Maybe your lights are flickering, your breakers are tripping, or you just bought a hot tub and need more electrical power. Whatever the reason, many homeowners ask the same question:
Do I need a permit to change or upgrade my electrical panel in Ontario?
The short answer is yes—you do. But there’s a lot more to it than just getting the permit. Here’s why hiring a licensed electrical contractor like LB Electric in Ottawa is usually the smarter choice.
Why You Need a Permit to Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
In Ontario, electrical work is tightly regulated for safety reasons. Changing your main panel, upgrading from a fuse box, or even adding more space to your circuit breaker system all count as major work.
Under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, you’re legally required to apply for electrical permits before starting this kind of job. The permit helps confirm the work complies with safety standards and local building codes. It’s also a must for insurance purposes and resale value.
Permits are handled by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), which is the provincial safety authority responsible for overseeing electrical installations and electrical inspections.
You can make an online request to the ESA for a permit—but keep in mind that’s only the beginning.
What’s Involved in an Electrical Panel Upgrade?
Changing your panel isn’t like swapping out lighting fixtures. It usually involves:
- Disconnecting and reconnecting branch circuit wiring
- Possibly adding new electrical wiring to support modern appliances
- Working with your local utility to shut off and restore power
- Making space for arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
- Bringing your electrical components up to code
This is all before the final inspection. ESA inspectors will check the installation at several stages, and if something doesn’t meet the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, you’ll receive a defect notice and need to make necessary corrections.
Understanding electrical permits and following the right process is a lot for one person—especially if you’re not trained.
Obvious Signs You Might Need a New Panel
Not sure if it’s time to upgrade your electrical panel? Here are some signs:
- Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses
- Flickering lights
- Your home still has a fuse box
- You’re installing new appliances or renovations that need more power
- Burn marks or strange smells near the panel
If you’re seeing these, it’s time to call an experienced electrician.
Can I Do My Own Electrical Work?
Yes, as a homeowner, you can legally perform electrical work in your house if it’s your primary residence. But there are big risks involved, especially with something as major as a new electrical panel.
Most DIY electrical work is better left to experts when it involves your home’s electrical system. Mistakes can lead to power loss, safety issues, or even an electrical fire.
That’s why only licensed electrical contractors are allowed to do electrical work for others, and why it’s smart to bring in someone with the right training.
Why Hiring a Licensed Electrician is a Smart Move
A licensed electrical contracting business like LB Electric takes care of the entire process:
- Pulling the proper permits
- Coordinating with the local utility
- Completing safe, code-compliant installations
- Booking and managing the ESA inspections
- Giving you an ESA certificate—an important document that proves the work passed
Their certified electricians know how to work with local codes, deal with vapour barriers, install new outlet boxes, and bring everything up to standard in new or renovated homes.
They’re also ready for complicated installations, like panel upgrades that involve hot tubs, major renovations, or branch circuits in older homes.
Plus, hiring a licensed professional may help with homeowner’s insurance claims or resale value down the road.
What Affects the Cost of a Panel Upgrade?
The cost of upgrading an electrical panel can vary depending on:
- Size of the new panel (e.g., 100 amp vs. 200 amp)
- Access to the panel location
- Age and condition of your electrical wiring
- If building permits are also required
- Coordination with other contractors like your general contractor or HVAC technician
Still, the cost of doing it right is much lower than the cost of doing it twice—or worse, risking your home. Remember, the cost of doing it right the first time is far less than the cost of redoing it, or worse, dealing with an electrical hazard.
The Bottom Line
So, do you need a permit to change your electrical panel in Ontario? Yes, you absolutely do. And while you can apply and even try the job yourself, it’s usually safer, faster, and smarter to hire a licensed electrician.
LB Electric has helped hundreds of Ottawa homeowners with panel upgrades, service panel replacements, and full electrical system overhauls. We know the ins and outs of the electrical safety authority, how to meet safety standards, and how to do the job right the first time.
Need help with your next electrical project? Contact LB Electric. We’ll save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Ready to get started? Contact LB Electric today, we’ll save you time, money, and peace of mind.
