Recent changes to ESA regulations state that permits are required for all low voltage lighting installations that exceed plugging into a receptacle.In order to pull a permit you must be a licensed master electrical contractor. We urge all companies/contractors to apply for the Provisional Electrical Contractors License with the ESA prior to Jan 31, 2007. After this date you may be rejected. You may find the application forms for the provisional license and charge account at these web sites
There is no requirement for a person to hold a valid ECRA/ESA licence to install lights that plug into a receptacle, nor is there a requirement for taking out a permit.
www.esaecra.info
www.esainspection.net
Be aware that companies/contractors found to be installing landscape lighting systems without licenses and permits are liable for fines up to $100,000 and/or five years in jail.
For information on contractor licensing, visit www.esainspection.net or call ESA Customer Service at 1-877-ESA-SAFE
An LO member who received his Provisional Electrical Contractor¡¦s Licence had the following tips for other contractors who may have questions about the application.
• Under Part I, Applicant Information, check off 'other' as the work type option and specify 'outdoor low voltage lighting'¨
• Under Part III, Licensing Information, fill in section B, 'Operating in a municipality where there is no licensing requirement.'
• Disregard Part IV regarding Trade Certificate of Qualification
• He wrote submitted a simple, three paragraph cover letter explaining who his company is and the situation he is in along with the application.
Lighting contractors who may have applied for a license but don't need it,can apply for a refund.
"Based on the clarification provided by Fred Diamanti from MTCU regarding the installation of low voltage work being exempt from the TQAA requirements, we're asking that if an applicant has already submitted their application to us and or have already received an ECRA/ESA licence but now realize that it isn't required we ask the following:
1. Draft and send us an email at esa.licensing.on.ca
2. Include "Landscape Lighting Licence Application - Retraction" in the subject line
3. Include the "Business name" and "contact info" on the email
4. Include a comment stating that "licence no longer required". "
For more information on this and on how to join the Lighting Commodity Group of Landscape Ontario contact Tony DiGiovanni at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 304.
Posted by the Lighting Commodity Group Board members of Landscape Ontario