Programmable lights (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By Justin Goulet

Electrical permits and inspections required for programmable lighting systems

Jun 29, 2020 | 10:40 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Programmable lights can be a great way to brighten a backyard, but the City of Lethbridge is reminding residents there are rules surrounding these lighting systems.

The city says programmable, coloured lighting has to be installed by a licensed electrician and inspected by the City of Lethbridge to be deemed safe and meet the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code.

“While some systems may be marketed as safe to install yourself or for installation by your local handyperson, there are a few regulations that need to be followed for the safety of you and your home or business,” the city stated in a release.

Things to note include:

· An electrical permit is required.

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· The installation needs to be done by an electrical contractor with a City of Lethbridge business license.

· If lighting systems are already installed, an approved/passed electrical inspection report is required.

“As a community, we value safety and the wellbeing of our residents,” stated Ken Forbes, Senior Electrical Inspector with the City of Lethbridge.

“We are aware of many of the companies selling and installing this product. We know the product is being installed incorrectly and unsafely around the city and we know the dangers of what could happen if the product is installed incorrectly. We’re able to give clear direction to residents on what needs to be done to make the product safe.”

Building Inspection Services staff is available to help with residents who believe their system may be installed incorrectly or without permits.

A link to the City of Lethbridge Permit and Applications hub can be found here, and more details on residential and homeowner electrical permits can be found here.