Upgrading from 100A–200A to 400A Electrical Service in Metro Vancouver

Why Homeowners Need More Power for Level 2 EV Charging, Heat Pumps & Multi-Unit Redevelopment

As Metro Vancouver transitions rapidly toward cleaner, electric-powered living, many homeowners and builders are facing a new challenge: their existing 100A or 200A electrical service is no longer enough.

Whether the goal is to install Level 2 EV chargers, convert to electric heat pumps, or redevelop a single home into multiple dwelling units, electrical demand is increasing faster than most homes can handle. Upgrading to a 400A service is becoming a common and necessary step.

At Phase Technologies Inc., we specialize in helping homeowners, architects, and builders assess, plan, and apply for BC Hydro electrical service upgrades, including the engineering work required for 200A → 400A upgrades. Our work includes preparing BC Hydro connection applications, electrical load calculations, upgrade sketches, feasibility studies, and coordination with hydro designers.

Why Do More Homes Now Need 400A Electrical Service?

1. Level 2 EV Chargers Require Higher Capacity

A single Level 2 charger can require 30A–50A of continuous load.Two EVs in one household can exceed what a 100A or 200A panel can supply.

2. Heat Pumps Replace Gas Heating With Electricity

Heat pumps (space heating + cooling + hot water) add significant electrical load, especially during winter.

3. Major Appliances Are Shifting to Electric

   • Electric ranges

   • Electric clothes dryers

   • Air conditioningAll contribute to peak load increases.

4. Redevelopment Into Multi-Unit Housing

With many Metro Vancouver municipalities allowing:

• Secondary suites

• Garden suites (laneway homes)

• Multi-plex zoning (4–6 units per lot)

The electrical demand for a single property can easily exceed the limits of a standard service.

Signs That Your Home May Need a Service Upgrade

• The panel is constantly full with no room for new breakers

• The electrician says an EV charger or heat pump cannot be added

• You are planning a renovation or multi-unit rezoning

• Existing service equipment is old (1960s–1980s) and no longer compliant

• BC Hydro requires a load calculation before approving any new load

If any of these apply, it’s time to explore a 400A upgrade feasibility study.

What Does a 400A Electrical Service Upgrade Involve?

A typical upgrade project includes:

1. Load Calculation & Engineering Assessment

We calculate your home’s total electrical demand and project future loads.(Your consultation documents include detailed electrical load calculation sheets for Hydro applications BCH Service Upgrade Consulting …)

2. Preparing BC Hydro Application Documents

Phase Technologies completes the entire BC Hydro submission package, including:

• BC Hydro Connection Change Application

• Electrical sketches showing service route and connection

• Sealed technical documents where required (feasibility report, engineering memo)

3. Coordination With BC Hydro Design Team

We handle communication, document submissions, and follow-ups with BC Hydro until the intake and pre-design stages are complete.

4. Optional: Feasibility Study With Multiple Connection Options

For complex sites (flag lots, corner lots, underground services), we prepare a professional engineering feasibility report, detailing:

• Pros & cons of service routing options

• Constraints (clearances, trenching, utility conflicts)

• High-level construction considerations

• Sketches for each option

• Recommendation based on cost and constructability

5. Handover to Homeowner or Electrician

We provide a complete package for your electrical contractor to proceed with construction or permitting.

Why Metro Vancouver Homes Are Facing Capacity Issues

Municipalities such as Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and Coquitlam are adopting stricter electrification policies to meet climate targets. This leads to:

• Higher electricity demand per home

• More EVs per household

• New requirements for electric heating systems

• Multi-unit lot redevelopment pressures

Many older homes built with 60A or 100A service were never designed for today’s loads. Even homes upgraded to 200A a decade ago are often insufficient once EV charging and heat pumps are added.

How Phase Technologies Helps Homeowners

Phase Technologies Inc. provides full engineering support for service upgrades:

Residential Service Upgrade Consulting

• 100A → 200A service upgrades

• 200A → 400A service upgrades

• Underground and overhead service routing

• BC Hydro application support

• Load evaluation for EV chargers and heat pumps(Directly reflects your Proposal for Service Upgrade Consulting deliverables on pages 1–3 BCH Service Upgrade Consulting …)

Electrical Service Feasibility Studies

• Multi-option service routing decisions

• Engineering analysis sealed by P.Eng.

• Construction constraints and utility routing planning

• Conceptual sketches for Hydro and municipal review(As shown in your 400A Feasibility Study proposal on pages 1–2 Electrical Service Feasibility …)

EV & Electrification Future-Proofing

We ensure your home’s electrical backbone is ready for:

• Level 2 EV charging

• Future second EV

• Heat pumps

• Electric appliances

• Solar readiness

• Secondary suite additions

Thinking About Upgrading to 400A? Start With a Professional Assessment

A service upgrade is a major infrastructure project that affects utility coordination, trenching, electrical design, and safety compliance. Starting with a professional load analysis and feasibility study helps avoid costly surprises and ensures BC Hydro receives a complete and accurate application.

Phase Technologies Inc. is here to guide you from the first calculation to BC Hydro approval.

📞 Contact Us

Phase Technologies Inc.Engineering Consulting for Residential & Strata Electrification

🌐 www.phasetechnologies.ca

📧 info@phasetechnologies.ca

📍 Serving Metro Vancouver & all of BC