Planning a basement finish, adding pot lights or installing an EV charger? Before any wires get touched, ask one question: does this job need an ESA permit?
The short answer is almost always yes. This guide explains what an ESA permit is, which jobs need one, and who is responsible for filing it.
Key Takeaways
- Almost all electrical work in Ontario must be reported to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
- A building permit from your city does not cover electrical work
- The person doing the work files the permit, which means your licensed contractor if you hire one
- Once the work passes review, ESA issues a Certificate of Acceptance you should keep for your records
What Is an ESA Permit?
What most people call an “ESA permit” is officially a notification of work. It’s filed with the Electrical Safety Authority, the provincial body that enforces the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Filing creates a permanent record of the electrical work done in your home. It also triggers a review by ESA, which may include an on-site inspection to confirm the work is safe and up to code.
Building Permits and ESA Permits Are Not the Same
This is a common mix-up. Your municipality issues building permits for structural changes, plumbing and similar work, but electrical work falls under ESA, not the city.
So if you’re renovating a kitchen or finishing a basement, you may need both:
- A building permit from your city or town
- An electrical notification filed with ESA
Which Jobs Need an ESA Permit?
The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires almost all electrical work to be reported. If you’re adding, extending or changing wiring, assume a permit is needed.
Common household jobs that require a notification include:
- Electrical panel upgrades and service changes
- Adding new outlets, switches or circuits
- Installing pot lights or other new light fixtures
- Wiring an EV charger, hot tub or central air unit
- Basement finishing and kitchen renovations
- Backup generator and transfer switch installations
- Replacing old wiring, including knob and tube
Are There Any Exceptions?
A small number of minor jobs are exempt, mostly straightforward like-for-like replacements, such as swapping a device for one of the same type. These exemptions are narrow, and some apply only when a licensed contractor does the work, not a homeowner.
Watch out for jobs that sound simple but aren’t like-for-like. For example, replacing a surface-mounted ceiling light with a recessed pot light counts as a new installation, so a notification is required. When in doubt, call ESA at 1-877-372-7233 before starting.
Who Is Responsible for Filing?
The rule is simple: whoever does the work files the notification. If you hire a licensed electrical contractor, they’re responsible for filing it and requesting the inspection.
Contractors must file within 48 hours of starting the work. A good contractor handles this without being asked.
Can Homeowners Do Their Own Electrical Work?
Yes, with conditions. ESA allows homeowners to do electrical work in their own home, but the DIY rules are strict:
- You must file a notification before starting, even for small jobs
- Only you can do the work, not friends, family members or neighbours
- Tenants may do work inside their unit but should check with the property manager first
- The work must be reviewed by ESA before it’s covered by drywall or insulation
You’re also responsible for meeting the full electrical code. Our guide on handyman vs. electrician explains why “close enough” isn’t good enough with electrical work.
What Happens During the ESA Review?
Once the notification is filed, ESA reviews the work. Depending on the job, an inspector may visit your home to check the installation against the code.
If everything passes, ESA issues a Certificate of Acceptance to whoever filed the notification. If something doesn’t comply, the inspector issues a defect notice listing the corrections needed before the work can be accepted.
Why the Certificate of Acceptance Matters
It’s your proof that the work was reviewed and accepted, and you may need it for:
- Insurance claims: Insurers may ask for it, especially after a fire or electrical incident
- Selling your home: Buyers and home inspectors often ask about recent electrical work
- Future renovations: It shows the next electrician exactly what was done and when
If your contractor filed the notification, ask them for a copy once the review is complete.
What If Work Was Done Without a Permit?
Skipping the permit doesn’t make the problem go away. Unreported work can raise questions when you sell, complicate insurance claims, and hide wiring mistakes that may not show up until something fails.
If you’ve bought a home with unpermitted work, contact ESA or a licensed contractor to have it assessed. This is common with renovations that require an electrician, where electrical work gets folded into a bigger project.
How to Make Sure Your Contractor Files the Permit
Before you hire anyone, protect yourself with a few quick checks:
- Confirm they hold an ESA licence and verify it using ESA’s online contractor search
- Ask whether the permit is included in the quote
- Request the notification number once the work starts
- Get a copy of the Certificate of Acceptance when the job is complete
In Ontario, only a licensed electrical contractor can legally be hired to do electrical work in your home. If a contractor suggests skipping the permit to save money, treat it as a red flag.
Work With a Licensed GTA Electrician
At SiteTech Electrical, every job is handled by our ESA-licensed team (Licence #7013789), and we file all required notifications and inspections for you. Whether you’re planning a panel upgrade, pot light installation or a full renovation, you’ll get work that’s done right and fully documented.
Call us at (647) 939-3239 or request a free estimate to get started.
