What are the TIS inspection requirements for upgrading from 100 amp to 200 amp electrical service in New Brunswick?

Upgrading from 100 to 200 amp electrical service in New Brunswick requires both an NB Power wiring permit and a TIS inspection — this is considered a major electrical modification that must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Your licensed electrician will need to obtain a wiring permit from NB Power before starting any work (1-800-615-0522 or online at nbpower.com). Since this upgrade involves a service panel over 200A at 120/240V, it may require plan review by NB Power before the permit is issued. The permit must be obtained before construction begins — working without a permit results in additional special inspection fees.

TIS inspection requirements are straightforward but mandatory. After your electrical contractor completes the service upgrade, they contact TIS at 1-888-659-3222 to schedule the final inspection. The TIS inspector will verify that the installation meets National Building Code requirements and manufacturer specifications. They'll check the service entrance, grounding system, panel installation, bonding, and overall workmanship.

What triggers the upgrade requirement? Most 100-amp services in New Brunswick homes were installed in the 1970s-1990s and struggle with modern electrical loads — especially if you're adding heat pumps, electric vehicle charging, or major appliances. The upgrade typically involves replacing the service entrance cable, meter base, main panel, and often the grounding system.

Typical costs in New Brunswick range from $2,500-$4,500 for a standard upgrade, depending on the complexity of your existing setup and whether NB Power needs to upgrade their transformer or service drop. If your home still has the original 100-amp service with an older panel, this upgrade often makes financial sense when planning other electrical work.

Important timing consideration: Schedule this work during warmer months if possible, as the electrician will need to coordinate a brief power shutoff with NB Power. The entire process typically takes 1-2 days, but permit approval and NB Power coordination can add a week to the timeline.

Always verify your contractor holds a valid electrical licence through TIS and carries WorkSafeNB coverage before starting. This isn't DIY work — New Brunswick requires licensed professionals for all electrical service modifications.