Electrical Safety Authority Directs Local Distribution Companies to Replace and Discontinue Use of Specific Model of Electrical Meter

Affected meters represent only one tenth of one per cent of meters in Ontario

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has directed Ontario's Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) to replace and discontinue use of the iConA™ Generation 3.2 remote disconnect meters manufactured by Sensus (typically referred to as the Sensus 3.2 with remote disconnect.) This is a direct result of a due diligence review after reports of safety incidents involving meters in Saskatchewan. 

There have been no serious safety events reported in Ontario with the Sensus 3.2 with remote disconnect meters, however as a preventative step ESA is directing LDCs to remove these meters from service no later than March 31, 2015. ESA has concluded that this model is susceptible to a specific type of failure: arcing within the components if water/moisture and other contaminants get into the meter.

ESA is acting according to its powers and responsibilities under the Electricity Act and Ontario Regulation 22/04 Electrical Distribution Safety.

There are a reported 5,400 Sensus 3.2 with remote disconnect meters in Ontario, based on information from the Ontario Energy Board.  This is one tenth of one per cent of the 4.8 million meters in the province. ESA's bulletin does not apply to the Sensus 3.2 meter without the remote disconnect feature, which has a different component design and therefore is not susceptible to the same type of failure.

"Although there were no serious incidents reported in Ontario involving these meters, when we learned of the events in Saskatchewan we undertook a due diligence safety review to determine if there were any implications for Ontario," said David Collie, ESA's President and CEO. "Even though the probability of a serious event in Ontario is low, nonetheless we have taken the proactive and prudent step and directed LDCs to remove these meters from service in order to eliminate any risk."

Homeowners and business owners should never attempt to remove, touch or alter a meter. Only personnel authorized by an LDC should remove or change meters.

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety.  

More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through Twitter @homeandsafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority.

SOURCE Electrical Safety Authority

Electrical Safety Authority Media Relations, 905-712-7819 or [email protected]