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Electrical

Aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube, panels — the hidden hazards in Ontario homes

8 guides in this series

All 8 guides in this series

What Is Aluminum Wiring and Why Ontario Homes Have It

Between 1965 and 1978, Ontario builders used aluminum wiring as a cost-saving alternative to copper. Decades later, those savings are costing homeowners thousands.

8 min read

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How to Identify Aluminum Wiring in an Ontario Home

You cannot always see it from the outside. Here are the tell-tale signs and the definitive ways to confirm whether a home has aluminum wiring before you buy.

7 min read

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Aluminum Wiring Insurance — What Ontario Buyers Need to Know

Many Ontario insurers will not cover homes with unmitigated aluminum wiring. Here is what they require and what it costs to comply.

7 min read

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Knob-and-Tube Wiring — Is It Still Safe?

Found in pre-1950 Ontario homes, knob-and-tube wiring predates modern electrical loads by a century. Here is what it means for safety, insurance, and resale.

8 min read

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The Electrical Panel — What Inspectors Look For

Federal Pioneer, Zinsco, fuse boxes — some panels are liabilities. Here is what your inspector checks and which panels are red flags in Ontario.

9 min read

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GFCI Protection — Where It Is Required and Where It Is Missing

Ground fault protection saves lives. Ontario building code requires it in specific locations — and many older homes have none. Here is what to check.

6 min read

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Electrical Permits and Unpermitted Work in Ontario Homes

DIY electrical work without permits is shockingly common in Ontario homes. Here is how to spot it, what it means for your purchase, and what it costs to fix.

7 min read

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