Fuse Box Replacement Toronto – Upgrade to a Modern Circuit Breaker Panel
Still have an old fuse box with screw-in fuses? It's time to upgrade. Our ESA licensed electricians safely replace outdated fuse panels with modern circuit breaker panels—protecting your home and satisfying insurance requirements.
Why Toronto Homes Still Have Fuse Boxes
Thousands of older Toronto homes still rely on outdated fuse panels that no longer meet modern safety standards.
Pre-1960s Homes
Century homes in the Annex, Cabbagetown, Rosedale, and the Beaches were built when fuse boxes were standard. Many still have original 60-amp panels with screw-in fuses that can't handle modern electrical loads.
1940s-1950s Construction
Post-war homes in Leslieville, East York, and parts of North York often have 60-amp fuse panels that were adequate for a few lights and a radio—but not for today's appliances, AC units, and electronics.
The Real Problem
Fuse boxes aren't inherently dangerous—but they're often misused. Oversized fuses, pennies behind fuses, and lack of arc-fault protection create serious fire risks. Modern panels eliminate these hazards.
⚠️ Insurance Companies Are Saying No
Many Toronto insurers now refuse to cover homes with fuse boxes, or charge significantly higher premiums. A panel upgrade often pays for itself in insurance savings within a few years—and it's required for home sales.
Signs Your Fuse Box Needs Replacement
These warning signs indicate your fuse panel is overdue for an upgrade.
Fuses Blow Frequently
If you're constantly replacing fuses, your circuits are overloaded. Modern breakers trip and reset—fuses must be replaced each time, encouraging dangerous oversizing.
Scorch Marks or Burning Smell
Any discoloration, melted components, or burning odor near your panel indicates dangerous overheating. This is an emergency—call immediately.
Oversized Fuses Installed
Someone put a 30-amp fuse on a 15-amp circuit? This bypasses protection and allows wires to overheat—a major fire hazard hiding in plain sight.
Insurance Problems
Your insurer is threatening cancellation or demanding upgrades. Or you're paying inflated premiums because of your outdated electrical panel.
Lights Dim When Appliances Run
Flickering or dimming lights when you use appliances indicates your panel can't handle your home's electrical demand—a sign of undersized service.
Planning a Renovation
Adding a kitchen, basement suite, or any major renovation? Your old fuse box won't pass inspection. Upgrade now and avoid project delays.
Fuse Box vs. Circuit Breaker Panel
See why modern circuit breaker panels are the clear choice for Toronto homes.
❌ Old Fuse Box
- Fuses must be replaced when blown
- Easy to install oversized fuses
- No arc-fault protection available
- Limited to 60 amps typically
- Insurance issues & higher premiums
- Difficult to sell home
✓ Modern Circuit Breaker Panel
- Breakers trip and reset easily
- Tamper-resistant design
- AFCI/GFCI protection available
- 100-200+ amp capacity
- Insurance approved
- Increases home value
Panel Upgrade Options
Choose the right capacity for your Toronto home's needs.
Our Fuse Box Replacement Process
Safe, code-compliant panel upgrades with minimal disruption.
Assessment
We inspect your current fuse box, evaluate your home's electrical needs, and recommend the right panel size.
Quote & Permit
You receive a detailed quote. Once approved, we pull the required ESA permit for your panel upgrade.
Utility Coordination
We coordinate with Toronto Hydro for the meter disconnect and reconnect—typically same-day service.
Installation
We remove the old fuse box, install your new circuit breaker panel, and connect all circuits. Usually completed in one day.
Inspection
ESA inspects the work. We provide all documentation for your insurance company and records.
Why Toronto Homeowners Choose Kolji Bros
Trusted expertise for panel upgrades across the GTA.
ESA Licensed Electricians
Full Electrical Safety Authority licensing (ECRA #7014138). Your panel upgrade is done right and passes inspection the first time.
Complete Documentation
ESA certificates, permits, detailed invoices—everything your insurance company needs to update your policy and lower your premiums.
Transparent Pricing
Upfront quotes with no surprises. We price by the job and include permits, inspection fees, and cleanup in our estimate.
Same-Day Panel Swaps
Most fuse box replacements are completed in a single day. We minimize your time without power and coordinate utility reconnection.
Century Home Experience
We've upgraded panels in hundreds of older Toronto homes. We understand the challenges of heritage properties and tight basement spaces.
4.9-Star Reputation
Our Google reviews speak for themselves. Quality work, professional service, and fair pricing on every job.
Toronto Neighbourhoods We Serve
Fuse box replacement services throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Ready to Upgrade Your Panel?
Free estimates for fuse box replacements throughout Toronto. No travel fees.
Call (905) 299-0004What Toronto Homeowners Say
Real reviews from fuse box replacement projects.
"Our insurance company gave us 30 days to replace our fuse box or they'd cancel our policy. Kolji Bros came out within a week, upgraded us to 200 amps, and had the ESA certificate to our insurer the same day. Lifesavers!"
"We bought a 1940s home in Leslieville with the original fuse box. The home inspector flagged it immediately. Kolji Bros replaced it with a 200-amp panel before closing. Professional, on time, and reasonably priced."
"I'd been living with blown fuses for years—didn't realize how dangerous it was until I saw the burnt wiring behind the old box. The new panel is so much better. No more trips to the hardware store for fuses!"
Fuse Box Replacement FAQ
Common questions about upgrading from fuses to circuit breakers.
A basic 100-amp panel upgrade typically costs $2,500-$3,500. Upgrading to 200 amps ranges from $3,500-$5,500 depending on your home's requirements and whether the utility service entrance needs upgrading. We provide detailed quotes after assessment.
Most fuse box replacements are completed in one day (6-8 hours). Your power will be off for a portion of this time while we swap panels. We coordinate with Toronto Hydro for same-day meter reconnection whenever possible.
Yes, all panel replacements require an ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) permit in Ontario. We handle the permit application, coordinate the inspection, and provide you with the certificate of inspection for your records and insurance.
Usually yes. Many insurers charge premiums 15-25% higher for homes with fuse boxes, and some won't insure them at all. After your upgrade, contact your insurer with the ESA certificate—you may see significant savings on your policy renewal.
200 amps is the modern standard and what we recommend for most Toronto homes. It accommodates central AC, electric dryers, and future needs like EV chargers. If you're planning any renovations or additions, 200 amps will save you from upgrading again later.
That's your choice, but it limits your options. Insurance will remain expensive or unavailable, selling your home will be harder, and you can't add modern safety features like AFCI breakers. The cost of upgrading now is almost always worthwhile.
Not necessarily. The panel replacement connects to your existing wiring. However, if your home has knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, we may recommend addressing those separately. We'll assess your wiring during the initial consultation.
Absolutely—this is the ideal time. Adding circuits for a dedicated home office, EV charger, or kitchen appliances during the panel swap is more cost-effective than doing it later. Let us know your needs and we'll include them in the quote.
Ready to Upgrade Your Fuse Box?
Get a free quote for your Toronto panel upgrade. Eliminate insurance headaches, improve safety, and prepare your home for modern electrical demands.
Request Your Free Quote
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. For urgent matters, please call us directly.
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
⚡ 24/7 Emergency Service Available
Proudly serving Toronto, Willowdale, North York, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, and the entire GTA.

