Electrical work in Ontario homes: ESA notifications, DIY rules and licensed contractors

Unpermitted electrical work is one of the most common problems found when a renovated house is sold or insured. In Ontario the rules are simple, but many people do not know them: every job needs a notification with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), and the person you pay to do it must hold an electrical contractor licence.

Every job needs a notification

ESA says that even for little jobs you must file a notification of work, which is the electrical permit, with ESA before starting. A building permit is not the same thing; a renovation may need both. ESA says fees vary with the job and that for many small residential projects they can be less than $100.

Doing it yourself

Homeowners may do electrical work in their own home or rental building, but must file the notification themselves. Friends, family members or neighbours may not do electrical installations in your home.

Hiring someone

If you pay someone to do electrical work in your home, the law requires a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC). Licensed businesses have a 7-digit ECRA/ESA licence number that you can check with ESA. Individual electricians and Master Electricians may not do work for hire on their own; they work for a licensed contractor.

Inspections and the certificate

Do not close walls or ceilings before ESA has reviewed the work; larger jobs may need inspections at several stages. When the work passes, ESA issues a Certificate of Acceptance to the person who filed the notification. Keep it with your house records; buyers, insurers and lenders may ask for it.

Code edition

The newest edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code came into effect on May 1, 2025. Work is inspected against the code in force when it is done.

Prevention Checklist

• Ask your contractor for their 7-digit ECRA/ESA licence number and check it with ESA.
• Make sure a notification is filed before work starts.
• Do not let drywall go up until ESA has inspected.
• Keep the Certificate of Acceptance with your house records.
• Doing it yourself: only in your own home, and file the notification yourself.

References

1. Electrical Safety Authority. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electrical Work, Web page, Homeowner work; notification. Accessed 2026-11-01.
2. Electrical Safety Authority. Notifications and Inspections, Web page, Notification before work; inspections. Accessed 2026-11-01.
3. Electrical Safety Authority. Can a homeowner file a notification of work?, Web page, Homeowner notification. Accessed 2026-11-01.

Next on ArtBuild