Should I leave panel work to a pro in NB?

Yes, absolutely — panel work in New Brunswick should always be done by a licensed electrical contractor, no exceptions.

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. It controls every circuit in your house, and mistakes made here don't just cause inconvenience — they cause fires, electrocution, and failed inspections. Even experienced DIYers who are comfortable with basic electrical tasks should draw a hard line at the panel.

It's Also the Law in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, homeowners are legally prohibited from performing panel work themselves. TSANB (Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick) regulates all electrical work in the province, and panel work — whether that's a full upgrade, replacing a breaker, or adding a new circuit — requires a licensed electrical contractor to pull a permit before any work begins. After the work is complete, a TSANB inspector visits to verify everything meets the Canadian Electrical Code before issuing a Certificate of Compliance.

Skipping this process has real consequences. Unpermitted panel work can void your home insurance policy, create serious liability if a fire occurs, and cause major headaches when you go to sell your home and a home inspector flags the work.

The Hidden Dangers Inside a Panel

Even with the main breaker switched off, your panel is not fully de-energized. The service entrance wires — the large cables coming in from NB Power — remain live at all times. Only NB Power can disconnect those. This means anyone opening a panel is working in close proximity to wires carrying enough current to kill instantly. Licensed electricians are trained specifically to work safely in this environment.

There's also the issue of older panels. Many New Brunswick homes still have Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels, which are known fire hazards due to breakers that fail to trip under overload. If your home has one of these, replacement is urgent — and definitely not a DIY project.

What Panel Work Typically Costs in NB

To give you a realistic picture of what to budget:

• 100A to 200A panel upgrade: $2,000 – $3,500
• Panel replacement (same amperage): $1,500 – $2,500
• Federal Pacific/Zinsco replacement: $2,500 – $4,000
• Subpanel installation: $800 – $1,500

These ranges include labour, materials, the TSANB permit, and the inspection. Get at least two quotes, and always confirm your electrician is TSANB-licensed and carries WorkSafeNB coverage before signing anything.

If you're ready to move forward, New Brunswick Electrical can match you with a licensed local electrician for free — whether you're in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, or anywhere else in the province. It's the safest and easiest way to get your panel work done right.