Whether you’re adding a few outlets to your basement or planning a full home renovation , electrical work in Alberta often comes with an important sidekick: permits. These aren’t just bureaucratic hoops to jump through—they’re the key to ensuring your electrical work is safe, legal, and up to code.
At Stripped Electrical, we’re more than just your local electricians. We’re a team of dedicated professionals with a passion for lighting up lives and spaces. Our journey began with a simple idea: to provide our community with top-notch electrical services that are reliable, efficient, and delivered with a commitment to excellence.
But no matter how skilled we are with wire strippers or breaker panels, we always play by the rules—and that starts with permits. Let’s explore when you need one, why they matter, and how we make the whole process effortless for you.
What Is an Electrical Permit, Anyway?
An electrical permit is an official document issued by a recognized inspection authority (like the City of Edmonton or Alberta Safety Codes Authority). It grants permission to install, alter, or repair electrical systems in a building or on a property.
Permits ensure that:
- Work complies with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)
- Installations are safe for people and property
- Inspections are conducted by certified inspectors
- Insurance coverage remains valid
In short: no permit, no protection. And that can turn a simple project into a costly problem.
Why Electrical Permits Matter (Big Time)
Here’s why ignoring the permit process is like playing with fire—literally and financially:
1. Safety First
Improper wiring can lead to electrical fires, shocks, or failures. Permits ensure your work meets code, keeping your family, tenants, or staff safe.
2. Legal Compliance
Without a permit, you're violating the Alberta Safety Codes Act. That can lead to fines, stop-work orders, or having to tear out unpermitted work.
3. Insurance Coverage
Insurance companies may deny claims if damage results from unpermitted or uninspected electrical work. Ouch.
4. Future Property Sales
When selling your home or business, unpermitted work can hold up a sale or even reduce your property value. A savvy buyer will ask, and inspectors will dig deep.
5. Peace of Mind
When Stripped Electrical pulls a permit, we’re making sure your project is safe, approved, and worry-free.
When Do You Need an Electrical Permit in Alberta?
Now let’s get into the specifics. In Alberta, you generally need a permit for most electrical work, unless you're simply replacing a fixture or changing a light bulb.
Common Situations That Require a Permit:
- Installing a new circuit or panel
- Adding wiring for a basement, garage, or addition
- Installing EV chargers, hot tubs, or air conditioning units
- Upgrading your electrical panel
- Running electrical to a shed or detached garage
- Changing the electrical service size (e.g., 60A to 100A)
Common Situations That May Not Require a Permit:
- Replacing existing light switches or outlets (if no wiring changes)
- Swapping a light fixture with another of the same type
- Changing a breaker with the exact same model and rating
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, ask. At Stripped Electrical, we always verify whether a permit is needed before we start work.
Who Can Apply for a Permit in Alberta?
Permits in Alberta can only be pulled by:
- A licensed electrical contractor (like us!)
- A homeowner doing work on their own principal residence, provided they live there and are not renting it out
Homeowners who do their own work still need to follow the code and pass inspections—but it’s worth noting that mistakes can be costly if you’re not experienced.
That’s why most people choose to work with qualified pros like Stripped Electrical to save time, avoid headaches, and get it done right.
What Happens During the Permit Process?
- Permit Application
We handle this for you, submitting the necessary documentation to your local authority. - Do the Work
Our licensed electricians complete the work safely and according to code. - Inspection
A certified inspector visits the site to verify the work. They may request corrections or give it a thumbs up. - Final Approval ✅
Once approved, the permit is officially closed—and your work is code-compliant and documented.
🛡️ Bonus: You now have proof of work for insurance, resale, or future upgrades.
What Happens If You Skip the Permit?
We can’t stress this enough: skipping permits is risky business. Here’s what might happen if you try to cut corners:
- A failed home inspection during resale
- Fines or penalties from the City of Edmonton or Safety Codes Authority
- Uninsurable electrical fires
- Red-tagging of your electrical panel
- Denial of future permits or approvals
Think of it this way: a permit costs a few bucks now, but skipping one could cost you thousands later.
How Stripped Electrical Makes It Easy
You’re busy, and we get it. That’s why we take the headache out of permits by handling everything for you:
- We determine if a permit is needed
- We apply for the correct permit on your behalf
- We coordinate with inspectors
- We keep you informed every step of the way
No paperwork stress. No code confusion. Just honest, professional service from a team that puts your safety and satisfaction first.
Real Talk: Your Peace of Mind Is Our Priority
At Stripped Electrical, we don’t cut corners—and we never skip permits. We believe that every job deserves to be done right the first time, with transparency and trust built into the process.
From replacing panels to installing EV chargers, we bring the same care, skill, and safety to every project—because your home and your family deserve nothing less. 💡
📞 Let’s Light Things Up—Safely!
Thinking about renovations, upgrades, or new installs? We’ll make sure your electrical work is fully permitted, expertly completed, and thoroughly inspected.
👉 Contact us today to get started:
📧 Email: hello@strippedelectrical.ca
📞 Call: 780-932-1776
🌐 strippedelectrical.ca
Stripped Electrical – Lighting up lives and spaces, one wire at a time. ⚡
