Overview: Electricians
Electricians in Canada wire everything from a block heater outlet by the driveway to a full service upgrade. They swap panels, run new circuits, install generator transfer switches and hook up car chargers. They're also who you call when breakers trip on the coldest night, with a space heater and a kettle sharing one circuit.
Who you can hire is set by the province. In Ontario, the law says it must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. You can't hire a master electrician directly, only the licensed contractor they work for. In Quebec, the company gets its licence through the CMEQ, the body for master electricians. In British Columbia, the work is done by trained people who work for licensed firms. A homeowner can only get a permit for a detached house they own and live in, with no rental suite.
Old wiring tends to come up when you buy insurance. Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority says knob and tube wiring is safe when a licensed contractor keeps it in good shape. Yet many insurers won't cover or renew a home that has it. ESA suggests having a licensed contractor look at it, since a home inspector checks the whole house and they check only the wiring.
Our listings show what each contractor states on its own website about licences, insurance and the jobs it takes on. Use the province and city lists to reach electricians in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What electrical work needs a permit?
In Ontario, almost all of it. Whoever does the work files a notice with ESA before or soon after they start, and that goes for homeowners working on their own house too. A building permit doesn't replace it, and you may need both. In British Columbia, a licensed firm can swap a switch, an outlet or a thermostat with no permit. Most other jobs need one, from Technical Safety BC or your town or city.
What does an electrical panel upgrade involve?
A notification or permit, a date booked with your local utility to cut the power, then the new panel, circuits landed and labelled, and grounding brought up to code. In Ontario, ESA lists a contractor who says the utility needn't be involved as one sign of unlicensed work. Another is asking you to take out the permit yourself. A real contractor files it.
Is old wiring in my house a problem?
It can be a problem for your insurance before it's one for your safety. ESA says knob and tube is safe when properly maintained, but many insurers see it as a higher risk, and some want it replaced before they'll offer coverage. Ask your insurer what it needs to see. Then have a licensed contractor assess the wiring and put the findings in writing.
What should I know before adding a car charger?
In Ontario, every charger install needs an electrical permit filed with ESA before the work starts. The charger has to carry a recognized Canadian certification mark, so check the label before you buy one online. Then comes capacity. Chargers draw a lot of power, so have the contractor check what your panel can carry, and if it needs an upgrade, your utility gets involved too.
What paperwork should I keep after electrical work?
In Ontario, the Certificate of Acceptance. ESA issues it to whoever filed the notification once the work passes review, so ask your contractor for a copy. ESA calls it important for insurance and resale. In Quebec, the CMEQ advises getting a written, detailed quote that lists the work and materials, then a written contract. Keep those with the invoice and the contractor's licence number.
