Our FAQ
Quick, Reliable Answers to Your Electrical Concerns
Whether you're planning a renovation, facing an emergency, or simply want to better understand your electrical system, you'll find clear, practical answers here based on our extensive experience serving the community.
1. What are the signs I need an electrical inspection?
Frequent breaker trips signal overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. Flickering lights when appliances run indicate voltage problems. Hot outlets, burning smells, or buzzing sounds from switches require immediate attention as fire hazards.
Homes over 25 years old can benefit from inspections to ensure modern safety standards. Relying heavily on extension cords means insufficient outlets, a common issue requiring professional upgrades.
Planning renovations or installing EV charging stations? A capacity assessment ensures your system handles new electrical demands safely and meets current code requirements throughout Montreal and the South Shore.
2. How much do electrical services cost in Montreal and the South Shore?
Residential services like outlet or switch replacements remain affordable and predictable. Panel upgrades in older properties represent larger investments but ensure safety and adequate capacity.
Specialized installations like radiant floor heating or EV charging stations vary based on project specifications, coverage area, and equipment selected. Commercial projects factor in regulatory requirements, operational needs, and installation scope.
At Frank Mastro The Electrician, we provide transparent, detailed estimates before starting work. Our thorough project analysis gives you clear, realistic pricing without unpleasant surprises, ensuring confident decision-making.
3. How do I choose a qualified electrician in the Montreal area?
Verify licensing with the Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec (CMEQ). This accreditation confirms proper training and industry standard compliance. Check reviews and references to gauge customer satisfaction levels.
Professional electricians explain problems clearly, present options, and provide detailed estimates upfront. Punctuality, deadline adherence, and clean worksites demonstrate serious professionalism.
Experience with your specific project type also matters significantly. Residential specialists understand local property characteristics in the region, while commercial experts handle distinct business establishment requirements effectively. Our professionals are licensed to ensure proper interventions.
4. What's the difference between an electrical emergency and a standard problem?
Emergencies require immediate response due to imminent safety dangers. Burning smells, visible sparks, electrical shocks, smoke from panels, or exposed wires present fire and injury risks needing urgent attention.
Complete power loss affecting only your property during extreme cold threatens pipe freezing. Water contact with electrical components like wet panels creates critical hazards requiring emergency intervention immediately.
Standard problems need resolution but aren't immediately dangerous: occasional single breaker trips, non-functioning outlets without concerning symptoms, planned lighting upgrades, or non-urgent system capacity improvements for future needs. No matter the issue, our electricians are here to help in a timely manner.
5. How long do electrical projects typically take?
Minor residential work like outlet replacements, switch installations, or standard fixture changes are typically completed within a few hours during a single visit without disrupting daily routines significantly.
Medium projects including room lighting installations, dedicated circuit additions, or EV charging station setups generally require half-day to full-day appointments. Complex work may span two visits depending on inspections required.
Major projects like panel upgrades, property rewiring, or radiant floor installations extend across several days or weeks. Commercial work varies greatly by size and operational constraints. No matter the project, our electricians will provide a time estimate so you can plan accordingly.
6. Do electrical projects require permits in Montreal and on the South Shore?
Yes, most electrical work beyond basic repairs requires municipal permits ensuring code compliance and safety standards. Panel upgrades, new circuits, major installations, and commercial work typically need permits before starting.
Permit requirements vary by municipality across Montreal, Saint-Bruno, Longueuil, and surrounding areas. Licensed electricians understand local regulations and handle permit applications, ensuring proper documentation throughout your project.
Working without required permits risks safety violations, insurance claim denials, and property resale complications. At Frank Mastro The Electrician, we help you manage all permitting processes, guaranteeing full compliance and peace of mind.
