Panel upgrades and knob-and-tube replacement
Many older homes are close to their panel's capacity. We handle BC Hydro coordination, the permit and the inspection.
Heritage homes in Fairfield, James Bay, Oak Bay South and Rockland: knob-and-tube replacement is a specialty.
When a 100A panel runs out
Heat pumps, EV chargers, induction ranges, suites and air conditioning push Victoria's 1970s-and-older panels past their capacity. Under the BCEC 2024 load calculation, more homes need 200A.
Adding an EV
A 40A Level 2 circuit is often the trigger. With a heat pump too, a 100A panel often fails the load calculation.
Adding a heat pump
Most need their own 30A circuit. We handle the electrical side of heat pump installs (the circuit, disconnect and panel capacity) and work with your heating contractor.
Insurers push back
Many insurers won't cover homes with Federal Pioneer Stab-Lok, Zinsco or knob-and-tube. We replace all three.
Knob-and-tube in Fairfield, James Bay, Oak Bay South and Rockland
Many homes here were wired with knob-and-tube between 1900 and 1950. Insurers often won't cover it, or want a written commitment to rewire, often within 6–12 months. We don't connect knob-and-tube circuits to a new panel; they get replaced.
A rewire includes:
- Finding and mapping all K&T (attic, basement, wall cavities)
- Room by room while you live there, or the whole house at once if it's empty
- AFCI/GFCI protection to the current BCEC
- Minimal wall damage, including in plaster and lath
- Insurance letter on completion
What affects the cost
Every panel job is different. Need a quote? We can provide one after we've seen your panel and service.
| Job | What drives the cost |
|---|---|
| 100A → 200A panel upgrade | Service mast length, BC Hydro coordination, breaker count |
| Panel replacement (same amperage) | FPE or Zinsco replacements, usually a one-day job |
| Knob-and-tube rewire, small home (under 1,500 sq ft) | Plaster work, accessibility, phased vs full |
| Knob-and-tube rewire, medium home (1,500–2,500 sq ft) | As above, plus circuit and fixture count |
| Knob-and-tube rewire, large heritage home (2,500+ sq ft) | Heritage protections, finish restoration scope |
Upgrade day
BC Hydro disconnect
We book the meter pull. Power is off for most of the day, starting in the morning.
Mast & panel install
New service mast if needed, then main breaker, panel, ground rod and bonding. Circuits go back on one at a time.
Inspection & reconnect
Technical Safety BC inspects and BC Hydro reconnects. Power is usually back by the end of the day.
Panel and K&T questions
A pre-1950 home in Victoria, Oak Bay South, Fairfield, James Bay or Rockland very likely has some. Look in the attic for single cloth-wrapped wires on white ceramic knobs and tubes.
Many insurers won't cover knob-and-tube, or want a written commitment to rewire, often within 6–12 months. After the rewire you get a completion letter with the permit number that confirms no knob-and-tube remains in service.
Yes. We work room by room, so most of the house keeps power, except on panel-swap day. Many owners move out for the kitchen and living area phase (2–4 days).
Yes. We book the meter pull, the Technical Safety BC inspection and the reconnect.
Most upgrades take one day. Power is off for most of the day, starting in the morning. Service mast changes can take a day and a half.
A residential panel from 1965 to the early 1990s with documented failure-to-trip problems. Several insurers won't renew with one. Replacement is usually a one-day job, and we can quote it after seeing the panel.
Sometimes. Provincial rebates change often and some depend on income, so we confirm what applies before we start. We handle the electrical side of heat pump installs (the circuit, disconnect and panel capacity) and work with your heating contractor.
In-home panel assessment
A clear answer on whether you need an upgrade, and a written quote if you do.
Book assessment