May 8, 2013 - “Look up, look out and locate!” Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority urges all Ontario residents to remember this phrase as it kicks off the province’s first-ever Powerline Safety Week (May 13 to 19) in partnership with local electrical distribution companies.

(UPDATED April 24, 2013) April 23, 2013 - On April 15, a Windsor, Ont.-handyman was convicted in court of charges related to performing electrical work illegally.

April 19, 2013 - Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is notifying the public that Hubbell Canada LP has announced a voluntary recall of Hubbell 30A 125/250V dryer and 50A 125/250V stove (range) power receptacles due to shock hazard. Electrical contractors and installers should stop installing recalled products immediately.

April 19, 2013 - Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is notifying the public that Nexans Canada Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of 102 spools of 14/2 NMD90 Heatex cable (Part #99138) due to mislabelling.

April 19, 2013 - Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is notifying the public that Cefco Canada has announced a voluntary recall of 660 GFCI receptacle tester units, which have not been tested for compliance with Canadian Standards for product safety, and may pose a shock hazard.

April 16, 2013 - Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) today published a new video, “Electrical Safety Hazards at Home”, in which Steve Smith, Central Region GM, walks homeowners through a typical house and identifies common electrical safety issues, and how to avoid them (WATCH the video below).

A packed room of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) Electrical Council members came to hear Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA) Ted Olechna (director of codes & standards and chief engineer) speak about: inrush current in relation to fluorescent ballast replacement; PV installations (bipolar inverters/voltage rating, colour-coding DC conductors, AFCI requirements); Rule 4-006 and “Conductor Termination Temperature” on equipment; and changes to voltage drop rules.

March 19, 2013 - Home renovation season is nearly in full swing and, as homeowners begin their indoor and outdoor DIY projects, Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) reminds them to take the necessary safety precautions when doing electrical work: specifically, hire a licensed electrical contractor for all electrical jobs.

March 15, 2013 - Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) says Canarm Ltd. has announced a voluntary recall of the semi-flush ceiling light (21 Collection). You should stop using the recalled product immediately.

February 20, 2013 - Launching this week at the 2013 Canadian International Auto Show is Plug’n Drive’s online portal, ChargeMyCar.ca, designed specifically to help consumers choose, buy and arrange the installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charger. Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has partnered with the project and will connect homeowners with licensed electrical contractors for the installation. According to ESA, the service also helps protect the safety of homeowners by listing only products that are approved to be sold in Canada. Customers using the portal will get the opportunity to involve their local utility in the installation process, which Plug’n Drive says will assist utilities in protecting the local electricity grid.

PLUG’N DRIVE

ESA