How do I get a copy of my ESA inspection certificate?

You can get a copy of your ESA inspection certificate by contacting ESA directly at 1-877-372-7233 or through their online portal at esasafe.com - they maintain records of all electrical inspections in Ontario, including Ottawa.

The Electrical Safety Authority keeps digital records of all electrical inspections, so retrieving your certificate is straightforward. Here's exactly how to get it:

Contact ESA Customer Service
Call 1-877-372-7233 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM). Have your inspection number, address, and approximate date of inspection ready. They can email or mail you a copy of the certificate, usually within 1-2 business days.

Online Through ESA Portal
Visit esasafe.com and look for the "My ESA" portal. If you or your contractor set up an online account during the permit process, you can log in and download certificates directly. This is the fastest option if you have access.

What Information You'll Need
ESA will ask for the property address where the work was done, approximate date of inspection, and possibly the permit number or inspection number. If you don't have these details, they can search by address and date range, though it may take longer.

Why You Might Need This Certificate
ESA certificates are often required for home insurance claims, real estate transactions, or if you're selling your home. They prove that electrical work was done to code and properly inspected. Keep copies with your home maintenance records.

If You Can't Find Your Inspection
Sometimes homeowners think they have an ESA certificate when the work was actually done without proper permits. If ESA has no record of an inspection at your address, it means the electrical work may not have been done legally. This is a red flag that could affect insurance coverage or home sales.

For Future Reference
When hiring electrical contractors in Ottawa, always verify they're Licensed Electrical Contractors (LEC) through esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Only LECs can pull ESA permits, and they're required to arrange inspections for all electrical work over basic maintenance.

The ESA inspection certificate is your proof that electrical work meets Ontario safety standards - it's worth keeping these documents safe and knowing how to get copies when needed.