Light fixtures and chandeliers in Ottawa: swap, move or hang something heavy

Swap, move or add: three different jobs

A swap hangs a new fixture on the old box. A move puts the light somewhere new, such as over a dining table: a new box and a cable run. An addition creates a light where none existed, often with a new switch. HomeStars puts a ceiling light on an existing box at $100 to $300, and one needing new wiring from the panel at $300 to $600 or more.

Name the job first: it sets the time on site, the rules and whether drywall gets opened. Recessed lighting is its own job; see pot lights.

The box above the fixture

The Canadian Electrical Code, Rule 30-302(4), as one box maker’s catalogue quotes the 2012 edition, allows a fixture of up to 23 kg (50 lb) on a ceiling box attached directly to the building structure or to a bar hanger. Weight goes in your request, from the spec sheet or the shipping box. The company checks how the box is fixed and, if it falls short, prices a new box or support. HomeStars lists a junction box replacement or upgrade at $10 to $450. A fan is a different load; see ceiling fan installation.

When ESA hears about it

ESA’s Bulletin 2-3-18 explains Rule 2-005 of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. A Licensed Electrical Contractor swapping a fixture in an owner-occupied home files no notification when four things hold: same location, a fixture interchangeable with the old one, a branch circuit of 30 A and 130 V or less, and no work inside the panel.

The same bulletin draws the lines:

• Every new installation needs a notification, whoever does it.
• The exemption excludes installing, extending, altering or repairing wiring, so a moved or added light is notified.
• Changing a surface fixture to a recessed one is outside the like-for-like rule.
• In a rented home, the contractor files a notification even for a swap.
• In a condo, the corporation’s rules may require its approval before electrical work.

Whoever does the work files it; ESA calls a contractor who asks you to file in your name a red flag. The ESA permits page covers inspection and the Certificate of Acceptance.

The approval mark on the fixture

ESA says an electrical product must be approved by an accredited agency, and carry its mark, before it is used, sold or installed in Ontario. The list includes CSA, ULC, UL and Intertek. Installing unapproved equipment is against the law. For a fixture bought online, ESA advises checking the listing for certification details and asking the seller when they are missing. Attach a photo of the label to your request.

Switches, dimmers and older wiring

One Ottawa firm lists a dimmer switch at about $100 to $150. Name the fixture type so the company brings a dimmer that suits it.

In a house built from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, the wiring may be aluminum. For a switch on aluminum branch wiring, ESA’s bulletin calls for a device approved and marked for aluminum, or copper pigtails with connectors marked for copper-to-aluminum joins. See aluminum wiring. Older wiring adds time, so give the build year.

What sets the price

• Fixture type. A chandelier runs $220 to $3,400 on HomeStars’ guide, a sconce $100 to $250.
• Height. A stairwell or two-storey foyer may need a lift, $50 to $150 a day.
• Box and wiring. A new box or cable run adds labour and parts.
• Hourly rate and the first hour. HomeStars puts mid-size cities such as Ottawa at $80 to $130 an hour, with the first hour of a call at $100 to $200. After-hours work costs 1.5 to 2 times the rate.
• How many fixtures per visit. Grouping jobs means paying that first hour once.

What the quote should list

Each fixture on its own line, marked swap, move or new. Any box or support, wiring and drywall opening. A lift, if needed. Whether an ESA notification is filed, and its fee. Labour, parts and HST.

ESA says the contractor’s 7-digit ECRA/ESA licence number belongs on its estimates; you can check it in ESA’s Find a Contractor tool. Ontario requires a written agreement for home work over $50. The final bill may exceed a written estimate by 10% at most unless you sign a change, and a contract signed at your home carries a 10-day cooling-off period.

Who you are dealing with

Ottawa Electric Desk takes your request and passes it to one independent local electrical contracting company. That company phones you, prices the fixture work and does it.