How do I verify if an electrician is licensed with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario?

To verify an electrician's ESA license in Ontario, use the ESA's online contractor lookup tool at esasafe.com/contractor-locator or licensing.esasafe.com - this is the only official way to confirm their Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) status.

In Ontario, all electrical work must be performed by or under the supervision of a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) who holds a valid ESA license. This is a legal requirement under the Electrical Safety Code, and any electrical work done by unlicensed individuals can create serious safety hazards and insurance issues.

Here's exactly how to verify an electrician's license in Ottawa:

Step 1: Get Their License Information
Ask the electrician for their ESA license number and the exact business name on their license. A legitimate electrician will provide this immediately - if they hesitate or make excuses, that's a red flag.

Step 2: Use the Official ESA Lookup
Go to esasafe.com and click on "Find a Contractor" or go directly to licensing.esasafe.com. You can search by business name, license number, or location. The system will show you their current license status, expiration date, and any restrictions or conditions.

Step 3: Verify Active Status
Make sure the license shows as "Active" and hasn't expired. ESA licenses must be renewed regularly, and expired licenses mean they cannot legally perform electrical work. Also check that the business name matches exactly what's on their quote or business card.

What to Watch For
Be cautious if an electrician claims they "work under someone else's license" but can't provide the master electrician's information. While apprentices and employees can work under a licensed contractor, the LEC must be directly supervising the work and pulling the permits. Also, avoid anyone who suggests skipping the ESA permit process - all electrical work in Ontario requires proper permits and inspections.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations
In Ottawa, electrical permits are obtained directly from ESA, not the City of Ottawa. The ESA inspection fee is typically $100-200 depending on the scope of work. After completion, ESA will issue a Certificate of Inspection, which you'll need for insurance purposes and if you ever sell your home.

Remember, even if you're doing electrical work yourself as a homeowner (which is legally allowed), you still need ESA permits and inspections. However, most insurance companies and the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) strongly recommend using licensed professionals for safety and liability reasons.

For any electrical work in your Ottawa home, always verify the contractor's ESA license first - it's your best protection against unsafe work and potential legal issues.