Do I need a TSANB permit to install a Level 2 EV charger in my garage in New Brunswick?

Yes, you absolutely need a TSANB permit to install a Level 2 EV charger in New Brunswick. Any new dedicated circuit — and a Level 2 charger requires a dedicated 240V circuit rated at 40 to 50 amps — requires a permit from the Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick and a follow-up inspection.

Here's how the process works. Your licensed electrician submits a permit application to TSANB before any work begins. The electrician then installs the dedicated circuit from your electrical panel to the charger location in your garage, mounts the charging unit, and makes all connections. Once the work is complete, a TSANB inspector visits to verify everything meets the Canadian Electrical Code — proper wire gauge (typically 6 AWG copper for a 50 amp circuit), correct breaker size, appropriate cable routing, and secure mounting of the EVSE unit.

The permit fee for an EV charger installation is typically $100 to $200, and the inspection is usually scheduled within 3 to 5 business days after your electrician submits the request. The inspection itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens if you skip the permit? Installing an EV charger without a TSANB permit in New Brunswick can result in fines, and more importantly, your home insurance company may deny a claim if an electrical fire is traced to unpermitted work. If you ever sell your home, a buyer's home inspector will flag the installation, and you'll need to have it retroactively permitted and inspected — which costs more than doing it right the first time.

Before your electrician arrives, there are a few things to check. First, verify your panel has capacity for the new circuit. Most Level 2 chargers draw 32 amps continuously (on a 40 amp breaker) or 40 amps (on a 50 amp breaker). If your home has a 100 amp panel that's already close to full, you may need a panel upgrade first. Second, measure the distance from your panel to the charger location — longer runs require heavier gauge wire and cost more. Third, decide between a hardwired unit or a NEMA 14-50 outlet that lets you plug in a portable charger.

The total cost for a Level 2 EV charger installation in New Brunswick runs $1,200 to $1,800 if your panel has capacity, or $3,000 to $5,000 if a panel upgrade is needed. NB Power may also offer incentives for EV infrastructure — check their current rebate programs before scheduling the work.

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