An ESA permit is a filing with the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority that says “here’s electrical work being done, here’s who’s doing it, and please inspect when we’re finished”. It’s required by law for most electrical installations in Ontario.
What work needs an ESA permit?
- Anything that adds a new circuit to your panel (EV charger, hot tub, sub-panel).
- Panel upgrades and meter base changes.
- Generator installs with transfer switches.
- Whole-home surge protector installs (panel-level).
- Hardwired smoke and CO detector systems (when adding new circuits).
What doesn’t need an ESA permit?
- Like-for-like swaps that don’t change the circuit (replacing a dimmer with another dimmer, swapping a single old smoke detector for a new one of the same type).
- Most low-voltage work (Ring cameras, doorbells, security cameras at the existing transformer).
- Lighting fixture swaps on an existing circuit.
What does an ESA permit cost?
It varies by job — $150–$350 for most residential installs — and it’s already included in our catalogue price. You don’t pay it separately.
What does the inspector actually do?
An ESA-licensed inspector visits within 1–5 business days of our filing. They check:
- Grounding and bonding.
- Breaker selection and wire sizing.
- Junction box and panel work meets code (OESC, latest edition).
- Specific safety details for the work type (charger anti-pull-out, generator transfer switch, etc.).
Most inspections take 15–30 minutes. You don’t need to be there — the inspector lets us know if access is needed.
What if the inspection fails?
Rare on our installs but possible. We fix whatever the inspector flags at no charge and schedule a re-inspection. The original inspection fee covers it.
Why a permit protects you
- Insurance — most homeowner policies require permitted electrical work for claims related to electrical fires or shocks.
- Home resale — buyers ask for ESA paperwork on EV chargers and panel work.
- Safety — an independent set of eyes confirming the work is to code.
See what an ESA inspection actually involves for the deep version.