Deviation Requests
ESA’s process for submitting deviation requests has changed. Additionally, and effective April 1st, 2025, deviation requests will incur a fee of $388 for the first two hours of review time, and then a fee of $194 per additional hour of review reflecting the time and effort from ESA personnel, and the increasing complexity of these requests.
The updated ESA Fee Guide can be found here.
For designers, installers or property owners who wish to undertake an electrical installation that deviates from the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), a formal request is required to be submitted to ESA for review and consideration. The Deviation Request Form must be completed and emailed by the applicant to deviation.request@electricalsafety.on.ca. All further communication for that specific request must be made in response to the related email. Please do not send a new email.
The Deviation Request Form can be downloaded here.
Ensure all fields in the Deviation Request Form are completed to assist with the review. If required information is missing, the form will be returned to the applicant, and the review will be delayed. The information below is provided as a guide to assist with fields that may or may not apply:
Applicant Information
- Contact Number: At least one contact number is required
- PO #: Required only if you need it referenced
- ESA\ECRA Lic #: Required if you are an LEC
- Account #: If you do not have an ESA account, contact ESA at 1-800-746-6480 for assistance
Site Information
- All information in this section should be completed as accurately as possible
Details of Deviation Request
- Reason and Circumstance for Deviation: Explain why the OESC requirements cannot be met
- Alternative Measures Proposed to Satisfy Code Intent: Explain how the Code will be met using alternative safety measures
- Further Documentation Attached: Select yes if attaching supporting documentation such as product sheets, single line drawings, images etc.