100 Amp vs 200 Amp Service: What Toronto Homeowners Need to Know

This Guide covers how to tell what you likely have and when an electrical panel upgrade in Toronto is worth a closer look. Electro Group Ltd. serves homes, condos, and businesses across Toronto and surrounding areas. For a planned assessment, request a free quote.

What “Service Size” Means

Service size is how much power your utility and service equipment are set up to deliver—often 100 amp or 200 amp. Your main breaker is usually labelled with that number. The panel is where branch circuits leave for the home.

Two paths get mixed up under “panel upgrade”:

• Panel replacement swaps an outdated or full panel for a new breaker panel. You gain circuit space; the incoming service size may stay the same.
• Service upgrade increases how much power the property can draw—for example from 100 amp to 200 amp. It usually includes new service equipment and a new panel, and the utility disconnects and reconnects power.

On site, we clarify which path your home actually needs.

How to Tell If You Have 100 Amp or 200 Amp

1. Check the main breaker label through the panel door window or on the handle—many read “100” or “200.”
2. Do not open the panel cover or touch bus bars, lugs, or bare wires. If the label is not safely visible, leave the check to a licensed electrician.
3. Treat era as a clue only. Older Toronto homes often have 60- or 100-amp services; newer builds more often have 200 amp.

An assessment confirms service size, panel condition, breaker space, and a code load calculation for what you want to add.

What 100 Amp Service Typically Supports

A healthy 100 amp service can cover everyday living: lighting, receptacles, kitchen and laundry, and typical HVAC. It gets tight when large loads stack—range, dryer, central air, electric water heat—plus a Level 2 EV charger or heat-pump electrical load.

Signs you may be near the limit: frequent breaker trips under normal use, little spare breaker space, an older fuse box or outdated panel, or plans for an EV charger, major reno circuits, a generator transfer setup, or heat-pump electrical work on top of existing loads.

You do not automatically need 200 amp. Some homes stay on 100 amp after a careful load calculation; others are clearer with a service upgrade.

What 200 Amp Service Adds

200 amp service gives more headroom for modern homes—more simultaneous large loads and a clearer path when you stack projects over a few years (EV + reno + heat-pump electrical). It is common on newer builds and upgrades where owners want capacity for the next decade, not only the next circuit. A bigger main breaker is not a blank cheque; branch circuits and how loads are shared still matter.

EV Chargers, Heat Pumps, and Renos

These three projects drive most “do I need 200 amp?” searches in Toronto.

EV charging. Level 2 draws a meaningful continuous load. Some panels can take a dedicated Level 2 circuit today; others need load management or a panel/service upgrade. Level 1 is slower and lighter—see Level 2 vs Level 1 EV charging in Toronto. For when an upgrade is needed versus when EVEMS helps, see Do you need a panel upgrade for an EV charger in Toronto?

EV load management (EVEMS). In some homes, an EVEMS can add Level 2 without a full panel or service upgrade by controlling charger demand when the house is busy. It does not always avoid an upgrade. Load calculation decides—details in our Guide on EV load management in Ontario.

Heat pumps. A heat pump adds a large electrical load. Electro Group Ltd. does the electrical work and the ESA permit side, and we coordinate with HVAC partners who install the heat pump unit. We do not install the heat pump itself. Panel capacity and service size are part of that electrical assessment—see our heat pump electrical Guide.

Renovations. Kitchen, basement, and suite work often need new dedicated circuits. If the panel is full or the service is tight, a panel upgrade may land on the critical path before finishes go in.

Toronto Hydro, ESA Permit, and Next Steps

When a service upgrade is involved in Toronto, Toronto Hydro (or your local utility) generally disconnects and reconnects power. We coordinate that with the electrical work. Panel and service work generally needs an ESA Notification of Work. We take out the ESA permit and arrange the inspection. This is not DIY.

Request a free quote when you are planning capacity—not when there is an active hazard (burning smell, sparks, heat at the panel). Tell us your city, property type, and what you want to add. We assess service size, panel condition, and load, then recommend panel replacement, service upgrade, EVEMS where it fits, or no change if the existing service is enough—and quote that path.

Request a free quote on our panel upgrade page, or call 289-814-7241. Our team brings 15+ years of electrical experience. ESA Licence #7017939.

Electro Group Ltd. · Toronto and the GTA · 289-814-7241 · ESA Licence #7017939

FAQ

How do I know if I have 100 amp or 200 amp service?
Check the main breaker label without opening the panel cover. If it is not clearly visible, a licensed electrician can confirm during an assessment.

Do I need 200 amp service for an EV charger?
Not always. Some homes support Level 2 on the existing panel; others need EVEMS or a panel/service upgrade. See Do you need a panel upgrade for an EV charger in Toronto? and our EVEMS Guide.

Is a panel upgrade the same as a service upgrade?
Not exactly. Panel replacement updates the breaker box; a service upgrade increases how much power the property can draw and usually involves the utility.

Does Toronto Hydro get involved?
On many Toronto service upgrades, yes—disconnect and reconnect. We coordinate with Toronto Hydro or your local utility.

Do you handle the ESA permit?
Yes. We take out the ESA permit and arrange the inspection for the electrical work.

Can I get a free quote for a panel or service upgrade?
Yes. Request a free quote via our panel upgrade page or call 289-814-7241.