Calgary’s Paul Hannania Represents Canada at the Ideal National Championship
The Ideal National Championship is one of the most respected competitions in the electrical industry. It brings together the best electricians from around the world to test their skill, speed, and precision under real-world pressure. What started as a North American event has now grown into a global stage, celebrating craftsmanship and safety in electrical work. In recent years, Calgary’s own Paul Hannania, founder of Panel Upgrade Experts, proudly represented Canada and proved that Alberta’s electricians can compete with the very best.
About the Ideal National Championship
Each year, thousands of professional and apprentice electricians compete in local qualifying rounds hoping to earn a spot at the Ideal National Championship finals. The event, typically held in the United States, is designed to challenge participants across multiple categories including wiring precision, code compliance, and installation speed. The championship promotes safety, education, and excellence within the trade, encouraging electricians to push the limits of their technical skills.
The competition format is rigorous. Contestants must complete several timed rounds, each simulating real-world installations. Before every round, participants are given ten minutes to review the project guidelines and develop a strategy. Once the clock starts, it is a race to complete the most accurate, code-compliant electrical installation possible. Judges evaluate based on quality of workmanship, adherence to the National Electrical Code, organization of wiring, and safety practices. It is a test of skill under pressure, where even a small mistake can mean the difference between winning and being disqualified.
Canada on the Global Stage
More than 55,000 electricians attempt to qualify each year, but only a select few make it to the finals. At one of the most recent events, 162 finalists competed for more than $600,000 in prize money, with the national champion title alone worth $75,000. Among them were 18 Canadian participants who proudly represented their provinces and local communities.
Calgary’s Paul Hannania stood out once again. Competing for the second year in a row, he earned recognition as the Fastest Canadian for the second consecutive year. His performance in the inaugural International Finals placed him among elite electricians from the United States, China, and Australia. As Paul explained, “I like to work fast, but speed alone is not enough. The key is clean, accurate work with zero mistakes.”
His dedication and precision reflect the same standards that define Panel Upgrade Experts — a Calgary-based company known for safe, code-compliant electrical panel upgrades, service upgrades, EV charger installations, and solar panel systems.
Representing Calgary’s Electricians
Paul’s journey at the Ideal National Championship is more than a personal achievement. It highlights the high standard of electrical craftsmanship in Calgary and across Canada. Electricians from Alberta are known for balancing hands-on skill with strong technical knowledge, often working in challenging conditions and with diverse electrical systems. This competition gives them a global stage to showcase that expertise.
Alongside Paul, several other talented Canadians joined the finals, including professionals from Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Each participant brought pride to their region, reinforcing Canada’s growing presence in international electrical competitions. Their participation encourages the next generation of electricians and apprentices to continue improving their trade and aiming for excellence.
Commitment to Professionalism and Safety
The spirit of the Ideal Championship aligns closely with the values practiced every day at Panel Upgrade Experts. Every project, whether it is an electrical service upgrade or a complete solar installation, is treated with the same level of precision and respect for safety codes that top electricians demonstrate in competition. Customers in Calgary trust Paul and his team because they know each installation will be handled carefully, professionally, and with full transparency from start to finish.
Looking Ahead
The next Ideal National Championship is scheduled for Nashville, Tennessee, where electricians from across the world will once again compete for the title of the best in the business. For professionals like Paul Hannania, it is not just about winning — it is about continuing to raise the standards for the trade, mentoring apprentices, and showing that excellence in electrical work is built on consistency, integrity, and skill.
As Calgary continues to grow, so does the demand for safe, efficient, and sustainable electrical systems. Whether it is a panel upgrade, EV charger, or solar power installation, the lessons learned from competition carry over into every project completed by the team at Panel Upgrade Experts. The same precision and speed that define championship-level work are what make their Calgary clients confident they have chosen the right electricians for the job.
Panel Upgrade Experts proudly supports ongoing education, industry growth, and innovation within the electrical trade. If you are planning a home upgrade or energy-efficient improvement, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
