Outlets & Switches Installation & Repair in Gatineau

Outlets need replacement if plugs don't stay in firmly, the outlet feels warm or hot during use, you see discolouration or scorch marks on the faceplate, or the outlet only has two prongs. Two-prong outlets can't ground appliances and are common in Gatineau's post-war bungalows built before grounding became standard. Outlets near water sources that aren't GFCI protected should be replaced with GFCI outlets to meet current code. If a circuit trips repeatedly when you use a particular outlet, the outlet itself or the wiring behind it may be failing. We test the circuit and outlet to confirm which needs replacement. Homes with aluminum wiring from the 1970s sometimes develop poor connections at outlets, which causes heat buildup. We give you a written price after assessing the job — before any work starts.

Quebec electrical code requires GFCI outlets within 1.5 metres of any water source. This includes all kitchen countertop outlets, bathroom outlets, laundry room outlets, and exterior outlets. Garages and unfinished basements also require GFCI protection. GFCI outlets detect ground faults and cut power within milliseconds to prevent shock. In Gatineau homes with electric baseboard heating, bathroom outlets are often on shared circuits with heaters, which can complicate GFCI installation. We assess the circuit first to confirm compatibility. One GFCI outlet can protect additional outlets downstream on the same circuit, which reduces the number of GFCI devices needed. If a permit is needed, we handle it. The vast majority of outlet replacement jobs don't require permits.

No. Quebec law requires all electrical work to be done by a licensed electrician or electrical apprentice working under supervision. This includes outlet and switch replacement. Unlicensed electrical work voids your home insurance and creates liability if a fire or injury occurs. The RBQ enforces this strictly. In Gatineau, insurers often ask for proof of licensed work when processing claims related to electrical issues. DIY electrical work is not considered acceptable evidence of code compliance. We're licensed under RBQ #5814-7273-01, and our work is covered by a one-year installation guarantee. French-speaking electricians are available on our team if you prefer service in French.

USB outlets combine standard AC receptacles with built-in USB charging ports. They eliminate the need for plug adapters to charge phones, tablets, and other devices. We install them in kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices. USB outlets draw a small amount of power continuously even when nothing is plugged in, so we confirm the circuit has capacity before installation. In Gatineau homes with electric heating, circuits are often near capacity during winter, which limits where USB outlets can be added. We test the circuit load as part of the assessment. USB outlets are available with USB-A ports only or combined USB-A and USB-C ports. The USB-C versions charge newer devices faster. Installation takes the same time as a standard outlet replacement.

The vast majority of electrical work does not require a permit. If one is needed, we handle the paperwork. You don't need to contact anyone or track any deadlines. Our electricians work under the master electrician licence, which authorises this type of work in Quebec. Simple outlet or switch replacements typically don't require permits. Adding new circuits or relocating outlets may require a permit depending on the scope of work. The RBQ determines this based on the specific job. Most Gatineau homeowners don't need to think about permits at all. It's part of how we manage every job from start to finish.

Tamper-resistant outlets have spring-loaded shutters inside that block objects inserted into just one slot. Both slots must be engaged simultaneously for the shutters to open. This prevents children from inserting objects into the outlet. Quebec code requires tamper-resistant outlets in all rooms accessible to children in homes built or renovated after 2015. Bedrooms, living rooms, playrooms, and hallways all require them in new construction. Older homes in Gatineau aren't required to retrofit them unless you're doing a permitted renovation that involves electrical work. Kitchens and bathrooms require both GFCI protection and tamper-resistant features in new installations. Tamper-resistant outlets look identical to standard outlets from the front and cost only slightly more.

Quebec code requires an outlet every 3.6 metres along a wall, measured horizontally. No point along the wall can be more than 1.8 metres from an outlet. This prevents extension cord use, which is a fire risk. Kitchens have stricter requirements. Countertops need an outlet every 1.2 metres, and all must be GFCI protected. Islands and peninsulas need at least one outlet. In Gatineau's older bungalows and brick homes, rooms often have fewer outlets than current code requires. Adding outlets during renovations brings the room up to code and reduces reliance on power bars. We assess the existing circuits before adding outlets to confirm capacity. If the circuit can't handle additional outlets safely, we'll install a new circuit.

Yes. LED lights require LED-compatible dimmers to prevent flickering and buzzing. Older dimmers designed for incandescent bulbs don't work properly with LEDs. We match the dimmer to your lighting type and test it after installation to confirm smooth dimming across the full range. In Gatineau homes with older wiring, some dimmer installations require a neutral wire at the switch box. Most modern dimmers need this to function. If your switch box doesn't have a neutral, we can install a different dimmer model that doesn't require one or run a neutral wire if the circuit supports it. Smart dimmers that connect to your phone or voice assistant are also available. We give you a written price after assessing the job — before any work starts.