1) You’ve made the decision to have electrical work done in your home. Now it’s time to hire the right person for the job.

Perhaps you talk to a few friends for referrals, or search ads for qualified electricians. But it’s not actually a qualified electrician you want to search for. That’s because in Ontario, if you’re hiring someone to do electrical work in your home, by law, it must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) are the only businesses in Ontario legally authorized to do electrical work in your home. Qualified electricians are employed by Licensed Electrical Contractors. An electrician is not permitted to perform work for hire unless they are employed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

2) Here are three things to help ensure you’re hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor:

(1) Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can provide you with an ECRA/ESA licence number that proves they can operate their electrical contracting business   in Ontario. This licence number should appear on their vehicles, business cards and estimates. Ask to see it.

(2) Licensed Electrical Contractors will be able to provide you with documentation (Certificate of Acceptance) from ESA once the work is complete, for your records. Keep this for insurance purposes.

(3) If you’re using a general contractor, interior designer or other trade professional who subcontracts the electrical work, confirm they’ve hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor for the electrical work. Also confirm the Licensed Electrical Contractor will be arranging the required electrical notification of work to the ESA. General handymen, or freelance electricians not working for a Licensed Electrical Contractor can’t do electrical work in your home unless their business holds an electrical contractor licence number.

 1) Thinking of Getting a Charger for Your Electric Vehicle?

Electric vehicles have different levels and types of charging that use different voltages (Volts) and amperages (Amps) to run. There are three levels of charging for electric vehicles. Typically, level 1 and level 2 are used for at-home charging. The following is an overview of the different levels:

• Level 1: This is a charge that uses a standard 120 Volt household outlet. It’s the slowest speed of charging for an electric vehicle.

• Level 2: Level 2 charging stations have about the same requirements as a large household appliance like a stove or dryer (240 Volts/ 30 Amps).
  Level 2 offers a faster charging time than level 1.

• Level 3: Level 3 charging stations are designed for commercial use and are not suitable for home installation. 

 2) Here’s what you need to know:

(1) Look for a certification mark

An EV charging system must carry the official mark or label of a recognized certification or evaluation agency. Before an electrical product or piece of electrical equipment is used, sold, displayed or advertised for sale in Ontario, it needs to be approved by an accredited certification or evaluation agency. This indicates that the product has been independently assessed for safety.

Check out all the recognized approval marks.

(2) Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor

In Ontario, if you’re hiring someone to do electrical work in your home, by law, it must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor with an ECRA/ESA electrical contracting licence.

Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor near you.

(3) Ensure you have the appropriate electrical panel

Electric vehicles can use a lot of power so it’s important to make sure that your electrical panel can handle the extra load. If your home requires an electrical panel upgrade, you will need to contact your local utility. A licensed electrical contractor can assist you to determine what needs to be done.  

(4) File a Notification

You must file a notification of work with ESA before starting the installation. The person doing the installation must file the notification of work. 

If you hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor, they will file a notification of work with ESA for the installation, and will provide you with a Certificate of Acceptance once the work has been completed and accepted as compliant with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Ask for a copy for your records. 

(5) More information

Grounded in Ontario Podcast — Episode 2: EV Supply Equipment

Electrical work can be incredibly complex and dangerous. Homeowners have the option to DIY electrical work in their home but, if done incorrectly, it can lead to property damage and put loved ones in danger.

ESA always recommends hiring a professional, as they have the equipment, training and expertise to do electrical work safely.

If you want to consider hiring a professional, ensure it’s a Licensed Electrical Contracting Business and verify their seven-digit ECRA/ESA number.  For example: 7012013

Electrical work can be incredibly complex and dangerous. Homeowners have the option to DIY electrical work in their home but, if done incorrectly, it can lead to property damage and put loved ones in danger.

ESA always recommends hiring a professional, as they have the equipment, training and expertise to do electrical work safely.

If you want to consider hiring a professional, ensure it’s a Licensed Electrical Contracting Business and verify their seven-digit ECRA/ESA number.  For example: 7012013

Looking to upgrade your electrical system but unsure whether to choose a Double Pole or 4-Way Switch? Understanding their differences is crucial for safety and efficiency in your home or business. In this comprehensive guide by LedGuru Lighting Inc., we break down the key features, applications, and ideal use cases of each switch type—helping you make the right choice with confidence. Whether you're dealing with high-voltage appliances or multi-location lighting control, we’ve got the expert advice you need. Read on to discover which switch suits your needs best!  click here

按照《加拿大电气规范》（CEC）的要求，200A service入口的电缆尺寸取决于电缆的类型和材料。以下是常见的电缆选择和规格：

1. 铜线：

   • 200A服务入口通常使用 3/0 AWG 铜线。

   • 该电缆需要额外考虑适当的护套和室外安装时的保护要求。

2. 铝线：

   • 如果使用铝线，200A服务入口则需要 4/0 AWG 铝线。

   • 铝线比铜线轻且更经济，但铝线的导电性较低，因此需要更大的尺寸。

3. 护套类型：

   • 对于室外或地下使用的服务电缆，常见的选择是 SEU（Service Entrance Cable, Underground） 或 USE（Underground Service Entrance Cable），这些电缆具有抗水性和抗紫外线性能。

   • 如果安装在管道内，电缆应使用适合湿润环境的型号。

4. 电缆管道：

   • 电缆进入电板时，应穿过 刚性金属导管（RMC） 或 电气金属管（EMT），或者PVC电气管道，以确保物理保护。