EZSMART Corporation, ESA/ECRA #7012690 , North York , Ontario
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Most residential panels in Ontario supply either 100 or 200 amps of service at standard household voltage, which translates into a specific amount of total power your home can safely draw at once. Here is what that actually means in practical terms, from the licensed electricians at EZSMART, serving Toronto and the GTA.
Residential service in North America runs at 240 volts for the main panel, split into 120 volt circuits for most household outlets and lighting. A 100 amp panel provides roughly 24,000 watts of total capacity, while a 200 amp panel provides roughly 48,000 watts. In practice, your home never draws its full rated capacity simultaneously, since not every appliance and circuit runs at once, which is part of why load calculations use diversity factors rather than simple addition.
Understanding your panel’s actual power supply helps clarify why certain additions, like an EV charger or a second major appliance, sometimes require a panel upgrade and sometimes do not. A licensed electrician’s load calculation gives you a precise answer for your specific home rather than a general estimate, factoring in your existing appliances and any planned additions.
Does my panel actually use its full rated capacity at all times?
No, your home’s actual draw fluctuates based on what is running, and rarely reaches the panel’s full rated capacity simultaneously.
Is 100 amp enough power for central air conditioning?
It can be, depending on your home’s other electrical demands. A load calculation confirms whether your specific panel has enough remaining capacity.
How do I find out my exact panel’s power supply?
The amperage is typically labeled on the main breaker, and a licensed electrician can confirm this along with your home’s actual usage during an assessment.
Want to know exactly how much power your panel can supply for your home’s needs? EZSMART provides licensed load calculations across Toronto and the GTA. Call 416-838-9006, and see what our customers say on our Google reviews page.
