What permits do I need for a bathroom renovation electrical in New Brunswick?

Electrical Permits for Bathroom Renovations in New Brunswick

Bathroom renovations frequently involve electrical work — new lighting, exhaust fans, heated floors, GFCI outlets, and sometimes new circuits. Here's what requires a permit and what doesn't in NB.

When You Need a TSANB Electrical Permit

A permit is required for:

• Adding new circuits to your electrical panel (e.g., a dedicated circuit for a heated floor)
• Running new wiring behind walls or through ceilings
• Adding new outlets where none existed before
• Installing a new exhaust fan if it requires a new circuit or new wiring
• Relocating outlets, switches, or light fixtures to new positions (involves new wiring)
• Installing electric in-floor heating — this is a dedicated 240V circuit in most cases
• Adding a whirlpool/jetted tub — requires a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit

When You Likely Don't Need a Permit

• Replacing a light fixture on an existing circuit (same location, same wiring)
• Replacing an existing outlet with a GFCI outlet (same location, no new wiring)
• Replacing an existing exhaust fan with a similar model (same location, same wiring)
• Replacing existing switches (dimmer swap, smart switch)

The general rule: if you're using existing wiring in existing locations, no permit needed. If new wire is being run or new electrical boxes installed, get a permit.

Common Bathroom Electrical Requirements (CEC)

When doing permitted bathroom electrical work in NB, the CEC requires:

GFCI protection:

• All bathroom receptacles must be GFCI-protected


• Receptacles within 1.5 metres of a bathtub or shower must be GFCI-protected


• The GFCI can be at the outlet itself or as a GFCI breaker at the panel

Dedicated circuits:

• Bathrooms should have at least one 20-amp circuit for receptacles


• Electric in-floor heating needs its own dedicated circuit (typically 15–20A at 240V for a standard bathroom)


• Whirlpool tubs need a dedicated 20-amp GFCI-protected circuit

Exhaust fan:

• The NB Building Code requires mechanical ventilation in bathrooms without operable windows


• Fan must be vented to the exterior — not into the attic or soffit


• Fan capacity should match room size: minimum 1 CFM per square foot, or 50 CFM minimum

Lighting:

• Fixtures in shower/tub enclosures must be rated for wet locations


• Fixtures above tubs (but not in the shower spray zone) need damp-location rating


• Recessed lights near insulation must be IC-rated (Insulation Contact)

Permit Process and Costs

The TSANB electrical permit process for a bathroom renovation:

Your licensed electrician applies — permit cost is typically $50–$100 depending on scope

Rough-in inspection — TSANB inspector checks wiring before walls are closed up. This is critical — don't close the walls before inspection or you'll need to open them again

Final inspection — after all fixtures and devices are installed and connected

Turnaround time — 3–5 business days for inspections in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John. Rural areas may be slightly longer.

Typical Bathroom Electrical Costs in NB

| Work | Cost Range |
|------|-----------|
| GFCI outlet replacement (existing location) | $100–$175 per outlet |
| New outlet (new location, new wiring) | $200–$400 per outlet |
| Exhaust fan replacement (same location) | $150–$300 |
| New exhaust fan (new location + venting) | $400–$800 |
| Recessed LED lighting (4–6 lights) | $600–$1,500 |
| Vanity light fixture replacement | $100–$200 |
| Electric in-floor heating (typical 40 sq ft bath) | $800–$1,800 (materials + install) |
| Heated towel rack (hardwired) | $300–$600 |
| Full bathroom electrical (gut renovation) | $2,000–$5,000 |

Coordination with Other Trades

Bathroom renovations involve sequencing between trades:

Demolition complete

Plumber does rough-in

Electrician does rough-in (new circuits, boxes, wiring)

TSANB electrical rough-in inspection

Insulation and vapour barrier

Drywall

Tile/flooring (in-floor heating goes under tile)

Fixtures — electrician returns for final connections

TSANB final electrical inspection

Missing the rough-in inspection is the most common and most costly mistake — if drywall is already up, the inspector may require you to open walls for visual verification. Coordinate your electrician's schedule with the TSANB inspection timeline to avoid delays.

Hiring for Bathroom Electrical in NB

Always use a TSANB-licensed electrician for bathroom work. The combination of water and electricity makes bathrooms one of the highest-risk areas in a home. Get 2–3 quotes, confirm they'll handle the permit, and ask whether they coordinate directly with TSANB for inspection scheduling.

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