Question 1

How long does it take to rewire a whole house?

Accepted Answer

A complete house rewire typically takes 3-7 days for most Ottawa homes, depending on the size, accessibility, and whether you're living in the home during the work. The timeline can extend to 2-3 weeks for larger homes or when significant complications arise with older construction.

Factors That Affect Timeline:

The size of your home is the biggest factor - a 1,000 square foot bungalow might be completed in 3-4 days, while a 2,500 square foot two-story home could take a full week. Accessibilit

Question 2

Can I add insulation if I still have knob and tube?

Accepted Answer

No, you should never add insulation around knob and tube wiring. This creates a serious fire hazard that could put your family at risk and void your home insurance.

Knob and tube wiring was designed to operate in free air, allowing heat to dissipate naturally. When you surround these old wires with insulation, you trap heat that can cause the wire insulation to deteriorate and potentially ignite. The cloth and rubber insulation on knob and tube wiring is already brittle after 80-100 years, and

Question 3

Do I need to rewire before finishing my attic?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need to rewire your attic depends on the existing wiring type and condition, but in most Ottawa homes built before 1970, rewiring is essential before finishing the space.

The most critical factor is identifying what type of wiring currently exists in your attic. If your home was built before 1950, you likely have knob and tube wiring, which must be completely removed before adding insulation or finishing the space. Knob and tube wiring relies on air circulation for cooling, and cove

Question 4

What is Romex wire and is it up to code in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Romex is a brand name for non-metallic sheathed cable (NMD90 in Canada) that's widely used for residential wiring and is absolutely code-compliant in Ontario when properly installed.

Romex cable consists of two or more insulated conductors (hot and neutral) plus a bare ground wire, all wrapped in a plastic sheath. In Canada, the equivalent cable is typically labeled NMD90 (Non-Metallic Dry, 90°C rated), which meets the same function as American Romex but is manufactured to Canadian standards. Y

Question 5

Can I rewire my Glebe home without tearing down walls?

Accepted Answer

Yes, rewiring a Glebe home without tearing down walls is often possible, though it depends on your home's construction and the extent of rewiring needed. Most century homes in the Glebe can be rewired using existing pathways, basement/attic access, and strategic fishing techniques that minimize wall damage.

Rewiring Methods That Avoid Major Wall Removal

The key to minimal-damage rewiring lies in using your home's existing infrastructure. In typical Glebe homes built between 1900-1940, we can o

Question 6

Is it safe to have aluminum and knob and tube in the same house?

Accepted Answer

Having both aluminum wiring and knob and tube wiring in the same house creates multiple fire risks and is extremely unsafe. This combination represents two of the most dangerous electrical systems found in older Ottawa homes, and both require immediate professional attention.

Aluminum Wiring Risks

Aluminum wiring, commonly installed in Ottawa homes from 1965-1975, expands and contracts more than copper when heated. This creates loose connections at outlets, switches, and junction boxes, leadin

Question 7

How much does it cost to rewire a 1,500 sq ft house in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Rewiring a 1,500 square foot house in Ottawa typically costs between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the complexity of the job, accessibility of wiring routes, and specific electrical needs of your home.

The wide price range reflects several factors that significantly impact the final cost. Accessibility is the biggest variable - if your home has an unfinished basement and accessible attic space, the job will be on the lower end of the range. However, if walls need to be opened extensively or

Question 8

Is aluminum wiring in my 1970s house dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, aluminum wiring from the 1970s poses significant fire and safety risks and should be addressed by a licensed electrician. While not immediately dangerous if undisturbed, aluminum wiring has caused numerous house fires due to its tendency to overheat at connection points.

Why Aluminum Wiring is Problematic

Aluminum wiring was widely used in Canadian homes from 1965-1975 as a cheaper alternative to copper. However, aluminum has several dangerous characteristics that weren't fully understood

Question 9

Can I use 14 gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot use 14 AWG wire on a 20-amp circuit. This violates the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and creates a serious fire hazard because the wire cannot safely carry the current that the breaker allows.

Under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, 14 AWG wire is rated for maximum 15 amps, while 12 AWG wire is required for 20-amp circuits. The wire gauge must match or exceed the circuit breaker rating to prevent overheating. When you put 14 AWG wire on a 20-amp breaker, the wire becomes the w

Question 10

What are the signs of faulty electrical wiring?

Accepted Answer

Faulty electrical wiring shows several warning signs that Ottawa homeowners should never ignore - from flickering lights and burning smells to frequently tripping breakers and warm outlets. These symptoms often indicate serious safety hazards that require immediate attention from an ESA-licensed electrician.

Visual and Physical Warning Signs

The most obvious indicators of wiring problems are things you can see and feel. Flickering or dimming lights when appliances turn on suggests your circuit

Question 11

How do I know if my house wiring is up to code?

Accepted Answer

Your house wiring may not be up to current Ontario Electrical Safety Code standards, especially if it's over 20 years old or has never been updated. Most homes built before 2000 will have some code deficiencies by today's standards, though they may have been compliant when originally installed.

The most reliable way to determine if your wiring meets current OESC requirements is to have a licensed electrician perform a comprehensive electrical inspection. They'll check your panel, circuits, outl

Question 12

How often should electrical wiring be replaced in an old house?

Accepted Answer

Electrical wiring doesn't have a fixed replacement schedule, but most residential wiring lasts 40-70 years depending on the type and conditions. However, homes built before 1980 in Ottawa often need attention due to outdated wiring systems that don't meet current safety standards.

The timeline for replacement largely depends on what type of wiring your home has. Knob and tube wiring, common in Ottawa homes built before 1950, should be replaced immediately as it's a serious fire hazard, especial

Wiring & Rewiring