IMPORTANT READ: Click here to download the BC Safety Authority Homeowners guide. You must indicate that you have read and understand the contents of this guide when applying for electrical permits.
NOTE: It is the homeowners responsibility to prepare arrangements for an alternate power source should the inspector not authorize a hydro connection or if Hydro is unable to connect immediatley. This situation has shown to be the major source of concern for our inspection department and the homeowner when services are not ready for connection.
Click here to access The BC Hydro web site for more information : http://www.bchydro.com/youraccount/content/residential_connections.jsp
NEW! Smoke Alarms: Click here to review the current ammendment to the BC Building Code regarding the installation of smoke alarms in dwelling units. It is recommended that smoke alarms be hard wired to the main electrical service where possible however.
Click here to download the Home Owner Electical Permit Application.
The Provincial Electrical Safety regulations and the Surrey Electrical Inspection By-law make provision for a homeowner to do electrical work and apply for an electrical permit under the following conditions:
( I )
(a) the applicant is the registered owner of the property;
(b) the registered owner occupies or intends to occupy the home (if not yet constructed and registered owner must live in the home for a minimum of six (6) months from the date occupancy was granted);
(c) the electrical work is performed by the registered owner without assistance (or with the assistance of qualified persons *not under contract or for remuneration of any kind). A qualified person with respect to homeowner permit issuance is a person that has knowledge of the electrical system and equipment being installed and is aware of the hazards involved;
(d) the electrical work is in a fully detached single family dwelling;
(i) Duplex does not qualify.
(ii) Daycare or other business does not qualify.
(e) the dwelling does not contain a secondary suite;
(f) the applicant has read the "Electrical Safety Homeowners' Information Guide" in its entirety;
(g) the applicant can show satisfactory evidence of knowledge of the electrical installation; and
(h) the electrical work involves installations to a maximum of 200 amps and 150 volts to ground.
( II ) Prior to applying for the electrical permit, the "Electrical Safety Homeowners Information Guide" must be obtained from the Permit Issuing Officer. This "information guide" must be read prior to submitting your application for permit. Improperly installed electrical equipment can create a hazard to persons and property. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Electrical Safety Code,wiring methods, and building construction before undertaking your electrical installation. If your installation is poorly executed or has serious deficiencies, you may be requested to obtain the services of a registered Electrical Contractor to complete the project. The permit application will require you to provide basic information relating to your installation (i.e. conductor and circuit breaker sizes, cost of all electrical material for your installation, excluding utilization equipment).
( III ).
Electrical equipment and wiring may not be covered or energized until accepted by an Electrical Safety Officer. To obtain this acceptance, regulations require that you notify the Safety Officer when the installation is ready for inspection as follows:
(a) Rough Wiring Inspection:
This inspection applies to where wiring is to be covered underground or inside the building construction. All wiring must be installed with outlet boxes as required and circuit splicing must be completed. The new circuits should not be connected to the circuit breakers at this time. If the installation is accepted by the Inspector, the insulation, interior sheathing, backfilling of trenches, or pouring of concrete can proceed. The Inspector will post a Certificate of Inspection advising you of our acceptance.
(b)Final Inspection:
All switches, receptacles, baseboard heaters, built-in appliances, etc. must be installed. It is not necessary to have the building complete, only the electrical portion. The branch circuits must be connected to the circuit breakers and an inspection requested. Please ensure that your circuit directory is completed. If your installation is accepted, the Inspector will, at this time, authorize the utility company to proceed with the electrical service connection to your home.
In some instances or on small installations, both a rough wiring and final inspection may be obtained at the same time.
The electrical inspector may decide at his or her descretion that the work is progressing beyond the capabilities of the homeowner to complete a safe and code compliant installation. In this case, the inspector will instruct the homeowner to obtain the services of a registered electrical contractor and to obtain a new electrical permit to complete the installation. There will be no refund or credit for permit fees as a result of any prior inspection.
An inspection must be requested within 60 days from the date of issuance of your permit and a final inspection within a further 180 days. Do not take out your permit until you are ready to begin. If you are going to require additional time, a supplementary permit must be obtained. The permit will be cancelled if no inspection is called within 180 days unless arrangements are made with the electrical inspection department. All permit renewalls will be evaluated at the time of application, i.e if suites added or property conditions change.
* paying a third party, assistant or contractor to perform work under a Homeowner's permit is not permitted.
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FEES FOR REGULAR PERMITS - (Total Cost of Material)
More Than Not More Than Fee
$ 0 $ 100 ....................................................................................... 41.00
101 250 ....................................................................................... 67.00
251 350 ....................................................................................... 94.00
351 650 ......................................................................................123.00
651 1,000 ...................................................................................... 152.00
1,001 1,350 ...................................................................................... 181.00
1,351 1,650 ...................................................................................... 210.00
1,651 2,000 ...................................................................................... 239.00
2,001 2,350 ...................................................................................... 268.00
2,351 2,650 ...................................................................................... 297.00
2,651 3,000 ...................................................................................... 326.00
3,001 3,350 ...................................................................................... 355.00