Can I do my own electrical work in BC or do I need a licensed contractor?

In British Columbia, homeowners cannot legally do their own electrical work beyond the most basic tasks like changing light bulbs or plugging in appliances. All electrical installations, modifications, and repairs must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and inspected by Technical Safety BC (TSBC).

What Homeowners Can Do

The only electrical work homeowners can legally perform without a license includes replacing light bulbs, cleaning fixtures, and plugging/unplugging appliances into existing outlets. That's essentially it. Even seemingly simple tasks like installing a new light fixture, adding an outlet, or replacing a switch must be done by a licensed electrician.

Licensed Contractor Requirements

All electrical contractors in BC must hold a valid electrical contractor license issued by Technical Safety BC (TSBC) — not to be confused with ESA (Ontario's electrical authority). The electrician must pull permits for the work and arrange for TSBC inspection before the electrical system can be energized. This applies to everything from adding a single outlet to complete home rewiring.

Why the strict rules? Electrical work poses serious risks including fire, electrocution, and death. Improperly installed electrical systems are a leading cause of house fires. Insurance companies may deny claims for damage caused by unlicensed electrical work, and unpermitted electrical work can create major issues when selling your home.

Vancouver-Specific Context

In Metro Vancouver's older housing stock — including Vancouver Specials, heritage homes, and pre-1980s construction — electrical upgrades are often necessary during renovations. Many older homes still have knob-and-tube wiring, inadequate panel capacity, or outdated aluminum wiring that needs professional assessment and replacement.

The BC Building Code 2024 has updated electrical requirements, and municipalities actively enforce these standards. Getting caught doing unlicensed electrical work can result in stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to tear out and redo the work properly.

Get quotes from multiple licensed electricians, ensure they pull proper permits, and verify their TSBC licensing status. The small additional cost of professional installation far outweighs the risks of DIY electrical work in BC.

For electrical emergencies, contact BC Hydro at 1-800-224-9376 or your local utility provider immediately.