How to Find a Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Electrician

How to Find a Licensed, Bonded, and Insured Electrician

In Ontario, the only credentials that matter for residential electrical work are the Electrical Contractor License (ECL) issued by the Electrical Safety Authority and the C of Q (Certificate of Qualification) or 309A/309C ticket held by the electrician performing the work. Ontario does not use “bonded and insured” as a regulatory term the way some other jurisdictions do — the relevant credential is the ESA license, which requires liability insurance. When hiring an electrician, verify the ESA license number before work begins.

How to Verify an Electrician’s Credentials

• Ask for the Electrical Contractor License (ECL) number — you can verify it at esasafe.com
• Confirm the journeyman electrician holds a 309A (residential/commercial) or 309C (construction and maintenance) Certificate of Qualification
• The contractor should pull the ESA permit for the job — if they ask you to pull the permit yourself, that is a red flag
• Ensure they will call for ESA inspection at the completion of work — inspection is the homeowner’s protection
• Request proof of liability insurance — licensed contractors are required to carry it

What to Ask Before Hiring

• Are you a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Ontario? (Yes means they have an ECL number)
• Will you obtain the ESA permit for this work?
• Will an ESA inspection be called after the work is complete?
• Do your electricians hold a Certificate of Qualification?
• Can you provide a written quote outlining the scope of work?

EZSMART is a Licensed Electrical Contractor serving Ontario with fully credentialed electricians. All work is permitted and inspected. Contact us for a quote on any residential or commercial electrical project.

Amir Azimipour

Electrician Since 2008 Journeyman Electrician Designated Master Electrician at EZSMART Corp