Why the process matters
Circuit sizing, conductor protection, mounting, equipment approval and service capacity all affect safety. Documentation also gives homeowners a clear record of the work.
What the contractor handles
The electrical contractor scopes the installation, completes required notifications, performs the work and coordinates applicable inspection requirements.
Questions to ask
Confirm the contractor's ECRA/ESA licence, what is included in the quote, whether the charger is approved for use in Canada and what documentation you receive after completion.
Common questions
EV charger permits and ESA: common questions
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Ontario?
You need an ESA notification rather than a typical municipal building permit. A new 240-volt charging circuit is electrical work, and a licensed electrical contractor must notify the Electrical Safety Authority, which inspects the installation.
Who files the notification — me or the contractor?
Your licensed electrical contractor files it. If a quote doesn't mention ESA notification, ask why before you accept it.
What happens during the ESA inspection?
An inspector verifies the circuit sizing, conductor protection, connections, equipment approval and mounting against the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Once it passes, the work is documented against the licensed contractor's number.
What if my charger was installed without notification?
Unnotified electrical work can complicate a home insurance claim and gets flagged during a home sale. A licensed contractor can inspect the existing installation, correct deficiencies and bring it through the proper process.
Can I install a charger myself?
Ontario permits homeowners to do electrical work in their own single-family home under a homeowner notification, but a 240-volt continuous load is unforgiving of sizing or termination errors, and insurers scrutinize it. For EV charging we strongly recommend licensed work.
How do I verify a contractor is licensed?
Ask for the ECRA/ESA licence number and check it against the ESA's public contractor listing. Our electrical work is carried out by Breton Electrical Inc., ECRA/ESA licence #7018356.