What happens during an ESA inspection?

An ESA inspection is a mandatory safety check performed by an Electrical Safety Authority inspector after most electrical work is completed in Ontario. The inspector verifies that all work meets the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) and is safe for use.

The ESA Inspection Process

When your licensed electrician completes electrical work requiring a permit, they'll schedule an ESA inspection within 3-5 business days. The inspector will arrive at your property during the scheduled timeframe and conduct a thorough examination of all new electrical work.

During the inspection, the ESA inspector will check:

• All new wiring is properly sized and installed according to code


• Electrical connections are secure and properly made


• GFCI and AFCI protection is installed where required


• Proper grounding and bonding throughout the system


• Panel labeling is clear and accurate


• Required clearances around electrical equipment are maintained


• All work matches what was described on the permit

The inspector uses specialized testing equipment to verify proper grounding, check for short circuits, and ensure all safety devices function correctly. They'll also review the work against the permit details to confirm everything was installed as approved.

What Happens After the Inspection

If everything passes, the inspector issues a Certificate of Inspection on the spot or within 24 hours. This certificate is crucial - it's proof that your electrical work is safe and code-compliant, which you'll need for insurance claims, home sales, or future electrical work.

If issues are found, the inspector will issue a deficiency notice listing what needs to be corrected. Your electrician must fix these issues and schedule a re-inspection. Common deficiencies include improper wire connections, missing GFCI protection, or inadequate clearances around panels.

Preparing for Your ESA Inspection

Make sure all work areas are accessible - remove stored items from around panels and clear pathways to new electrical installations. The inspector needs to see all connections and test all new circuits. Your electrician should handle most preparation, but having clear access helps ensure a smooth inspection.

Remember, only the work covered by the permit gets inspected - the ESA inspector won't evaluate your entire electrical system unless specifically requested. However, if they notice obvious safety hazards during their inspection, they may flag those as well.

For questions about your specific inspection or to verify permit status, contact ESA directly at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (372-7233) or visit esasafe.com. Want to ensure your electrical work passes inspection the first time? Electrical Ottawa's licensed electricians know ESA requirements inside and out.