Key takeaways
- Most electrical work in Ontario requires a notification of work, commonly called an ESA permit.
- Anyone you hire for electrical work must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor, and they file the permit.
- Inspected work gives you a record that helps with insurance and when you sell your home.
In Ontario, electrical safety is overseen by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). If you are planning a renovation, an EV charger, a hot tub or a panel upgrade, you will hear about ESA permits and inspections. Here is what they mean for you.
What is an ESA permit?
What most people call a permit is technically a notification of work. It tells the ESA that electrical work is being done at an address so the work can be inspected against the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Most electrical installation work requires one, including new circuits, panel and service upgrades, EV chargers, hot tubs, generators and renovation wiring.
Who files the permit?
If you hire someone, Ontario law requires them to be a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC), and the contractor files the notification. At FM Electric we take out the permit for every job that needs one and arrange the inspection, so you do not have to deal with the paperwork. You can learn how to confirm any contractor's licence in our guide on checking an electrician's licence.
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work?
Ontario allows homeowners to do electrical work in a home they own and live in, but they still need to file their own notification and have the work inspected. Many people choose a licensed contractor because the work is guaranteed to be done to code and the permit and inspection are handled for them. Work on a rental property or for someone else must be done by a licensed contractor.
How inspections work
- Rough-in inspection. For renovations and new construction, the inspector reviews the wiring before insulation and drywall go up. Read more about the electrical rough-in.
- Final inspection. Once devices, fixtures and equipment are installed, the work is inspected again or reviewed under the ESA's process for that type of job.
- Corrections. If anything needs to change, the contractor fixes it and the work is reviewed again.
Why inspected work matters
An inspected installation gives you a record that the work met the code when it was done. Insurers may ask about electrical work after a claim or when you change policies, and buyers and their home inspectors often ask about permits for renovations, panels and hot tubs when you sell.
Unpermitted work
If you have bought a home with electrical work that was never inspected, a licensed contractor can assess it, correct what is needed and arrange an inspection.
FM Electric handles ESA permits and inspections on every job across the Niagara Region. Call (905) 931-4522 or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ESA permit to replace a light fixture?
Rules depend on the exact work. Like-for-like replacements are treated differently from new circuits or wiring changes. A licensed contractor will tell you whether a notification is required for your job and file it if so.
Who pays for the ESA permit?
The permit fee is part of the job cost. Your contractor files it and includes it in the quote.
Can a homeowner do electrical work in Ontario?
Yes, in a home they own and live in, as long as they file a notification with the ESA and have the work inspected.
