Fuse Box Replacement in Etobicoke

Yes, all electrical panel replacements in Ontario require an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permit—this is provincial law, not optional. We handle the entire permit process including application, fee payment, work documentation, and ESA inspector coordination. You receive the ESA certificate of inspection proving code-compliant installation, which your insurance company requires for policy approval or premium reductions.

Most fuse box replacements in Etobicoke complete in 6-8 hours, typically within a single day. Your power will be off during the swap while Toronto Hydro disconnects and reconnects your meter. We coordinate meter service to minimize downtime—usually 1-2 hours total. Complex projects involving service upgrades, additional circuits, or heritage home challenges may require two days.

Most Etobicoke homeowners see insurance savings after fuse box replacement. Many insurers charge 15-30% higher premiums for homes with fuse panels or threaten policy cancellation entirely. After upgrade, contact your insurance company with your ESA certificate—premium reductions often take effect immediately. Some clients recoup their panel upgrade investment through insurance savings within 3-5 years.

We recommend 200-amp service for most Etobicoke homes. While 100-amp panels suffice for small properties with gas heating and minimal loads, 200-amp service accommodates central AC, electric appliances, and future needs like EV chargers or basement apartments. The cost difference is only $100-$200 more than 100-amp, but 200-amp provides significantly more capacity and eliminates the need for future re-upgrades.

While functioning fuse boxes aren't illegal, keeping one significantly limits your options. Insurance companies increasingly refuse coverage or charge premium penalties. You cannot add modern safety features like AFCI/GFCI protection. Home buyers and their inspectors flag fuse panels as major concerns affecting resale value. Any renovation or addition requires panel upgrade before permit approval. Upgrading proactively is almost always the better financial choice.

Not necessarily—panel replacement connects to your existing branch wiring. However, if your Etobicoke home has knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum branch circuits, we'll discuss options for addressing those safety concerns. Many heritage homes have mixed wiring that's been partially updated. We assess your complete system during the initial consultation and recommend only necessary upgrades, never unnecessary work.

Absolutely—panel replacement is the ideal time to add circuits. Common additions include dedicated circuits for home offices, EV chargers, basement suites, hot tubs, or workshop equipment. Adding circuits during the panel swap is more cost-effective than separate projects later. Tell us your plans during the consultation and we'll incorporate everything into a single ESA permit and inspection.