7 Worth. Changing Codes. for Changing Times

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1 TM News, Views and Updates from the Electrical Safety Authority Winter 2018 Changing Codes for Changing Times What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Installations p.3 Enhancements to the Licence Renewal Process p.4 Top 10 Defects p ESA-SAFE ESASAFE.COM What s Inside 2 Year-to-Date Convictions 3 Technically Speaking 7 Worth Knowing

2 No Wiring Fee Increase for 2018 Electrical Safety Enforcement Convictions Sept. 1, 2017 Dec. 21, 2017 Convictions of Unlicensed Individuals After analysis and review of financial and stakeholder considerations, ESA has determined that it will not require an increase to wiring fees this year. For any questions contact ESA. electricalsafety.on.ca. Gavin Dand operating as Birchview Construction, Hamilton Kitchen renovation $1,000 fine, plus $125 victim surcharge no Electrical Contractor (EC) Licence $1,000 fine, plus $125 victim $4,000 fine, plus $1,000 victim surcharge leaving an electrical hazard Edward Brant, Stratford Residential and commercial renovations multiple sites $2,664 fine no EC Licence $1,332 fine failure to apply $3,500 fine making a false statement Ken Leduc operating as Porchlight Home Inspection, Brampton Residential renovation multiple sites $3,000 fine, plus $750 victim surcharge no EC Licence $3,000 fine, plus $750 victim Nikola Durdic, Toronto Residential renovation $2,000 fine, plus $500 victim surcharge no EC Licence $2,000 fine, plus $500 victim Tasir M Sharif operating as DSC Linx Contracting, Waterloo Commercial renovation $2,500 fine, plus $625 victim surcharge employing an unlicensed contractor Jose Julio DeNobrega, Burlington Panel change multiple locations $14,000 fine, plus $1,750 victim surcharge no EC Licence $14,000 fine, plus $1,750 victim $2,000 fine, plus $250 victim surcharge leaving an electrical hazard $1,000 fine, plus $125 victim surcharge making a false statement $14,000 fine, plus $1,750 victim surcharge unauthorized electrical connection Andrew Biro operating as Canadian Plumbing & Electrical, Ottawa Residential renovation $12,000 fine, plus $3,000 victim Mario Varacalli, Toronto Residential renovation $2,000 fine, plus $500 victim $2,000 fine, plus $500 victim surcharge no EC Licence Convictions of Licensed Electrical Contractors Alan Anderson operating as Tradescope Electric, Whitby Residential renovation multiple sites $20,000 fine, plus $5,000 victim Mauricio Cordova operating as J Cordova Electric Ltd , Bolton $15,000 fine, plus $3,750 victim surcharge utter false certificate of inspection If you are aware of anyone doing electrical work in violation of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code or electrical contractor licensing regulations, report it to ESA at or at esasafe.com and you can do so confidentially. ESA looks into every such report we receive. 2 News, Views and Updates from ESA

3 Technically Speaking Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Changes to the Ontario Building Code The industry is already aware by now that on Jan. 1, 2018 changes to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) regarding electrical vehicle charging systems came into effect. These changes were made by the Ontario government s Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA). The MMA has recently created a set of questions and answers. Based on that document, there are some items that provide valuable clarifications to the industry including the responsibility >Electrical installations associated with electrical of the building officials and the vehicle charging systems are required to be in responsibility of the electrical inspector. accordance with the Code. For houses, the building official is responsible for checking that there is a (minimum) 200 amp panel/service and that, as a minimum, a conduit and box, as described in the regulation, have been provided. For buildings other than apartment buildings where vehicle parking spaces are located in the building, the building official is responsible for checking that at least 20 per cent of parking spaces are provided with Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, and the remaining 80 per cent of the parking spaces are designed to allow for future installation of electrical vehicle charging systems. The specific requirements described in the regulations are considered the acceptable solution. The OBC is also set up to accept an alternative solution a substitute for an acceptable solution. There is a very detailed and thorough process outlined in the OBC for alternative solutions. If an LEC is considering that approach, they need to be familiar with this process and how to demonstrate that the alternative solution will achieve the level of performance required by the applicable requirements. The building officials are responsible to accept the alternative solution. Electrical installations associated with electrical vehicle charging systems are required to be in accordance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (Code). The electrical inspector s role is to verify that the installation complies with the Code including all applicable sections and rules. It is the responsibility of the LEC to ensure the installation is acceptable to the building officials and satisfies the requirements of the Code.? Questions About Electric Vehicle Requirements? LECs can check with local municipal building officials if they have questions regarding the OBC requirements. This change, made by the MMA, simply mandates what electrical vehicle charging stations must be installed and where to install them. The Code has not changed how electrical vehicle charging systems must be installed. For updates, visit the MMA website at and/or you can subscribe to the Ministry s CodeNews ( News, Views and Updates from ESA 3

4 Licensing Matters Enhancing the Licence Renewal Process Based on feedback from contractors, beginning May 1, 2018, a signed declaration will no longer be required when you renew your Electrical Contractor (EC) or Master Electrician (ME) licence. Paying the annual licence fee will be considered your attestation that you are maintaining all of your licence requirements. This will apply to both the ME and EC licences. Payment can be made by credit card over the phone, electronic fund transfer or by mailing a cheque. LECs also have the option to pay using ESA s online application system (enola). In April 2016 ESA s Licensing department introduced the five-year licence process to help reduce the administrative burden for LECs and MEs. The five-year licence process requires LECs and MEs to submit all > supporting documentation every fifth year, and a declaration of compliance annually with the licence fee. All LECs and MEs will be subject to an audit at least once within the five-year cycle. SAMPLE: Year 1 full renewal with supporting documentation and annual licence fee Year 2 annual licence fee Year 3 annual licence fee Year 4 annual licence fee, randomly scheduled audit to provide proof of licence requirements Year 5 annual licence fee Year 6 full renewal with supporting documentation and annual licence fee If you have any questions about these changes contact ESA.Licensing@electricalsafety.on.ca. Top 10 Defects Identified by ESA Inspectors There are a number of common defects that continue to lead the list of installations that don t meet the requirements of the Code. Here are the top 10 defects written by ESA Inspectors for wiring installations. These defects, if left uncorrected, can pose electrical safety hazards. > You can also find more on these defects including details on the Code rules at: Top 10 Ontario Electrical Safety Code Defects Ontario Electrical Safety Code Rule Number of defects issued in Rule (5) Box device covers required 14, Rule Maintain electrical equipment 10, Rule Equipment to be approved for use 9, Rule (3) Complete panel directory required 8, Rule (11) GFI protected receptacle <1.5m 6, Rule Fill unused openings, boxes etc. 5, Rule (1) Min. support spacing 5, Rule Make safe unused conductors 4, Rule (3) Approved cable connect required 3, Rule (4)(a) Non-metallic cable near heat ducts 3,498 4 News, Views and Updates from ESA

5 Licensing Matters Highlights from the Annual Licence Holder Meeting On October 17 and November 21, 2017, 300 LECs and MEs attended the annual Licence Holder Meetings that were held in North Bay and Mississauga this year. The meetings addressed several key licensing initiatives and an overview of ESA s risk-based oversight strategy. Highlights included: Licensing Update ESA provided an overview of the enhancements to the five-year renewal process and shared licensing statistics from the past year. Risk-based Oversight ESA is evolving to a risk-based approach for wiring inspections that will focus more effort on high-risk work and less on lower-risk work, while not compromising safety. LECs will be able to learn more about RBO and provide feedback through town hall meetings in spring Addressing the Underground Economy Licensing enforcement efforts have resulted in major convictions like handyman Julio DeNobrega who was convicted in October 2017 of 14 counts of working without an Electrical Contractor Licence and was fined $45,000. ESA s Kijiji pilot project identifies individuals who advertise illegally for electrical work. The pilot resulted in over 500 Notices of Violation being issued. An Authorized Security Investigator discussed how ESA tackles the underground economy through investigations, prosecution and convictions. Role of the Designated Master Electrician (DME) DMEs are responsible for ensuring that all work completed by the LEC adheres to licensing regulation requirements including supervisory, Normand Breton, Registrar and Director, Contractor Licensing, ESA speaking at 2017 Annual Licence Holder Meeting administrative and safety components. Fore more information visit: Hire an LEC Awareness Campaign ESA provided a summary of campaign efforts to educate consumers on the importance of hiring a licensed electrical contractor including an update on the Power Your Reno campaign ( The meeting also included a question and answer session for attendees and a technical question and answer after the meeting for Code-related questions. The annual licence holder meetings are held in the fall every year. Details of the 2018 meetings will be sent out in late spring. Four Ways to Ensure You re Following the Licensing Regulation: 1 Ensure electrical work is conducted in accordance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (Code). 2 Apply for all necessary electrical permits (also called an Application for Inspection) with ESA. 3 Ensure electrical work conducted on the electrical contractor s behalf is carried out in accordance with section of the Code. An electrical permit must be requested through ESA s Customer Service Centre before or within 48 hours of when the work starts. 4 Ensure all electrical work is accounted for when you apply for an electrical permit. If the scope of work changes from the initial plans, adjust the permit information accordingly. News, Views and Updates from ESA 5

6 Customer Experience LEC Store Has Re-opened for Business The LEC Store has re-opened for business. The store provides LECs with the opportunity to order ESA safety brochures and/or customized promotional materials that include the Hire an LEC message and promote the role of the Licensed Electrical Contractor. Free web banners are also available to download. LAWN SIGN SAMPLE Have You Received Defects for Work You Didn t Do? Here s What to Do: Have you ever received a defect for work that was outside the scope of your installation? In order to help ensure clarity of what work is inside and outside the scope of the installation, it s important for LECs to notify the inspector of any deficiencies already on the site before the work begins, as soon as they are identified. LECs that are on the Authorized Contractor Program are required to do so as a condition of the program. This can be done by informing the Customer Service Centre, the inspector for the area or the senior inspector. Contractors that receive a defect outside the scope of the installation should contact the local inspector. The inspector can address the defect and have it removed from the contractor s record. esasafe.com DOOR HANGER SAMPLE BROCHURE SAMPLE What you need to know about ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS esasafe.com Keeping you and your family safe Ontario Electrical Safety Code 27th Edition Consultation on Proposed Changes Starting March th Edition ESA is seeking the views of LECs and MEs, consumers, the electrical industry and others on proposed changes to the Ontario-specific amendments of the Code. The online consultation will run from March 6 April 20, Visit the LEC Store today at All consultation materials, including proposed amendments and instructions on how to submit feedback, will be available here on ESA s website 6 News, Views and Updates from ESA

7 Worth Knowing ESA Town Hall Workshop The Future of Electrical Inspections in Ontario What is Risk-based Oversight? Risk-based oversight means that ESA will use risk criteria to determine what wiring work requires a site visit. ESA is moving to a risk-based approach for electrical wiring by This means ESA will spend more physical inspection effort on higherrisk electrical wiring work, and less physical inspection effort on lower-risk work, without compromising safety. We want your feedback on how this change could affect you, your customers, and your business. Town Hall Workshops are taking place across the province to learn more about the changes, share your insights directly with ESA, and help us shape the future of electrical safety in Ontario. The workshops will take place between February 21 and April 10. Please note there is no cost to attend the workshop. For those who are unable to attend, materials and information will be available online. You ll be able to review these materials and provide feedback to ESA electronically. There will also be other opportunities throughout the year to learn about this evolution to a risk-based approach and talk to ESA about what it means for you. Permits will have a risk level assigned to it based on: > who does the installation work > what the installation is > where the installation is All high-risk work must be inspected, and medium- and low-risk work will be subject to selective inspection. That is, for every two, three, five, or ten installations, one will have a physical site visit by an inspector but this ratio is still to be determined. Preventing Fire and Shock in Older Homes The Electrical Safety Authority s (ESA s) ElecCheck program will be rolling out province-wide this summer with some enhancements and an increased focus on high risk homes. ElecCheck is a review of a home s electrical wiring and/or devices to identify potential electrical hazards that could lead to a fire or shock. The program, which is a non-regulatory service offered by ESA, was originally developed in 2015 based on a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) voluntary standard. Based on some key learnings from the initial pilot and roll-out in 2015, the program has been streamlined. As such, ESA will no longer offer general inspections after April 30, 2018 and will offer only ElecCheck reviews to homes that meet the criteria. Starting on July 3, ElecCheck reviews will be available across the province for homes built prior to These homes are at a greater risk of electrical fire because technology and Ontario Electrical Safety Code changes since then have helped reduce the likelihood of a fire due to electrical wiring. News, Views and Updates from ESA 7

8 Spotlight on Common Defects Maintenance of Electrical Equipment Over the past year, ESA inspectors have identified close to 11,000 defects regarding the maintenance of electrical equipment. Ongoing maintenance is important to ensure electrical equipment will operate in a safe and predictable manner in response to operating demands. For example, a disconnect switch with corroded blades and/or springs may cause an arc flash when operated manually because the spring may not latch in a timely manner. The following are typical examples of defects where electrical equipment has not been maintained: Faulty or damaged devices need to be repaired or replaced (such as receptacles, luminaires, panel boards, disconnecting switches, etc.) Deteriorated equipment needs to be replaced GFCI circuit breakers and/or receptacles fail to trip upon test Deteriorated knob-tube wiring needs to be replaced Rule of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (Code), which covers general requirements for maintenance and operation, requires all operating electrical equipment to be kept in safe and proper working condition. Additionally, the rule requires electrical equipment maintained for emergency service to be periodically inspected and tested to ensure its fitness for service. The rule also addresses safety concerns related to infrequently-used electrical equipment: it must be thoroughly inspected before use; and damaged, deteriorated or defective electrical equipments and devices must be put in good order (safe operating conditions) or permanently disconnected and replaced. ESA strongly recommends maintenance staff and facility operators perform periodic inspection and testing of electrical equipment to ensure it is in safe and proper working order. What s Happening Get Plugged In TM Digital Today! 2018 Ontario Electrical Safety Awards Call for Nominations Now Open! For more information on how to submit a nomination please visit: ESA Workshops: The Future of Electrical Inspections in Ontario To register for a free Risk-based Oversight Town Hall Workshop in your area, visit: Benefits includes: Exclusive online features and links to videos and photo galleries Advance access to the latest issue Convenience of reading it anywhere, anytime. Consider the environment, and switch from hard copy to digital today! Connect with facebook.com/electricalsafetyauthority Electrical Safety Authority To sign up for the e-version of Plugged In TM instead of print: plugged.in@electricalsafety.on.ca TODAY! ESA-SAFE ESASAFE.COM TM We d like your input Please send your comments or story ideas to plugged.in@electricalsafety.on.ca.