Do I Need a Permit for Electrical Work in Ontario?

Yes, for most real electrical work

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requires a permit, technically called a notification, for most electrical work in Ontario. This includes panel upgrades, adding new circuits, rewiring, EV charger installations, and most renovation-related electrical work. The permit exists to make sure the work gets inspected and meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

• ✓ Requires a permit, panel upgrades, new circuits, sub-panels, EV charger installs, rewiring, and most service upgrades.
• ✓ Usually doesn't require a permit, simple like-for-like replacements such as swapping an existing outlet, switch, or light fixture without changing the wiring.
• ✓ Who files it, a licensed electrical contractor typically files the ESA notification before starting the job, as part of the service.

Why skipping the permit is a real risk

Unpermitted electrical work can cause real problems later: your insurance company can deny a claim if a fire or damage is traced to unpermitted work, and it can complicate a home sale if a buyer's inspector flags it. The permit and inspection aren't red tape for its own sake, they're what confirms the work is actually safe.