Before you Start, This is What You Need to Know:
Find out if you need a permit:
A permit is required to install an EV (electric vehicle) charger in most provinces, such as Ontario, B.C. and Quebec, though the requirements can vary in the other provinces and territories in Canada. Permits ensure that installations meet Canadian electrical code and safety standards, reducing the risk of electrical hazards or malfunction. Additionally, installing without a permit may affect insurance coverage or warranty claims. If you’re installing an EV charger, always check with your local electrical authority or municipal office for specific requirements in your area.
Hire a licensed electrical contractor:
An EV charging station is a high voltage appliance that has similar electrical requirements to a clothes dryer or stove (240 Volts/30 Amps). Like all electrical appliances, a charging station is potentially dangerous if not installed correctly. As such, it is important to hire a licensed electrical contractor, not simply an electrician. The cost to install can vary dramatically from case to case and we strongly advise having two or three licensed electrical contractors visit and assess your property to provide an installation quote.
Look for a certification mark:
Before an electrical product or piece of equipment is used, sold, displayed or advertised for sale in Canada, it needs to be approved by a certification agency. An EV charging station is no different. Make sure that the station you are buying carries the official mark of a recognized accreditation agency. For Ontario, you can visit the Electrical Safety Authority for a full list of certification marks: esasafe.com/approvalmarks.
Ensure you have adequate electrical supply:
Electric vehicles use a lot of power and most home’s require an electrical panel upgrade. If you do need a panel upgrade, you need to contact your local electricity distributor to inform them. A licensed electrical contractor can help you with this.
All plug-in EV charging stations require a specific type of NEMA outlet, so make sure your electrical contractor installs the right one. Most stations use either NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50.
Visit the links below to find a licensed electrical contractor near you:
Alberta: Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
British Columbia: Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia
Manitoba: Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba
New Brunswick: Department of Public Safety – Government of New Brunswick
Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Power
Newfoundland: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Ontario: Electrical Safety Authority
Licensed Electrical Contractors are the only businesses that can legally do electrical work in Ontario.
Prince Edward Island: Government of Prince Edward Island
Québec: Government of Quebec – Check a Contractor’s License
Saskatchewan: Electrical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan
Yukon: Government of Yukon