What does a home electrical inspection cover in New Brunswick?

Home Electrical Inspections in New Brunswick: What to Expect

A home electrical inspection evaluates the safety and condition of your home's electrical system. In NB, there are two types: a TSANB permit inspection (required for new work) and a voluntary safety inspection (for peace of mind or insurance requirements).

TSANB Permit Inspection vs. Voluntary Safety Inspection

TSANB permit inspection:

• Required when electrical work has been done under a permit


• Covers ONLY the work described on the permit (not the whole house)


• Performed by a TSANB inspector


• Pass/fail with deficiency list if items need correction


• Fee included in the permit cost

• Done by a TSANB-licensed electrician (not a TSANB inspector)


• Covers the entire electrical system


• Provides a written report of findings and recommendations


• Often required by insurance companies for older homes or homes with known issues (FPE panels, aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube)


• Cost: $200–$500 depending on home size and complexity

What a Full Safety Inspection Covers

1. Electrical panel

• Panel brand, age, and condition (checking for FPE, Zinsco, or other problem brands)


• Main breaker rating and service size (60A, 100A, 200A)


• Breaker condition — signs of overheating, corrosion, or damage


• Proper breaker sizing for each circuit's wire gauge


• Double-tapped breakers (two wires on a single breaker not rated for it)


• Proper grounding and bonding (ground bus, bonding jumper, grounding electrode conductor)


• Panel labelling — accurate circuit directory


• Available capacity for future needs

• Condition of the service mast, weatherhead, and meter base


• Service entrance cable condition


• Proper clearances from ground, windows, and walkways


• Ground rod and grounding electrode connection

• Wire type identification (NMD90 copper, aluminum, knob-and-tube)


• Wire condition where visible (attic, basement, crawlspace)


• Proper cable support and protection


• Nail plates where cables pass through framing


• Junction box covers in place and accessible


• No exposed splices outside of boxes

• Sample testing of outlets with a three-light tester (correct wiring, grounding)


• GFCI presence and function in required locations (kitchen, bathroom, outdoor, garage, basement)


• Tamper-resistant receptacles where required


• Proper outlet spacing per CEC


• Switch function and condition

• Presence on all required levels


• Age (expiration date check)


• Function (test button)


• Interconnection (in newer homes)


• CO detector presence near fuel-burning appliances

• Outdoor outlet condition and GFCI function


• Weather covers (in-use covers) present and functional


• Exterior light fixture condition


• Meter base and service entrance condition

• Electric water heater (dedicated circuit, proper wiring)


• HVAC electrical connections


• Dryer and stove circuits (240V, proper receptacle type)


• Smoke detector circuits (hardwired homes)


• Any sub-panels (detached garage, basement suite)

What the Inspector Looks For (Common Findings in NB)

Based on the age and style of NB housing stock, inspectors commonly find:

Homes built before 1960:

• Knob-and-tube wiring (partial or full)


• 60A fuse boxes


• No grounding on any circuits


• No GFCI protection anywhere


• Cloth-insulated wiring deterioration

• Aluminum wiring (1965–1976 era)


• 100A panels (sometimes FPE or Zinsco)


• Some grounded circuits, some not


• Missing GFCI in kitchens and bathrooms


• Overfused circuits in fuse boxes

• Generally adequate wiring


• 100A or 200A panels


• May be missing GFCI in garages and outdoor locations


• Backstab connections on outlets (prone to loosening)


• Smoke detectors past expiration

• Usually code-compliant


• May have outdated smoke/CO detectors


• Additions or renovations done without permits

When to Get an Inspection

• Buying a home — the general home inspection covers basic electrical, but a dedicated electrical inspection is worthwhile for homes built before 1980
• Insurance request — your insurer may require an inspection for older homes, homes with known issues, or when switching insurance providers
• Before major renovations — understand your starting point before adding new electrical load
• After buying a home with unknown history — especially if there's evidence of DIY electrical work
• Peace of mind — if you've never had the electrical inspected and the home is 25+ years old

Cost and What You Get

| Service | Cost | What You Get |
|---------|------|-------------|
| Basic safety inspection (1,500 sq ft home) | $200–$350 | Written report, deficiency list, recommendations |
| Comprehensive inspection (larger/older home) | $350–$500 | Detailed report, thermal imaging, full system assessment |
| Pre-purchase electrical inspection | $250–$400 | Buyer-focused report with cost estimates for repairs |
| Insurance-required inspection | $200–$350 | Report formatted for insurance submission |

Most TSANB-licensed electricians in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and surrounding areas offer inspection services. The inspection typically takes 2–4 hours depending on home size, and you'll receive a written report within 1–3 business days.

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