Outlets & Switches Installation & Repair in Ottawa

Replace outlets when they're cracked, loose, discoloured, warm to the touch, or if plugs fall out easily. Two-prong outlets are common in Ottawa's older homes, especially in Westboro, Hintonburg, and Vanier. These should be upgraded to grounded three-prong outlets for safety. If an outlet sparks when you plug something in, stop using it immediately and call an electrician. In homes built before 1960, outlet boxes may need replacement along with the outlet itself. We check the box condition and grounding before installing new outlets. Many insurance companies in Ontario require grounded outlets throughout the home as a condition of coverage. We can assess your outlets and provide documentation showing they meet current code.

Ontario electrical code requires GFCI protection for all outlets within 1.5 metres of a water source. This includes kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, laundry rooms, garages, and all outdoor outlets. GFCI outlets detect ground faults and shut off power in milliseconds. In Ottawa's older homes, installing GFCI outlets sometimes reveals grounding problems that need correction first. We test the grounding before installation. If grounding is absent or inadequate, we'll explain what needs upgrading. In newer homes built after 2000 in Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans, GFCI outlets are usually already installed in the required locations. We replace them if they fail testing or if they're more than 15 years old.

Ontario electrical code allows homeowners to perform electrical work in their own homes, but all work must be inspected by the ESA. You'll need to apply for a homeowner permit, complete the work, and schedule an inspection. If the work fails inspection, you'll need to correct it and pay for a re-inspection. Hydro Ottawa will not reconnect service until the ESA issues a certificate. Most homeowners find it simpler to hire a licensed electrician. Our work is completed to code and guaranteed for one year. If you've already started a project and need help finishing it, we can assess what's been done and complete the work properly. The vast majority of outlet and switch replacement does not require a permit when done by a licensed contractor.

USB outlets combine standard plug receptacles with built-in USB charging ports. They fit in standard electrical boxes and draw power from the existing circuit. Most models provide two USB-A ports or a combination of USB-A and USB-C. Charging current ranges from 3.1A to 4.8A total, which is adequate for phones and tablets but slower than dedicated fast chargers. We install USB outlets in kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices throughout Ottawa. In newer homes in Kanata and Barrhaven, we often replace standard outlets with USB models in master bedrooms and kitchen islands. Installation takes the same time as a standard outlet replacement. The outlet box must be deep enough to accommodate the USB mechanism, which is slightly larger than a standard outlet. We check box depth before installation.

The vast majority of electrical work does not require a permit when completed by a licensed contractor. If one is needed, we handle the paperwork. You don't need to contact anyone. Our electricians work under ECRA/ESA licence #7018741, which authorises this type of work in Ontario. If you're doing the work yourself as a homeowner, Ontario requires a homeowner permit and ESA inspection for all electrical work. The permit costs vary depending on the scope of work. Most Ottawa homeowners hiring a licensed electrician don't need to think about permits at all. It's part of how we manage every job from start to finish.

Tamper-resistant outlets have spring-loaded shutters that block foreign objects inserted into one slot. Both prong slots must be engaged simultaneously for the shutters to open. This prevents children from inserting objects like hairpins or keys into the outlet. Ontario electrical code requires tamper-resistant outlets in all new residential construction and renovations. They're specifically required in dwelling units and in rooms accessible to children under six years old. In Ottawa's older homes, we replace standard outlets with tamper-resistant models during renovations or when homeowners request the upgrade. The cost difference is minimal. Tamper-resistant outlets fit standard boxes and install the same way as regular outlets. In homes built after 2008 across Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans, tamper-resistant outlets are usually already installed throughout.

Ontario electrical code requires outlets spaced so that no point along the wall is more than 1.8 metres from an outlet. In practical terms, this usually means an outlet every 3.6 metres along usable wall space. Kitchens have stricter requirements with outlets required every 1.2 metres along countertops. Bathrooms require at least one GFCI outlet near the vanity. Bedrooms typically need four to six outlets depending on size. Hallways longer than 3 metres need at least one outlet. In Ottawa's older homes, especially those built before 1950 in Westboro and Centretown, outlet spacing often falls short of current code. We add outlets where needed during renovations. The work involves running new wire from existing circuits or installing new circuits if the existing ones are fully loaded.

Cost depends on the number of devices, the condition of the existing boxes and wiring, and whether grounding upgrades are needed. In Ottawa's older homes, particularly those in Westboro, Hintonburg, and Vanier built before 1960, we sometimes find boxes that need replacement or circuits that need grounding work before new outlets can be installed safely. Newer homes in Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans rarely need box or grounding work. USB outlets and smart dimmers cost more than standard devices but installation time is similar. We give you a written price after assessing the job — before any work starts. Every installation is backed by a one-year installation guarantee.