LGD Electric / System Modernization
Bring your Vancouver building's electrical system up to code.
Panel upgrades from 60A to 200A+, whole-home rewiring that removes knob-and-tube and aluminum branch circuits (see our aluminum wiring remediation guide), AFCI/GFCI retrofits, sub-panels for heat pumps and EVs. Every modernization ships with City of Vancouver permits and final inspection.
Vancouver's housing stock spans 1920s heritage to 2020s laneway. An electrical system designed for a 1965 kitchen can't run a 2026 heat pump, EV charger and induction range. Modernization isn't a luxury, it's the foundation for everything your household plans to add in the next decade.
In Vancouver, a 200A residential panel upgrade typically costs $3,500-$7,000 including permits, inspection and BC Hydro coordination.
What modernization covers
Panel upgrades & service changes
- 60A → 100A / 200A / 400A service upgrades.
- Full BC Hydro coordination: disconnect, meter swap, reconnect.
- Itemized pricing: basic panel replacement from $2,500; full 200A service upgrade $3,500-$7,000.
Whole-home rewiring
- Removal of knob-and-tube and aluminum branch circuits. See the Vancouver knob-and-tube replacement guide for cost bands, permit timelines and Kitsilano-to-Strathcona neighborhood specifics.
- Copper conductor, AFCI-protected bedroom circuits, GFCI in wet locations.
- Timeline: 3-7 days standard, 1-2 weeks complex heritage homes.
For secondary suite electrical permits and load calculations see our basement suite electrical permit guide.
Sub-panels for heat pumps & EVs
- Dedicated sub-panels for heat pumps, EV chargers, ADUs and workshops. See our heat pump panel upgrade guide.
- CEC Section 8 load calculation before install.
- Load management where main service is protected.
Code-compliance retrofits
- AFCI bedrooms and living areas.
- GFCI kitchens, bathrooms, exteriors, garages, laundry.
- Tamper-resistant receptacles and updated grounding and bonding.
Surge protection upgrades
- Whole-house surge protective devices (SPDs) at the panel.
- Point-of-use protection for sensitive electronics and solar inverters.
System modernization FAQ
When should I upgrade from a 60A or 100A panel to 200A?
A 200A panel upgrade is typically warranted when adding a heat pump, EV charger, induction range, hot tub, ADU or when current service drops during peak load. In Vancouver, a 200A residential panel upgrade typically costs $3,500-$7,000 including permits, inspection and BC Hydro coordination.
Does my insurance require removing knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring?
Many BC insurers require full replacement or documented remediation of knob-and-tube and aluminum branch wiring before issuing or renewing coverage. LGD provides inspection-ready documentation and phased rewire plans for carrier submission.
What code retrofits are triggered by a Vancouver renovation?
Opening walls typically triggers AFCI protection in bedrooms and living areas, GFCI in wet locations, tamper-resistant receptacles and updated grounding. Scope depends on permit type and Canadian Electrical Code edition in force.
Can I add a sub-panel instead of upgrading my main service?
Sometimes. A sub-panel works when total connected load plus new equipment stays within the main service rating after a load calculation. LGD runs a full CEC Section 8 load calc before recommending sub-panel vs. service upgrade.