Report Unsafe Electrical Work - London Ontario Bylaw

Housing and Building Standards Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In London, Ontario, reporting unsafe electrical work protects residents and helps prompt inspections by municipal and provincial authorities. Start by securing people and property, then gather photos, dates, contractor names and permit details if available. Report urgent hazards to the Electrical Safety Authority and non-emergency complaints to City of London bylaw or building services so officers can investigate and order corrections.

Act immediately if wiring sparks, smells of burning, or causes repeated tripping.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary enforcement partners for unsafe electrical work are the Electrical Safety Authority (provincial regulator for electrical safety) and the City of London Building and By-law Enforcement services (municipal enforcement for permits, property standards and related bylaw contraventions). Official inspection and enforcement powers, fines and orders are set out by the responsible agencies and statutes cited below.

Penalties depend on the controlling instrument and are not always published on a single page.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited municipal pages; check the specific bylaw or provincial order for amounts and scales.
  • Escalation: municipalities and the ESA can issue orders, tickets, and pursue court action for continuing offences; specific escalation steps are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work or correction orders, mandatory inspections, permit revocation and court-ordered remedies may be used.
  • Enforcers and complaint pathways: contact the City of London By-law/Building Services to file a municipal complaint[1], and contact the Electrical Safety Authority for electrical hazards and emergencies[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the issuing body; time limits for appeals are set by the specific order or notice and are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

Building permits and electrical permit information, application forms and submission instructions are available from City of London Building Services and the provincial electrical permitting authority. For an electrical contractor or homeowner, confirm whether an ESA notification or permit is required before or after work.

Some corrections require a permit application or an ESA notification before re-energizing a system.

Reporting and Action Steps

  • Immediate hazards: isolate power if safe and call 911 for fire or imminent danger.
  • Report dangerous electrical work to the Electrical Safety Authority right away[2].
  • File a municipal complaint with City of London By-law or Building Services for permit or property standards issues[1].
  • Collect evidence: photos, videos, dates, invoice/contractor names and any permit numbers.
  • Follow inspection orders: if an order is issued, comply promptly or pursue the published appeal route within the timeframe stated on the order.

FAQ

Who enforces unsafe electrical work in London?
Electrical hazards are enforced by the Electrical Safety Authority at the provincial level; municipal building and bylaw officers enforce permits, property standards and related bylaws. Contact both for the appropriate scope of enforcement.
How do I report urgent electrical danger?
If there is fire, smoke or imminent danger call 911. For hazardous wiring or unsafe installations contact the Electrical Safety Authority and then file a municipal complaint with City of London building or bylaw services.
Will I be charged for filing a complaint?
Filing a complaint with the City or ESA is generally free; enforcement outcomes such as fines or required repairs are decided by the enforcing body and fees or fines are listed on the issuing order or regulatory page.

How-To

  1. Ensure safety: evacuate affected areas and shut off power if you can do so safely.
  2. Gather evidence: take photos, note dates/times, collect invoices or contractor details.
  3. Report the hazard to the Electrical Safety Authority and follow their guidance[2].
  4. Submit a municipal complaint to City of London Building Services or By-law Enforcement for permit or property-standards review[1].
  5. Attend inspections, comply with orders, and use the appeal route specified on any notice within the stated timeframe.

Key Takeaways

  • Report electrical hazards to the ESA immediately for safety inspections.
  • File a municipal complaint with City of London for permits or property standards enforcement.
  • Document the unsafe work thoroughly to support inspections and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of London - Report a concern
  2. [2] Electrical Safety Authority - Report a problem
  3. [3] City of London - Building permits

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data
Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.