Home Electrical Systems Guide
A Home Buyer’s Guide to Electrical Systems in Edmonton
During a home purchase, the big-ticket items get all the attention: the roof, the furnace, the foundation. But hiding behind the walls is one of the most critical—and potentially expensive—systems in any house: the electrical system.
Understanding the basics of what powers your potential new home is crucial for both safety and your budget. This guide will demystify the key components and flag common issues found in Edmonton homes, so you can evaluate an inspection report with confidence.
The Heart of the System: The Electrical Panel
Think of the electrical panel (or breaker box) as the control centre for the home’s power. When your home inspector looks at the panel, they’re checking for two key things:
- Service Size (Amps): Modern homes require at least 100-amp service to safely power all our devices, appliances, and central air conditioning. Older homes in Edmonton (typically pre-1960s) may have smaller 60-amp panels, which are often considered insufficient for a modern lifestyle and can be expensive to upgrade.
- Safety Concerns: The inspector will look for signs of overheating, improper or messy wiring, and problematic brands of panels that are known to be potential fire hazards.
A Common Issue in Edmonton Homes: Aluminum Wiring
If you’re looking at homes built between the mid-1960s and late-1970s, the topic of aluminum wiring will likely come up. During this period, due to high copper prices, many homes were built using solid aluminum wiring instead of the copper standard we use today.
While not inherently dangerous, aluminum wiring requires special handling. It expands and contracts with temperature changes more than copper, which can cause connections at outlets and switches to become loose over time, creating a potential fire hazard.
What you need to know:
- It does not always need to be completely replaced.
- It must be properly remediated. This usually involves “pig-tailing”—connecting a short piece of copper wire to the end of the aluminum wire with a special, anti-oxidant connector before it attaches to an outlet or switch.
- Many insurance companies have specific requirements for insuring a home with aluminum wiring, so it’s critical to address this during your inspection period.
What to Look For on Your Viewing
While you are not a home inspector, you can keep an eye out for a few visual cues:
- Outlets: Do all the outlets have three prongs (grounded)? Are any of them warm to the touch or discoloured?
- Lights: Do the lights flicker when a major appliance (like a microwave) turns on?
- GFCI Plugs: Are there modern, rectangular plugs with “test” and “reset” buttons near sources of water, like in the kitchen and bathrooms? This is a modern safety standard.
Common Electrical Terminology
Amps (Amperage):
Think of this as the “volume” of electricity the home can handle. Modern homes require at least 100-amp service to safely power all our devices and appliances.
Panel (Breaker Box):
The main distribution point for all the electrical circuits in the house. It’s the grey metal box, usually in the basement or utility room, that contains all the breakers.
Breaker:
A safety switch inside the panel that automatically trips (shuts off) if a circuit becomes overloaded, preventing overheating and potential fires.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter):
A special type of outlet with “test” and “reset” buttons, usually found near water sources like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s a life-saving device that quickly shuts off power if it detects a dangerous electrical surge, preventing shocks.
Your Next Step
The electrical system is complex, and your best tool is always a professional home inspection. Understanding these basics will help you ask the right questions and better interpret the final report.
- This is just one part of the bigger picture. See what else inspectors look for in our Edmonton Home Inspection Checklist →
Ready to Start Looking?
Each step in the home-buying journey is an important one. To see how this topic fits into the complete process, review our Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton.
Home Inspection FAQs
Have more questions about the home inspection process? Contact us here.
What is the main purpose of a home inspection?
The purpose of a home inspection is to provide the buyer with a comprehensive, unbiased assessment of the home’s physical condition. It is not a pass/fail test. An inspector identifies potential safety issues, significant defects, and systems that may need repair or replacement, allowing you to make an informed purchasing decision.
How much does a home inspection cost in Edmonton?
As of Fall 2025, a typical home inspection in Edmonton for a standard-sized house costs between $400 and $600. The price can vary based on the size and age of the home, and whether you add extra services like sewer scope or thermal imaging. While it’s an upfront cost, it’s a small price to pay to avoid potentially tens of thousands in unexpected repairs.
Should I attend the home inspection?
Yes, absolutely. Attending the inspection, especially the summary at the end, is highly recommended. It allows you to see any issues firsthand and ask the inspector questions. This gives you a much better understanding of the home and the context of the written report than just reading it on its own.
What are the most common issues found during inspections?
Common issues often relate to water and age. Inspectors frequently find improper grading or drainage outside the home, minor plumbing leaks under sinks, older furnaces or hot water tanks near the end of their life, and electrical issues in older homes (like ungrounded outlets). Most findings are minor maintenance items, but the goal is to catch any major ones.
What happens if the inspection reveals a major problem?
If the inspection uncovers a serious issue, your “subject to inspection” condition gives you several options. You can: 1) walk away from the deal and have your deposit returned, 2) negotiate with the seller to have them fix the issue, or 3) negotiate a price reduction to compensate you for the future repair cost.
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