CEC Part I · Section 8

Panel Upgrade Calculator

Check whether your current service has room for what you're planning to add — an EV charger, a heat pump, a hot tub — before you buy anything.

1. Current Panel & Planned Additions

Current Service Size

Estimated Existing Load (A — use our Load Calculator if unsure)

Adding an EV charger (~40 A)

Adding a heat pump (~30 A)

Adding a hot tub / spa (~50 A)

Other Planned Additions (A, 0 if none)

2. Headroom Check

CEC Section 8

TOTAL PROJECTED LOAD

— A

SPARE CAPACITY REMAINING

— A

Result: Enter your details to see whether an upgrade is likely needed.

This is a rough headroom check, not a permit-ready calculation. A real panel upgrade decision needs a proper CEC Section 8 load calculation from a licensed electrician — this tool is meant to help you know when to start that conversation.

Why panel upgrades always need a permit and a pro

Panel and service work always requires an ESA permit in Ontario — no exceptions.
The utility typically needs to coordinate a temporary disconnect at the meter.
This is a Licensed Electrical Contractor's job from the first step, not a DIY-if-it-gets-complicated situation.