Today, homeowners take electricity for granted. With a flip of a switch, you can turn on the lights, charge electrical appliances and heat food in the microwave. It is very simple and convenient. But, remember that a lot of effort goes into making electricity available to you. And, it is imperative that you ensure safe usage of electricity. A safe electrical system is necessary for every home. It becomes all the more important for old homes because it contains old wires and outdated technology.

Have you purchased an old home recently? Have you inherited an old property lately? If you wish to live in an old home, you will have to consider an electrical renovation project. It will enable you to upgrade the electrical system of your home and make it safe as well as energy-efficient.

Whenever you consider the possibility of an electrical renovation project, do not forget to think about safety. If you do not ensure safe installation of electrical wires and equipment, you will violate the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) publishes the technical document every three years. It governs all kinds of electrical wiring projects as well as electrical installation projects in homes and commercial properties.

2015 Ontario Electrical Safety Code

The ESA published a new safety code for the homeowners of Ontario in order to consider several changes that were made in the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). It includes major changes to the following sections:

· Renewable energy,

· Hazardous locations,

· Electric heating,

· Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs),

· Non-commercial docks,

· LED in residential occupancies,

· Supply connectors for recreational vehicles, etc.

Will the New Ontario Electrical Safety Code affect your Electrical Renovation Project?

According to the law, every renovation project that a homeowner undertakes after May 5, 2016 must comply with the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. So, discuss everything related to legal compliance with your electrical contractor before starting the work.

Do not consider any renovation project as a DIY job. Faulty wires and damaged circuits can result in loss of life. So, it is better to rely on the expertise of a licensed electrical contractor to do the job for you.

Common Electrical Code Violations

An ESA inspector will determines whether your renovation project complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. If he finds any violation of the safety code, he can issue you a Defect Notice. Here a couple of violations that can put you on the wrong side of the law:

· Ungrounded receptacles

· Unapproved connectors

· Defective electrical panel

· Improper installation of electrical wires

· Use of outdated technology

· Unsafe electrical maintenance techniques

· Overloaded circuits

· Outdated electrical devices

· DIY electrical renovation projects

Expert at your Service!

If you receive a Defect Notice from the ESA, do not worry. The authorities will provide you with a timeframe to correct the electrical defect. But, it is important to remember that correcting the defect is not a DIY job. Consult a licensed electrical contractor in your area to help you out. Before hiring a contractor, make sure that he understands everything related to the new Ontario Electrical Safety Code and has experience of correcting the defects properly. It will ensure that you do not have to face any problem with the authorities in the future.