What Work Needs an Electrical Permit?
Almost all electrical work requires an electrical permit. Not only does this process assure a safe installation it assures your insurance company that your electrical work meets Code and is safe.
Consult the following chart below for answers to the most common electrical permit questions. The Electrical Safety Authority is always available to clarify.
What Work Needs an Electrical Permit?
Changing a light switch
Replacing an existing switch with a dimmer switch requires an electrical permit
Simple like-for-like 2 wire to 2 wire change – No permit needed
Single pole to three-way switch – Permit needed
Replace an existing switch with a dimmer – Permit needed
Installing new power outlets
Outdoor or Indoor – Permit needed
Ceiling fan
Installing a ceiling fan where no fixture exists – Permit needed
Installing a ceiling fan where a light fixture exists – Permit needed
Replacing any existing ceiling fan – Permit needed
Receptacles: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters(AFCIs) or TR (Tamper-Resistant)
Replacing an existing receptacle – Permit needed
Installing new receptacle – Permit needed
Electrical Panel
Upgrading your Electrical Panel requires an electrical permit.
Any work on the panel – Permit needed
Installing pot lights
Installing pot lights in existing pot lights – Permit needed
Installing new pot lights – Permit needed
Installing a new light fixture
Replacing a 2-wire fixture for a 2-wire fixture – No permit needed
Installing a new light fixture where one didn’t exist – Permit needed
Installing a chandelier where a flush-mount light or two-light fixture existed – No permit needed
Installing outdoor light fixtures requiring new runs – Permit needed
Installing outdoor fixture where no new run is needed – Permit needed
Deck lights
Installing lights on a deck / low voltage deck lights – Permit needed
GFCI outlet
Replacing an old GFCI outlet with a new one with a cover on it – No permit needed
Running wiring to a shed
Running Wire to a Shed requires an electrical permit
Outdoor – Permit needed
Replacing or rewiring a pool pump
Indoor or outdoor – Permit needed
Installing a new electrical appliance
Dishwasher – Permit needed
Washer/Dryer – Permit needed
Oven – Permit needed
