2015 Ontario Electrical Safety Code Now Available; Comes into Effect May, 2016

December 5, 2015

The code comes into effect as regulation on May 5, 2016. Members of the electrical industry are encouraged to begin familiarizing themselves with the new Code. Electrical work conducted after the effective date needs to meet its requirements.

The 2015 edition of the Code includes the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I plus several Ontario-specific amendments. This new edition includes changes designed to enhance electrical safety and protect workers and the public, such as

• expanded requirements for the use of arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) in homes to help reduce wiring-related fires
• changes for renewable energy installations including specific changes for solar
• new guidelines for the safe clearances needed between light fixtures (e.g., pot lights) and combustible material to help minimize potential fire hazards
• wiring at non-commercial docks (e.g., cottages)
• new requirements for the installation of LED luminaires in residential buildings
• specifics on the location of electrical hook-ups for recreational vehicle (RV) parking, to harmonize with the United States’ National Electrical Code

In addition, the code book and all ESA bulletins, which provide important updates and interpretations, will now be sold together for one price and at a significantly reduced rate from prior years. It will be available in print for $219 or a searchable, digital format for $195, accessible on smart phones, tablets and desktops and compatible with Windows and iOS.

“Revisions to the Code are made through a broad consultative process at both the provincial and national level, and through the collaboration of ESA and its safety partners based on insights from technical reviews, incident data, and feedback from stakeholders,” says Nansy Hanna, Director of Engineering and Program Development, Regulatory and Safety Programs, Electrical Safety Authority. “To help ensure safe electrical installation in Ontario, it is essential for Licensed Electrical Contractors — and anyone doing electrical work falling within the scope of the Code — to understand the requirements of the 2015 edition before it comes into effect.”

The 2015 edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code is distributed by CSA Group. Print and digital copies are currently available for pre-order, scheduled to arrive in January 2016.The PDF version is available now. To purchase the code, visit www.csagroup.org/oesc or call 800-463-6727.