What does the TSANB electrical inspection process involve in New Brunswick?

A TSANB (Technical Safety Authority of New Brunswick) electrical inspection verifies that your electrical work meets the Canadian Electrical Code and NB regulations — it's required before any new or modified electrical work can be energized.

How the process works:

Step 1: Permit application
Your licensed electrician applies for a wiring permit through TSANB (Technical Safety — Department of Justice and Public Safety). This can be done online, by phone (1-888-659-3222), or at a Service New Brunswick centre. The permit fee depends on the scope of work — typically $100-$400 for residential projects.

Step 2: Work is completed
The licensed electrician completes the electrical work according to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and NB amendments. The work must remain accessible for inspection — don't close up walls, ceilings, or covers until after inspection.

Step 3: Inspection request
Once work is complete, the electrician requests an inspection from TSANB. Inspection wait times vary:

• Urban areas (Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John): Typically 3-7 business days


• Rural areas: May take 7-14 business days depending on inspector availability


• Urgent requests: Available for an additional fee in some circumstances

Step 4: The inspection itself
A TSANB inspector visits the site and checks:

• Wire sizes match circuit breaker ratings


• Proper connectors, junction boxes, and cable supports


• GFCI and AFCI protection where required


• Grounding and bonding are correct


• Clearances and working space around panels meet code


• Wire fill in boxes doesn't exceed limits


• All connections are accessible (no buried junction boxes)


• The installation matches what was described on the permit

Step 5: Pass or deficiency notice

• Pass: The inspector approves the work and you receive a certificate. The circuit can be energized


• Deficiency notice: The inspector lists items that need correction. Your electrician makes the repairs and requests a re-inspection. There's typically no additional fee for one re-inspection

Common reasons for deficiency notices in NB:

• Missing AFCI protection on bedroom circuits (required since CEC 2018)


• Improper bonding of water pipes or gas pipes


• Overcrowded junction boxes


• Missing cable staples or supports within required distances


• GFCI protection missing on outdoor, bathroom, or kitchen circuits

What homeowners should know:

• You cannot request a TSANB inspection yourself — only the permit holder (licensed electrician) can


• Don't let a contractor tell you "we don't need an inspection" — all permitted work requires inspection


• Keep your inspection certificate — you'll need it when selling your home or filing insurance claims


• If work was done without a permit, you can request a retroactive inspection, but the work may need to be exposed for the inspector to verify it

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