Do I need a master electrician or will a journeyman do?

In Ontario, you need an ESA-licensed electrical contractor for most electrical work - the specific certification level depends on your project's complexity. Both journeyman and master electricians can perform residential electrical work legally, but there are important distinctions.

Journeyman electricians have completed their apprenticeship and can perform all standard residential electrical work under an electrical contractor's license. This includes panel upgrades, rewiring, outlet installation, EV charger installation, and most home electrical projects. The vast majority of residential electrical work falls within a journeyman's scope of practice.

Master electricians have additional training and can take on more complex commercial and industrial projects. For typical homeowner needs like panel upgrades, adding circuits, or installing EV chargers, a journeyman electrician is perfectly qualified and often more cost-effective.

What matters most in Ontario is the contractor's ESA license status. The Electrical Safety Authority requires all electrical contractors to be licensed, carry WSIB coverage, and maintain liability insurance. Whether the electrician on your job is a journeyman or master, they must work under a licensed electrical contractor who pulls the proper ESA permits and ensures code compliance.

For residential projects, focus on these qualifications instead:

• ESA-licensed electrical contractor


• WSIB coverage and liability insurance


• Experience with your specific type of work


• Good local reputation and references


• Proper permit pulling and inspection process

The exception might be very complex projects like large commercial installations, industrial work, or specialized systems where a master electrician's additional expertise provides value. For standard home electrical work, an experienced journeyman working under a licensed contractor will handle your project professionally and safely.

At Electrical Ottawa, our ESA-licensed electricians have 15+ years of residential experience and can handle everything from simple outlet additions to complete home rewiring. Before hiring, ask any electrician to confirm their WSIB coverage and liability insurance, and make sure ESA permits are being pulled for the work — that protection is worth verifying yourself.

For a free consultation on your electrical project, contact Electrical Ottawa through the Ottawa Construction Network.