Common Electrical Issues in Older Homes Across Simcoe County

Older homes across Simcoe County—from Barrie and Collingwood to Orillia and Midland—offer timeless charm, character, and solid craftsmanship. However, with that charm often comes outdated electrical systems that can pose both safety hazards and functionality issues for today’s homeowners. At Sparks Electrical Contracting, we’ve seen firsthand how electrical problems in aging properties can lead to costly repairs—or worse, dangerous situations—if left unchecked.

Here are some of the most common electrical issues found in older homes throughout Simcoe County, and why hiring a licensed local electrician is critical.

1. Outdated Electrical Panels

Many homes built before the 1990s still operate with 60-amp or 100-amp panels, which may not meet the energy demands of modern households. With today’s reliance on high-powered appliances, HVAC systems, and smart devices, an outdated panel can lead to overloaded circuits and even fire risks.

Areas Affected: Older neighborhoods in Barrie, Orillia, and Midland often feature homes with legacy electrical panels that require upgrades to 200-amp service.

2. Knob-and-Tube Wiring

One of the most common issues we encounter in historic homes around Collingwood and surrounding towns is knob-and-tube wiring. While this early wiring method was standard in homes built before the 1950s, it’s now considered obsolete and unsafe due to its lack of grounding and deterioration over time.

Why it matters: Insurance companies may refuse coverage or charge a premium for homes with knob-and-tube wiring. Replacing it is essential for both safety and resale value.

3. Aluminum Wiring

Homes built in the 1960s and 70s in places like Angus, Wasaga Beach, and Innisfil may contain aluminum wiring, which was once a cheaper alternative to copper. Unfortunately, aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, increasing the risk of loose connections and electrical fires.

Solution: A licensed electrician can install COPALUM connectors or rewire critical circuits to reduce the risk.

4. Lack of Ground Fault Protection (GFCI)

Older homes in Simcoe County often lack GFCI outlets, which are required by modern electrical code in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. These outlets are designed to shut off power when a ground fault is detected, protecting homeowners from electric shocks.

Recommendation: If your home predates the 1980s and hasn’t been updated, consider having a licensed electrician inspect and replace standard outlets with GFCIs where necessary.

5. Inadequate Outlet Availability

When these homes were built, the electrical load was far less demanding. Today’s families use more devices than ever—laptops, TVs, smart speakers, and more. We frequently hear from homeowners in Oro-Medonte, Essa, and Severn who are dealing with extension cords and power bars due to a lack of available outlets.

Solution: Adding additional circuits and outlets is not only more convenient, it reduces the risk of overloading your system.

6. Flickering Lights and Tripped Breakers

If your lights flicker when an appliance turns on or your breakers trip frequently, it could be a sign of voltage fluctuation or circuit overload. These symptoms are especially common in aging homes around Alliston and Tottenham.

What to do: Have an electrician conduct a thorough diagnostic to determine whether rewiring or panel upgrades are needed.

Why Choose Sparks Electrical Contracting?

Sparks Electrical Contracting proudly serves all of Simcoe County, offering expert electrical inspections, panel upgrades, rewiring, and code compliance. Whether you're in Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Innisfil, or anywhere in between, our licensed and insured electricians are here to help you modernize your home’s electrical system safely and professionally.

Book a Home Electrical Inspection Today

If you live in an older home and haven’t had your electrical system checked recently, contact Sparks Electrical Contracting to schedule a comprehensive electrical inspection. We’ll help identify hidden risks and provide a detailed, transparent plan to bring your home safely up to date.