Most electrical problems are not handyman jobs. Flickering lights, tripping breakers, warm outlets, burning smells, aluminum wiring, panel upgrades and new circuits all require a licensed electrician. In Quebec, electrical work for clients must be done by a contractor licensed with the RBQ and a member of the CMEQ, and other provinces have similar rules.
- Warning signs that need an electrician now
- Jobs that require a licensed electrician
- What the rules say
- What a handyman can usually do
- How to hire the right electrician
A handyman can be a great help for small repairs around the house. But electrical work is different: it is regulated in every province, and mistakes can cause fires or electric shocks. Here are the common electrical issues that need a licensed electrician, and the few tasks a handyman can usually handle.
Warning signs that need an electrician now
- Burning smell or scorch marks on outlets or switches: turn off the circuit and call an electrician.
- Outlets or switches that are warm to the touch.
- Breakers that trip repeatedly: a sign of overload or a fault.
- Flickering or dimming lights across several rooms.
- Buzzing sounds from the panel, outlets or fixtures.
- Mild shocks when touching an appliance or switch.
Jobs that require a licensed electrician
- Adding a new circuit or outlet;
- Upgrading or replacing an electrical panel;
- Rewiring, including old knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring;
- Installing a heat pump, EV charger or hot tub circuit;
- Adding GFCI or AFCI protection where code requires it;
- Any work inside the panel.
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Get my free quotes →What the rules say
In Quebec, electrical work done for a client must be performed by an electrical contractor who holds an RBQ licence and is a member of the CMEQ (Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec). In Ontario, electrical work for hire must be done by a licensed electrical contractor, and most work needs a notification to the Electrical Safety Authority. Other provinces have similar licensing and permit systems. Work done without the right licence can void your home insurance and fail an inspection when you sell.
What a handyman can usually do
Depending on your province, a handyman can often do non-electrical tasks around fixtures, like patching a wall after an electrician’s work, mounting a TV bracket without new wiring, or replacing a light bulb or a cover plate. As soon as wires are connected or changed, call a licensed electrician.
How to hire the right electrician
- Ask for the licence number and verify it.
- Ask whether a permit or inspection is needed and who handles it.
- Get a written quote with labour, materials and warranty.
- Compare 2 to 4 quotes for the same job.
Frequently asked questions
Can a handyman do electrical work?
Generally not. Electrical work for clients must be done by a licensed electrical contractor in every province.
Is a tripping breaker dangerous?
A breaker that trips repeatedly signals an overload or a fault. Have a licensed electrician inspect the circuit.
Who can do electrical work in Quebec?
A contractor with an RBQ licence who is a member of the CMEQ.
What should I do if I smell burning from an outlet?
Turn off the circuit at the panel, don’t use the outlet, and call a licensed electrician right away.
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Get my free quotes →Estimations.pro is a free matching service for homeowners in Montreal and nearby, and does not perform the work. Prices vary by contractor, job and season: the only reliable number is a written quote for your job.
