Electrical Permit Prince George BC | Do I Need a Permit for Electrical Work?

If you’re planning electrical work in Prince George, British Columbia, one of the first questions homeowners and business owners ask is:

“Do I need an electrical permit for this?”

The short answer is: yes — most electrical work in Prince George requires a permit. But there are some exceptions, and understanding the rules can save you time, money, and serious safety issues.

Below, we break it down clearly and locally — no jargon, just the facts — so you can move forward confidently and stay on the right side of BC Safety Authority regulations.

Electrical Permits in Prince George, BC — The Basics

In Prince George and throughout British Columbia, electrical permits are regulated by Technical Safety BC (formerly BC Safety Authority).

A permit ensures that:

• Electrical work meets BC Electrical Code requirements

• The installation is safe for occupants

• Work is inspected to prevent fire hazards and electrical failures

Permits protect you, your property, and future owners.

Electrical Work That DOES Require a Permit

In Prince George, you typically need an electrical permit for:

• Panel upgrades or replacements

• New circuits or wiring

• Hot tub or spa wiring

• Generator installations

• EV charger installations

• Renovations or basement developments

• Commercial electrical work

• Service upgrades (e.g. 100A to 200A)

• Adding outlets, lighting, or switches as part of new wiring

👉 If the work involves changing, extending, or adding to existing wiring, a permit is almost always required.

Electrical Work That MAY NOT Require a Permit

Some minor electrical work may not require a permit, such as:

• Replacing light fixtures (like-for-like)

• Swapping out plugs or switches

• Replacing a thermostat

⚠️ Even for small jobs, electrical safety still matters. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask a licensed electrician in Prince George before starting.

Can Homeowners Pull Their Own Electrical Permit in BC?

Yes — homeowners in British Columbia can apply for a homeowner’s electrical permit, but only under specific conditions:

• You must live in the home

• You must personally do the work

• The work must be allowed under homeowner permits

• You are fully responsible for inspections and compliance

Important to know:

• Mistakes can delay inspections

• Failed inspections often cost more to fix than hiring a professional

• Improper work can void insurance coverage

Many Prince George homeowners choose to hire a licensed electrician so permits, inspections, and safety are handled correctly from the start.

What Happens If You Don’t Get an Electrical Permit?

Skipping permits can lead to serious issues, including:

• Failed home inspections when selling

• Insurance claims being denied

• Fines or stop-work orders

• Increased fire risk

• Costly repairs to bring work up to code

In Prince George, unpermitted electrical work is often discovered during:

• Real estate transactions

• Insurance inspections

• Renovation permits

Fixing it later is almost always more expensive.

Who Pulls the Permit — the Electrician or the Homeowner?

When you hire a licensed electrical contractor in Prince George, they will:

✔ Pull the correct electrical permit ✔ Complete code-compliant work ✔ Arrange required inspections ✔ Ensure everything passes safely

At Fraser Current Electric, we handle the entire permitting process so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or inspections.

Electrical Permits for Commercial & Rental Properties in Prince George

For:

• Commercial buildings

• Rental properties

• Strata or multi-unit buildings

⚠️ Homeowner permits are NOT allowed.

Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician, and permits are mandatory.

Why Hiring a Local Prince George Electrician Matters

Local electricians understand:

• Prince George inspection requirements

• Northern BC building conditions

• Local utility coordination

• Common electrical issues in older PG homes

Working with a trusted, local electrical contractor helps ensure projects move smoothly and pass inspection the first time.

Need an Electrical Permit in Prince George, BC?

If you’re planning electrical work and aren’t sure whether a permit is required, we’re happy to help.

Fraser Current Electric is a licensed electrical contractor serving Prince George and surrounding areas, offering:

• Residential & commercial electrical services

• Permit-ready installations

• Code-compliant, inspected work

• Friendly, transparent service

📞 Contact us today to discuss your project and make sure it’s done safely — and legally — from day one.