What electrical upgrades do I need for a kitchen renovation in New Brunswick?

Kitchen electrical upgrades in New Brunswick require careful planning to meet current code requirements and handle modern appliance loads safely. Most older kitchens fall well short of today's electrical demands, especially if you're adding an island, upgrading to induction cooking, or installing high-end appliances.

Essential Circuit Requirements

Your kitchen renovation will need dedicated 20-amp circuits for countertop outlets (minimum two circuits required by NBC 2020), plus individual circuits for major appliances. A typical upgrade includes: dishwasher circuit (15-amp), garbage disposal if applicable (15-amp), microwave or range hood (15-amp), and refrigerator (15-amp dedicated recommended). If you're installing an electric range, that requires a 240V/40-50 amp circuit, while an electric cooktop and separate wall oven each need their own 240V circuits.

Island and Peninsula Considerations

Kitchen islands and peninsulas must have at least one outlet, and the electrical feed typically runs through the floor or ceiling. In older New Brunswick homes with concrete slab foundations (common in post-war bungalows), running new circuits to an island often requires creative routing through basement ceiling or main floor walls. Plan this early since it affects both electrical rough-in and flooring installation.

Panel Capacity and Service Upgrades

Many homes built before 1990 have 100-amp electrical services that struggle with modern kitchen loads plus heat pumps, electric vehicle charging, and other upgrades. If your main panel is full or you're adding significant electrical load, you may need a service upgrade to 200 amps. This is particularly common in Fredericton's older neighborhoods, Moncton's post-war areas, and Saint John's South End where homes often have original 60-100 amp services.

Permit and Inspection Process

All electrical work requires a licensed electrical contractor and permits from NB Power (1-800-615-0522). The contractor must obtain the wiring permit before starting work, and Technical Inspection Services (TIS) conducts the final inspection once wiring is complete. Working without permits results in special inspection fees on top of regular permit costs. Never let a contractor suggest skipping permits - it creates insurance and liability issues.

GFCI and AFCI Protection

All kitchen outlets require GFCI protection, and newer installations need AFCI (arc fault) protection on most 15 and 20-amp circuits. If your home has an older panel, upgrading to AFCI-compatible breakers may require panel modifications. Some older panels cannot accommodate combination AFCI/GFCI breakers, necessitating panel replacement.

Typical Costs and Timeline

Kitchen electrical upgrades in New Brunswick typically run $3,500-$8,000 for a standard renovation, or $8,000-$15,000 if service upgrade is needed. The work takes 2-3 days for rough-in and 1 day for final connections. Schedule electrical rough-in after framing but before insulation and drywall.

Next Steps

Contact a licensed electrical contractor early in your planning process - ideally before finalizing your kitchen layout. They can assess your current service capacity and identify any panel or service upgrades needed. Find verified electrical contractors in our New Brunswick directory who understand local requirements and can coordinate properly with NB Power and TIS inspections.