What is an electrical permit and when is one required?
What is an electrical permit and when is one required?
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, he/she must obtain the permit. If you're doing the work yourself, you must obtain the permit. The homeowner must reside in the detached singe-family dwelling.
HIRING AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
If you’re rewiring 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 authorizing them to accept the responsibility for installing, maintaining, operating and repairing 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. You can protect yourself by calling the BCSA at 1-866-566-7233 to confirm that your contractor is registered with us 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.
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, he/she must obtain the permit. If you're doing the work yourself, you must obtain the permit. The homeowner must reside in the detached singe-family dwelling.
HIRING AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
If you’re rewiring 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 authorizing them to accept the responsibility for installing, maintaining, operating and repairing 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. You can protect yourself by calling the BCSA at 1-866-566-7233 to confirm that your contractor is registered with us 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.
BCD Electric RSS feed