Electrical Inspection in Montréal
The electrical system is one of the first things I look at in a Montréal house, condo or plex, because problems there are about safety as much as cost. I'm Pantelis Ambatzis, a Certified Master Inspector (CMI®), certified by InterNACHI. As part of every inspection, I check the visible and accessible electrical components and explain what I find, in English or French.
What I check
- Service entrance: the overhead or underground connection, masts, service heads, the Hydro-Québec meter and its seal;
- Main panel and sub-panels: brand and type, capacity, condition, breakers or fuses, empty spaces, signs of overheating, and anything that doesn't belong in a panel;
- Grounding and bonding, where visible;
- Wiring: the type and approximate age of the visible wiring, and amateur connections or splices;
- Outlets and switches: a sample tested for polarity and grounding, with GFCI protection near water (kitchen, bathrooms, outdoors) and AFCI protection where expected;
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: presence and location.
What I often find
In Montréal, many older houses and plexes still have their original panel, sometimes with a small capacity for today's needs. Some panel brands, such as Federal Pacific Stab-Lok, have a poor safety record and are often flagged for replacement; some insurers ask about them. Other common findings are double-tapped breakers, missing breakers leaving open spaces in the panel, older wiring left in place after renovations, outlets without ground, and missing GFCI protection in bathrooms and kitchens. In some condo buildings, there are also transformers and sub-panels to look at.
Limits of the inspection
The inspection is visual and non-invasive. I don't open walls, I don't do electrical work, and I don't check code compliance. When I see a safety issue or something that needs a closer look, I recommend a licensed master electrician. The thermal camera can also show hot spots at breakers and connections.
The report
Electrical is part of every pre-purchase inspection. You receive a written BNQ 3009-500 report with photos, findings ranked by priority and advice on what to have corrected, often delivered the same day. Rates are on the price list.
Questions about the electrical system of a house you're buying? Call 514-924-8887 or reach us through the contact page.