Do You Need an Electrical Permit in Ontario?
In most cases, yes. In Ontario, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) generally calls it a Notification of Work, often informally called an electrical permit. ESA says almost all electrical work requires one, and it should be filed before the work starts. The person doing the work files it, so if you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor, the contractor files it. An ESA notification is not the same as a municipal building permit, and some projects need both.
What is an ESA Notification of Work?
The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires almost all electrical work to be reported to ESA by filing a notification of work, often called a permit. The notification creates a permanent record of the electrical work done in a property and triggers a review process by ESA.
ESA states that the notification should be filed before the work starts.
Who files the notification?
ESA says the person doing the electrical work files the notification. If you are doing the work yourself, you file it. If you hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor, the contractor files it. ESA also states that you should never take out a notification on behalf of someone else.
Homeowners can file by downloading a notification form from ESA or by calling ESA's Customer Service Centre at 1-877-372-7233. ESA notes that you may not need a notification if you are the owner of an owner-occupied single-family dwelling, can legally complete electrical work there, and are replacing certain light fixtures and switches. Confirm with ESA whether that applies to your project.
In Ontario, if you are hiring someone to do electrical work in your home, ESA states that by law it must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
What kinds of projects commonly involve a notification?
ESA's guidance covers renovations that involve new electrical wiring or devices, or repairing and replacing existing ones. Examples from ESA's own material:
- —Installing a wiring system in a structure that did not have one
- —Any change to original wiring, including repair and replacement of devices in a renovation
- —EV charger installations, which ESA states all require an electrical permit before work starts
Municipal building permit vs. ESA electrical notification
These are separate. ESA states that an electrical notification is not the same as a building permit and that you may need both.
Municipalities issue building permits for construction and demolition under the Ontario Building Code Act. Electrical is a separate matter: Centre Wellington's planning and permits page, for example, notes that the Township does not review or inspect electrical work and directs electrical permits to ESA. Check with your own municipality for its building permit requirements.
What happens after the work is reported?
ESA's review process can include inspections. An electrical installation must be inspected before it is concealed or buried, and ESA says the process varies by project. Homes may need a service, rough-in or final inspection. If the work does not comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the inspector issues a defect notice listing the corrections needed.
Once the work has been reviewed and passed, ESA issues a Certificate of Acceptance to the person who filed the notification. ESA describes it as an important document for insurance and resale. If your contractor filed the notification, ask for a copy of the certificate for your records.
Planning electrical work?
If you are planning repairs, a panel or service upgrade or a renovation, see our electrical service and repairs and residential electrical services pages. Homeowners planning an EV charger can start with EV charger installation.
Requirements depend on the exact scope of work. Confirm current requirements with the Electrical Safety Authority.
Sources and further reading
This guide summarizes information published by the Electrical Safety Authority. It is general information, not legal advice.
Planning electrical work?
Tell us about the project and where it is, and we will follow up on the next steps.