578 Switzer Drive, Hinton Alberta, T7V 1G7
Mon-Fri 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
578 Switzer Drive, Hinton Alberta, T7V 1G7
Mon-Fri 07:30 AM - 04:30 PM
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02 Oct, 2025
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Wiring in Alberta

Alberta Law

Who Can Legally Install Electrical Wiring in Alberta

It’s not a preference—it’s the law. Electrical wiring is a restricted activity in Alberta. If you’re hiring or planning a project, here’s what’s legal, what’s not, and why it matters for safety, insurance, and compliance.

Authorized to do Building Wiring

  • Electricians (Journeypersons) — full scope for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional systems.
  • Registered Electrical Apprentices — may perform restricted activities only under the required supervision.
  • Power System Electricians — for high-voltage generation, transmission, and distribution systems (utility/plant power systems).

Clear, Real-World Examples

  1. Solar PV on a shop or home: Racking can be installed by others, but all wiring, bonding, inverter, and interconnection work must be done by an Electrician.
  2. Battery and Solar at an oil & gas site: Instrumentation techs can connect control/telemetry in their panels. The power wiring, disconnects, OCPD, grounding/bonding, and interconnection to site power must be done by an Electrician.
  3. HVAC rooftop unit replacement: The HVAC contractor sets the unit and handles internal control wiring. The new feeder/branch circuit, disconnect, bonding, and terminations are Electrician scope.
  4. Plumber installs a dishwasher: There trade does not allow them to install wiring or touch your breaker panel.
  5. Joe HandyMan: Wants to move a light or fan. Nope, unless they have an electricians qualification

Supervision, Permits, and Inspection

Apprentices may work on restricted electrical tasks only when registered and supervised to Alberta requirements. Electrical permits and inspections are mandatory for most projects. Homeowner exemptions are narrow and do not apply to paid work or to commercial/industrial sites.

⚠️ Insurance Risk Alert

If unqualified trades or handymen perform electrical wiring and it causes a fire or other damage, your insurance provider may deny your claim. Only licensed electrical contractors carry the liability insurance and WCB coverage required to protect you.

Unqualified work doesn’t just break the law — it can leave you without insurance protection when you need it most.

Restricted Activity Supervision Required Electrical Permit Inspection Insurance Coverage WCB Protection

FAQ

Can a solar company run the wiring if they have experience?

👆🏻{you decide if you want to trust your install to a guy that took a 3 day course or a journeyperson that took 4 years of training

Can an Instrumentation Tech wire up a Solar skid?

Only the instrumentation/control side (signals, PLC I/O, telemetry) within their scope. Power circuits, feeders, disconnects, and bonding are electrician work.

Do ratio rules apply to apprentices?

Yes. Apprentices can perform restricted activities only if they’re registered and working under required supervision (and any applicable ratios) defined by Alberta apprenticeship authorities.

Are homeowner projects exempt?

There is a narrow owner-occupier allowance for personal, not-for-profit work on your own property, but permits and inspections still apply. This does not extend to paid work or employer property.

Need a Compliant Installation?

Logic Control Ltd. provides fully compliant electrical installations across Alberta—done by certified Electricians.

© Logic Control Ltd. · Electrical Contractor · Alberta
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