The Number One Reason Why You Shouldn’t Pull Your Own Electrical Permit
Summer is approaching, which means it’s time to get a move on with all those home renovations you’ve been putting off. Whether you are interested in adding some colourful landscape lights to spice up the exterior of your house or installing a hot tub so you can enjoy the summer heat, now is the time! However, when you hire an electrician to do the electrical work for your home improvements, you need to think about electrical permits.
An electrical permit is required for any electrical work, including lighting, garage wiring, and more. If you are not an electrician yourself, you may be unfamiliar with the permit application and regulations in the city of Edmonton. We’re here to explain the process of pulling an electrical permit and why it may be a better idea to have your electrician pull the permit instead of doing it yourself. No one wants to spend their summer filing paperwork. Hire a professional electrician and have fun in the sun with your family.
Who Can Pull an Electrical Permit?
Electrical permits can be pulled by master electricians who do residential electrical services or by homeowners who wish to do their own permits. If you ask an electrician to get the permit for you, then they must have a valid business license in Edmonton, as well as plans and drawings to show what they are doing. On the other hand, if you are a homeowner trying to get your own permit, there are several extra steps involved before you can get one. The following are some of the criteria required to pull your own permit:
● You must own and live in a detached home — renters cannot obtain a permit.
● If you are doing a basement development, you will also need to obtain a building permit.
● The wiring you are working on cannot be concealed.
● You must do the electrical work on your own.
Obtaining your own Edmonton electrical permit is certainly possible, but it involves jumping through extra hoops to ensure that you are following the safety codes.
How Do You Pull an Electrical Permit in Edmonton?
There are three different ways you can apply for an electrical permit:
Apply online as either a professional or a homeowner.
Via email by filling out the appropriate form and sending it to: electricaltechnicaladvisors@edmonton.ca.
In-person by downloading and printing the appropriate application form and dropping it off at the Edmonton Services Centre.
Once you have submitted your application, the City of Edmonton will review your application and confirm your identity and residence before issuing you a permit.
3 Reasons Why You Should Let Your Master Electrician Get the Permit
Although you can get your own electrical permit as a homeowner, we recommend asking a master electrician to handle it for you instead. Here are three reasons why:
We Ensure the Work is Done Properly
Pulling an electrical permit is not always a straightforward process. Aside from correctly filling out the application, there are work limitations in place for homeowners, and a requirement to request an inspection of the equipment. A master electrician will be able to handle all of these extra steps and ensure that the work is done correctly, saving you from unforeseen costs and obstacles in the long run.
Takes the Task Off Your Shoulders
One of the criteria for getting a permit as a homeowner is that you become 100% liable for any electrical work done inside your home. This can be a major risk; if you are not entirely familiar with electrical work, staying on top of all the ins and outs of electrical work can get stressful. A trusted electrician can handle the task with ease and efficiency.
Ensure Your Acquire the Proper Permit for the Scope of the Project
Something many people don’t realize is that there are different permits required depending on the scope of your project. For example, you can get a home improvement permit if you are renovating an existing detached home or a new house permit if the house is new. A master electrician will know to apply for the exact permit you need to complete your specific project.
MMi Electrical is Ready to Handle Your Edmonton Electrical Permit
Our certified master electricians at MMi Electrical are happy to be involved in your project and handle all of the nitty-gritty details involved in the electrical work. Whether you live in Edmonton, or the surrounding area, including Sherwood Park, Morinville, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan, or St. Albert, electrical permits are part of what we do every day to keep our clients safe. Contact us today if you need an electrical permit for your home improvement plans this summer.