Homeowner

Notifications and Inspections: What you Need to Know

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Planning a renovation? Updating the kitchen or bathroom? Adding new lighting? If your project involves new electrical wiring or devices or repairing/replacing old ones, follow the law and do it safely. Don’t let your home improvement dream become a nightmare. 

Find A Licensed Electrical Contractor Near You

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Hire someone who can legally do electrical work in Ontario.

Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor or confirm that your contractor holds a valid licence.

1. Follow the Ontario Electrical Safety Code

   Electrical installation, repair and replacement work must meet the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. The Code specifies how to safely do electrical work. The Code is updated every few years to include new technology and improved safety practices. Always refer to the current edition of the Code. Buy a Code book.

2. Hire only a Licensed Electrical Contractor

   If you hire someone to do electrical work in your home, they must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. General service providers need an ECRA/ESA licence to do electrical work in your home. If you hire a general contractor, confirm that a Licensed Electrical Contractor will do the electrical work. A Licensed Electrical Contractor must display their ECRA/ESA licence number. Ask to see it. Learn more about the benefits of using a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

3. File a Notification of Work with ESA

   The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires that most electrical work needs to be reported to the Electrical Safety Authority by filing a notification of work. Having a building permit isn’t the same as filing an electrical notification. You may need both.
   
   The person doing the electrical work must file the notification so if you’ve hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor, they should file the notification.
   2-004 Notification of work — 
   1) A contractor shall file a notification with the Electrical Safety Authority of any work on an electrical installation:
   a) prior to commencement of the work whether or not electrical power or energy has been previously supplied to the land, building, or premises on which the work is performed; or 
   b) within 48 hours after commencement of the work where compliance with Subrule 1) a) is not practicable.
   
   The contractor will also take care of the inspection process and calculate notification fees. Never take out a notification on behalf of someone else.
   
   If you’re doing your own electrical work: If you are doing your own electrical work, you will need to file the notification. To confirm requirements and file a notification, call 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233). Fees vary according to the type of work you’re doing.
   Learn more about fees
   
   There are two ways homeowners or occupants* of a home can file a notification
   1. Download a Notification form.
   2. Call the ESA Customer Service Centre at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233).
   *An occupant is someone living in or using a house as a tenant or owner; or someone who takes possession of a property with no known owner.
   Download a Notification Form

4. Submit a Request for Inspection

   If you’ve hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor, the contractor will file a notification of work with ESA and arrange the inspection process.
   
   Inspection Process:
   The inspection/review process may vary depending on the project. A complicated installation might need an inspection at several stages. New or renovated home electrical inspections may need one of two types of inspections:
   1. Rough-in – This takes place when all branch circuit wiring and outlet boxes are installed and before wiring is hidden by insulation, vapour barrier, drywall, etc. See more in  What is a rough-in inspection?
   2. Final – Ask for the final inspection as soon as possible after completion of the electrical installation. See more in What is a final inspection?
   If the work doesn't comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the Inspector will issue a “defect notice” outlining the necessary corrections to comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
   
   If you’re doing your own electrical work:
   You will need to request an notification for inspection before or as soon as possible after  the work is started. An electrical installation must be inspected before it’s concealed (based on the type of inspection needed – see above). If you already filed a notification, you may submit an online Request for Inspection to ESA. For faster service, call the Customer Service Centre at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233).
   
   Every electrical installation (building, property and/or service) must be clearly identified with its Civic/Fire Identification number and/or Lot Number to match the identification provided on the notification
   
   Learn more about inspections: 

   Preparing for Your Inspection

   What you need to know about electrical inspections

5. Obtain an ESA Certificate of Acceptance

   If your electrical work has been reviewed and passed, ESA will issue a Certificate of Acceptance to the person who filed the notification. It’s an important document for insurance purposes, resale and peace of mind.
   
   If your contractor filed the notification, ask for a copy of the certificate for your records. You can also call 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233) to request a copy.
   
   The Electrical Safety Authority also offers services considered "non-regulatory."Learn more about these services.