If you live in an older home or have experienced any electrical issues, it might be time to call in a licensed electrician.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the warning signs and the latest innovations in electrical installations, ensuring your home stays safe, efficient, and up-to-date.

The Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Electrical?

With electrical systems, warning signs are sometimes only apparent once they become catastrophic. If you live in an older home, just like a roof, plumbing, windows, or doors, electrical systems do not last forever.

According to Brian Wilson, General Manager of Captain Electric Inc., “If you experience any electrical issues, call an ECRA-licensed electrical contractor who is experienced in diagnosing and solving residential electrical problems.”

• Fuse Panels - Fuse panels are certainly older and have not been installed for over 40 years. They do not have any modern safety features that a new panel will offer (GFCI or AFCI protection, Surge Protection). Additionally, burned connections on the bus are very common and often lead to the failure of connection points from arcing and burning and, in some cases, even fire within the electrical panel. If you have an old fuse panel, it’s time to upgrade to circuit breakers.
• Knob and Tube Wiring - The original wiring system was invented in the late 1800s and used until about 1945. It is no longer considered safe because it is an ungrounded system. Sadly, many older homes still contain at least some knob and tube wiring. It is time to remove it. The insulation is likely deteriorated due to age. New wiring that has been improperly attached to existing Knob and Tube wiring over the years can pose a serious hazard.
• Aluminum Wiring - Your wiring connections should be evaluated. Failures in aluminum wiring occur at connection points, and a licensed electrician should check all switches, receptacles, and light fixtures.
• DIY Electrical - If there is evidence of “handyman electrical work,” it is best to have an ECRA/ESA-licensed electrician fully assess the electrical system and make recommendations.

A general home inspection by a reputable home inspection company is a great idea. Typically, they can perform a general inspection and expose their findings on all aspects of a home, including electrical. If they find any electrical concerns, they recommend an electrical inspection by a licensed electrical contractor. It is the best option for your home.

There are many well-trained and very competent certified electricians in Ontario. Certification as an electrician, however, is NOT a license to do electrical work. Qualified (certified) electricians must work under a Licenced Electrical Contractor (LEC).

Brian also said, “To be an LEC in Ontario, you must meet the requirements set forth by the ESA (the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario). To operate a legitimate Electrical Contracting Business in Ontario, you must become an ECRA/ESA licensed Electrical Contractor. It involves having a designated master electrician, a business license, a place of business, liability insurance, WSIB Insurance, and other requirements.”

Wiring Permits are required for all new electrical work performed in Ontario. Only an ECRA/ESA Licensed Electrical Contractor can apply for a wiring permit with the ESA. The only exception to this is when a homeowner does the work themselves.

In Canada, your home is your castle, and you can do anything, including Gas, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, building, etc., as long as you apply for permits.

Always hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor. You can confirm that your contractor is a licensed electrical contractor by calling the ESA or searching on the ESA website to ensure that the company you hire is legitimate.

Every home is wired differently, and the cost of the electrical portion of a home renovation varies greatly depending on the design of the electrical system. Your input as a homeowner is crucial in this process. If the upgrades are throughout the home, a complete rewire is sometimes recommended, and understanding the costs involved is key.

The Latest Innovations in Electrical Installations

There are many new trends in electrical wiring, whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing home. The sky is the limit if your budget allows it, but finding the best solution for you should be the goal. The following are some things that homeowners should consider.

Lighting Controls

Installing Dimmer switches should be the minimum consideration for any home renovation. Dimmer switches allow you to achieve the exact lighting needed to set the mood in the room.

Home Automation

Complete home automation might appeal to some who want it all. Fully automated lighting and motorized blinds are available. These systems require careful planning and an adequate budget.

Smart control, such as a LUTRON Hub, is an affordable option for a less sophisticated approach. It allows programmable light control through a smartphone app. Because it is expandable, start with a few lighting circuits and add more control when desired and as your budget allows.

LED Lighting

If you have older fluorescent lighting in your home, it's not recommended that you repair these old-technology fixtures by replacing ballasts and fluorescent lamps. Instead, investing in modern LED lighting is the right choice. LED lights are more energy-efficient, providing significant long-term savings on your electricity bill. They also have a longer lifespan and require zero maintenance, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly lighting solution for any home.

Kitchens

How much of a difference can undercabinet lighting make? Even an older and below-average kitchen can look like a “10” when lighting is installed under the cabinets. Docking drawers allow appliances to be out of sight behind cabinet doors and drawers for a clean, streamlined look to your kitchen and meet the safety requirements of The Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

USB receptacles allow electronic devices to be charged easily. Having these receptacles in key locations in the home makes charging devices convenient.

Home Safety

Ground fault circuits and ARC-fault circuit Interrupters are designed to reduce the risk of shock and fire hazards, thereby protecting life and property. The Ontario Building Code requires that combination Smoke/Carbon Monoxide/Strobe Alarms be installed in all bedrooms of dwelling units. Each of these electrical products contributes greatly to Home Safety, providing you with peace of mind.

An Automatic Standby Generator will ensure that you are prepared for power outages. Extended Power Outages are never fun and can even be catastrophic when losing power to a sump or water pump. Losing heat in the winter or air conditioning in the summer can pose a serious health risk for some. A 20kW or 26kW (20 or 26 kilowatts) Generator is recommended as the best size to back up the average home. The fuel source is natural gas or propane.

Plan for an Electric Vehicle

You may not be driving an EV (Electric Vehicle) right now, but there is a good chance you will own one in the next few years. If you are renovating an existing home or building a new one, make allowances in your plan for the installation later. Consider a 200-amp Service in preparation for the added load.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan with a Countdown Timer

Having a top-quality bathroom exhaust fan installed, properly vented through the roof to outside, and with a countdown timer switch will ensure you never have to worry about condensation on walls and ceilings, which can lead to the formation of mould and mildew. You will never have to open a window again while taking a shower.

Conclusion

Upgrading your home's electrical system is crucial for safety, efficiency, and accommodating modern technology. Whether it's replacing outdated fuse panels, removing old knob and tube wiring, or installing smart home automation systems, proactively addressing electrical issues can prevent catastrophic problems and enhance your home's functionality.

The team at Captain Electric Inc. comprises skilled professionals who know what to look for to keep your home safe for you and your family. Captain Electric Inc. has the knowledge and experience clients can count on.

As a Certified KOHLER Generator Servicing Dealer, Captain Electric Inc. can provide complete turn-key installations. Contact us today for full, professional service that meets all your electrical needs.

Jenny Kennedy of Kennedy Literary Agency provides copywriting and content for forward-thinking businesses and is the author of “Launch Into Interior Design and The Consultation Companion.”

Photo provided by Captain Electric Inc