5 Common Electrical Issues in Ottawa Homes — and When to Call a Licensed Electrician

Electricity powers nearly every part of your home—from your lights and appliances to your heating, air conditioning, and security systems. Yet for many Ottawa homeowners, electrical issues are often overlooked until they become major problems.

If you’ve ever dealt with flickering lights, tripping breakers, or dead outlets, you’re not alone. These are just a few signs that something could be wrong with your electrical system—and in many cases, the safest and smartest thing to do is call a licensed electrician.

In this article, we’ll break down five of the most common electrical issues homeowners face in Ottawa and explain when it’s time to bring in a professional like LB Electric to keep your home safe, efficient, and up to code.

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Have you noticed lights flickering when you turn on a major appliance, or dimming randomly throughout the day? While it might seem like a minor annoyance, this can be a sign of a bigger problem.

Possible causes include:

• Loose wiring or poor connections
  
• Overloaded circuits
  
• Problems with the main electrical panel
  
• Voltage fluctuations in the grid
  

In older Ottawa homes, especially those built before the 1980s, outdated wiring can’t always handle the demands of modern electrical loads. Flickering or dimming lights should not be ignored, as they could lead to overheating, arcing, or even electrical fires.

When to call an electrician:
If lights dim frequently or flicker consistently, especially when using appliances like microwaves, hair dryers, or heaters, it’s time to have your wiring and panel inspected by a licensed electrician in Ottawa.

2. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to protect your home by cutting power when a circuit becomes overloaded or short-circuited. But if you’re resetting the breaker more often than you’re flipping the light switch, there’s likely a deeper issue.

Common reasons for tripping breakers:

• Overloaded circuits (too many devices plugged in)
  
• Short circuits or ground faults
  
• A failing breaker or faulty wiring
  

Repeated tripping can wear out your breaker or even damage connected appliances. In newer homes, it may signal that your electrical panel needs upgrading to accommodate more power.

When to call an electrician:
If the same breaker trips regularly, or if it trips even when you’re not using many devices, it’s time to call an electrician to diagnose the problem. LB Electric is an electrician in Ottawa that offers panel inspections and upgrades for homes across Ottawa.

3. Dead Outlets or Switches

Plugging in a device and getting no power is frustrating—and can also be a warning sign. A single dead outlet might seem like a small issue, but it can point to:

• Loose connections behind the wall
  
• Burned-out wiring
  
• Tripped GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
  
• Circuit breaker issues
  

Dead outlets and switches can occur due to age, poor installation, or even pest damage. If you smell burning or see discolouration near the outlet, stop using it immediately.

When to call an electrician:
If a GFCI reset doesn’t work, or if multiple outlets or switches go dead in a room, call a professional. LB Electric’s licensed electricians can troubleshoot and safely replace or repair your faulty outlets, bringing your home back up to code.

4. Outdated Wiring and Panels

Many homes in Ottawa—particularly in older neighborhoods like Sandy Hill, Centretown, or Westboro—still rely on aluminum wiring, fuse panels, or knob-and-tube systems. These outdated setups not only limit your power capacity but also pose serious fire hazards.

Warning signs of outdated systems:

• Fuses instead of circuit breakers
  
• Lack of three-prong outlets
  
• Overheating wires or outlets
  
• Buzzing sounds in walls or panels
  

Upgrading your wiring and electrical panel can increase your home’s safety, allow for more devices or EV chargers, and even improve your resale value.

When to call an electrician:
If your home is over 40 years old and hasn’t had a full electrical inspection, you should have it evaluated. LB Electric specializes in panel upgrades and rewiring projects for heritage and older homes across the Ottawa area.

5. No Power in Part of the Home

When a specific area of your home loses power while the rest works fine, it’s a sign of a localized electrical fault. This can be caused by:

• A tripped breaker or faulty panel
  
• A damaged wire in the wall
  
• Rodent damage
  
• Loose terminals
  

These issues can become more complex in homes that have recently added high-demand devices, such as an EV charger installation. Electric vehicle chargers require dedicated circuits and can put additional load on your system—especially if your panel wasn’t upgraded to handle the extra capacity. Improper installation or outdated panels can contribute to localized power failures.

Homeowners sometimes try to isolate the issue themselves, but without the proper tools and training, this can be dangerous. Dealing with hidden wires, diagnosing overloaded circuits, or opening an electrical panel should always be left to professionals.

If you’ve experienced a power outage in one area of your home—especially after installing new high-powered devices like EV chargers—it’s best to contact a licensed electrician who can diagnose and fix the issue safely and efficiently.

When to call an electrician:
If part of your home has lost power and resetting the breakers doesn’t solve the problem, call an electrician to inspect and repair the fault. LB Electric offers prompt, reliable service in Ottawa and will get your home back up and running safely.

Bonus: Why You Should Always Hire a Licensed Electrician

DIY electrical work might seem tempting, especially if it’s “just a light fixture” or “just an outlet.” But doing electrical repairs without proper training can lead to serious injury, house fires, or insurance voids.

A licensed electrician ensures:

• Code-compliant installation
  
• Long-term safety
  
• Proper permits and inspections (if required)
  
• Peace of mind
  

Companies like LB Electric not only bring technical expertise, but also local experience. Their team understands Ottawa’s building codes, hydro standards, and neighborhood-specific quirks. Whether it’s a full panel upgrade, EV charger installation, or troubleshooting a tricky power issue, they have the tools and training to do the job right the first time.

Final Thoughts

Electrical issues should never be taken lightly. What starts as a flickering light or a tripped breaker can quickly evolve into a costly and dangerous problem. That’s why it’s so important to spot the warning signs early—and call a trusted, licensed electrician before things get worse.

If you’re dealing with any of the problems mentioned above, or simply want a professional inspection of your home’s electrical system, contact the experts at LB Electric. With years of experience serving homeowners throughout Ottawa, they offer fast, friendly, and fully certified service you can rely on.