Electrical Code – Is Your System Up to Standard?

If you live in a house that was built several years—or even several decades—ago, your electrical installations may not comply with today’s safety standards. The construction code in effect in your province is updated periodically to serve as a guide for contractors, insurers, and other stakeholders.

How can you tell if your electrical systems are up to date?

Which version of the building code is currently valid?

When will there be updates to the electrical code?

These are some of the questions we’ll answer in this article.

We’ll mostly focus on Quebec’s Electrical Code, but if you live elsewhere in Canada, know that the rules are similar, as they are generally modeled on the National Building Code. Still, you should always go directly to the source to ensure you have the right information. Visit your provincial government’s website to find the most recent version of the building/electrical code.

Quebec Electrical Code: What You Should Know

Source : LAROCHE ET LABONTÉ ÉLECTRIQUE INC

Quebec has its own Construction Code, which includes a chapter on electricity. Chapter V corresponds to what we call the Electrical Code.

There is a National Building Code that applies across Canada. It acts as a model code in all provinces and territories, while the provincial codes include additions, specifications, and exceptions tailored to each region’s specific needs.

Some municipalities also issue their own electrical regulations. Check with your local authorities to find out if a particular code is in effect in your area.

Which Version of Quebec’s Electrical Code Is in Effect?

As of May 2025, the version of the Electrical Code published in 2018 is still in force. However, a new Quebec Construction Code is expected by 2026, and changes to the Electrical Code are planned. At the time of writing, the draft regulation introducing these changes has been published and is under review.

No publication date has been announced yet, but many sources suggest it should happen before the end of the year.

Who Can Tell If My Electrical Installations Are Up to Code?

By reading the Electrical Code, you can perform a basic assessment of your systems (electrical panel, outlets, wiring, lighting, and appliance connections). Let’s be clear, though: only a qualified person with proper electrical training and knowledge of the latest code can properly assess the quality of your setup.

You’ll need to hire a certified electrician to inspect your electrical system components. After the evaluation, the electrician can give you their assessment and let you know if any upgrades are needed.

Home Electrical Installations – What Jobs Should Be Left to the Pros?

Source : BCD Électrique

Why Must Electrical Systems Comply With the Building Code?

Each update to the various building codes aims to improve safety for people living in houses, buildings, and public spaces. What was once considered state-of-the-art safety technology has since seen significant improvements.

Stricter standards have led to fewer electrical fires caused by faulty systems. That helps people feel safer at home and in other spaces they use daily. Refer to Residential Electrical Installation – When Should You Call a Pro? for complete details.

When Should You Renovate Your Electrical System?

Electrical Panel: What Are the Quebec Standards?

Your panel must be installed at a height that’s out of reach of children—between 0.9 and 1.8 meters from the floor. Here are the other requirements your panel must meet:

It must include differential switches, arc-fault breakers, a main ground terminal, and a surge protector.

• Wiring must follow the schematic set out in the electrical code.

• It must have at least 40 circuits and 200-amp capacity.

• It must be in a location that isn’t too damp.

Still using fuses in your panel? It’s time to replace it! Insurance companies may deny coverage in case of a problem. Here’s a useful article: How to Tell When it's Time to Renovate Your Electrical Panel

Also refer to: Fuses and Circuit Breakers: What's The Difference?

What About Other Electrical Installations?

Electrical Wiring

If your home is over 30 years old and hasn’t had electrical updates, there’s a high chance the wiring needs replacement. Older wiring systems aren’t equipped to handle today’s growing electricity demands from modern appliances.

What to Do if Your Electrical Wiring Is Faulty?

Electrical Outlets

Since 2007, GFCI outlets have been mandatory in kitchens, bathrooms, and any other place exposed to water. If your outlets were installed before 2007, they likely don’t meet this key requirement.

GFCI Outlet – When and Where Should You Install It in Your Home?

What’s the Wire Color Code in Quebec?

Source : VL electrique inc.

If color coding is required to distinguish circuits, here’s how to identify conductor wires:

Hot Wires (carry electricity)

• Black: Connects power sources to outlets and switches.

• Red: Often used for 240V appliances (AC units, water heaters, dryers, stoves).

• White with red or black tape: Normally neutral wires, but if taped, their role has been changed.

• Blue or yellow: Sometimes found in appliances—these are hot wires.

Note: Always switch off the breaker when working with hot wires. It’s best to cut the power entirely whenever working with electricity, especially hot wires.

Neutral Wires

• White: Carries current back to the source to complete the circuit.

• Gray: Same role as the white wire.

Ground Wires

• Copper: Used when the device fails or the breaker trips.

• Green / Green with yellow stripe: Prevents power surges; connected to a ground terminal.

Electrical Installations in Kitchens and Bathrooms

What Are the Bathroom Outlet Rules in Quebec?

Outlets in bathrooms can be exposed to moisture and splashes. They must be suited for such environments. Any outlet within 1.5 meters of a water source must be a GFCI type. These should be installed 39 inches from the floor.

Since 2007, these outlets are mandatory in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere water exposure is likely.

What Does the Electrical Code Say About Kitchen Countertop Outlets?

Like in bathrooms, outlets near kitchen countertops must be GFCI type. If your kitchen counter outlets aren’t GFCI, they no longer meet current standards.

Outdoor Electrical Installation Standards

All electrical installations near water sources must be GFCI type. This includes pools and spas. For any electrical circuits above a pool or spa, the required clearance is at least 5 meters above the waterline. In some cities, overhead pool wiring is outright banned. For more info, check these articles:

• Running Electrical Connections in Your Yard

• Connecting a spa or a pool: everything to know

Charging Station – Is Your Electrical System Powerful Enough?

More people are switching to electric cars and need home charging stations. Older electrical systems may not support the energy demands of EV charging.

If your system doesn’t meet current standards, you may need upgrades, or you could struggle to charge your vehicle.

Useful read for EV owners:

• Electric car charging stations: maintenance, charging & cost

Canadian Electrical Code – What Is Its Role?

Source : Okla Electrique inc.

The Canadian Electrical Code is in its 26th edition. It’s a comprehensive document covering safety rules for installations, equipment, and electrical standards. It serves as the base for provincial codes nationwide.

For example, Quebec’s code builds on the Canadian version with local modifications to better suit provincial needs.

Each province chooses which edition of the Canadian code it uses. As of this writing, Quebec’s version is based on the 23rd edition, not the latest one.

Electrician Career – Training on the Electrical Code

To become an electrician in Quebec, you must complete a DEP (diploma), then do four 2,000-hour apprenticeship periods. After that, you can take the qualification exam. You can then take further training to deepen your expertise and stay current on tech and code updates. Organizations like the Régie du bâtiment du Québec offer these courses.

For more about this career path, read:

• Electrician Trade

FAQ on Electrical Standards in Quebec

What Does the Code Say About Pool Heat Pumps?

Placement is critical. The unit must be in a spot with good airflow. Also, the breaker must be nearby and easy to access. The power cable must be in good shape—if not, it needs replacing. Finally, check your model’s specific power requirements to see if your system is compatible.

What Are the Standards for Junction Boxes in Quebec?

All junction boxes must be easily accessible. There must also be a vertical clearance of at least 900 mm (about 3 feet) to ensure they can be reached. The filling of junction boxes must be done carefully to avoid overcrowding. If a box is too full, it means you need to replace it with a larger one.

Fixed Electrical Equipment – Is My Installation Up to Code?

For fixed electrical equipment (heating systems, appliances requiring permanent installation), your electrical system must be capable of supplying enough power at all times. If you’re installing a new appliance, you’ll need to check whether your current system can handle the required amperage. If you have any doubts, an electrician can perform an evaluation and make the necessary upgrades. It’s a matter of safety.