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

Ontario Electrical Code

 

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.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Federal Investment to Add 989 New Montreal Homes

    Federal Investment to Add 989 New Montreal Homes

    November 18, 2024 The federal government is providing nearly $364 million to help build 989 new homes in Montreal. The announcement took place at 5200 rue de la Savane, in Montreal, which received $100 million dollars through the Apartment Loan Construction Program (ACLP) to build 303 homes and will be operated by Olymbec. This rental building, named Lynk, is designed to… Read More…

  • ABB and NIEDAX Group Announce Completion of Joint Venture with the Formation of Abnex Inc.

    ABB and NIEDAX Group Announce Completion of Joint Venture with the Formation of Abnex Inc.

    November 18, 2024 ABB completed the previously announced 50/50 joint venture with Niedax Group. The Abnex Inc. joint venture (JV) will broaden solutions and advance opportunities in the rapidly growing North American cable management market. Integrating engineering and manufacturing capabilities of ABB’s Installation Products Division with Niedax Group will enable the newly formed company to deliver a… Read More…

  • Ontario Building More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

    Ontario Building More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

    November 18, 2024 The Ontario government is building over 1,300 new electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in small and medium-sized communities, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province. As the province continues to see… Read More…

  • Ontario Investing Over $74 Million Through Next Round of Skills Development Fund Capital Stream

    Ontario Investing Over $74 Million Through Next Round of Skills Development Fund Capital Stream

    November 18, 2024 The Ontario government is launching the second round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream starting November 29, with over $74 million in available funding to build, expand and retrofit training facilities for workers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing technology and health care. The government is also investing nearly $5 million from the first… Read More…