ESA permit for EV charger installation in Markham
In Ontario, electrical work for hire must be done by a contractor licensed through the Electrical Safety Authority and registered with ECRA. Our work is performed by Freedom Electrical, ESA/ECRA Licence #7011915. You can verify any contractor on the ESA's public search before you sign.
The process
- The contractor files a Notification of Work with the ESA before starting.
- The charger circuit is installed to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and with CSA-certified equipment.
- An ESA inspector reviews the work.
- You receive a Certificate of Acceptance.
Why it matters
A charger runs at high current for hours. Wrong wire gauge, an undersized breaker or a loose connection is a genuine fire risk. Insurers can also question claims involving unpermitted electrical work, and buyers increasingly ask for permit records. The permit and inspection are the protection, not paperwork for its own sake.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the permit for an EV charger in Markham?
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) oversees electrical work in Ontario. A licensed contractor files a Notification of Work and the work is inspected by the ESA, not by the City of Markham.
Can I install an EV charger myself?
Homeowners may be able to pull their own permit for work on their own home, but the installation still has to pass inspection, and a high-current continuous circuit is a poor DIY project. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims and resale.
What do I get at the end?
A Certificate of Acceptance from the ESA confirming the installation passed inspection. Keep it with your insurance and home records.
Get a permitted, inspected installation
Fixed written price before any work starts. We reply within 2 business hours.