Electrical panel replacement in Châteauguay

In Châteauguay, replacing a 200 A electrical panel takes one day and leaves you without power for about 5 hours; the price is in the written quote, free of charge. No permit is required for a dwelling of 4 units or fewer. Only a master electrician who is a CMEQ member can do the work.

Why are so many panels running out of steam in Châteauguay?

Châteauguay has 19,920 private dwellings. The 2021 census counts 7,405 built between 1961 and 1980 and 3,545 from 1960 or earlier: 10,950 dwellings, 55% of the city, were wired before 1981.

The city boomed in the 1960s and 1970s, when the Mercier Bridge put the South Shore twenty minutes from Montréal. These houses were given a 100 amp panel that was more than enough at the time. The old village still has 60 amp services and fuse boxes.

Today, the call almost always comes for the same reason: someone wants to add something, and there’s no room left.

Which amperage for which house?

Fuses, breakers, and the panels to watch

With housing this age, four situations come up again and again.

How does it go, in practice?

One working day, including about five hours without power. That’s the real answer to the question everyone asks first.

We file the request with Hydro-Québec, which comes to disconnect the service. The old panel comes out, the new one goes in, every circuit is identified again one by one — that’s the longest part, and the one that will serve you for twenty years. Hydro-Québec reconnects, and the installation is tested before we leave.

In a house built before 1960, we also look at the mast and the meter base while we’re there: they’re often the same age as the panel.

What does it cost in Châteauguay?

The price depends on your installation, for example when the service entrance is redone at the same time: you get it in the written quote, free of charge. The real price depends on the target amperage, the condition of the service entrance and the mast, and the number of circuits to redo. A sub panel costs considerably less.

A photo of your open panel is often enough to tell you the next steps, without a visit.

Do you need a permit in Châteauguay?

The City of Châteauguay is one of the few to answer clearly, and its answer depends on the type of dwelling:

Who is allowed to replace a panel in Québec?

The question comes up all the time, and the answer surprises people: it isn’t a matter of skill, it’s a matter of law.

“No one may perform electrical work of any kind, in their residence or elsewhere for others, unless they are an electrical contractor.” (translated from French)

“A person who contravenes the Master Electricians Act and the Building Act is liable to a fine of $5,000 to $200,888.” (translated from French)

Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec

In other words: even at home, even if you know how. STM Électrique inc. is a CMEQ member and holds RBQ licence 5815-0137-01.

Frequently asked questions