Trades · Cost Guide
How Much Does Electrical Cost in Ontario?
Electrical costs in Ontario range from $2,500 – $5,000 per panel. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$2,500+
Starting price
1-10 days
Timeline
10%
Recommended contingency
Electrical Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panel upgrade (100A to 200A) | $2,500 | $5,000 | per panel | 65% | 35% |
| Circuit addition (per circuit) | $250 | $500 | per circuit | 60% | 40% |
| Full basement wiring | $3,000 | $6,000 | per project | 55% | 45% |
| EV charger installation (Level 2) | $1,500 | $3,000 | per charger | 50% | 50% |
| Knob-and-tube rewiring (per floor) | $5,000 | $10,000 | per floor | 70% | 30% |
| Pot light installation (per light) | $150 | $300 | per light | 55% | 45% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Panel upgrade (100A to 200A)
Circuit addition (per circuit)
Full basement wiring
EV charger installation (Level 2)
Knob-and-tube rewiring (per floor)
Pot light installation (per light)
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Licensed electrician labour (ESA certified)
- Wire, connectors, and junction boxes
- Outlets, switches, and cover plates
- Circuit breakers
- ESA inspection and certificate
- Permit application
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Drywall patching after wire runs
- Light fixtures (beyond basic)
- Smart home wiring (Cat6, coax)
- Generator installation and transfer switch
- Meter base replacement (utility responsibility)
- Trenching for underground runs
Electrical Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $2,500 | $5,000 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $2,369 | $4,738 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $2,303 | $4,605 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $2,426 | $4,853 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $2,410 | $4,820 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $2,401 | $4,803 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $2,344 | $4,688 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $2,549 | $5,098 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $2,392 | $4,785 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $2,303 | $4,605 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $2,261 | $4,523 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $2,303 | $4,605 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $2,204 | $4,408 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $2,245 | $4,490 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $2,236 | $4,473 | -10% | View |
Permit & Engineering Costs
ESA Electrical Permit
Electrical Safety Authority
Required for all work except replacing devices (outlets, switches, light fixtures). Includes one inspection. Homeowner permits require rough-in + final inspection.
$88-$367
Money-Saving Tips
Bundle electrical with other renovation work — opening walls for framing saves re-work on wiring.
Upgrade to 200A panel during renovation — doing it later costs $2,000+ more.
Ask for arc-fault breakers (AFCI) on bedroom circuits — required by OBC and prevents fires.
LED pot lights cost more upfront but save $50-$100/year in electricity per fixture.
Always get the ESA certificate — insurance claims and resale require proof of permitted work.
Related Cost Guides
Electrical Cost FAQs
Can I DIY electrical work in Ontario?
Yes, but you must pull a homeowner ESA permit, pass rough-in and final inspections, and take full liability. Most insurance companies will deny claims for unpermitted work. Licensed electricians carry $2M liability insurance and warranty their work — for most homeowners, hiring a pro is cheaper than the risk.
Why do I need to replace my Federal Pacific panel if it still works?
Federal Pacific (FPE) Stab-Lok breakers fail to trip under overload in 25-60% of cases (CPSC testing). The breakers physically stick in the "on" position, allowing wire to overheat and start fires. Over 2,800 fires attributed to FPE panels. Replace the entire panel — FPE breakers are no longer manufactured and used replacements have the same defect.
What's the difference between AFCI and GFCI?
AFCI (Arc Fault) detects arcing at 5-7 amps caused by loose connections or damaged wire — trips in milliseconds to prevent fires. Required on bedroom and living area circuits. GFCI (Ground Fault) detects current leaking to ground at 5 milliamps within 30 milliseconds — prevents electrocution. Required near water (bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors). Combo AFCI/GFCI breakers do both.
How do I know if I need a service upgrade?
Add up major loads: central air (20-30A), electric heat (30-60A), EV charger (40-50A), range (40-50A), dryer (30A). If total exceeds 80% of your panel rating (80A on a 100A service), upgrade to 200A. Other signs: main breaker trips frequently, lights dim when appliances start, you can't add circuits without removing existing ones.
Why does my house have aluminum wiring and is it dangerous?
Aluminum wire was used 1960s-1970s when copper prices spiked. Aluminum oxidizes at connections, increasing resistance and generating heat. It also "cold flows" under pressure, loosening connections over time. Both cause fires. Solutions: (1) rewire with copper ($8K-$18K), (2) use CO/ALR-rated devices and anti-oxidant paste ($1,500-$3,000), or (3) accept higher insurance premiums. Don't ignore it — aluminum fires kill.
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