ESA has Identified Increasing Safety Concern Surrounding Meter Base Installations

ESA

April 18, 2025

ESA and EFC are raising awareness on an increasing safety concern the ESA has identified surrounding meter base installations.

ESA identified an increase of installed meter bases where the neutral block is isolated from the enclosure. According to OESC Rule 10-210 a bonding conductor must be installed between the meter base and the consumer service box as per OESC Rule 10-210 Meter bases with an isolated neutral to the enclosure are marked to indicate they are permanently isolated. Installing these meter bases without a bonding conductor pose a potential electrical safety hazard.

Base

Meter bases are certified to the product standard (CSA C22.2 NO. 115:20 – Metermounting devices). Recently, there was a change to traditional Meter bases with the introduction of Meter Bases with isolated neutral as these types of meters satisfy OESC Rule 10-210. While the standard mandates clear markings to distinguish the different types, many installers, including licensed electrical contractors, continue to install them incorrectly.

ESA and Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) are collaborating to examine product labeling requirements in the standard (CSA 22.2 N0.115) to identify potential opportunities for enhancing the visibility of product labels.

The ESA and EFC would like to increase the awareness and education of installers and distributors with the following resources:

  • Published Bulletin 10-15*
  • Issued a Toolbox Talks document on meter base grounding & bonding on the supply side of the service box to the Electrical Contractor community (January 2024)
  • Released a podcast that discusses the changes in meter base standards (June 2024)
  • Issued a Distributor Bulletin with similar information to the Electrical Distributors (July 2024). ESA and Electro-Federation Canada is looking for forward continuing collaboration with the electrical community on this issue, ensuring safe and proper meter base installation.

You can find the full letter HERE

base

Related Articles

Latest Articles

  • ESA 2025 Annual Licence Holder Meeting

    ESA 2025 Annual Licence Holder Meeting

    December 8, 2025 This year marked ESA’s 20th Annual Licence Holder Meeting — a milestone celebrating two decades of collaboration, innovation and safety leadership made possible by Ontario’s licence holder community. The meeting was held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Agenda Highlights Watch a recording of the 2025 Licence Holder Meeting. Read More…

  • BC Hydro’s Updated Business Energy-Saving Incentives, Limited Time Bonus Offer

    BC Hydro’s Updated Business Energy-Saving Incentives, Limited Time Bonus Offer

    December 8, 2025 Get funding from BC Hydro for businesses upgrading eligible equipment with energy-efficient models. Funding rates vary depending on the equipment being upgraded, with past participants receiving an average of 30% for upfront costs. Incentives are available for: Bonus offer BC Hydro is currently offering a 30% bonus incentive on all business energy-saving incentives projects… Read More…

  • Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    Mastering Advanced Bidding Strategies in Electrical Contracting

    December 1, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO & Ian Paterson, Patabid Client Success Manager and journeyman electrician with 30+ years of experience In the competitive world of electrical contracting, knowing how to estimate electrical jobs effectively can make the difference between winning profitable projects and watching opportunities slip away. For electrical contractors, mastering advanced… Read More…

  • Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    Why Choosing the Right USB Charger Matters

    December 1, 2025 Not all USB Chargers are Created Equal As the number of devices used daily increases, so does the need for a charger that delivers safe speeds and maximum charging potential. A high-quality USB charger delivers efficient charging without risk of damage, but the sea of USB chargers and outlets available on online… Read More…

Changing Scene

  • Federal Government Announces New Measures to Support Steel and Lumber

    Federal Government Announces New Measures to Support Steel and Lumber

    December 8, 2025 The world is changing rapidly. The United States, the world’s largest economy, is fundamentally reshaping all its trade relationships, causing major disruption and upheaval for Canadians. It is time to transform our economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger, more self-sufficient, and resilient… Read More…

  • Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    Skills Ontario Celebrates the Expansion of Trades & Tech Truck Program

    December 1, 2025 Skills Ontario is expanding its fleet of Trades & Tech mobile unit thanks to support from the Ontario Government. The government announced this morning it’s investment in Skills Ontario to expand experiential opportunities for Ontario’s future workforce.    “Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration,… Read More…

  • BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    BC’s Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement aims to Facilitate Interprovincial Trade

    December 1, 2025 A new agreement signed by all provinces, territories, and the federal government will break down interprovincial trade barriers, making it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across Canada, and for people to buy Canadian-made goods.   “When threats to Canada’s economic security land at our doorstep, we’re at our best when we work together as… Read More…

  • EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    EB Horsman’s Commitment to Giving Back – A Year in Recap 2024/2025

    December 1, 2025 EB Horsman Cares is the company’s community engagement program that supports local children’s hospitals, communities, and non-profit initiatives with donations, fundraising, volunteering, and scholarships.  Since 1993, BC Children’s Hospital has been the primary recipient of EB Horsman & Son’s fundraising. However, as EB Horsman has continued to expand its businesses across Western… Read More…