Definition — what ESA regulates
ESA administers the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and regulates electrical installations across the province. All electrical wiring installations, alterations, and repairs typically require an electrical permit under the Electricity Act (Ontario).
Residential electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor (LEC) with an ESA licence, or in some cases by the homeowner under a homeowner permit — depending on the scope. HVAC electrical work is normally done by a LEC hired directly by the HVAC contractor.
When ESA permits are typically required for HVAC work
New heat pump condenser or central AC install requiring a new dedicated circuit → ESA permit typically required.
Ductless mini-split install requiring new wiring from the panel to the outdoor unit → ESA permit typically required.
Electric water heater installation, whether tank or hybrid heat-pump → ESA permit typically required for the electrical portion.
Panel upgrade to accommodate new HVAC load (e.g. 100A to 200A service upgrade for full-electric heat-pump conversion) → ESA permit definitely required.
Like-for-like replacement of an existing circuit's equipment (no new wiring) → may or may not require an ESA permit; verify locally.
- New circuit → permit typically required
- Panel upgrade → permit definitely required
- New heat pump / mini-split → permit typically required
- New electric water heater → permit typically required (electrical portion)
Failure modes — the classic ESA-related mistakes
'Handyman' electrical work on a heat pump install — illegal for anyone but a LEC or the homeowner under a homeowner permit, invalidates warranty, and creates real fire risk on high-amperage HVAC circuits.
Installing a heat pump on an existing under-sized breaker without upgrading the panel — the breaker trips at every startup, the homeowner assumes the equipment is defective, and the real problem is the electrical.
Skipping the ESA permit 'to save time' — the required inspection is what catches under-sized wire, incorrect breaker sizing, and improperly torqued lugs. All of those are fire risks.
Proof — how to verify your electrical work is permitted
Every ESA permit generates a permit number and — after successful inspection — an inspection sign-off document. Keep both in your home records; a home inspector will look for them at resale.
ESA maintains a public-facing service to verify licensed electrical contractors. If your HVAC contractor is using a sub-contracted electrician, ask for the electrician's ESA licence number before the work starts.
Fees, timelines, and inspection procedures vary. Do not rely on any specific fee figure without verifying with ESA at time of quote.
Action — Metroheat's electrical partnership
For HVAC installs that require electrical work, Metroheat coordinates with a licensed electrical contractor (LEC) who pulls the required ESA permit and completes the inspection. The permit paperwork is provided to the homeowner as part of the job packet.
For any HVAC install in the GTA or Durham Region, call (416) 283-5698 or visit /contact.
This is educational content, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before starting work.