Sudbury Residential Home Re-wiring Project

Tombari Electric recently completed a whole-home rewiring project for a 1950s bungalow in Sudbury, Ontario, addressing outdated wiring, ungrounded outlets, and insufficient load capacity to meet modern safety and energy demands. By upgrading the electrical system with new wiring, a 200-amp panel, and GFCI outlets, the project enhanced safety, compliance, and efficiency while significantly increasing the home's market value. This transformation demonstrates Tombari Electric’s expertise in modernizing older homes to meet today’s standards.

Background

In Sudbury, Ontario, Tombari Electric recently completed a whole-home rewiring project for a 1950s bungalow. The homeowner, concerned about the property’s outdated electrical system and the increasing demands of modern appliances, wanted to upgrade the wiring for improved safety, energy efficiency, and compliance with current codes. The project demonstrates how the client was able modernize the bungalow’s electrical system to meet contemporary standards and enhance the property’s long-term value with Tombari Electrics support.

Project Overview

• Client: Homeowner of a 1950s bungalow
• Location: Sudbury, Ontario
• Project Scope: Whole-home rewiring, GFCI outlet installation, and electrical panel upgrade
• Duration: Approximately one week

With its outdated wiring system, the bungalow required a complete overhaul to eliminate ungrounded outlets, reduce fire risks, and support today’s higher electrical loads. Tombari Electric’s team of licensed electricians was tasked with installing new, code-compliant wiring throughout the home, upgrading the electrical panel, and implementing safety-focused features like GFCI outlets in moisture-prone areas. This project not only aligned with modern safety standards but also increased the home’s market appeal.

The Challenge

Many older homes, particularly those built before the 1960s throughout Sudbury, Ontario, feature wiring that does not meet current safety standards, which can pose risks like electrical fires, frequent outages, and limited power capacity.

Key Challenges:

1. Aging Wiring
   The original wiring in the home was not only outdated but also unable to handle the demands of contemporary home appliances and devices. Over time, this older wiring could degrade, increasing the risk of electrical faults, short circuits, and overheating, which are leading causes of house fires.
   
   
2. Ungrounded Outlets
   In homes built several decades ago, ungrounded two-prong outlets were common. However, these outlets lack the grounding that reduces the risk of electrical shock, particularly in areas exposed to water like kitchens and bathrooms. Converting these to three-prong, grounded outlets was necessary to ensure household safety and regulatory compliance.
   
   
3. Insufficient Load Capacity
   The existing electrical panel, designed for much lower power requirements, couldn’t adequately support modern electronics and appliances without risking overloads. Limited circuit options also meant fewer dedicated circuits, leading to potential tripping of breakers and strain on the system.

Tombari Electric’s challenge was to replace these outdated components with safer, higher-capacity systems while respecting the structural limitations of a mid-century bungalow. This required careful planning to safely route new wiring without disrupting the home’s layout or original design.

The Solution

The Tombari Electric team approached the project in a series of structured steps, focusing on safety, compliance, and longevity for the homeowner’s peace of mind and added value to the property.

1. Comprehensive Inspection and Safe Removal of Old Wiring
   The project began with Tombari’s team of local Sudbury electricians to perform a thorough inspection of the existing wiring, assessing each room for safety risks, grounding needs, and capacity issues. By meticulously mapping out the old wiring layout, the team could safely remove all outdated wiring while identifying potential problem areas for future-proofing.
   
   
2. Installation of Modern, Code-Compliant Wiring
   To meet current electrical code requirements and local Sudbury bylaws allow for more reliable power distribution and local compliance, Tombari Electric installed new copper wiring throughout the home. Copper wiring, known for its durability and conductivity, significantly enhances safety and reduces the risk of overheating. The team carefully installed circuits dedicated to high-demand areas like the kitchen, reducing the risk of overloads by allocating power where it’s most needed.
   
   
3. Grounded GFCI Outlet Installation in Key Areas 
   GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets were installed in bathrooms, the kitchen, and other moisture-exposed areas. GFCI outlets immediately shut off the power if an imbalance is detected, protecting against electrical shock. This crucial upgrade provided the homeowner with both safety and peace of mind, meeting the latest safety requirements for residential electrical systems.
   
   
4. Upgrading the Electrical Panel for Modern Needs
   Finally, Tombari Electric upgraded the home’s electrical panel from a limited-capacity unit to a modern 200-amp system. This new panel could comfortably handle current and future energy needs, allowing the homeowner to install additional high-power appliances and smart home technology without concerns about overloading or tripping circuits. The increased capacity also added value by enabling future additions or expansions to the home’s electrical system.
   

Results

Upon project completion, the bungalow’s electrical system was entirely transformed, yielding several substantial benefits for the homeowner and ensuring the property’s readiness for modern living.

• Enhanced Safety
  With all new wiring, grounded outlets, and a larger electrical panel, the risk of electrical hazards, including shocks and fires, was drastically reduced. The bungalow now meets or exceeds Ontario’s stringent electrical safety codes, making it safer for everyday use and compliant for potential insurance and resale evaluations.
  
  
• Improved Code Compliance
  The upgraded electrical system was brought up to Sudbury and Ontario electrical codes, an essential improvement for any older home. Compliance with these codes is crucial not only for homeowner safety but also for ensuring that any future sale of the property meets regulatory standards, which can expedite the selling process and attract more buyers.
  
  
• Optimized Energy Efficiency
  New wiring and a modern electrical panel contribute to more efficient power distribution, lowering overall energy consumption and potentially reducing electricity bills. An efficient system is less prone to energy loss, reducing the cost of energy and supporting sustainability efforts.
  
  
• Increased Resale Value
  By modernizing the home’s electrical infrastructure, the homeowner has significantly increased the bungalow’s market appeal. Homes with recent electrical upgrades tend to attract more buyers and receive higher offers, as prospective buyers value the assurance of a safe, efficient, and compliant system.
  

FAQ's about home-rewiring

1. Why should I consider rewiring an older home in Sudbury?
   Answer: Whole-home rewiring is essential for improving safety, optimizing energy efficiency, and bringing the property up to code. Older wiring can degrade over time, posing fire hazards and increasing energy bills. Additionally, compliant wiring is a valuable investment that supports the property’s resale value.
   
   
2. How long does a whole-home rewiring project typically take?
   Answer: The timeline for a whole-home rewiring project depends on the size of the property, the current state of the wiring, and specific homeowner needs. In this case, Tombari Electric completed the bungalow’s rewiring within one week. Homeowners should anticipate some disruption, but working with experienced professionals can keep the project on schedule.
   
   
3. How does an upgraded electrical panel affect home value?
   Answer: An upgraded electrical panel not only supports modern power demands but can also add value by making the property safer and more appealing to buyers. Most buyers today seek homes with high energy capacity and reliable electrical systems to accommodate appliances, HVAC systems, and potential future technologies.
   

Conclusion

This whole-home rewiring project showcases Tombari Electric’s expertise and dedication to providing Sudbury homeowners with safe, reliable, and efficient electrical solutions. The bungalow’s transformation into a compliant, energy-efficient home demonstrates the company’s commitment to high-quality workmanship, rigorous safety standards, and responsive service. For homeowners considering similar upgrades, Tombari Electric offers a reliable choice with years of experience in modernizing residential properties.

By modernizing this 1950s bungalow with advanced electrical solutions, Tombari Electric ensured the homeowner’s peace of mind, positioned the property for future demands, and boosted its market value. As Sudbury’s trusted local provider of residential electrical services, Tombari Electric continues to support its community with dependable solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of older homes.