What Is ESA in Ontario?
- 416 Construction
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
The Electrical Safety Authority, commonly called the ESA, is the organization responsible for overseeing electrical safety in Ontario. In residential and commercial construction, the ESA reviews electrical installations to determine whether they comply with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
The ESA is separate from the City of Toronto and its building department. A municipal building permit does not normally cover electrical work. A renovation, addition or custom home may therefore require both a City building permit and a separate electrical notification through the ESA. (Esa Safe)
What Is an ESA Electrical Notification?
An ESA electrical notification is a formal record of electrical work being completed at a property. It is frequently referred to as an electrical permit, although the ESA officially calls it a notification of work.
Almost all electrical work in Ontario must be reported to the ESA by filing a notification before the work begins. The notification allows the ESA to review the installation and determine whether an inspection or another form of technical review is required. (Esa Safe)
When a Licensed Electrical Contractor is hired, the contractor should file the notification under its own licence. A homeowner should not obtain a notification on behalf of a contractor. (Esa Safe)
What Types of Work May Require ESA Involvement?
ESA involvement may be required when electrical work forms part of a project such as:
Building a new custom home
Completing a home addition
Renovating a kitchen or bathroom
Finishing or legalizing a basement
Converting a house into multiple residential units
Replacing or upgrading an electrical panel
Installing new circuits, receptacles or lighting
Rewiring an older property
Installing electric heating equipment
Adding an electric vehicle charger
Repairing electrical damage after a fire or flood
The exact notification and inspection requirements depend on the nature and complexity of the electrical installation.
Who Is Allowed to Complete Electrical Work?
In Ontario, electrical work performed for hire must generally be completed by a
Licensed Electrical Contractor. Property owners should ask for the contractor’s ECRA/ESA licence number and confirm that it belongs to the business completing the work. (Esa Safe)
Homeowners may be permitted to complete electrical work in a home they own, including certain rental properties, but they remain responsible for meeting the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and filing the required notification. Electrical work can be dangerous, and complex installations should be completed by a qualified and properly licensed contractor. (Esa Safe)
What Happens During an ESA Inspection?
The ESA inspection is limited to the electrical installation. It is different from a City building, plumbing, HVAC or structural inspection.
Depending on the project, the electrical work may need to be reviewed at more than one stage. Wiring and electrical components should not be concealed until the applicable ESA review has taken place. Complicated projects may require inspections during construction and again when the installation is substantially complete. (Esa Safe)
An inspector may review items such as:
Electrical panels and service equipment
Wiring methods
Circuit protection
Grounding and bonding
Receptacles, switches and lighting outlets
Electrical connections
Equipment installations
Required safety devices
Compliance with the approved electrical design and applicable code
The inspection does not replace the contractor’s responsibility to complete safe and code-compliant work.
What Is an ESA Certificate of Acceptance?
Once the electrical installation has been reviewed and accepted, the ESA issues a Certificate of Acceptance to the person or contractor who filed the notification.
The certificate confirms that the reported electrical work was reviewed and accepted as complying with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. It can be an important record for the property owner, particularly for insurance, future renovations and the sale of the property. (Esa Safe)
Owners should request a copy of the Certificate of Acceptance from their Licensed Electrical Contractor and retain it with the property’s other permits, inspection reports and construction records.
Is ESA Approval the Same as a Building Permit?
No. ESA acceptance and a municipal building permit cover different areas of construction.
The City reviews matters such as structural work, fire separations, plumbing, HVAC, zoning and general Ontario Building Code compliance. The ESA is responsible for reviewing electrical installations under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
A project may pass its City inspections but still require separate ESA review and acceptance before all electrical work is considered complete.
How Long Does an ESA Inspection Take?
The overall timeline depends on the size of the project, the inspection stages required, inspector availability and whether any deficiencies are identified.
A small residential renovation may require a relatively straightforward review. A custom home, multi-unit conversion, commercial renovation or complete rewiring project may require multiple inspections and additional coordination.
If deficiencies are found, the electrical contractor may need to correct the work and arrange a follow-up inspection before the ESA can issue final acceptance.
Why Is ESA Documentation Important?
ESA documentation creates a permanent record that electrical work was reported and reviewed. This can help demonstrate that the installation was completed through the proper process.
Missing ESA documentation may create questions during:
A home sale
An insurance application or claim
A fire investigation
A rental inspection
A future renovation
The legalization of an existing unit
A request for electrical service changes
Before purchasing or renovating an older home, owners may also wish to determine whether previous electrical work was reported to the ESA. (Esa Safe)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ESA stand for?
ESA stands for Electrical Safety Authority.
Do I need ESA approval for a renovation?
ESA involvement is generally required when the renovation includes electrical work such as new wiring, circuits, outlets, lighting or panel modifications.
Does the electrician arrange the ESA inspection?
When a Licensed Electrical Contractor is completing the work, the contractor normally files the notification and coordinates the required ESA review.
Can drywall be installed before the electrical inspection?
Electrical wiring should not be concealed until the required review has taken place. Closing walls too early may result in finished materials having to be removed.
What document should I receive when the work is complete?
The contractor should provide the property owner with the ESA Certificate of Acceptance after the electrical installation has been reviewed and accepted.
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