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What is an Electrical Permit and When is One Required?
All electrical work, with some small exceptions, requires a permit whether done by a contractor or a homeowner. An electrical permit gives permission or authorization in writing to perform work regulated by the BC Safety Authority. Contractors must obtain permits and submit an  Electrical Contractor Authorization as the work progresses and upon completion of the installation.

An electrical permit is not required for the replacement of defective fuses, receptacles, switches or lamps with identical types and ratings.

Who Can Take Out an Electrical Permit?
The person or company doing the work takes out the electrical permit. If you hire someone to do the work, they must obtain the permit. If you're doing the work yourself, you need to obtain the permit and must reside in the  fully detached single-family dwelling.

A fully detached single family dwelling means any of the following if occupied or intended by the owner to be occupied as a permanent residence:

• any detached building containing only one dwelling unit;
• a manufactured home as defined in the Manufactured Home Act;
• a recreational vehicle

HIRING AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

If you’re re-wiring your home or doing renovations that require new or altered electrical systems, the best way to proceed is to hire a qualified electrical contractor licensed with the BC Safety Authority. 

All licensed contractors are, or employ, electricians who are certified Field Safety Representatives (FSR).  An FSR is the person who will be responsible for the permit issued to the contractor, with the class of the FSR determining the scope of work the contractor is allowed to perform.  

All FSRs have demonstrated to the BC Safety Authority that they have the necessary qualifications – and passed a written exam administered by us – before being issued a Field Safety Representative Certificate of Qualification. This allows them to install, maintain, operate and repair electrical products.

Look for contractors who:

• Are licensed with the BC Safety Authority
  
• Are bonded and insured for liability and property damage 
• Offer warranties that cover equipment, materials, and labour   
• Offer maintenance and service after installation and after warranties have expired 
• Provide customer references
• Are members in good standing of the Better Business Bureau

Remember: As the homeowner, you must ensure the appropriate electrical permits are in place. Protect yourself by calling 1-866-566-7233 to confirm that your contractor is registered with the BCSA and that a permit has been issued for the work on your home. You should also ask the contractor for the BCSA permit number for your records.

“DO IT YOURSELF” INSTALLATIONS

If you have sufficient knowledge and feel confident in your ability to do the work, you may apply for a permit to perform regulated electrical work, provided that:

• The work will be done on a single-family fully detached dwelling that is, or is intended to be, your permanent dwelling.   
• The work will be done on ancillary buildings, such as detached garages and workshops, located on the same property.
  
• The fully detached dwelling does not include one or more self-contained suites.
  
• The work will be done on your vacation premises, such as a cottage, provided the premises will not be rented or used as a source of income for the owner.
  

For more detailed information on when homeowners may perform regulated work, please call 1-866-566-SAFE (7233), contact your local safety officer or refer to the Safety Standards Act.
All electrical work done by a homeowner MUST be inspected by a BC Safety Authority Safety Officer.

Additional information for homeowners
The following documents provide essential safety and background information if you are considering doing your own electrical work:

Electrical Safety Homeowner Information Guide
Electrical Homeowner Declaration
Electrical Installation Permit Application
Electrical Homeowner Inspection Request Form
Homeowner Temporary Connection Request Form

For more information, please see the following two Directives:

ELECTRICAL PERMIT AND INSPECTION FEES

ELECTRICAL PROGRAM QUICK REFERENCE FEE TABLE

The cost of your permit depends on the value of the work (installation) you are completing.

For more information on electrical homeowner installations, including number of inspections
per permit, please see the Homeowner Installation Permits section of the Electrical
Fee Schedule.

Fees are calculated based on cost of materials (excluding utilization equipment, such as fixtures). This accounts for the value of labour for the installation.

All electrical work done by a homeowner MUST be inspected by a BC Safety Authority Safety Officer.  A limited number of inspections are included in the cost of your permit. Permits expire 180 days from the last inspection and a renewal fee may be required.

Additional inspections are billed at an hourly rate.  You must call for an inspection after completing the work and allow access to your property by BCSA Safety Officers. 

If you require an inspection before or after normal working hours, you should put this request in writing and you must agree to pay the Safety Officer's overtime rate (plus GST) as well as any additional costs.
For more detailed information on fees for electrical work done by homeowners, please see the Homeowner Installation Permits section of the  Electrical Fee Schedule.

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