Does Your Home Need Rewiring?
Toronto and the GTA have a large stock of homes built between 1900 and 1980. Many of these properties still have original knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch wiring, or undersized circuits that simply weren't designed for the electrical loads of a modern household. Insurance companies are increasingly refusing to insure — or are refusing to renew — homes with these older wiring types.
Safe Electrical Solutions specializes in upgrading older wiring systems to current code while minimizing disruption to your home. Our electricians are experienced with older Toronto housing stock and know how to route new wiring through finished walls with minimal damage.
Signs You May Need Rewiring
- Lights flicker when appliances run
- Breakers trip frequently or fuses blow repeatedly
- Outlets and switches feel warm to the touch
- You have two-prong (ungrounded) outlets throughout the home
- Your home still has knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring
- Your insurance company is requesting an electrical inspection or threatening non-renewal
- You're finishing a basement, adding an addition, or doing a major renovation
- Your home is more than 40 years old and has never had an electrical upgrade
Our Wiring Services
Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement
Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was standard in Ontario homes built before the 1950s. It uses separate hot and neutral conductors supported by ceramic knobs and run through ceramic tubes. While K&T can be safe when unmodified and properly maintained, it's ungrounded, lacks circuit protection by modern standards, and most insurers require its replacement as a condition of coverage.
We replace knob-and-tube wiring with modern copper Romex wiring, pulling the necessary ESA permits and coordinating the required inspections. For homes with plaster walls, we use a fish-tape and minimally invasive approach to route new wiring with the least wall damage possible.
Aluminum Wiring Remediation
Aluminum branch circuit wiring was widely installed in Ontario homes built between 1965 and 1975 as copper prices rose. Aluminum expands and contracts differently than copper, leading to loose connections over time — a leading cause of electrical fires. Options include:
- CO/ALR device replacement: Replacing all switches and outlets with devices rated for aluminum wiring (CO/ALR rated). This is the most common and cost-effective solution.
- Pigtailing: Adding short copper leads at every connection point using approved anti-oxidant compound and rated connectors. Required for any connection to non-CO/ALR rated devices.
- Full rewire: For homes where the aluminum wiring is in poor condition or where the homeowner prefers a complete copper upgrade.
We assess your home's specific situation and recommend the right approach. All aluminum remediation work is fully permitted and inspected.
New Circuit Installation
Adding dedicated circuits for appliances (kitchen, laundry, workshop, EV charger, hot tub), home offices, home theatres, or additional outlets throughout the home. We run new wiring from the panel, install the proper breaker size and type, and add outlets or connections at the destination. All new circuits are permitted and inspected.
Basement Finishing Electrical
Finishing a basement requires a complete electrical rough-in — new circuits, pot lights, outlet locations, bathroom GFCI circuits, and smoke detector installation. We work with your contractor or directly with you to plan the electrical layout and execute the rough-in and trim-out stages on schedule.
Home Addition & Renovation Wiring
Additions and major renovations require new branch circuit wiring, updated panel capacity, and coordination with your general contractor. We provide electrical rough-ins, trim-out, and final inspections for residential additions of any size.
Whole-Home Rewire
For homes with extensive knob-and-tube wiring, significant aluminum wiring issues, or severely outdated electrical systems, a whole-home rewire provides a clean solution. We plan the work room by room to minimize disruption, replace all branch circuit wiring with modern copper Romex, and bring the home to current ESA code — including proper grounding and arc-fault protection on bedrooms and living areas.
Insurance requiring an electrical update? We've helped hundreds of Toronto homeowners satisfy insurer requirements with documented, permitted, inspected electrical work. Call 416-236-7100 to schedule your assessment.