⚡ Know Your Power: The Electrical Code Homeowners Must Know. (Ontario Edition)

These codes were selected based on a theoretical main floor rewire and do NOT represent a complete list. Additional codes may apply. Always consult the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and obtain proper permits and inspections to ensure a code-compliant installation. Fireline Electric always recommends hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) for any electrical work in your home.

Don’t skip this — these are among the most enforced rules during ESA inspections:

• Every wall 3 ft (900mm) or wider must have an outlet.
• No point along a wall can be more than 6 ft (1.8m) from a receptacle (Rule 26-720).
• Hallways longer than 10 ft (3m) require at least one outlet (Rule 26-710).
• Kitchen counters require a receptacle every 3 ft, and one within 1 ft (300mm) of the edge of the sink (Rule 26-712).
• Countertop plugs must not be more than 20” (500mm) above the counter unless physically impossible (backsplash, window, etc.).
• Islands and peninsulas must have at least one outlet (Rule 26-712).
• Receptacles cannot face upward on countertops unless inside a pop-up or appliance (Rule 26-712).
• Bathroom outlets must be within 3 ft (900mm) of the sink and GFCI protected (Rule 26-710 & 26-704).
• Outdoor outlets must be GFCI and weatherproof, even if covered (Rule 26-702 & 26-704).
• AFCI protection is required on all 120V receptacles in finished areas like bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways (Rule 26-724).

• GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter – Use in: Bathrooms, kitchens (within 1.5m of sink), unfinished basements, garages, outdoors, and laundry.

• AFCI = Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter – Required on all finished living space circuits, even if they only feed lighting (Rule 26-724).

Some circuits need both (e.g. bedroom outlets near a sink = GFCI/AFCI combo).

• Every room must have at least one lighting outlet controlled by a switch (Rule 30-502).

• Stairs require 3-way switching if there’s a light and the stairs are over 4 steps (Rule 30-500).

• Closet lights must be enclosed and kept clear of shelving:

• Minimum 300mm (12″) clearance for incandescent
• 150mm (6″) for LED or fluorescent (Rule 30-308).

Bathroom fans with lights must be rated for damp or wet location use and connected to a dedicated switch if required.

• Boxes must be securely mounted and flush with drywall unless using extension rings (Rule 12-3012).
• All connections must use approved wire connectors (marettes) or pressure terminals (Rule 12-3034).
• Choose appropriately sized boxes. You cant overfill them. Every conductor, ground, and device counts toward box fill (12-3034)

• Max 12 outlets (lights + plugs) per 15A circuit unless calculated load permits more (Rule 8-104).
• Label each circuit clearly in the panel (Rule 2-100).
• Working clearance in front of panel: 1m (39″) (Rule 2-308).
• Don’t stack too many breakers on one bus — check panel max for tandem breakers.

• Kitchen counter plugs → 2 x 20A circuits minimum (Rule 26-654).
• Microwave, dishwasher, fridge, and gas stove ignitor → separate circuits preferred.
• Laundry outlet → 20A dedicated circuit (Rule 26-722).
• Bathroom plug → 20A GFCI on its own breaker (Rule 26-724).
• Electric baseboard heaters → each one requires its own properly sized breaker and wire (Rule 62-104).

• Bond all metal boxes, fixtures, and devices using the ground screw or pigtail (Rule 10-606).
• Use green or bare copper conductors for grounding only (Rule 10-602).
• Ground wires must be twisted together with a pigtail to the device or box (Rule 10-814).

• ESA Permit = Mandatory before you touch a wire.
• You must schedule an inspection at the rough-in and finish.
• Homeowners can only do this work on their own primary residence, not rentals or flips.