Electrical Services in Town of Riverview
Riverview's established 1960s-1990s housing stock on the Petitcodiac's south bank means widespread 100A panels that struggle with modern electrical loads — split-entry homes along Findlay Boulevard and Pine Glen are prime candidates for 200A upgrades.
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About Town of Riverview Homes
Development Era
1960-2000
Peak building: 1970-1985
Typical Styles
- Split-entry / bi-level (dominant style throughout)
- Raised ranch / bungalow (Riverview Heights)
- Two-storey colonial (1980s-1990s builds)
- Split-level (Findlay Blvd, Pine Glen)
Average Home Size
1,400-2,400 sq ft
Riverview's signature split-entry homes create particular electrical challenges — the split levels mean longer wire runs between floors, panels are often in cramped lower-level utility rooms, and the half-level construction makes adding new circuits more complex than in standard basement-and-main-floor designs. Most homes have 100A panels that were adequate when built but now struggle to support heat pumps, EV chargers, home offices, and modern kitchen appliances. Homes built in the 1965-1975 window commonly have aluminum branch wiring that requires remediation.
Area History
Riverview grew primarily as a bedroom community for Moncton during the 1960s-1990s suburban expansion. The Petitcodiac River bridge connected Riverview to Moncton's employment centres, and housing development followed established suburban patterns of the era. Electrically, this means Riverview's housing stock represents a concentrated window of Canadian residential wiring practices — the transition from 60A fuse boxes to 100A breaker panels, the aluminum wiring era (1965-1975), and the shift to grounded copper NMD90 circuits. NB Power's overhead distribution lines along tree-lined streets make Riverview particularly vulnerable to ice storm outages, as the heavy tree canopy frequently brings down power lines during freezing rain events.
Foundation Types in Town of Riverview
Riverview's concrete and block foundations are generally in good condition but present routing challenges during electrical upgrades. Block foundations in older Riverview Heights homes have limited pathways for new wiring — surface-mount raceway is often the most practical solution. Panel placement in split-entry lower levels can be tight, and upgrading to a larger 200A panel sometimes requires relocating the panel to gain adequate working clearance as required by the Canadian Electrical Code (minimum 36 inches clear in front of the panel).
Common Issues to Address
- Panels in cramped split-entry utility rooms lacking required 36-inch CEC working clearance
- Concrete block walls making new circuit routing expensive without surface conduit
- Lower-level moisture issues corroding electrical connections and panel enclosures
- Service entrance cables running through areas prone to seasonal water intrusion
Soil & Drainage in Town of Riverview
Soil Type
Clay and till over bedrock (Petitcodiac River valley)
Water Table
Moderate to high near river, lower on hilltop developments
Riverview's position on the south bank of the Petitcodiac River means variable soil conditions that affect electrical grounding. Hilltop areas like Pine Glen have well-drained till over bedrock where ground rod installations may require supplemental grounding electrodes (Ufer ground or plate electrodes) to achieve adequate resistance. Lower areas near Gunningsville and Bridgedale have clay-heavy soil with higher moisture that provides good grounding conductivity but increases corrosion on buried metallic components.
Drainage: Properties on Riverview's lower elevations near the Petitcodiac benefit from dedicated sump pump circuits with battery backup. GFCI protection is mandatory on all below-grade outlets. Homes along Lower Coverdale's flood-prone areas should consider waterproof sub-panels and elevated main panel placement.
Investment Potential in Town of Riverview
Average Home Price
$250,000-$400,000
Electrical Upgrade ROI
Panel upgrades and aluminum wiring remediation are among the highest-ROI renovations in Riverview — they directly address the two most common home inspection flags and insurance concerns in the town's 1970s-era housing stock
Riverview's affordable housing market makes electrical upgrades particularly impactful on resale value. A $3,000-$4,000 panel upgrade eliminates a major inspection concern, and aluminum wiring remediation ($3,000-$6,000) removes the single biggest insurance obstacle for buyers. Combined, these upgrades can add $5,000-$10,000 in perceived value while significantly expanding the buyer pool (many purchasers will walk away from homes with aluminum wiring or outdated panels). EV charger installation adds modern appeal at a relatively low cost.
Electrical Considerations for Town of Riverview
Aluminum wiring is extremely common in Riverview homes built 1965-1975 — insurance companies in NB require documentation of professional remediation (pigtailing or rewiring) before policy renewal in many cases
Split-entry homes require careful planning for panel upgrades because the existing panel location may not meet current CEC working clearance requirements — budget for potential panel relocation
TSANB permits are required for all electrical work — contact TSANB at 1-800-999-0813 or have your licensed electrician file on your behalf
100A to 200A panel upgrades are the single most common electrical project in Riverview — the existing 100A service cannot support modern loads including heat pumps, EV chargers, and home offices simultaneously
NB Power coordination is required for service entrance upgrades — allow 2-4 weeks for NB Power scheduling after your electrician has completed the indoor work
Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels are found in many 1970s-1980s Riverview homes — these are a documented fire hazard and should be replaced regardless of whether a full upgrade is needed
Kitchen and bathroom circuits in pre-1990 homes typically lack GFCI protection and dedicated circuits — any renovation should include bringing these rooms up to current CEC requirements
Permits & Regulations
All electrical work in Riverview requires TSANB (Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick) permits. The Town of Riverview building department handles structural permits, but electrical is exclusively TSANB jurisdiction. Permits ensure compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code as adopted by NB. Your licensed electrician files the permit and coordinates the inspection. Contact TSANB at 1-800-999-0813 or visit tsanb.ca. Common Riverview projects requiring permits include panel upgrades, aluminum wiring remediation, EV charger circuits, generator installations, and any new circuit additions.
Frequently Asked Questions: Town of Riverview Electrical
My Riverview home has aluminum wiring — what should I do?
Aluminum branch wiring is extremely common in Riverview homes built between 1965 and 1975. The primary concern is overheating at connection points (outlets, switches, panel). Your options are: 1) Professional pigtailing with COPALUM or AlumiConn connectors ($3,000-$6,000 whole house) — this connects short copper wire tails to the aluminum using approved connectors, 2) Complete copper rewiring ($10,000-$20,000+). Contact your insurance company first — many NB insurers now require documented remediation. All work requires TSANB permits. Do NOT use standard twist-on wire nuts for aluminum-to-copper connections — only approved connectors are code-compliant.
How often does Riverview lose power?
Riverview experiences 3-6 notable power outages per year, primarily from ice storms and wind events between November and April. The town's mature tree canopy and overhead NB Power distribution lines are particularly vulnerable to freezing rain. Extended outages (24-72+ hours) occur roughly every 1-2 years during severe ice storms. A whole-home automatic standby generator ($6,000-$15,000 installed) provides seamless backup. More affordable options include a manual transfer switch with portable generator ($800-$2,000 installed). All generator hookups require TSANB-approved transfer switches to prevent backfeed.
What does a 200A panel upgrade cost in Riverview?
A standard 100A to 200A panel upgrade in Riverview costs $2,500-$4,000. However, Riverview's split-entry homes often require additional work: panel relocation to meet CEC clearance requirements ($500-$1,500 extra), service entrance cable replacement ($1,000-$2,000), and NB Power meter base upgrade coordination. Total project cost for a typical Riverview split-entry is $3,500-$5,500. The investment is worthwhile — a 200A panel supports EV chargers, heat pumps, and modern electrical loads while eliminating a common home inspection flag.
Should I replace my Federal Pacific panel in Riverview?
Yes, absolutely. Federal Pacific Stab-Lok breaker panels (found in many 1970s-1980s Riverview homes) have a well-documented history of breakers failing to trip during overcurrent conditions, creating fire risk. Independent testing has shown failure rates of 25-60% on these breakers. Replacement with a modern panel costs $2,000-$3,500 for a same-amperage swap, or $3,000-$5,000 to upgrade to 200A at the same time. Many NB insurance companies are flagging Federal Pacific panels during renewals. We recommend replacing them proactively — the cost is similar to a standard panel upgrade and eliminates a serious safety concern.
About Town of Riverview
Riverview is a well-established bedroom community of approximately 20,000 people on the south side of the Petitcodiac River. The town's tree-lined streets and mature landscaping make it vulnerable to ice storm damage on overhead NB Power lines — the heavy tree canopy is beautiful but frequently brings down power lines during freezing rain events. The Gunningsville Bridge and Hillsborough Bridge connect Riverview to Moncton. The town has a mix of long-time residents in original homes and younger families purchasing and renovating the affordable 1970s-1980s housing stock.
Electrical Overview: Town of Riverview
Riverview is predominantly 1960s-1990s construction with 100A panels, copper and aluminum branch wiring, and electrical systems designed for a fraction of today's household loads. The town's split-entry and bi-level homes present unique wiring challenges during upgrades.
Our Services in Town of Riverview
Panel Upgrades
Upgrade your home's electrical panel to meet today's power demands. Whether you need more capacity for EV charging, home renovations, or simply have an outdated panel, our licensed electricians ensure safe, code-compliant upgrades.
Residential Rewiring
Comprehensive home rewiring services for older homes with outdated or unsafe wiring. We replace knob and tube, aluminum wiring, and outdated systems with modern, safe electrical infrastructure.
EV Charger Installation
Professional Level 2 EV charger installation for all makes of electric vehicles. We handle the complete installation including panel upgrades if needed, dedicated circuits, and outdoor-rated installations.
Generator Installation
Never lose power again with a professionally installed whole-home backup generator. We install and service all major brands with automatic transfer switches for seamless power backup.
Lighting Installation
Transform your home with professional lighting installation. From recessed potlights to outdoor security lighting, we design and install lighting solutions that enhance your space.
Emergency Electrical Repair
Electrical emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our licensed electricians are available 24/7 for urgent electrical issues including power outages, burning smells, sparking outlets, and more.
Why Choose New Brunswick Electrical in Town of Riverview?
Local Expertise
We understand the unique electrical characteristics of Town of Riverview homes, from wiring types and panel ages to local code requirements.
20+ Years Experience
Our team has completed hundreds of electrical projects across New Brunswick, including many in Town of Riverview.
WorkSafeNB Insured
Full workplace safety coverage protects you and our team throughout your renovation project.
TSANB Permits
We handle all TSANB permit applications and coordinate inspections for your Town of Riverview electrical project.
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