How to Bring Your Century-Old Ottawa House Up to Current Electrical Code Standards

Older homes in Ottawa are full of charm, but many are not up to modern electrical code. If your home was built before the 1950s, there’s a good chance it contains outdated wiring systems, limited circuit capacity, or a lack of grounding. Upgrading safely requires expertise, planning, and compliance with Ontario’s electrical safety regulations. Here’s how a qualified residential electrician in Ottawa can help you modernize your historic property without compromising its character.

Why code compliance matters in older homes

Century-old homes were not built to handle today’s electrical demands. Add in aging insulation, DIY additions, or aluminum wiring, and the risks multiply. Failing to meet current ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) standards can result in:

• Fire hazards from brittle or overloaded wires
• Insurance issues or denial of claims
• Failed inspections during property sales
• Inability to install modern systems like EV chargers or heat pumps

Eric Lalonde Electrical Services Inc. regularly inspects and upgrades vintage Ottawa homes, identifying both visible and hidden risks before they become costly problems.

Common electrical issues found in older Ottawa houses

A licensed residential electrician in Ottawa will typically check for:

• Knob-and-tube wiring: Common in homes built before 1950, now considered obsolete and often not insurable.
• Fuse boxes: These lack the capacity and safety features of modern breaker panels.
• Ungrounded outlets: Two-prong plugs without grounding increase the risk of shock or fire.
• Overloaded circuits: Older wiring can’t support high-consumption appliances or multiple devices.
• Improper splices or outdated junction boxes: Often the result of amateur repairs over decades.

Eric Lalonde Electrical Services Inc. uses thermal imaging, panel diagnostics, and load calculations to evaluate what needs to be brought up to code—and how to prioritize upgrades.

Steps to bring your home up to code

Schedule a full electrical inspection
A proper inspection will assess all visible and hidden wiring, the condition of the panel, outlet types, and grounding systems.

Replace or remove knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring
These systems are often unsafe and uninsurable. Rewiring sections of your home may be necessary.

Upgrade the electrical panel
Modern homes need at least 100 amps, often 200, especially with electric heating or EV chargers.

Install GFCI and AFCI protection
Required in kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-prone or high-risk areas.

Permit and inspection by the ESA
A licensed electrician like Eric Lalonde Electrical Services Inc. will handle all permitting and ensure every upgrade passes ESA inspection.

Bringing your century-old home up to electrical code isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, functionality, and protecting your investment. Partnering with an experienced residential electrician in Ottawa ensures the work is done right, safely, and to the latest standards.

Contact Eric Lalonde Electrical Services Inc. today to schedule a full-code assessment for your heritage home in Ottawa.

FAQ

Is knob-and-tube wiring legal in Ottawa homes?
It’s not illegal, but it is considered unsafe and often uninsurable. Replacement is highly recommended.

How do I know if my home needs rewiring?
Signs include flickering lights, blown fuses, discoloured outlets, or aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring. An inspection can confirm.

How much does it cost to bring a house up to code in Ottawa?
Costs vary based on house size and wiring condition. Eric Lalonde Electrical Services Inc. provides detailed, itemized quotes.

Can I renovate without upgrading my electrical system?
Most major renovations require bringing electrical systems up to code. ESA permits are often mandatory.

How long does a full electrical upgrade take?
Depending on the scope, it can take 3–10 days. Eric Lalonde Electrical Services Inc. minimizes disruption with efficient planning.