Frequently Asked Questions

Panel upgrades in Ottawa typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000. A basic 100A to 200A upgrade runs $2,000-$3,000. If your panel location needs to change or you need significant rewiring, costs can reach $4,000-$6,000. Electricians in the network quote panel work free of charge.

Not always. Level 2 EV chargers require a 40A or 50A circuit. If your existing panel has available capacity and is 200A, you likely don't need an upgrade. If you have a 100A panel or your panel is fully loaded, you'll need an upgrade to add the new circuit safely.

Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels manufactured between 1950-1990 have a documented history of breakers failing to trip during overloads, creating fire hazards. Many insurance companies require replacement. If you have an FPE panel, we recommend replacing it.

Amperage determines how much electrical load your home can handle simultaneously. 100A was standard for older homes but struggles with modern demands like EV chargers, central AC, and electric ranges. 200A service is now standard for new homes and provides room for future electrical needs.

EV charger installation typically costs $1,200-$2,500 including the charger itself. Basic installations where the panel is close to the charging location run $1,200-$1,500. If we need to run cable a long distance or upgrade your panel, costs can reach $2,500 or more.

No. In Ontario, electrical work requires permits and must be done by licensed electricians. Self-installation is illegal, voids your warranty, and could affect your home insurance. The electricians we connect you with install Tesla Wall Connectors and other EV charger brands.

Most installations are completed in 4-6 hours. If a panel upgrade is needed, it may take a full day or two days. We schedule the ESA inspection as part of our service, usually within a few days of installation.

Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet and adds about 5-8 km of range per hour of charging. Level 2 uses a 240V circuit and adds 30-50 km per hour. For daily driving, Level 2 is the practical choice - you can fully charge overnight.

Full rewiring costs vary significantly based on home size, number of stories, and accessibility. A 1,500 sq ft bungalow typically runs $8,000-$15,000. A two-story home can be $12,000-$25,000. Your electrician will give you a detailed quote after assessing your home.

Knob and tube wiring isn't inherently dangerous if it's in good condition and hasn't been modified. However, it lacks a ground wire, can't handle modern electrical loads, and becomes a fire hazard when covered with insulation. Many insurance companies require its removal.

Check your electrical panel - if the wires entering the breakers are silver rather than copper, you likely have aluminum wiring. Common in homes built 1965-1975, aluminum wiring requires special handling at connections to prevent fire hazards. An electrician can assess and repair aluminum wiring connections.

Rewiring timeline depends on home size and complexity. A bungalow might take 3-5 days. A two-story home typically takes 5-7 days. We minimize disruption by planning the work carefully and patching walls as we go.

Yes, most electrical work in Ontario requires a permit and ESA inspection. This includes panel upgrades, new circuits, EV chargers, and significant modifications. Minor work like replacing outlets or switches doesn't require permits. The electrician you hire pulls the required permits as part of the job.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is Ontario's independent regulator for electrical safety. After permitted electrical work, an ESA inspector verifies the work meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. We schedule the inspection and ensure everything passes.

The inspection itself takes 15-30 minutes. After we complete the work and submit for inspection, the ESA typically schedules within 3-5 business days. We coordinate the timing so you don't need to wait around.

Unpermitted electrical work can result in fines, problems selling your home, insurance claim denials, and most importantly, safety hazards. If you have unpermitted work, an electrician can assess it and bring it up to code with proper permitting.

Call immediately for: burning smells from outlets or panels, sparking, buzzing sounds from your panel, no power to part of your home, water near electrical equipment, or any situation that feels unsafe. Don't wait - electrical problems can escalate quickly.

Some electricians in the network take emergency calls outside business hours, but we can't guarantee same-night availability. If you have sparking, burning smells or a live hazard right now, call ESA at 1-877-421-2228 or 911 — don't wait on a form.

Emergency service includes a higher call-out fee ($150-$250 depending on time of day) plus regular labour and materials. Ask for an estimate before the electrician does any work beyond making the situation safe.

Yes, if you can safely access your panel. Turn off the main breaker to cut power to your home. Don't touch anything that looks damaged or burned. If you see flames or the smell is strong, leave the home and call 911.

Electrician rates in Ottawa typically range from $80-$120 per hour for standard work. Emergency and after-hours rates are higher. We prefer providing fixed quotes for projects rather than hourly rates - it's more predictable for you.

Electrical quotes vary based on: scope of work, accessibility (finished vs. unfinished spaces), panel condition, wire runs required, and whether permits are needed. Ask each electrician for a quote that breaks down what's included so you can compare accurately.

Some electricians offer financing on larger projects like panel upgrades and rewiring, but it varies by contractor. Ask about it when you request your quote.

We charge a diagnostic fee of $75-$100 for service calls that covers the first hour of troubleshooting. If you proceed with the repair, we apply this toward the total cost. For quotes on specific projects like panel upgrades or EV chargers, there's no charge.