Commercial buildings operate under much heavier electrical demand than the average home. Between HVAC units, refrigeration, high-volume lighting, point-of-sale systems and industrial machinery, the electrical system must be robust, safe and code-compliant. In Hamilton & Halton, many commercial properties still rely on undersized panels, outdated wiring, or non-compliant electrical layouts that pose risks to both operations and occupant safety.

What Electricians Check During a Commercial Electrical Assessment

• Panel condition & load calculations: Ensuring breakers, bus bars and feeders aren’t overloaded or heat-damaged.
• Wiring quality: Identifying aluminum branch circuits, deteriorated insulation, improperly sized conductors or unsafe splices.
• Device compliance: Checking for missing GFCI/AFCI protection, faulty disconnects and unlabelled emergency shut-off switches.
• Grounding & bonding: Proper bonding is crucial for commercial kitchens, metal buildings and facilities with heavy equipment.
• Backup & emergency circuits: Testing emergency lighting, exit signs, battery packs and transfer equipment.

Top Electrical Upgrades Commercial Buildings Should Prioritize

1. Upgrade to a 200A–800A commercial panel with clear labelling and capacity for peak load demands.
2. Add surge & transient voltage protection to safeguard sensitive POS systems, servers and refrigeration.
3. Install dedicated circuits for high-draw equipment such as compressors, ovens, walk-in coolers and medical devices.
4. Improve emergency egress systems with upgraded exit signs, LED emergency lighting and compliant battery backups.
5. Replace outdated wiring in older plazas, workshops or mixed-use spaces to meet ESA commercial standards.
6. Enhance grounding and bonding to reduce shock risk and improve overall system stability.

Typical Cost Range for Commercial Electrical Upgrades

Minor upgrades such as adding dedicated circuits, GFCIs, extra outlets or LED emergency lighting generally range from $400–$1,800. Larger work like panel replacements, service upgrades, rewiring sections of a building or installing surge protection often ranges $3,000–$12,000+ depending on building size and electrical load requirements.