2026 Guide

How to Hire a Electrician in Ontario

Electrical work is one of the most regulated trades in Ontario for good reason — mistakes can cause fires, electrocution, or void your home insurance. Here is how to make sure you hire a qualified electrician every time.

2,196
Electricians
67%
Licensed
42%
WSIB Registered

Hiring Checklist

Verify ESA/ECRA licence
All electrical contractors in Ontario must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority. Verify at esasafe.com.
Confirm they pull ESA permits
Most electrical work requires a permit and inspection. Unpermitted work is illegal and can void your insurance.
Check liability insurance ($2M minimum)
Electrical mistakes can cause fires. Insurance protects your property if something goes wrong.
Verify WSIB registration
Protects you from liability if an electrician is injured on your property.
Get itemized written quote
Should include labour, materials, permits, and ESA inspection fees separately.
Ask about their experience with your specific job
EV charger installation requires different expertise than knob-and-tube replacement.
Compare Trust Index scores on FinderHub
See ESA licence status, multi-platform ratings, and review sentiment in one place.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not ESA/ECRA licensed

This is non-negotiable. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal in Ontario and your insurance will not cover any resulting damage.

Says permits are not needed

Almost all electrical work beyond replacing a light switch requires an ESA permit. If they say otherwise, find someone else.

No written quote

Electrical jobs can escalate quickly. A detailed written quote protects both parties.

Wants to skip the ESA inspection

Inspections ensure safety and code compliance. Skipping them puts your family at risk.

Cash-only, no receipt

This usually means they are not reporting income and may not carry proper insurance.

Cannot explain what they will do

A good electrician can explain the work in plain language. If they cannot, they may not fully understand the job.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

\u201cWhat is your ESA/ECRA licence number?\u201d

Good answer: They should provide it immediately. Verify at esasafe.com before hiring.

\u201cWill you pull the ESA permit?\u201d

Good answer: Yes, and the permit cost should be included in the quote.

\u201cIs my panel adequate for this work?\u201d

Good answer: They should assess your panel capacity and explain if upgrades are needed before starting.

\u201cWhat is included in your warranty?\u201d

Good answer: Labour warranty of 1–2 years minimum, plus manufacturer warranties on fixtures and panels.

\u201cHow will you handle the ESA inspection?\u201d

Good answer: They should schedule the inspection and be present to address any findings.

Licensing: Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

Every electrical contractor in Ontario must hold an ECRA/ESA licence. The Electrical Safety Authority maintains a public registry where you can verify any contractor. Hiring an unlicensed electrician is not just risky — it is illegal, and any resulting damage may not be covered by your home insurance.

Verify at Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) \u2192

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed electrician in Ontario?

Yes. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires all electrical work to be done by ESA-licensed contractors. Violations can result in fines and voided insurance.

What does an ESA permit cost?

ESA notification (permit) fees typically range from $100 to $300 depending on the scope of work.

Can I do my own electrical work?

Homeowners can do basic work in their own primary residence with an ESA permit and inspection, but anything complex should be left to licensed professionals.

How do I verify an electrician’s licence?

Visit esasafe.com and use their contractor verification tool. Enter the contractor name or licence number.

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