Anyone who wants to install a new electrical installation or modify an existing electrical installation -- and anyone installing communications cables in non-residential applications.

Note:  A permit is required for installing communication cables where the residence exceeds four units.

There are two types of wiring permits available:

1. electrical wiring permit for electrical work
2. communications cabling permit for communications cabling work.

Provincial Chief Electrical Inspector
Technical Safety Division
Labour, Skills and Immigration

Phone:  800-9-LABOUR (952-2687)
e-mail: electricalsafety@novascotia.ca

Wiring permits are issued by the local electrical utilities as indicated below. The authority to issue permits and the overall process is legislated by the Electrical Installation and Inspection Act and the associated Electrical Code Regulations.

1. If the property is in any of the following municipalities, contact the Municipal Office:
   
   1. Town of Antigonish - 902- 863-2777
      
   2. Town of Berwick - 902-538-4744
      
   3. Town of Canso - 902-366-2525
      
   4. Town of Lunenburg - 902-634-8311
      
   5. Town of Mahone Bay - 902-624-8327
      
   6. Town of Riverport - 902-766-4890
      
2. If the property is in any other area, contact Nova Scotia Power at: 1-800-464-1520

An application form for a wiring permit can be obtained from the electrical inspection utility office of the municipalities listed above, for property in those areas.  For the remaining areas, it can be obtained from Nova Scotia Power.

Electrical permits are only issued to the holders of a certificate in the electrical construction trade issued by Labour, Skills and Immigration, Apprenticeship Division.

Communications cabling permits are only issued to holders of a certificate as a communications cabling specialist recognized by the Chief Electrical Inspector, Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Applicants meeting the above criteria and who have been reviewed and approved, will then be entered into the database of the municipality or Nova Scotia Power.

For Nova Scotia Power, once a person has been entered into the database, permit numbers can be immediately obtained by phoning one of the many Nova Scotia Power permit offices.  A hard copy of the permit is then mailed out.

Procedures for obtaining a permit in the municipalities differ, so check with each to review their procedure.

None

(Please allow several extra days for mail delivery.)

A permit is typically valid for 12 months from the day it is issued.

Prices vary for each municipality and for Nova Scotia Power.  It is usually is dependent on the size (i.e. overall electrical cost) of the project.  Contact the appropriate electrical utility office to confirm prices.

Electrical permits are only issued to holders of a certificate in the Electrical Construction trade.  (See Trade Apprenticeship: Certificate of Qualification Labour, Skills and Immigration: Apprenticeship Division.)

Communications cabling permits are only issued to holders of a certificate as a communications cabling specialist recognized by the Chief Electrical Inspector, Labour, Skills and Immigration.

1. The owners (or occupants) of a commercial or industrial establishment who employ electricians may be issued an annual maintenance permit to cover routine electrical maintenance work carried out in the facility.  Contact your local electrical inspection office for more information.
   
   
2. Wiring permits are issued by the local electrical utilities.  The authority to issue permits and overall process is legislated by the Electrical Installation and Inspection Act and the associated Electrical Code Regulations.  This Act and its Regulations are administered by the Chief Electrical Inspector for Labour, Skills and Immigration.
   
   
3. Any concerns regarding the issuing of permits or the procedure and any general issues or concerns with regard to electrical safety, can be forwarded to the Chief Electrical Inspector.  The contact phone number is 902-424-3200 or 1-844-424-3200.
   
   
4. It should be noted that changes are being proposed to the Act and Regulations which may require those applying for permits to be licensed (approx. Summer/Fall 2012). Contact the Chief Electrical Inspector should you have any questions.
   
   
5. Also visit the electrical safety website page of the Building, Fire and Technical Safety Division which provides general information about changes that are taking place that affect the electrical industry.

Electrical Installation and Inspection Act, Chapter 141 of the Revised Statutes of 1989.