The Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection is the final sign-off on permitted electrical work. Here’s exactly what happens.
Scheduling
Once we’ve finished the install, we file the “ready for inspection” notice with ESA online. An inspector picks up the file and contacts you (or us, if access doesn’t require you to be present) to schedule.
Typical wait time: 1–5 business days. Rush options exist for tight timelines — small additional fee.
On inspection day
An ESA-licensed inspector arrives in the time window provided. Most inspections are 15–30 minutes. They show their credentials, you let them in (or unlock the panel access if outdoors), and they get to work.
What they check
The inspector verifies the installation meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), specifically:
- Grounding and bonding — ground rod, panel ground, bonding to water pipes.
- Breaker selection — right amperage for the wire size and load.
- Wire size and routing — correct gauge, protected where it needs protection.
- Junction boxes and terminations — properly torqued, accessible, covered.
- Panel work — main breaker, neutral, ground, balanced load.
- Specific safety details — charger anti-pull-out, generator transfer switch logic, GFCI placement.
- The label is filled out — circuit directory updated.
What they don’t check
The inspector is verifying our work against the OESC. They’re not auditing your old wiring — just the new addition. Unrelated existing electrical issues won’t cause a fail of our work (though the inspector may note them informally).
If everything passes
The inspector files a Certificate of Acceptance. ESA emails it to us; we email it to you. It lands in your portal as well. You keep it for warranty / insurance / resale records.
If something fails
The inspector writes a Notice of Defect listing what needs to change. We fix it at no charge (workmanship warranty) and request a re-inspection. The original inspection fee usually covers one re-visit. Total time impact: usually 3–5 extra business days.
Failures on our installs are rare — we test before filing. When they happen, it’s usually a small thing (a missing label, a connector that needed a different torque) and the re-inspection is uneventful.
Inspections we don’t coordinate
If you’ve done your own electrical work (not via Copper Bee), you file your own permit and arrange your own inspection. ESA inspects DIY work but only if you have a permit — that’s the legal requirement.