Latest Update to Ontario Electrical Safety Code Includes New Safety Requirements

Ontario Electrical Code

 

May 18, 2016

The latest edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC)includes important new safety requirements based on key learnings from safety incident data. Three significant changes include the following:
• expanded requirements for arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). Circuits that supply bedroom receptacles have been required to be protected by AFCIs since 2002. Analysis of data from the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal,conducted by the Electrical Safety Authority, concluded that AFCI protection could reduce residential electrical distribution fires by up to 71%. The new OESC expanded the requirements to include most other areas of the home, including outdoors and requires “combination type” AFCIs that protect wiring within house walls and connected electrical cords against the unwanted effects of arcing.
• new guidelines for safe clearances between light fixtures and combustibles, in response to several fires in Ontario in the past five years caused by light fixtures coming too close to flammable materials (which includes shelving.) The previous OESC required a shade or guard for lights installed where combustibles are stored. The new OESC goes beyond storage areas to other situations where combustibles may exist, such as kitchen cabinetry close to pot lights. It provides guidance for minimum clearances that will minimize any potential overheating to combustible materials surrounding light fixtures.
• wiring at non-commercial docks, to address hazards associated with electric shock drowning, which are present not just at commercial facilities but also on private docks. Electric shock drowning occurs when a person comes into contact with water that has been energized from faulted electrical products or installations. The new OESC states that receptacles on commercial docks and marinas as well as cottage docks are required to be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Feeder circuits installed in or on a cottage boathouse or dock are also required to be protected by GFCIs. GFCIs can cut the power before a dangerous or even fatal shock occurs as a result of electricity coming into contact with water.

Other additions to the new OESC include changes for renewable energy installations, including requirements for rapid shutdown for solar, and specifics on the location of electrical hook-ups for recreational vehicle (RV) parking, to reduce unsafe use of extension cords and harmonize with the U.S. National Electrical Code.

In addition to prescriptive amendments and rules regarding instructions for safe electrical installations, the OESC also contains requirements regarding electrical permits. Specifically, almost all electrical work requires a permit. In Ontario, only a licensed electrical contractor is legally allowed to be hired for electrical work, and only homeowners or occupants are able to conduct electrical work in their own home.

To learn more about Ontario’s legal requirements for electrical installations, for frequently asked questions about the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, or to purchase a copy, visit www.esasafe.com/2015oesc.

Image courtesy of sscreations at www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Mac’s II Agencies Strengthens Lighting Division

    Mac’s II Agencies Strengthens Lighting Division

    March 19, 2025 Mac’s II Agencies Announces Jamie Capell as the New Sales Manager for Lighting Specification Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce the expansion of its lighting division with the addition of Jamie Capell as the Sales Manager for Lighting Specification. Jamie brings 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, most notably… Read More…

  • RENO Lighting Announce New Vice President of Sales

    RENO Lighting Announce New Vice President of Sales

    March 19, 2025 It is with great excitement that RENO introduce Jean-Claude Lespérance as Vice President of Sales at RENO Lighting. With over 35 years of experience in the Canadian electrical industry, Jean-Claude brings unrivalled knowledge of the market and strong relationship with key industry stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. Holding a college diploma in Electrodynamics… Read More…

  • Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    March 13, 2025 There is a need and an opportunity for Canada to strengthen energy security and affordability for all Canadians. Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions across the country. By increasing the scale and pace of building retrofits, we can make homes and buildings more energy-efficient and improve reliability in units.  The federal… Read More…

  • Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    March 13, 2025 CBC has reported that BC Hydro is excluding Tesla products from their EV charger incentive program. However, products purchased prior to March 12 will still be eligible. “As of March 12, Tesla chargers, energy storage batteries and inverters are not eligible for rebates, according to B.C. Hydro. Those who have purchased or… Read More…