Can a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Toronto Hire self-employed workers?

If you’re an electrical contractor in Toronto, you’ve probably wondered if it’s okay to hire self-employed worker for short-term work or specific jobs. The answer isn’t straightforward, and if you’re not careful, you could run into serious trouble with the Toronto Electrical Board. So, can you hire a self-employed worker or not? Let’s break it down.

The Short Answer: No, self-employed worker Aren’t Allowed

Toronto’s electrical contractor laws don’t permit a licensed electrical contractor to hire self-employed worker. The only way around this is if you use a staffing agency that knows what they’re doing and complies with the law. The key is ensuring the staffing agency is reputable and experienced in managing employees for the electrical industry.

Otherwise, hiring independent contractors yourself is a red flag for the Toronto Electrical Board. And trust me, they’re not fans of people trying to skirt the rules.

Why Is Hiring an self-employed worker Prohibited?

What’s the rationale behind the no self-employed rule? The Toronto Electrical Code and related regulations are there to ensure that licensed electrical contractors maintain a specific standard of control and oversight over their employees.

Although the law may not outright say “no self-employed workers” in those specific words, things get complicated when it comes to defining what counts as an actual employee.
So, you’ll need to figure out whether someone is considered an apprentice Employee or not.

What’s a apprentice Employee?

Essentially, an apprentice Employee is someone who:

• Works directly under a qualified individual (the person holding the electrical license).
• Is fully controlled by the licensed electrical contractor, meaning they follow your policies, procedures, and supervision.
• Uses your tools, equipment, and works as part of your day-to-day operations.

For example, let’s say you run “Abc Electric” and are a qualified individual. You hire a worker who helps with installations, uses your tools, and follows the processes you’ve laid out. To the Electrical Board, this person is likely a apprentice Employee. But—and this is crucial—they also have to be a regular employee.

Supervisor Involvement is Key

Hiring someone on a temporary basis still doesn’t automatically make them a apprentice Employee. It boils down to control and supervision. As mentioned earlier, the worker must operate under the guidance of a qualified individual—whether that’s you or another licensed supervisor in your company.

This person doesn’t just show up and handle projects on their own. They follow instructions and procedures set by the licensed contractor, and they typically don’t bring their own tools. These workers are integrated into how you run your business, unlike an electrical contractor who would often operate independently.

What About Helpers?

Electricians often refer to these workers as “helpers.” A helper is someone who assists in tasks like installations, maintenance, or repairs, all while using your company’s tools and equipment, such as voltmeters, wire strippers, or drills.

These helpers are vital to your operation but still fall under the category of a apprentice Employee when they are workers and follow your supervision. They are not independent contractors and can’t work as self-employed worker.

Staffing Agencies: The Only Loophole

If you prefer or need to bring in additional hands for a short period, using a staffing agency is your best (and only) legal option. The agency becomes the employer in this case, not you. Just ensure the staffing agency knows how to handle electrical industry workers. A reputable agency will understand the requirements and can handle it properly so you don’t run into any compliance issues.

Hiring unvetted or poorly managed staff from shady agencies could put your business at risk because the Electrical Board expects even temporary workers to be managed correctly.

Keep the Power On with Compliance

Navigating through Toronto’s electrical contractor laws can seem confusing, especially when it comes to hiring practices. But following the rules is crucial to staying in the Board’s good graces. If you’re unsure about whether you’re handling things correctly, consulting with a legal professional who understands professional licenses is always a smart move.

Common Electrical Concerns in Toronto: What Homeowners and Businesses Need to Know

Electrical issues in Toronto are shaped by a combination of aging infrastructure, changing building codes, extreme weather conditions, and increasing energy demands. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, staying informed about these concerns can help you prevent electrical hazards, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with local regulations. Below are some of the most pressing electrical concerns in Toronto and how to address them.

1. Aging Electrical Infrastructure in Older Homes

Toronto is home to many older neighborhoods with houses built before modern electrical standards were established. Homes constructed before the 1970s often contain outdated wiring that may not support today’s power demands.

Common Issues:

• Knob-and-Tube Wiring – Found in homes built before 1950, this outdated wiring lacks grounding and poses a fire hazard.
• Aluminum Wiring – Common in homes built in the 1960s-70s, aluminum wiring can loosen over time, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
• Outdated Electrical Panels – Many older homes still operate on 60- or 100-amp panels, which may not support modern appliances and high-power devices.

Solutions:

• Have a licensed electrician inspect and replace knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring with copper wiring.
• Upgrade to a 200-amp electrical panel to accommodate increased electrical loads.
• Ensure all electrical work complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC).

2. Electrical Safety and Compliance Regulations

In Toronto, all electrical work must comply with regulations set by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

Key Regulations to Be Aware Of:

• Electrical Permits – Any major electrical work, such as panel upgrades, rewiring, or EV charger installations, requires an ESA permit and inspection.
• Rental Property Electrical Code Compliance – Landlords must ensure their properties meet electrical safety standards, including adequate outlets, proper lighting, and functioning smoke detectors.
• EV Charger Installation Rules – Homeowners installing EV chargers must ensure they are connected to a dedicated 240V circuit and comply with ESA guidelines.

Solutions:

• Hire an ESA-certified Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) for any major electrical work.
• Schedule an ESA inspection to verify compliance after renovations or major upgrades.
• Ensure all rental properties meet code requirements to avoid fines and liability issues.

3. Power Outages and Grid Overloads

Toronto experiences power outages due to a variety of factors, including aging infrastructure, extreme weather, and increased energy demand.

Common Causes:

• Winter Storms & Ice Accumulation – Heavy snow and ice can damage power lines.
• Heat Waves & Overloaded Grids – High summer temperatures increase air conditioning use, straining the power grid.
• Construction & Maintenance Work – Infrastructure upgrades can result in temporary outages.

Solutions:

• Install a backup generator to ensure power continuity during outages.
• Use smart energy management systems to optimize power usage and reduce strain on the grid.
• Stay updated with Toronto Hydro’s outage alerts and prepare for emergency situations.

4. Energy Efficiency and High Electricity Costs

Ontario has some of the highest electricity rates in Canada, making energy efficiency a key concern for Toronto residents and businesses.

Common Energy Drains:

• Outdated appliances and lighting.
• Inefficient heating and cooling systems.
• Poorly insulated electrical systems leading to energy loss.

Solutions:

• Switch to LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and smart thermostats to optimize heating and cooling.
• Consider installing solar panels and battery storage systems to offset energy costs.
• Use energy monitoring systems to track and manage electricity usage in real time.

5. Electrical Safety Hazards and Fire Risks

Electrical fires are a serious risk, especially in older buildings with outdated wiring and overloaded circuits.

Common Electrical Safety Hazards:

• Overloaded outlets and circuits.
• DIY or unpermitted electrical work.
• Faulty or damaged wiring.
• Lack of ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet areas.

Solutions:

• Install AFCIs (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters) to prevent electrical fires.
• Use whole-home surge protectors to protect against power surges.
• Hire a professional to inspect and replace faulty wiring.
• Never attempt DIY electrical work—always hire a licensed electrician.

Final Thoughts

Staying informed about electrical concerns in Toronto can help homeowners and businesses prevent hazards, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with local regulations. Whether you need an electrical panel upgrade, rewiring, or an energy-efficient retrofit, working with a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) is the best way to ensure safety and reliability.

If you’re facing any electrical issues, considering energy upgrades, or need an ESA inspection, contact a professional electrician in Toronto today!