Electrical wiring permits

Find out what projects require an electrical wiring permit and how to apply for one.

Overview

Electrical wiring permits authorize contractors to carry out electrical installations. 

Eligibility

New Brunswick licenced electrical contractors and sign installer contractors are required to obtain a wiring permit for electrical construction involving more than 10 outlets or five kw of load. 

A plan review is required for electrical installations of more than 600 amps at 120/240 volts, 400 amps at 120/208 volts, 400 amps at 347/600 volts and for any installations having a voltage in excess of 600 volts. 

Permits must be obtained before construction begins and before a utility power connection is made. Working without a permit will result in a special inspection fee in addition to the cost of the permit. There are some permit exemptions for owners of establishments where their operation requires frequent alterations performed by permanently employed electricians. 

Sign installation work means the installation, maintenance or repair of a sign, including the installation, maintenance or repair of an electrical connection to the load side of a sign service disconnect switch. However, this does not include the installation, maintenance or repair of a sign service disconnect switch. Permits are required on all new installations and when the ampacity or voltage of an existing sign is altered. 

NB Power accepts electrical wiring permit applications from electrical contractors for electrical installations requiring a utility connection for all four utilities: NB Power, Saint John Energy, Edmundston Energy, Perth-Andover Electrical Light Commission and for installations that do not require a utility connection (feeder branch). 

For NB Power customers only, a work order number will be required before an electrical wiring permit can be processed, if the utility is required on site. Electrical contractors shall have their clients contact NB Power for this work order number. 

Application

Electrical contractors have two methods to apply for an electrical wiring permit:

  1. Online at NB Power by completing the fillable form and submitting directly to NB Power for processing. The building permit, waiver or other documents can be submitted through this website by downloading with the wiring permit application.
  2. By contacting NB Power by phone at 1-800-615-0522 Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. With this option you will give your information directly to NB Power personnel. Your building permit, waiver or other documents will need to be sent to NB Power by fax or mail before the permit can be issued. 
     
    By Mail: 
    NB Power 
    Attn.: Electrical Wiring Permit Applications 
    515 King St., 3rd Floor 
    P.O. Box 2000, Station A 
    Fredericton, NB 
    E3B 4X1 
     
    By Fax: 
    NB Power 
    Attn.: Electrical Wiring Permit Applications 
    506-458-4000
     

The fax number is for building permits, waivers or other documents only. DO NOT fax electrical wiring permit applications. 
 
Wiring permit applications will not be required when applying by phone as all information will be given directly to NB Power over the phone. Payment methods: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard); Pre- Authorized Debit (registration required); cheque or money order. 
 
All payments must be submitted before a permit can be issued.

Fees

Fee Description Rate in $
Special wiring permits for carnivals and exhibitions, shows or other such presentations (per electrical installation)
50 K.V.A. or less, 200 amperes or less, 120/240 volts single phase or 120/208 volts three phase 200
72 amperes or less, 240 to 600 volts 200
51 to 100 K.V.A., 201 to 400 amperes, 120/240 volts single phase or 120/208 volts three phase 300
120 amperes or less, 240 to 600 volts 300
All electrical installations over 100 K.V.A. 400
Other Special Wiring Permits
Special wiring permit for an emergency repair or detachment/reattachment for siding installation 50
Wiring Permits for Temporary Installations for Construction
200 amperes or less, 120/240 volts single phase or 120/208 volts three phase 60
72 amperes or less, 347/600 volts three phase 60
201 to 400 amperes, 120/240 volts single phase or 120/208 volts three phase 125
73 to 200 amperes, 347/600 volts three phase 125
401 to 600 amperes, 120/240 volts single phase or 120/208 volts three phase 175
201 to 400 amperes, 347/600 volts three phase 175
All other temporary installations for construction 300
All other temporary service entrance relocations 115
Wiring permits for all type II installations and type III installations up to and including the first 50 K.V.A. that do not require a new service connection 115
Wiring permits for all type II installations and type III installations up to and including the first 50 K.V.A. that require a new service connection 115
Wiring Permits for type III Installations in excess of 50 K.V.A.
Between 50 and 1000 K.V.A. (per K.V.A) 1.65
Between 1001 and 20,000 K.V.A (per K.V.A) 1.00
In excess of 20,000 K.V.A (per K.V.A) 1.00
Wiring Permits for service entrance relocations 115
Wiring Permits for sign installation work
For a single sign at a location 75
Wiring Permits for sign installation work on two or more signs at a location
For a single sign at a location 75
For each additional sign 10

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For additional inquiries, contact us Monday to Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays.