An electrical installation won’t last a lifetime, and some of its operative components will eventually need to be replaced. There are several reasons behind a home renovation project: to improve aesthetics, enhance comfort, or increase energy efficiency. 

Deciding to undertake electrical system repairs can also be deemed a necessity to comply with current safety standards. 

Based on the state of your home, as well as its square footage, repairing your electrical installation comes with a cost, and it’s the reason why it’s imperative to compare prices to ensure the best value for money. In most cases, calculating the cost of an electrical repair also implies determining the costs of labour associated with the electrical component pricing. How much does it cost for residential electrical repairs? What’s an electrician’s hourly rate? These are all questions we’ll elaborate further on in this article. 

The Cost of Electrical Repairs

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Warning signs that your electric panel needs to be changed:

• Over-loaded or obsolete fuse box

• Upcoming repairs involving a specific type of panel that can’t be updated to comply with the new 2018 code

However, our consulted expert, Cyrille Chatelain, Création et Design Électrique, says that “an old electrical panel or one that’s deemed obsolete isn’t necessarily a risk in itself; it all depends on the type of usage, but most importantly the repairs done.” During the course of our interview, he also reminded us that the cost of installing a new electrical panel or a sub-panel depends on several factors, such as amperage, distance, and equipment type. 

Before signing a contract for electrical repairs, request a quote to take a look at the costs of the invoiced repairs. The invoice must reflect all repairs planned, be accurately detailed, and include costs. The quote must also contain a detailed material description as well as the tools used (brand, power, etc.).

Cost of Updating an Electrical System

Cost of Updating a 100-Amp (100 A) Electrical System

Updating your electrical system is often mandatory on account of changing requirements. These standards, which get increasingly strict year after year, are put in place to increase electrical system safety and promote general access to electricity for everyone. To update your 100-amp electrical system, note that costs run between $700 and $1,600.

Should you also need to replace your panel, budget $1,500 at most for your repairs. According to Chatelain, Création et Design Électrique, “replacing a [100 A] panel with an updated version costs between $1,000 and $1,500. The replacement takes 8 hours, with a 4-hour power outage.”

Cost of Updating a 200-Amp (200 A) Electrical System

Nowadays, our energy and electricity consumption is increasingly significant. A large number of homes located in the Montréal area have an average of 47-amp and 8,200-watt electrical system capacity, which was compliant with 1960s standards. Since electrical systems featuring such mediocre power are now insufficient to meet our growing need for electricity, you have to update your household with a new 200-amp system. Our expert went on to explain, “Replacing a [200-A] panel with a more recent model costs between $1,500 and $2,000. The replacement, which will take 8 hours, will include a 4-hour power outage.” As such, you’re no longer overloading your electrical circuit, which means reducing the risks of fires. 

Cost of Installing a Sub-Panel or New Electrical Panel

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Installing an auxiliary electrical panel (or sub-panel) can prevent overheating your installations by splitting your points of origin. Changing a main electrical panel can be carried out on account of numerous reasons, most notably to comply with new standards and increase amperage capacity.

Budget between $350 and $800 to install a sub-panel. When it comes to hiring an expert to put in place a new electrical panel, budget between $650 and $1,500. 

Cost of Adding a 120V or 240V Circuit 

In a household, every room has its set of features. If you’re reorganizing your home's layout, you’ll also need to inspect your electrical connections. Note that not every room consumes the same amount of power.  

According to Chatelain, to add a 120-volt or 240-volt circuit, pricing depends on amperage, distance, and the type of equipment added. To install a 120-volt electrical circuit in a room with a microwave and refrigerator, you’ll need to spend between $400 and $700. Installing a 240-volt circuit is typically recommended in areas requiring more power, like a laundry room for example. Plan for a budget between $350 and $700 to carry out such work.

Work Involving an Electrical Outlet​

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Even if work involving electrical outlets isn’t as significant, keep in mind that you can, under no circumstances, carry them out yourselves. For example, work involving an electrical outlet absolutely requires adding a new 15-amp or 20-amp arc fault circuit breaker.

Here’s a rundown of expected costs:

• Adding electrical outlet: between $200 and $300

• Adding a split kitchen outlet: between $200 and $400

• Grounding a standard outlet: between $100 and $250

• Replacing a standard outlet with a compatible aluminum wiring outlet: $20 to $40 per unit

How much does it cost to rewire a household after large-scale renovations?

If your household underwent significant changes following large-scale renovations, such as a home addition, rewiring a house is mandatory to ensure all areas are serviced. To rewire an entire dwelling, budget between $5,000 and $10,000. 

All tasks related to electrical work must be carried out within the appropriate safety measures. Moreover, in some regions in Canada, as it is in Quebec, only certified electricians can perform such tasks. Make sure to inquire before DIYing your repairs. 

For more information regarding electrical repairs, here are two related articles: How to Change an Electrical Panel and How to Tell It’s Time to Renovate Your Electrical Panel.

An Electrician's Hourly Rate for Household Repairs

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Section 19 of the Building Act states that all electrical interventions must be carried out by master electricians. It’s a mandatory step, whether it regards large-scale or minor repairs, such as installing an outlet. Note that you risk being fined $6,000 should you carry out electrical-related repairs yourself. 

Nowadays, 25% of house fires are caused by faulty electrical wiring. Neglecting to hire an electrician is often synonymous with non-compliant repairs, which can have disastrous consequences, such as igniting a fire inside the residential property. In similar circumstances, your home insurance provider might decline your insurance claim. 

The CMEQ (Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec—Electrical Safety Authority in Ontario) established a list of hourly rates recommended by construction electricians, such pricing was divided into the 5 following categories: 

• Light residential sector: $108.79

• Heavy residential sector: $114.84

• Institutional, commercial, and industrial: $116.32 

• Heavy industrial sector: $122.37 

• Civil engineering and roadworks sector: $116.28 

In Ontario, the costs for specific electrical jobs will likely come down to the contractor as well as the job itself. Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA,) homeowners like yourself are protected from paying overestimated prices. For all electrical work, there should always be a written contract in play. Average costs can range anywhere from $40/hr to carry out a simple light fixture change to $7,000 for large-scale repairs, such as moving electrical work or replacing knob or tube wiring.

In Nova Scotia, the UARB (Utility and Review Board) is responsible for labour costs as they relate to electrical work. The hourly rate for jobs can range anywhere between $25 to $70, so be sure to determine the costs upfront before having your contractor carry out any work. 

In Alberta, electrical work is on a case-by-case basis. However, all electricians who work in the province must be registered as apprentices and are still considered apprentices during their first 4 years on the job. Regardless of the province you’re living in, be certain that you’re working with a qualified professional who is registered and ready to take on the job.

Main Electrical System Installation Pricing Chart

Want to keep reading and learn about common household electrical problems? Check out our article The 9 Most Common Electrical Problems.