Fuse Box Replacement in Hamilton

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 Hamilton complete in 6-8 hours, typically within a single day. Your power will be off during the swap while Alectra Utilities 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 $800-$1,000 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 will flag fuse boxes as red flags, reducing your home's market value. Renovations requiring permits force panel upgrades anyway, so proactive replacement avoids future disruption.

Fuse boxes use one-time fuses that must be replaced after they blow, while circuit breakers simply flip and can be reset. Circuit breakers provide faster, more reliable protection against overloads and short circuits. Modern breaker panels accommodate AFCI and GFCI safety devices that prevent electrical fires and shocks—protection impossible to add to fuse boxes. Breaker panels also offer greater capacity for today's electrical demands.

The City of Hamilton does not issue electrical permits—all electrical work in Ontario is governed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Panel replacements require ESA electrical notifications (permits) and inspections. We handle all ESA coordination as part of our service. For work involving structural changes or service entrance relocation, City of Hamilton Building Division may also require building permits, which we help coordinate.