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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION

AGENCY OF THE
Electrical Safety Authority

Guide to the Duties and
Responsibilities of Licensed
Electrical Contractors and
Master Electricians

October 2013


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Disclaimer
This document contains only guidelines to assist Licensed Electrical Contractors
and prospective contractors to understand their initial and ongoing
responsibilities under Part VIII of the Electricity Act and the licensing regulation
Ontario Regulation 570/05. This Guide, provided by the Electrical Safety
Authority (ESA), is provided for professional education purposes and may be
used for informational, non-commercial purposes only Although the
information and materials are carefully prepared and are believed to be reliable
and accurate, the ESA does not accept any legal responsibility for the contents
herein or for any consequences, including direct or indirect liability, arising from
reliance on the information or use thereof. The information set forth through
the Guide may be revised or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. In no
event shall the ESA, its employees, directors, or officers, be liable for any direct,
indirect or incidental damages, injury, loss, costs or expenses related to reliance
on the information provided or its use, however caused, including but not
limited to, special or consequential damages, lost revenue, business
interruption, lost or damaged data or any other commercial or economic loss
howsoever caused irrespective of whether ESA is advised of the possibility of
such damages, injury, loss, cost or expense. ESA does not provide any legal
advice and users of the Guide should consult with their own lawyer for legal
advice.
The guidelines contained herein do not have the force of law. Where there is a
conflict between information in this Guide and any legislation or regulation
which may apply the relevant law prevails.



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Acknowledgements





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Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 6
A. Purpose: .................................................................................................... 6
B. The Legal Framework ............................................................................... 6
C. Authority: .................................................................................................. 6
2. Electrical Contractor Licence ........................................................................ 7
A. Electrical Contractors Must Be Licensed .................................................. 7
Eligibility for an Electrical Contractor Licence .......................................... 7
Work that does not require a licence ...................................................... 8
B. Duties of a Licensed Electrical Contractor ................................................ 9
Ensure All Applicable Laws Are Followed ................................................ 9
Ensure a Master Electrician Is Designated ............................................ 10
C. Administrative Requirements and Conditions of Electrical Contactor
Licenses ................................................................................................... 11
Licence Display and Posting Requirements ........................................... 11
Maintaining Records .............................................................................. 11
Notice Requirements ............................................................................. 12
Licence Renewal .................................................................................... 13
Sub-Contracting to Unlicensed Electrical Contractors Is Not
Permitted..13
Returning an Expired, Suspended or Revoked Licence (section 24) ..... 14
D. Reasons for Refusal, Suspension or Revocation of Electrical Contractor
Licenses ................................................................................................... 15
Failure to Carry Out Activities in Accordance with the Law .................. 15
Failure to Carry Out Activities Safely ..................................................... 16
Failure to Have the Basic Resources to Carry Out the Activities or Have
Necessary Training, Experience, Qualifications or Skills ....................... 16
Failure to Conduct Ones Self with Honesty and Integrity or Protecting
Consumers and Misrepresentation or Fraud in Obtaining a
Licence.17
Permitting an unauthorized person to carry out activities that require a
Licence ................................................................................................... 18
Failure to Comply With or to Meet a Requirement or a Restriction,
Limitation or Condition Under the Act and Regulations ....................... 19
3. Master Electrician Licence .......................................................................... 20
A. Who Can Apply for a Master Electrician Licence? .................................. 20
B. Ensure a Master Electrician Is Designated ............................................. 20
C. Responsibilities of a Designated Master Electrician ............................... 21
Personal Planning and Direct Supervision ............................................. 22
Ensuring Work is Carried Out in Accordance with Applicable Law ....... 23
D. Eligibility to become a Master Electrician .............................................. 24
E. Application Requirements ...................................................................... 25
F. Prohibitions for Master Electricians ....................................................... 25
Designated Master Electrician Must Be An Employee of the Licensed
Electrical Contractor .............................................................................. 25

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Designated Master Electrician Can Only Work For One Licensed
Electrical Contractor at a time ............................................................... 26
Must Have Appropriate Certificate of Qualification ............................. 26
Other Requirements for Master Electricians27
G. Master Electrician Licence Examination ................................................. 27
Appendix 1 - Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................... 28
Appendix 2 Origins of Contractor Licensing In Ontario ................................... 29



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1. Introduction
A. Purpose:
The purpose of this document is to provide a plain-language guide regarding
the duties of Licensed Electrical Contractors and responsibilities of Designated
Master Electricians who are licensed under the Electricity Act, 1998 (Act) and
Regulation 570/05. This guide is intended to assist them in understanding their
legal obligations.

B. The Legal Framework
The licensing of electrical contractors and Master Electricians in Ontario is
defined by Part VIII of the Electricity Act, 1998 and Ontario Regulation 570/05
(the licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians). Throughout
this document, we refer to specific sections of the Act and Regulation.
To view the Act and Regulation in full go to www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.

C. Authority:
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is responsible for regulating the safe use of
electricity and electrical products and equipment in Ontario and for serving the
public interest as it relates to electrical safety, which includes ensuring
compliance and enforcement of Part VIII of the Electricity Act, 1998 and
Regulations, including administering Ontario Regulation 570/05, the licensing of
electrical contractors and Master Electricians in the Province of Ontario.

ESA is supported in this by the Electrical Contractor Registration Agency (ECRA)
Advisory Council which includes representation from Licensed Electrical
Contractors, municipalities, and consumers. It provides an important advisory
role in support of the licensing program through the development of Master
Electrician examinations, and developing and recommending guidelines and
policies to strengthen the licensing of electrical contractors and Master
Electricians in the province.


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Section 3 of Ontario Regulation 570/05 states that No person shall operate an
electrical contracting business without an electrical contractor licence issued
under this Regulation.
The Regulation defines an electrical contracting business as a business that is
engaged in the carrying out of electrical work and electrical work means
work within the scope of the Electrical Safety Code that consists of
constructing, installing, protecting, maintaining, repairing, extending, altering,
connecting or disconnecting any electrical installation or electrical
equipment. Ontario Regulation 570/05, Section 1
2. Electrical Contractor Licence

A. Electrical Contractors Must Be Licensed
Every electrical contracting business that carries out electrical work governed
by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code is required to hold a valid Electrical
Contractor Licence this requirement has been in place since January 1, 2007.
The Electrical Safety Authority administers the licensing program in Ontario.
Eligibility for an Electrical Contractor Licence
There are some minimum criteria for a person to be eligible to apply for an
Electrical Contractor Licence. These are set out in the Regulation and are:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Be a Master Electrician, or employ at all times at least one Designated
Master Electrician
3. Have a place of business in Ontario. This may include an address for
service acceptable to ESA.
4. Have public liability and property damage insurance coverage of at
least $2 million
5. Be registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), if
the applicant is required to register under the Work Place Safety and
Insurance Act, 1997
6. Not be in default of filing a return with the Ministry of Revenue or of
paying any tax, penalty or interest assessed under the Retail Sales Tax
Act or the Corporations Tax Act, if applicable, for which payment
arrangements have not been made
7. Not owe the ESA any money for which payments arrangements have
not been made.
Every electrical
contracting business
that carries out
electrical work
governed by the
Ontario Electrical Safety
Code is required to hold
a valid Electrical
Contractor Licence.

Unlicensed contractors
may be charged under
the Act and are subject
to penalties and fines.
Applying for an
Electrical
Contractor
Licence
To find information
and forms on how to
apply for an Electrical
Contractor Licence,
visit the ESA/ECRA
website at
www.esasafe.com or
by calling ESA at 1-877-
372-7233.


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Original Equipment Manufacturer
1. Work done on original equipment of a manufacturer if done by an employee or agent of the original
equipment manufacturer who has been trained by the manufacturer to perform maintenance, service
or repair on the equipment and if the work being done does not include extending or altering the
equipment or installing, extending, altering or repairing any electrical wiring connected to that
equipment.
Industrial or Farm Establishment Work by Owner, Operator, Employee
2. Work done on equipment or electrical installations within an industrial establishment or a farm if done
by an owner, operator or an employee of the owner or operator.
Residential Work by Owner/Occupant
3. Work done on electrical equipment or installations within a residential dwelling if done by an owner or
occupant of the dwelling.
Authorized Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics
4. Work done within the scope of practice for the trade of refrigeration and air conditioning systems
mechanic or residential air conditioning systems mechanic by a person authorized under the Ontario
College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009 to practice the applicable trade.
Authorized Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
5. Work done within the scope of practice for the trade of sprinkler and fire protection installer by a
person authorized under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009 to practice that
trade.
TSSA Authorized Workers
6. Work done on elevators and escalators by a person authorized to do such work under Regulation
209/01 (Elevating Devices) made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 (TSSA).
7. Work done on electrical components of appliances by a person authorized to do such work under
Ontario Regulation 210/01 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems), 211/01 (Propane Storage and Handling) and
215/01 (Fuel Industry Certificates) made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 (TSSA).
Maintenance, Service or Repair of Electrical Equipment Not Involving Wiring
8. Work done on electrical equipment that plugs into an electrical source if the work being done
constitutes maintenance, service or repair of the equipment that does not include extending or altering
the equipment or installing, extending, altering or repairing any electrical wiring connected to the
equipment.
Authorized under Electrical Distribution Safety Regulation
9. Work done that falls within the scope of Ontario Regulation 22/04 (Electrical Distribution Safety) made
under the Electricity Act, 1998.
Work Excluded by Rule 2-000 of the OESC
10. Work done on any electrical equipment or electrical installation that is specifically excluded by Rule 2-
000 of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. O.Reg. 570/05, 2
Work that does not require a licence
Some electrical work falls outside the scope of the Regulation. Section 2 states
that the licensing regulation does not apply to a person engaged in the
following types of electrical work:

If a business performs electrical work that is not specifically exempted from the
list below, the business is required to apply for and obtain an authorization for
an electrical contractors licence.


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B. Duties of a Licensed Electrical Contractor
Electrical contractors should pay particular attention to the duties that
they are required to follow. Section 4 of the regulation lists key duties of a
licensed electrical contractor which fall into two important categories:
Ensuring all applicable laws are followed; and
Ensuring that a Master Electrician is designated.

Ensure All Applicable Laws Are Followed
Section 4.(1) of the regulation states that an electrical contractor shall
ensure that all electrical work carried out on the electrical contractors
behalf is carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, including the
Electrical Safety Code and the laws relating to health and safety,
employment standards, consumer protection, business tax and business
practices.

As licensed professionals, electrical contractors have a critical role to play
in ensuring the safety of the public, customers and employees. A number
of laws in the province provide a framework to promote safe and fair
business practices. Electrical contractors must ensure that these laws are
followed (see box at right for some examples)

Section F of this guide describes some of the criteria established in the
Electricity Act for potentially refusing, suspending or revoking an electrical
contractor or Master Electricians licence. Examples of failure to observe
safety and consumer protection laws that are applicable to licensing
decisions are also provided.




The licensing regulation requires
LECs to ensure all applicable
laws are followed. Some
examples of applicable laws
include:

the Ontario Electrical Safety
Code;
Electricity Act, 1998 and
Ontario Regulation 570/05
(Licensing of Electrical
Contractors and Master
Electricians)
Ontario College of Trades and
Apprenticeship Act, 2009;
Workplace Safety and
Insurance Act, 1997;
Occupational Health and
Safety Act, 1990;
Employment Standards Act,
2000;
Consumer Protection Act,
2002; and
Relevant business tax laws
among others.

Section 4(1): Duties of an Electrical Contractor: Applicable Laws

1. An electrical contractor shall ensure that all electrical work carried out on the electrical
contractors behalf is carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, including the
Electrical Safety Code and the laws relating to health and safety, employment
standards, consumer protection, business tax and business practices

O.Reg. 570/05, 4(1)
An electrical contractor
must also be a Designated
Master Electrician or must
employ a Designated
Master Electrician.

The Designated Master
Electrician must be fully
licensed as a Master
Electrician, and must not be
employed as a Designated
Master Electrician with
more than one electrical
contractor.

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Ensure a Master Electrician Is Designated
Sections 4.(2) and 4.(3) of the regulation address the requirement that an
electrical contractor must themselves be or must employ at least one
Designated Master Electrician. A Designated Master Electrician must not be
acting as a Designated Master Electrician for more than one electrical
contractor at the same time.

The Designated Master Electrician has specific responsibilities to plan and
supervise electrical work and for ensuring that safety, consumer protection
and other applicable laws are followed on behalf of the electrical contractor.

The regulation does not prescribe the number of Designated Master
Electricians that should be employed by an electrical contracting business;
however, the Licensing Regulation is clear that at least one Master
Electrician must be designated by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

It is the responsibility of the electrical contractor to determine the
appropriate number of Designated Master Electricians the company
requires. An electrical contractor must be satisfied that the number of
Designated Master Electricians on staff is sufficient to carry out the
responsibilities for personal planning, direct supervision, and compliance
with safety and other laws. Further details about these responsibilities are
provided in Section 3 of this guide.

Information on the eligibility, application process and responsibilities of
Master Electricians can be found on page 24 of this guide and further details
can also be found at www.esasafe.com.


Section 4(2) and 4(3): Duties of an Electrical Contractor: Designating A Master Electrician

(2) An electrical contractor shall designate one or more Master Electricians to
assume the responsibilities set out in section 6 for the carrying out of
electrical work on the contractors behalf.
(3) An electrical contractor shall not designate a Master Electrician under
subsection (2) if the designation will result in the Master Electrician acting as
a Designated Master Electrician on behalf of more than one electrical
contractor at the same time.

The Licensing Regulation is clear
that at least one Master
Electrician must be designated
by a Licensed Electrical
Contractor.


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C. Administrative Requirements and Conditions of
Electrical Contractor Licenses
Sections 16 to 24 of the regulation set out a number of administrative
requirements that are conditions of an electrical contractors licence. These
are important requirements to ensure that the licence remains in good
standing.
Licence Display and Posting Requirements
Electrical contractors must follow certain requirements to ensure that
customers and the general public can have confidence that they are dealing
with an electrical contractor that is qualified and licensed.

Business Name (section 18 of the regulation)
An electrical contractor shall not carry on business in a name other
than the name indicated on their licence certificate.
Posting of Licence (section 17)
An electrical contractor must post the licence in a prominent location
at the contractors principal place of business in a manner that the
public is likely to see it. If an electrical contractor has several
business locations, a copy of the licence must be posted prominently
at each location so that the public can easily see it.
Display of Licence Number (section 19)
Within 90 days of a licence being issued, an electrical contractor
must prominently display the licence number in all correspondence,
contracts, and advertisements, on business vehicles and, generally,
in all situations where they are communicating with the public and
where electrical services are being offered. This includes, but is not
limited to: business cards; invoices; quotes; vehicles; advertisements;
letters; websites etc.
Display of Licence Numbers on Vehicles
For guidelines for the display (placement) of the Electrical Contractor
Licence number on vehicles and for copies of approved logos, visit
www.esasafe.com.

Maintaining Records
The licensing regulation requires certain records and information be kept
and maintained. This includes:
The Licensing Regulation
requires electrical
contractors to keep
records of all Designated
Master Electricians.

Also, electrical
contractors must retain
a copy of all documents
provided to ESA as part
of their application or
renewal of their licence.
The display and posting
requirements for
licenses help to give
consumers confidence
that they are doing
business with a qualified
and licensed expert.

Licensing staff and ESA
inspectors have the
authority to verify that
licensed contractors are
complying with these
requirements.

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List of Designated Master Electrician(s) (section 21 of the regulation)
An electrical contractor must keep a record of all Designated Master
Electricians at their company. The record shall include the name of
the Designated Master Electrician(s), the date on which the
designation(s) is made, the period of time for which the
designation(s) is effective, and the scope of each designation.

An electrical contractor must notify ESA within 5 business days of the
loss or departure of a Designated Master Electrician. See page 13 for
details.
Retention of Application Information (section 20)
An electrical contractor must retain every document provided in the
application for the licence or a renewal of the licence until the expiry
of the licence or renewal.

Notice Requirements
Electrical contractors are required to keep ESA informed about changes to
information related to their licence. Providing notice about key changes is a
strict legal requirement under the Regulation that must be followed within
specified timeframes.
Notice of Changes to Information (section 22)
An electrical contractor must notify ESA of any change to the
information provided on the application or renewal of licence
application form within 5 business days of the change.

This requirement includes any change to licence information such
as: address and/or contact information; business registration;
business name; business ownership; business structure where the
authorizing principles change; insurance provider; insurance
coverage; number of electrical trade employees; WSIB; certificate of
qualification holder for the company; or the death of an owner.

Notice of Changes to Information forms are available on ESAs
website at www.esasafe.com or by calling 1-877-372-7233.
Notice of Failure to Meet Licence Requirements (section 23)
If at any time during the course of the valid period of the electrical
contractor licence, the contractor no longer meets the requirements
of the licence, they must notify ESAs Director of Licensing in writing
within 5 business days and cease to continue working until such time
An electrical contractor
must notify the ESA within
5 days in the event that
any information changes
from their licence
application or renewal.
This includes:
Notice of changes to
information;
Notice of failure to
meet licence
requirements; and
Notice of loss of
designated master
electrician.

The contractor must use
the required form to notify
the ESA and include any
relevant documentation.
The Licensing Regulation
places an obligation on
electrical contractors to
notify the ESA if they no
longer meet the
requirements of their
licence.

This includes information
regarding the loss of, or
replacement of a
Designated Master
Electrician.


Note:

When legislation or
regulations state that a
person shall or must
do something, it is a
requirement in law that
is mandatory

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that they meet the requirements. For more information on how to
notify the Director, visit www.esasafe.com
Loss of Designated Master Electrician (section 14. (2-6))
Despite the previous rule, if an electrical contractor should lose their
Designated Master Electrician during the course of their licence, and
they notify ESA within 5 business days of the loss, the electrical
contractor can continue to operate for a period of 60 days from the
date of the loss or departure of a Designated Master Electrician to
designate a replacement. At the expiry of this time period, if the
contractor is still without a Designated Master Electrician and has
not applied for an extension they cannot operate.

Prior to the expiry of the initial 60 day period, it is possible to apply
for an extension of up to an additional 60 days through a written
request to the Director. Businesses are required to cease to operate
if they have not designated a new Designated Master Electrician
within 60 days or the extension period. Please see our website at
www.esasafe.com or call us at 1-877-372-7233 to ensure you remain
in compliance with this important requirement.

Within 5 business days of any change, the electrical contractor is
required to notify ESA and submit the necessary form(s) including any
relevant documentation to the change. Forms are available on ESAs
website at www.esasafe.com or by calling 1-877-372-7233.

Licence Renewal
An electrical contractor must apply for the renewal of their licence at least
30 days in advance of the expiry date to give the ESA enough time to process
the renewal and have the renewed licence back in the hands of the
contractor by the time the old one expires. It is not permitted for an
electrical contractor to operate their business if their licence has expired and
has not been renewed.

Sub-Contracting Electrical Work to Licensed Electrical
Contractors Is Permitted
A Licensed Electrical Contractor must use qualified employees to carry out
electrical work and must be in compliance with any applicable trade
qualifications. Should a licensed electrical contractor need to sub-contract
electrical work to non-employees, these individuals or the business must
(2) The use in this
Regulation of employ or
employee refers to the
employer-employee
relationship and not to an
arrangement whereby a
person engages an
independent contractor to
work on a persons behalf.

O. Reg. 570/05, 1(2)
Electrical contractors
must apply for their
licence renewal within
30 days of expiry.
Contractors cannot
operate without a valid
licence





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hold a valid electrical contractor licence and they would be responsible for
taking out the appropriate permits.

It is prohibited to take out permits on another licensed contractors behalf or
to allow a sub-contractor to work under another contractors licence if they
are not employees.

Returning an Expired, Suspended or Revoked Licence (section
24)
When an electrical contractor decides to close their business, retire or
otherwise cease operations, they are required to return their licence
certificate to ESA as it is ESAs property.

Additionally, should an electrical contractors licence expire, be suspended,
or revoked, the contractor is required to return their licence certificate.

To return a licence, visit our website at www.esasafe.com or call ESA at 1-
877-372-7233.

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D. Reasons for Refusal, Suspension or Revocation of
Electrical Contractor Licenses
ESAs Director(s) of Licensing are responsible, among other things, for
authorizing an Electrical Contractor Licence. The Director may also refuse,
suspend or revoke a licence in a number of circumstances specified in
subsection 2 of Section 113 of the Electricity Act.

The reasons for a refusal, suspension, or revocation of a contractors licence
include failure to::

Failure to Carry Out Activities in Accordance with the Law
Should the Director have reason to believe that an electrical contractor is in
violation of applicable laws; the Director may refuse, suspend, revoke or
impose conditions on a licence. Section 4 of the Regulation imposes a duty
on electrical contractors to ensure applicable laws are followed including
the Electrical Safety Code and the laws relating to health and safety,
employment standards, consumer protection, business tax and business
practices.

Qualified electrical contractors will be aware of the requirements of safety
laws and codes such as the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the Occupational
Health and Safety Act, the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act
and other work place and employment standards. The Director must remain
satisfied that the Licensed Electrical Contractor operates within these and
any other applicable safety laws.

The Regulation also states the need to follow other laws that create
consumer protection and business practices rules which apply to all
businesses in Ontario. One example is the Consumer Protection Act, 2002
and regulations. Consumer protection laws establish a framework for fair
and honest business practices that help to ensure consumers are not subject
to misrepresentations, substitutions, or unfair business practices.
Examples of inappropriate
behaviour that may be
relevant to the Director:

A contractor engages in
unfair trading practices
in the course of
providing electrical
services. For instance:

o invoicing for parts
not used
o substituting parts
of a lesser quality
o misrepresenting
the nature of the
services required.

A contractor is found to
be charging permit fees
for work that either does
not require a permit or
for work where the
contractor did not
subsequently take out
the permit in question.

A contractor states in
their application that
they are in compliance
with OCTAA
requirements, WSIB
requirements, are
carrying appropriate
insurance, or Ministry of
Finance tax
requirements when it is
found that they are not.

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Failure to Carry Out Activities Safely
ESA Licensing Director(s) must be satisfied that a potential or existing
licence holder will carry out their activities in a safe manner. Should
the Director have reason to believe that the licence holder or
applicant will not carry on business safely; the Director can refuse,
suspend, revoke or impose conditions on a licence.
On occasion a contractor may perform work that is not fully
compliant with the requirements set out in the Ontario Electrical
Safety Code. ESA takes great care to first try to work with contractors
and other relevant regulators to help bring them into compliance
with the law. However, should the Director become aware of unsafe
behaviour that is not corrected, or if Director becomes aware that
the contractor has violated other safety laws and regulations,
progressive disciplinary steps may be taken against the contractor to
protect the interests of the public.
Failure to Have the Basic Resources to Carry Out the
Activities or Have Necessary Training, Experience,
Qualifications or Skills
In some cases, a contractor or applicant may be found to not have
the basic resources expected for an electrical contractor. The term
basic resources refers to such things as the minimum assets,
supplies or possessions required for a Licensed Electrical Contractor
to safely and lawfully carry out his/her duties and the activities
requiring a licence in order to protect consumers.
In determining whether a contractor or applicant is in compliance
with this requirement, the Director will review the individual
circumstances of the contractor or applicant to determine what
would be required to satisfy this requirement on a case-by-case basis.
The Director may also encounter evidence that a Licensed Electrical
Contractor demonstrates a lack of training, experience, qualifications
or skills. Again, the contractors history and efforts to comply with
requirements would need to be assessed as well as the potential
Examples of unsafe activities
that may be relevant to the
Director:
A contractor is found to have
been working with energized
equipment
Failure to use proper
personal protective
equipment
Failure to follow lock out/tag
out requirements
A contractor has a pattern of
performing work that fails to
conform to the code
requirements or any incident
where non-compliance is
sufficiently serious to
potentially cause harm to
property and/or the public.
Examples of what constitutes
lacking the basic resources,
training, or qualifications
expected of an electrical
contractor could include:
Workers do not have or use
proper personal protective
equipment
Evidence of a lack of basic
administrative capabilities
such as an inability to
consistently follow required
processes for permit
application,
Inability to provide training
and related materials to
workers.
Evidence that a contractor is
unable to carry out work
obligations or inadequately
staffed.
A contractor who no longer
has employees with C of Qs
for certain types of electrical
work.

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impact that a lack of training, experience, qualifications or skills could
have on public safety among other things.
Failure to Conduct Ones Self with Honesty and Integrity or
Protecting Consumers, and Misrepresentation or Fraud in
Obtaining a Licence
Consistent with most regulated business sectors, ESAs Director(s) of
Licensing must be satisfied that licence holders will conduct themselves
with honesty and integrity.
Honesty and integrity begins right at the application stage for electrical
contractors. ESAs application form requires applicants to attest that
information contained within the application is correct. Failure to do so
may give the Director reason to believe that an applicant cannot conduct
business with honesty and integrity and may lead to progressive
disciplinary action.
Electricians hold a trusted role in our communities. They are invited into
consumers homes, their advice to consumers is trusted, and the
professional reputation of the industry relies on public confidence in the
quality and business practices of its authorized professionals.
The provinces safety system also relies on truthful behaviour from the
electrical profession. The system relies on electrical contractors
following the rules set out in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, which
includes following Code rules for how an electrical installation is done,
and taking out permits and applying for inspections where required.
Failure to keep proper records, or failure to take out permits where
required, means that electrical work may not be known to the regulator
and defects that can potentially cause serious harm to persons or
property may not be detected.
Businesses acting honestly and following the rules protect the public
from risk and are important considerations when licensing electrical
contractor firms.
The provincial and federal governments have laws that provide a
minimum standard of protection for consumers. They focus on what
behaviours are misleading and unfair, what disclosures are necessary for
Some examples of honesty
and integrity issues that may
raise concerns about a
licensed contractor or
applicant include:
Including false or
misleading information
on an application for a
licence.
Charging a consumer for
services not provided, or
misrepresenting the need
for a repair.
Invoicing for original or
new parts while installing
inferior or different parts.
Charging a consumer for
permit fees when a
permit was not taken or
was not required.
Taking advantage of a
consumer in an
emergency situation and
charging unreasonably
excessive prices.
Providing false
information as part of an
electrical contractors
application process such
as:
o Misrepresenting the
qualification of
individuals
o Misrepresenting that
requirements such as
compliance with WSIB
and Business Tax
requirements
o Making any other false
or misleading statement
that may be relevant to
the Director in granting
a licence to operate.


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consumers to have sufficient information to enter into contracts, and
what remedies are available when something goes wrong. It is important
that Licensed Electrical Contractors use honest and fair business
practices in the course of carrying out their electrical work. ESA will
work with contractors and other regulators to promote compliance with
the law. However, should the Director become aware of misleading or
unfair business practices that are not corrected, progressive disciplinary
steps may be taken against the contractor to protect the interests of the
public.
Permitting an unauthorized person to carry out activities that
require a Licence
Electrical contractors have a duty set out in Section 4.(1) of the
regulation to ensure that all electrical work carried out on the electrical
contractors behalf is carried out in accordance with all applicable laws. This
includes the requirement that only qualified persons carry out electrical
work that requires a licence. This includes being in full compliance with
qualification requirements established through the Ontario College of
Trades.
Work by unauthorized persons poses a potential risk to public and worker
safety. It also undermines the professionalism of the industry and can harm
the trust held by members of the public toward the profession.
A Licensed Electrical Contractor must use qualified employees to carry
out electrical work. Should a licensed contractor need to sub-contract
work to non-employees, these individuals or the business must also be
licensed as electrical contractors and would be responsible for taking out
their own appropriate permits. If hiring temporary employees, these
employees would also need to be qualified persons.

It is prohibited to take out permits on another licensed contractors
behalf or to allow a sub-contractor to work under your licence if they are
not employees.

Should the ESA Director(s) of Licensing have sufficient reason to believe that
a contractor is allowing unauthorized persons to perform electrical work, it
may result in progressive disciplinary actions, including the potential
suspension, refusal or revocation of a licence.
Examples of unauthorized
persons carrying out electrical
work:
Substituting unqualified
persons in place of listed
certificate holders to
perform electrical work
Permitting a non-
employee to perform
work under your Licence
or apply for permits
under your Licence.



19



Failure to Comply With or to Meet a Requirement or a
Restriction, Limitation or Condition Under the Act and
Regulations
All license holders must respect the authority of the Director(s) of
Licensing and comply with any and all licensing requirements. This
includes complying with any restrictions, limitations or conditions
placed on an electrical contractors licence. Failure to comply could
result in the suspension or revocation of your licence.

Examples of failure to meet
requirements of the Act,
Regulations or an order:
Performing work outside
the scope of a limitation
on work that can be
performed under a
licence (eg. pole line, high
voltage)

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3. Master Electrician Licence

A. Who Can Apply for a Master Electrician Licence?
Anyone who is or will be operating a Licensed Electrical Contractor
business in Ontario
Anyone who is or will be employed as a Designated Master Electrician
by an Licensed Electrical Contractor business in Ontario
Anyone who wishes to attain a higher level of electrical and business
expertise
B. Ensure a Master Electrician Is Designated
Sections 4.(2) and 4.(3) of Regulation 570/05 make it clear that a
condition of being licensed as an electrical contractor includes the
requirement to employ and designate at least one individual as a
Designated Master Electrician. In the case of a small licensed contracting
business with one owner/employee, this means that the owner must be
both the Licensed Electrical Contractor and the Designated Master
Electrician.

The Regulation seeks to ensure that all licensed contractors have at least
one employee on staff that is qualified and capable of carrying out the
planning, supervisory and safety-related responsibilities that are detailed
in this chapter. It is important to note that a Designated Master
Electrician cannot be the Designated Master Electrician for more than
one electrical contracting business at the same time.

An electrical contractor must also
be a Designated Master
Electrician or must employ a
Designated Master Electrician.

The Designated Master Electrician
must be fully licensed as a Master
Electrician, and must not be
employed as a Designated Master
Electrician with more than one
electrical contractor.

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C. Responsibilities of a Designated Master Electrician

The Licensing Regulation established a consistent province-wide
system and standards for electrical contracting businesses in Ontario.

The position of Designated Master Electrician is essential and a
mandatory requirement for Licensed Electrical Contractor businesses
in the province. The licensing regulations place a great deal of
importance on the Designated Master Electrician as the key person or
persons within a licensed business to ensure that supervisory,
administrative, and safety requirements are followed by the electrical
contractor at all times.

The requirement for each Licensed Electrical Contractor business to
have at least one Designated Master Electrician helps to ensure a
standard level of qualification, expertise, and professionalism by
ensuring that a single or multiple qualified experts are employed to
oversee planning and to oversee electrical work performed on behalf
of the business.

Where the owner of an electrical contracting business designates an
employee as a Designated Master Electrician, it is important to remain
aware that both Electrical Contractors and Designated Master
Electricians have specific legal duties and responsibilities for safety
matters as well as other requirements set out under the Regulation.
Effective communication and decision-making on legal and safety
compliance matters should be established to ensure all parties can
fulfill their duties and responsibilities and these are well understood by
everyone within the organization.

Responsibilities of a
Designated Master Electrician

A Master Electrician
designated by an electrical
contractor is, within the scope
of the designation,
responsible,

(a) for the personal
planning and direct
supervision of electrical
work carried out on
behalf of the electrical
contractor;

(b) for ensuring that the
electrical work is carried
out in accordance with
applicable law, including
the Electrical Safety
Code and the laws
relating to health and
safety and consumer
protection, on behalf of
the electrical
contractor; and

(c) for other matters of a
similar nature.

O.Reg 570/05, S.6

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Personal Planning and Direct Supervision
The regulation specifies that the Designated Master Electrician is responsible for
personal planning and direct supervision of all electrical work performed on
behalf of the firm. A LEC and/or his/her DME is responsible to determine and put in
place practices that they deem appropriate to fulfill this legal obligation.
Based on industry input, below are examples of good planning and supervision
practices. Note that these are only examples, not a checklist. Each Licensed
Electrical Contractor business must have its own plans and systems in place to
ensure these important responsibilities are fulfilled and well understood within their
own organizations. .






Personal Planning
These are some examples of good industry practices which established electrical
contractors have provided:
Providing guidance and mentoring of electrical workers to enhance their skills
and judgment in performing high quality and safe electrical work.
Ensure the proper training and use of personal protective equipment;
Be accountable for the actions of all electrical workers;
Having management plans and plans for dealing with high risk activities
Ensure agendas are set for weekly site meetings and track any issues arising and
resolving those issues in a timely manner ie. safety, feedback from workers;
Set out daily, weekly & monthly to do lists and ensure they are carried out in a
timely manner;
Keeping a log book outlining day-to-day activities, such as ordering materials,
job site meetings, correspondence with site superintendant; and
Ensure all corrections or defects are corrected, and ensure consumers are
protected and safe.


23

Additional guidance on how to maintain a health and safety focused
Internal Responsibility System can be found on the Ministry of Labour
(here), the Workplace Safety and Insurance board (here), and the
Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (here), websites.

Ensuring Work is Carried Out in Accordance with Applicable Law
A Designated Master Electrician has specific responsibilities for ensuring the
business complies with all relevant laws. The regulation is deliberate in
detailing a number of types of applicable laws that must be followed: safety
laws such as the Ontario Electrical Safety Code; health and safety laws such
as the Occupational Health and Safety Act; and Consumer Protection Laws
such as the Consumer Protection Act. These are only examples and are not
an exhaustive list. It is up to the individual to know which laws are relevant
Direct Supervision
These are some examples of good industry practices which established electrical
contractors have provided:

Ensure all applicable permits are taken out correctly and defects are corrected in
a timely manner;
Plan, coordinate and carry out prescribed work as set out by the LEC;
Ensure all workers are qualified to complete the job at hand and ensure all safety
certificates are up to date;
Track & maintain all records such as employee safety training, man hours,
expenditures, job materials to ensure uniformity throughout the project, and
other records that show appropriate due diligence;
Maintain regular communication with job foreman or lead hand; and
Maintain on on-site presence and regular communication with the job foreman
and lead hand as appropriate.

24

Master Electrician Prohibitions:
1. A Master Electrician shall not
accept a designation from an
electrical contractor unless
the Master Electrician is
actively employed by the
designating electrical
contractor.
2. A Master Electrician shall not
act in the capacity of a
Designated Master
Electrician for more than one
electrical contractor at a
time.
3. A Master Electrician shall not
carry out electrical work
unless they hold a valid
certificate of qualification as
required by the Ontario
College of Trades.
O.Reg. 570/05, S.X

to the safe and appropriate operation of their business.

D. Eligibility to become a Master Electrician
Not every electrician with a relevant Certificate of Qualification is
automatically eligible to apply to become a Master Electrician. There are some
basic minimum requirements that are summarized below:
1. Be at least 18 years of age;
2. Demonstrate at least three years experience,
a) practising the trade of electrician construction and maintenance,
electrician domestic and rural or industrial electrician under a
certificate of qualification in the applicable trade that is not
suspended, or
b) working for an electrical contractor as a licensed professional
engineer registered with the Professional Engineers of Ontario, or
c) working for an electrical contractor in the capacity of a certified
engineering technician or a certified engineering technologist
registered with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering
Technicians and Technologists, or
d) practising the trade of powerline technician under a certificate of
qualification in that trade that is not suspended.
3. Have passed the Master Electrician Qualifying Examination within the
12 month period preceding the date of the licence application; and
4. Not owe the ESA any money for which payment arrangements have
not been made.

Some safety, health and safety, and consumer protection laws that may be relevant to Designated
Master Electricians include:
Ontario Electrical Safety Code;
Electricity Act, 1998 and O. Reg. 570/05 (Licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master
Electricians)
Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009Workplace Safety and Insurance Act,
1997;
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1990;
Employment Standards Act, 2000;
Consumer Protection Act, 2002; and
Relevant business tax laws
Designated Master Electricians are responsible to ensure the business complies with such laws
and to ensure that proper permits are taken out for all electrical work.


25

To apply for an Master Electrician licence you will need:
Copy of your valid Certificate of Qualification, Professional Engineer
Licence., or Certified Engineering Technician or Technologist
Certificate, as applicable
Copy of documented Master Electrician Certificate of Examination
with a passing grade
List of qualifying three years trade experience or experience
working for an electrical contractor as required
Employer information, if named as the Designated Master
Electrician
Photo of passport-quality and size
Licence Fee (go to www.esafe.com for licensing fees.)

E. Application Requirements
for more information about application requirements go to www.esasafe.com.
F. Prohibitions for Master Electricians
Designated Master Electrician Must Be An Employee of the
Licensed Electrical Contractor
A Master Electrician cannot act as a Designated Master Electrician for an
electrical contractor unless he or she is an employee for that contractor. (Note:
a Licensed Electrical Contractor can him/herself be the Designated Master
Electrician of his/her company if he/she meets the requirements.)
The regulation states that the use in this Regulation of employ and
employee refers to the employer-employee relationship and not to an
arrangement whereby a person engages an independent contractor to work
on the persons behalf. This requirement is consistent with the employer-
employee relationship guidance provided by the Canada Revenue Agency
(CRA). ESA must be assured that all Designated Master Electricians fit within
these definitions.
As part of the process for designating a Master Electrician, candidates are
required to complete an Acknowledgement of Responsibility form that asks the
designated person to affirm that they are actively employed by the Licensed
Electrical Contractor and that they assume the responsibilities that come with
the position such as the personal planning and direct supervision of electrical
work and to ensure applicable laws are followed.
The Master Exam
Reference Material can be
downloaded for free at
www.esasafe.com
ESA and other
organizations also offer
preparatory training. A
range of classroom,
online, and self-study
options are available.

26


Designated Master Electrician Can Only Work For One Licensed
Electrical Contractor at a time
The regulation makes it clear that a person who is a Designated Master
Electrician for a Licensed Electrical Contractor cannot act as a Designated
Master Electrician for any other Licensed Electrical Contractor at the same
time. This requirement helps to ensure that the focus of the Designated Master
Electrician is exclusively on the safety and workers of a single electrical
contracting business.

Must Have Appropriate Certificate of Qualification
A licensed Master Electrician must be qualified to carry out their
responsibilities to ensure work is carried out skillfully and safely. This includes
ensuring that the Designated Master Electrician holds the appropriate
To help clarify the requirement that a Designated Master Electrician be an employee
of an electrical contractor, some examples of practices that are not permitted
include:
Designating a Master Electrician who is not an employee
Designating a Master Electrician who is contracted as an independent
contractor
Designating a Master Electrician who is only a part-time employee for a
contractor but has supervisory, planning and safety responsibilities for workers
who are employed full-time.


To help clarify the requirement that a Designated Master Electrician must work for
only one electrical contractor at a time, some examples of practices that are not
permitted include:
Allowing a Designated Master Electrician to periodically take on work of their
own.
A Designated Master Electrician who does work for a homeowner who takes out
their own permit for the contractor to perform electrical work.

27

Certificates of Qualification, P.Eng or CET to effectively supervise the kinds of
work that a Licensed Electrical Contractor business and its employees perform.

Other Requirements for Master Electricians
This guide and section focuses on requirements for Designated Master
Electricians. Master Electricians also have requirements that are not captured
in this guide. For more information of licensing requirements for Master
Electricians click here.

G. Master Electrician Licence Examination
One of the requirements to become a licensed Master Electrician is
demonstrating the required knowledge to carry out the various responsibilities
of the position. Applicants must take and pass the Master Electrician
Examination that is developed and administered by ESA.
The exam includes knowledge of the requirements of the Ontario Electrical
Safety Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, important legislation,
electrical calculations, and common trade and business practices.
The Master Electrician Examination is only offered through the Electrical
Safety Authority and examination dates and application forms are available at
www.esasafe.com. )
The Master Electrician Examination is based on the current edition of the
Ontario Electrical Safety Code. An outline of the examination and further
information is also available on the website.
For more detailed information related to the exam and courses visit
www.esasafe.com.



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Appendix 1 - Frequently Asked
Questions

29

Appendix 2 Origins of Contractor
Licensing In Ontario

Prior to the passage into law of Ontario Regulation 570/05 (Licensing of
Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians) there was no province-wide
regulation of electrical contracting businesses in Ontario. In 1991, the Electrical
Contractors Association of Ontario, with the support and participation of the
Ontario Electrical League and Ontario Hydro's former Electrical Inspection
Division (later to become the Electrical Safety Authority), created the Electrical
Contractor Registration Agency (ECRA).

ECRAs vision and dedicated efforts played a central role in promoting
professionalism across the industry through the creation and administration of
Master Electrician exams, courses, building municipal reciprocal recognition
programs, and, ultimately, in supporting the case for province-wide standards.

With the provincial governments passage into law of Ontario Regulation
570/05 (the Regulation) and updates to Part VIII of the Electricity Act, a
province-wide licensing program has been in place since 2007. Provincial
licensing helps to create a level-playing field that recognizes the professional
qualifications of electricians, promotes the protection of consumers, and, most
importantly, helps to protect the public, workers, and consumers from the
potential dangers associated with electrical work.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is responsible for administering the
licensing of electrical contractors and Master Electricians in the Province of
Ontario. ECRA continues to support the licensing program through their
ongoing development of Master Electrician examinations and their role in
developing and recommending guidelines and policies to ESA to strengthen the
licensing of electrical contractors in the province.