Environment, Labour and Justice

Environment,
Labour and Justice
Inspection Services
31 Gordon Drive, P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Tel (902) 368-5280
Fax (902) 368-5526
Electrical
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
January 1, 2012
What is an "electrical installation"?
An Electrical installation, as defined under the Province's Electrical Inspection Act R.S.P.E.I., 1988, Cap.
E-3 (the Act), means the wires, machinery, apparatus, appliances, devices, material and equipment used
in, on, or about a building, structure or premises by a supply authority or a consumer for the generation,
receipt, distribution or use of electrical power or energy.
Can I make my own electrical installations?
NO. All electrical installations must be made by a
licensed electrical contractor or a qualified electrician
working for an electrical contractor.
Did You Know?
"Permits are required for all
electrical installations."
Are electrical permits required for all electrical
installations?
Permits are required for all electrical work, including new installations, alterations and repairs. Also, the
electric utility may not connect or reconnect an installation to the utility's electrical supply until a permit
is granted by the electrical inspector.
Can I purchase my own electrical permit?
NO. Only licensed electrical contractor's may make application for and receive electrical permits. The
contractor will pass the cost of the permit onto the customer as part of his installation fees.
What is the cost of an electrical permit?
The cost of an electrical permit is dependent on the type of installation being made, as well as the
ampacity (maximum current, measured in amperes) of the consumer's service. The appropriate fees are
listed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the Regulations.
How do I arrange for an electrical installation?
You must obtain the services of a licensed electrical contractor. The contractor will then make application
to the Province for an electrical permit, make the electrical installation, and then submit a written
certification that the installation made complies with the Act and Regulations.
Inspection Services 31 Gordon Drive, Charlottetown Tel (902) 368-5280 Fax (902) 368-5526 or at your
local Access PEI Centre http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/inspectionservices
Are all electrical installations in PEl inspected?
NO. Electrical Permits are prioritized, and all inspection are based on
contractor performance. Inspections are completed at the discretion of the
area inspector.
When the installation is completed, as per the PEI requirements, the
contractor must give the owner a copy of the Certificate of Compliance
that comes with the permit.
Is there a separate charge for the electrical inspection?
Normally, the charge for inspections is included as part of the electrical permit fee paid by your electrical
contractor at the time of application. However, where extra inspections or special inspections are
required, an additional inspection fee will be charged to the contractor.
What standards apply to electrical installations on PEl?
All electrical installations on PEl must be made in compliance with the minimum standards laid out in
the current Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, and must conform to the provisions of the Electrical
Inspection Act R.S.P.E.I., 1988, Cap E-3 and its regulations.
Do I need a building permit for an electrical installation?
Usually, if the installation is in relation to a new building or structure, or renovations to an existing
building or structure, the electrical contractor must include the building permit number in the appropriate
space on the electrical permit application.
If you have any questions, comments or queries about anything you have read please feel free to contact the
Department of Environment, Labour and Justice, Inspection Services Branch, Electrical Section at (902) 3685280.
Inspection Services 31 Gordon Drive, Charlottetown Tel (902) 368-5280 Fax (902) 368-5526 or at your
local Access PEI Centre http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/inspectionservices