Existing service
The current service may already have appropriate capacity after the applicable calculation.
A HAUSE specialist propertyHAUSE.ca
Electrical capacity, explained
Does your home actually need 200 amps?
EV charger. Heat pump. Air conditioning. Hot tub. Secondary suite. Check your home's capacity before deciding what needs to change.
Free homeowner pre-check · No obligation · No unsafe DIY
Capacity decision pathPre-check
100A service
Existing homeNew project
01Existing serviceMay be sufficient
02Load managementMay be appropriate
03Service upgradeMay add capacity
The breaker number is only the starting point. Existing demand and planned equipment determine what should be assessed.
Start with what you know
What service does your home have?
Choose the number shown on the largest main breaker that is already visible. Never remove a panel cover or touch electrical equipment.
A better starting point
200 amps isn't always the answer.
Your existing service may already have appropriate capacity. A panel change, an approved energy-management option, or a full service upgrade are different paths—and professional assessment determines which applies.
Project triggers
What are you planning?
One new appliance rarely answers the capacity question by itself. Start with the project, then account for what the home already uses.
EVEV chargerDoes this mean you need 200A? →HPHeat pumpDoes this mean you need 200A? →ACAir conditioningDoes this mean you need 200A? →HTHot tubDoes this mean you need 200A? →SUSecondary suiteDoes this mean you need 200A? →SBSolar + batteryDoes this mean you need 200A? →INInductionDoes this mean you need 200A? →WSWorkshopDoes this mean you need 200A? →
Know the system
Capacity is a path, not a panel door.
A service upgrade can extend from the utility connection to the equipment distributing power through the home.
01Utility→
02Service→
03Meter→
04Main→
05Panel→
06Home
Three possible paths
The honest answer may be retain, manage or upgrade.
Professional assessment determines which path fits the home, equipment and jurisdiction.
Load management
An approved system may control suitable loads within the capacity already available.
Service upgrade
Additional permanent capacity may fit the project and longer-term electrification plan.
100A vs 200A
More capacity is not the same as a better decision.
The useful comparison is not just 100 versus 200. It is today's demand, tomorrow's equipment, the panel configuration and the full service path.
Compare service sizes- 100A
- Common in existing homesPotentially adequate depending on demand and planned equipment.
- 200A
- Greater total service capacityOften considered for significant electrification; may involve utility-side work.
- Evidence
- Load calculation + site assessmentThe service number alone does not make the project decision.
Calgary electrical activity
Public evidence, with the limits left visible.
Open Calgary publishes daily electrical permit inspection data. We count permits separately from inspection events and do not claim it identifies every 200A upgrade.
See data and methodologyOperated under the HAUSE standard
Understand first. Then handle the actual project.
HAUSE is the accountable operating layer behind professional requests where local coverage is available.
- 01Request
- 02Review
- 03Match
- 04Assess
- 05Quote
- 06Complete
- 07Document
Vetted local operatorsLicensing + insurance verificationPermit + inspection coordinationWritten scopesProject documentation
Straight answers
Common capacity questions.
Do I need 200 amp service?+
Not automatically. Existing demand, planned loads, panel configuration, service equipment and management options determine what should be assessed.
Is 100 amp service enough for an EV charger?+
It can be. Charger output, existing demand and approved charging controls or energy management can change the answer.
Does replacing the panel increase amperage?+
Not by itself. A panel replacement and a service-capacity increase are different scopes.
Can load management avoid a service upgrade?+
Sometimes, for suitable loads, equipment and jurisdictions. It is not a universal alternative.
Do I need a permit?+
Electrical alterations commonly require the applicable permit, but the authority and exact process vary by location and scope.
More power starts with knowing what you need