Do I Need An Electrician?

Electrical 101 — What Every Homeowner Should Know

Understand common electrical issues, when it's safe to DIY vs. call a pro, panel upgrade basics, EV charger requirements, and how to choose the right electrician.

When to DIY vs. Call a Licensed Electrician

Safe to DIY

  • Replacing a light bulb or lamp shade
  • Replacing a switch plate or outlet cover
  • Resetting a tripped breaker
  • Replacing a plug on an appliance cord
  • Testing GFCI outlets with the test/reset buttons
  • Changing batteries in smoke detectors

Call a Licensed Electrician

  • Any work involving wiring or circuits
  • Panel upgrades or breaker replacements
  • Installing new outlets or switches
  • EV charger installation (240V circuits)
  • Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring remediation
  • Any work requiring a permit and inspection
  • Hot tub, pool, or generator hookup

Panel Upgrade Guide

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. It distributes power to every circuit in your house. Most older homes have 60A or 100A panels, which are often insufficient for modern electrical demands.

60A Panel: Common in homes built before 1960. Typically needs upgrading for any modern appliance or renovation.
100A Panel: Standard in homes built 1960-2000. May need upgrading if adding an EV charger, central AC, or major renovation.
200A Panel: Current standard for new construction. Sufficient for most residential needs including EV chargers.
400A Panel: Required for very large homes or those with significant electrical loads (multiple EV chargers, workshops, pools).

A panel upgrade typically costs $2,000-$4,500 including the permit and inspection. Your electrician handles the permit process.

EV Charger Installation Basics

With EV adoption growing rapidly, home charger installation is one of the fastest-growing services electricians provide.

Level 1 (120V): Uses a standard outlet. Adds 5-8 km of range per hour. No electrician needed, but very slow.
Level 2 (240V): Requires a dedicated 40-50A circuit. Adds 30-50 km of range per hour. Requires a licensed electrician and an inspection.
Cost: Level 2 installation typically runs $800-$2,500 depending on panel capacity and distance from panel to garage.

Many utilities and local governments offer rebates for EV charger installation. Check with your local utility before getting quotes.

Knob-and-Tube Wiring: What You Need to Know

Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was standard in homes built before 1950. While not inherently dangerous when intact, it has no ground wire, can't handle modern electrical loads, and many insurance companies refuse to cover homes with active K&T wiring.

A full K&T rewire typically costs $8,000-$15,000+ depending on the size of the home. Many electricians can do the work in stages (floor by floor) to spread out the cost. Always get an electrical safety inspection after rewiring.

Electrical Safety Inspections

Most electrical work has to be inspected to confirm it meets the applicable electrical safety code. Once it passes, you receive a certificate of inspection. The issuing authority and exact rules vary by jurisdiction.

When is a permit required? For most electrical work beyond simple replacements — new circuits, panel upgrades, EV charger installation, rewiring, outdoor wiring, hot tub hookups, and more.

Cost: Most permits and inspections cost $100-$300. Your electrician typically handles the application.

Local requirements: Every area has its own electrical inspection authority and fee schedule. Your licensed electrician will know the requirements where you live.

Electrical Licensing & Regulations

Virtually every jurisdiction requires electricians to be licensed. The typical path is: apprenticeship (4-5 years), journeyman certification, and then optional master electrician designation.

Local licensing boards: Electrical licensing is regulated at the state, regional, or local level, and the exact certifications and titles vary by area.
Journeyman vs. master: Most areas distinguish a journeyman electrician (works independently) from a master electrician (can pull permits and supervise others).
Reciprocity: Many areas recognize licenses earned in neighbouring jurisdictions, so a qualified electrician can often work across regional lines.

Always ask to see an electrician's license and proof of insurance before hiring. A licensed electrician carries liability insurance and Workers' Compensation coverage, protecting you from liability if something goes wrong.

How to Choose the Right Electrician

Get 2-3 quotes. For any non-emergency job, always get multiple written quotes. Be wary of quotes that are dramatically lower than others — it may indicate corners being cut.

Check reviews. Look at Google reviews and ask for references. An electrician with consistent 4+ star reviews and many reviews is generally a safe bet.

Ask about warranty. Reputable electricians warranty their work — typically 1-2 years on labour and parts. Get it in writing.

Confirm licensing and insurance. Ask for their license number and proof of insurance. This protects you from liability.

Get a written estimate. A good electrician will provide a detailed written estimate before starting work. Avoid anyone who insists on starting without one.

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