Frequently Asked Questions
Permits, inspections, costs and emergencies — straight answers from licensed Ontario electricians.
Do I need a permit for electrical work in Ontario?
Yes — most electrical work in Ontario requires a notification (permit) filed with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). As an ECRA/ESA Licensed Electrical Contractor (#7017415), Ber Electric files the notification and arranges any required inspection for you — it's part of our standard process, not an extra you have to chase.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Ber Electric Inc. holds ECRA/ESA Licence #7017415 — you can verify it yourself on the ESA's public contractor registry — and we are fully insured. Every crew we send is made up of licensed electricians.
How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Kitchener-Waterloo?
It depends on a few factors: whether you're moving from 100A to 200A service, the condition of your meter base and service entrance, where the panel is located, and ESA permit fees. Rather than guess, we do a free on-site assessment and give you a fixed, itemized estimate before any work begins.
Can you install a Level 2 EV charger at my home?
Yes. We handle the load calculation, run the dedicated 240V circuit, install the charger and file the ESA notification. We also install EV chargers for condos, workplaces and commercial parking lots.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency electrical service?
Yes — our emergency line at +1 (519) 498-1677 is answered around the clock, every day of the year, with rapid response across Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph and the GTA.
What areas do you serve?
Can you replace aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring?
Yes. Many pre-1975 homes in Waterloo Region still have aluminum branch wiring or knob-and-tube, which insurers increasingly flag. We assess what's actually behind your walls and quote remediation or a full rewire at a fixed price.
Who arranges the ESA inspection when the job is done?
We do. Where an inspection is required, we coordinate it with the ESA and don't consider the job finished until it passes — and you receive the paperwork for your records and your insurer.