For work beyond simple maintenance a permit will be required.

No permit is required for testing, or for simple replacement of switches, receptacles, light bulbs up to 347 volts, ballasts and the like. A licenced electrical contractor can perform repairs without a permit so long as no modification or additions are made. In all other cases an electrical permit is required.

Full details are in the Electrical Safety Regulation.

While it may sometimes be tempting to do work without permits in an attempt to save time and/or money, remember that having work done under permits provides some protection against falling victim to unqualified or shoddy workmanship.

For work that does require a permit the person doing the work is responsible for getting the permit. In most municipalities the permit would be aquired from the BC Safety Authority. Some municipalities look after their own permits and inspections. You can check which applies to your job on the BC Safety Authority municipality list page.

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