200A Service Upgrade - What`s the Process?

This guide will go through the steps that are required to upgrade a service in Manitoba. The steps are the same if you are installing as new service also!

The first thing you should do have a qualified red seal electrician come look at your service to see if you even need an upgrade or change. Usually over the years electrical code changes and most services are not code compliant anymore. Services usually fall into one of two categories. Overhead service , a power line is brought from the power pole to your home and attached to a clevis or attachment point. Overhead service usually requires a mast to be installed through the roof of the home . This allows for the proper clearance from ground to top of wire. Some 2 story homes do not require a mast if they have enough clearance without going through the roof. Underground service is fed exactly how it sounds with a wire brought underground to your home.

In Manitoba the first step to any service upgrade is to acquire a service point from Manitoba Hydro. Manitoba Hydro will then confirm on their end that the overhead or underground wiring is sufficient to handle the new upgrade. If it is not Manitoba Hydro will come replace it. Manitoba Hydro also checks to see if the transformer for the area has enough room on it to facilitate the upgrade.

The next course of action is to apply for a city of Winnipeg electrical permit (if the project is within city limits) or apply for a Manitoba Hydro electrical permit (if the project is outside the city limits). To pull an electrical permit in the city of Winnipeg you must be a red seal electrician and have passed the city of Winnipeg contractor licensing exam. In the rest of Manitoba you need an account with Manitoba hydro and a valid red seal electrical license.

After receiving service point and an approved electrical permit back from either Manitoba Hydro or the city of Winnipeg. Your electrical contractor can book the disconnection of the power lines by Manitoba Hydro. Your electrical contractor will also have to book a service inspection on the same day as the disconnection.

Now that this is all in place the electrical contractor will come and replace the old wire, panel, meter socket, piping and whatever else is required to bring your service up to current electrical code. The electrical contractor will install and relabel your electrical panel and circuits. Once all this is complete the project will be inspected by a qualified inspector with either the city of Winnipeg or Manitoba Hydro. Once inspection is passed Manitoba Hydro will come and install the meter and you will be back up and running with a brand new service ready to power anything you could need!

If you have any more questions about the process feel free to reach out to GW Electric Inc. and one of our red seal electricians will be able to help you out!