06/02/2026
Under the Electrical Installation and Inspection Act and associated regulations in New Brunswick, all electrical construction, maintenance, and wiring work must be performed by a provincially licensed electrician or a registered apprentice under active supervision.
The Law & Safety Requirements:
Licensing: Anyone conducting electrical work must hold the appropriate trade qualification or be a registered apprentice working for a licensed electrical contractor.
Minor Exceptions:
A "qualified person" (meaning someone familiar with the equipment and hazards) may perform minor repairs or replacements—like swapping a receptacle or switch—provided no circuit modifications are made and the work meets the Canadian Electrical Code.
Permits:
All significant electrical work requires a wiring permit before work begins. These permits can typically only be pulled by licensed electrical contractors.Why the Law MattersEven if the physical work meets code, attempting electrical work yourself can have massive consequences:
Home Insurance:
Many home insurance policies in New Brunswick include clauses that void coverage if fire or damage is traced back to non-licensed electrical work.
For more specifics on the exact requirements or to verify if a contractor is properly licensed, visit the Government of New Brunswick Electrical Licences page.
