If your main panel has capacity but your garage doesn't, a sub-panel is the clean solution. We run a feeder circuit from the main panel to a new sub-panel in the garage.
EV-ready circuit with load management
For homes where the panel is near capacity, smart load management devices can monitor total draw and reduce charger output when other loads are high — no upgrade needed.
What's Included in Our Panel Upgrade Service
One quote, one crew, one inspection. We don't hand you off to a third-party electrician.
Load calculation
We calculate your current electrical load and confirm what the new panel needs to handle, including the EV charger.
Panel replacement
Full removal of the old panel and installation of a new 200A main breaker panel from a tier-one manufacturer.
Service entrance upgrade
If BC Hydro's service entrance wiring needs upgrading to match the new panel, we coordinate that too.
City permit
We pull the electrical permit from the City of Surrey or the relevant municipality before work starts.
BC Safety Authority inspection
We arrange and attend the inspection. You receive a Certificate of Acceptance when it passes.
EV circuit run
Where we're doing a panel upgrade as part of an EV charger install, we run the dedicated EV circuit and mount the charger in the same visit.
How the Upgrade Process Works
Site assessment
We come out, look at your current panel, assess the service entrance, and confirm what upgrade is needed. We check at the same time whether we can add the EV circuit without touching the panel.
Quote and permit application
You get a clear, itemised quote. Once approved, we apply for the electrical permit — usually a few days.
Upgrade day
We notify BC Hydro in advance to disconnect the meter while we work. Most 200A upgrades take four to six hours. Power is back on the same day.
EV charger installation (if combined)
With the new panel in place, we run the dedicated circuit and install your EV charger in the same visit.
Inspection and certificate
BC Safety Authority inspects the work. You receive a Certificate of Acceptance, which you need for home insurance and any future property sale.
Common Questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Most 100A to 200A upgrades take four to six hours. Power is off for most of that time but back on the same day. If we're also installing your EV charger, add another two hours.
Do I have to be home for the upgrade?
Yes. We need access to the panel, and someone should be home while BC Hydro is involved with the meter. We'll work around your schedule.
Will my homeowner's insurance notice?
Yes, in a good way. A properly permitted 200A upgrade with a BCSA Certificate of Acceptance can actually improve your insurability. Always notify your insurer after any major electrical work.
Can I use the CleanBC rebate toward a panel upgrade?
The CleanBC EV charger rebate is specifically for charging equipment. However, some rebate programs cover EV-ready panel upgrades — we stay current and will let you know what applies when we quote.
Panel Upgrade Service Areas
Not Sure if Your Panel Needs an Upgrade?
Call us and we'll check your panel as part of the initial site visit. No charge for the assessment when you book through us.