The electrician you’re looking for doesn’t exist

The ad you just clicked on was a fake, made to look like the kind of ads unlicensed electricians might use.

There are lots of ads for electricians on Kijiji. Some of these folks are great and you can trust them. Some are shady and can put your home at risk. Some aren’t even electricians at all!

Just know: Every Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) is required to include their licence number in their ad. And in Ontario, it’s illegal to hire an electrician who doesn’t have an ECRA/ESA licence number.

Our fake ad said a lot of reassuring things—details about the electrician’s years of experience, skills, and references. But what the ad did NOT include is an ECRA/ESA licence number. If an electrician doesn’t provide their licence number, then ask for it, or find another electrician.

Don’t take risks with who you hire. Find or verify that your electrician is an LEC using ESA’s find a contractor tool.

How an LEC protects your home and family

Only LECs have the expertise, equipment, and training to do the job safely. Poor electrical work can cause electrical shocks, fires, or even death.

Only LECs have the expertise, equipment, and training to do the job safely. Poor electrical work can cause electrical shocks, fires, or even death.
LECs are bonded and fully insured, which is the only way to be sure that you won’t be held responsible if there’s an accident on the job.
LECs are required to file for an ESA permit (you should insist that they do), which means their work will be reviewed by the ESA.
LECs will provide an ESA Certificate of Acceptance after the electrical work is reviewed and approved.

Red flags

If you notice any of the following, chances are the electrician you’re considering or hired may not actually be an LEC.

There’s no ECRA/ESA licence number on their work vehicle or estimate.
The electrician won’t show you their licence number when you ask for it.
They do more than just electrical work, like drywall, flooring, plumbing, snow removal, or other home improvement.
They don’t have all the appropriate paperwork, such as estimates, contracts, and professional licences.
They ask you to get the ESA permit or say you don’t need one.
They offer a discount if you pay cash, they accept only cash, and/or won’t provide a receipt.
They say you don’t need to involve your local electric utility to change your electrical panel or upgrade your electrical service.
They say, “If anyone asks, tell them you did the work yourself.”

If you notice any of these red flags, it’s important that you report the company to the ESA so we can investigate. More importantly, do not hire them! You’re putting you, your family and your property at risk!

Make sure your LEC files a permit with the ESA

When you hire an LEC, make sure they file a permit (also known as an electrical notification of work) with the ESA. An ESA electrical permit is separate from a building permit.
An ESA permit creates a permanent record of the electrical work that has been done in your home and triggers a review process by ESA that ensures compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

Homeowner