How long does TSANB take to approve a NB electrical permit?

TSANB doesn't "approve" electrical permits in advance — the permit is issued before work begins, and the approval comes through inspection after the work is complete.

This is a common point of confusion, so it's worth walking through how the process actually works in New Brunswick.

How the TSANB Permit Process Works

When a licensed electrician pulls an electrical permit through TSANB, they're registering the work before it starts — not waiting for pre-approval. The permit is typically issued quickly (often same-day or within a few business days) once the licensed contractor submits the application. Your electrician handles this step, so you generally don't need to worry about the paperwork side.

The work then proceeds, and once it's complete, TSANB schedules an inspection. The inspector visits the site to verify everything meets the Canadian Electrical Code as adopted in New Brunswick. If the work passes, a Certificate of Compliance is issued. This is the document you want — it's what your insurance company and future home buyers will ask for.

How Long Does the Inspection Take to Schedule?

This is where timing can vary. In busier areas like Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton, inspection wait times can range from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on TSANB's current workload and the time of year. In more rural parts of New Brunswick, scheduling can sometimes take longer due to inspector availability and travel.

Your electrician will typically coordinate the inspection scheduling directly with TSANB, so ask them for a realistic timeline when you're planning your project. Renovation timelines — especially if drywall or finishing work depends on electrical sign-off — should account for this inspection window.

What Affects the Timeline?

The biggest factor is how complete and code-compliant the work is. If an inspector finds deficiencies, the work needs to be corrected and re-inspected, which adds time. Hiring a reputable, TSANB-licensed electrician who does the job right the first time is the best way to avoid delays.

For the most current and accurate timelines, contact TSANB directly at 1-800-999-0813 or visit tsanb.ca — they can give you up-to-date information on inspection scheduling in your specific area of New Brunswick.

If you're ready to get your project started, New Brunswick Electrical can match you with a licensed local electrician who knows the TSANB process inside and out — at no cost to you.