Electrical Safety Authority Advises Ontario Homeowners to Check for Electrical Damage from Ice and Wind

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is advising Ontarians in areas most affected by the ice and wind of the last two days to take a moment and check for damage to their home or property's electrical system.  Even if power has been restored or never went out, you may have electrical pipes/masts pulled away from the building, sagging electrical wires, or water and ice damage.  These could be shock or fire hazards and should be repaired.

Looking for Damage

• Typically, a homeowner's ownership of electrical equipment begins where the wires attach to the house. This includes the stack pipe and the wires in it.
• Check to see if the pipe is pulled away from the wall, broken, or detached from the meter base. Look for wires sagging down.
• If you see this or suspect any damage, contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to check it and make necessary repairs. A list of all Licensed Electrical Contractors in Ontario, as well as a search feature to find a Licensed Electrical Contractor near you, can be found at www.esasafe.com.

Getting Repairs Done
Only Licensed Electrical Contractors can be hired to do residential electrical repairs.  They will take out permits with the Electrical Safety Authority so that inspection can occur and an official record of the work is generated.

• Once you have hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor:
  • The contractor will file for a permit with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) so there is a record of the work;
  • When contractors complete repairs, they will notify ESA and the ESA Inspector will confirm work has been done safely;
  • The contractor will get a copy of the ESA certificate of inspection. Homeowners, you should get a copy of this from the contractor or ESA for your insurance company.

Water and Ice Damage
Burst pipes, burst or backed-up watermains, and other water sources may have caused water damage inside your home. Do a visual check (do not touch) for evidence of water or ice contact with electrical outlets, panels, wiring and appliances.  Stay back and contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor immediately to make repairs.  Do not use appliances that have been damaged by water. 

For more information on these and other electrical safety topics go to www.esasafe.com.

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario with specific responsibilities under the Electricity Act and the Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act.  As part of its mandate, ESA is responsible for administering regulation in four key areas: the Ontario Electrical Safety Code; licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians; electrical distribution safety; and electrical product safety.

SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority

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or to arrange an interview with an ESA spokesperson, contact: Electrical Safety Authority media line: 905-712-7819, [email protected], www.esasafe.com