CEC Rule 8-200 · NEC 220.82

Your contractor quoted a panel upgrade. Here's the math that tells you if they're right.

Most 200A panels already have the capacity. A CEC Rule 8-200 / NEC 220.82 calculation proves it — in under 2 minutes, before you spend $2,000–$5,000.

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257+ audits completed
CEC Rule 8-200 + NEC 220.82
Red Seal Refrigeration Mechanic methodology

257 BC and Washington homeowners have used this tool before calling an electrician.

Here's exactly how the calculation works

No black box. This is the same CEC Rule 8-200 (Canada) / NEC 220.82 (US) service-load method a licensed electrician runs.

  1. 1

    Step 1: Basic load

    sq ft × demand factor

  2. 2

    Step 2: Appliance loads

    range, dryer, water heater

  3. 3

    Step 3: HVAC load

    larger of heating or cooling

  4. 4

    Step 4: New load

    heat pump + EV (if applicable)

  5. 5

    Step 5: Compare to panel capacity

    amps × 80%

If Steps 1–4 < Step 5 → PASS. You don't need an upgrade.

PASSWARNFAIL

Simple pricing

Free

$0

Your PASS / WARN / FAIL verdict — no account required.

Full report

$25 CAD

The full PDF report — the defensible artifact your electrician or rebate application needs. Every load, every amperage figure, line by line.

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Run your panel check

Free PASS / WARN / FAIL verdict · Full PDF report $25 CAD

Frequently asked questions

Is the panel check free?

Yes. The panel load calculation and your PASS / WARN / FAIL verdict are completely free — no account required. The optional $25 CAD report buys the full line-by-line load calculation PDF (every load, every amperage figure) that you can hand directly to your electrician or attach to a rebate application.

What does the $25 PDF actually include?

The free result tells you whether you pass. The $25 CAD PDF is the defensible artifact behind it: the complete CEC Rule 8-200 (Canada) or NEC 220.82 (US) load calculation, line by line, with the exact amperage math, your panel’s 80% continuous limit, and the deficit or surplus. It is formatted to hand to a licensed electrician or contractor.

Is this the same calculation my electrician uses?

Yes. Canadian homes use CEC Rule 8-200; US homes use the NEC 220.82 Optional Method (first 10,000 W at 100%, remainder at 40%, plus the largest HVAC load). These are the standard residential service-load methods a licensed electrician applies. The tool is a screening estimate, not a permit document — final sizing should always be confirmed on-site by a licensed electrician.

Will it tell me whether I need a panel upgrade?

Yes. You get a clear PASS, WARN, or FAIL plus an upgrade recommendation if your existing service can’t support the heat pump (and EV charger, if you add one). Most 200A panels pass. Many 100A panels do too — which is exactly why a documented calculation is worth having before a contractor quotes you a $2,000–$5,000 upgrade you may not need.

Does it work for both Canadian and US homes?

Yes. The tool auto-applies CEC Rule 8-200 for Canadian homes (including the B149.1 elevation derate for BC climate zones) and NEC 220.82 for US homes. Enter your location and the correct standard is selected for you.

Why do contractors quote upgrades before running the calculation?

Because the calculation takes time and expertise. Some contractors quote upgrades as insurance. The CEC 8-200 math takes 2 minutes and tells you before you commit.

Know your number before they quote you.

The same CEC Rule 8-200 / NEC 220.82 calculation an electrician runs — in under 2 minutes.

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ESTIMATE ONLY — screening calculation. Confirm all results with a licensed electrician before any panel modifications.