Multiple Offender Convicted in Markham for Doing Electrical Work without Licence

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) reminds Ontarians to check credentials when hiring someone to do electrical work to avoid hazards and costly repairs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - On Sept. 8, 2014 a contractor was convicted for a fourth time in a Markham, Ontario court on charges related to performing electrical work illegally in two homes.

Willy Miranda, operating as Miranda Electric was found guilty on two counts of performing electrical work without an electrical contractor's licence. Mr. Miranda has been convicted of the same charge on three previous occasions. The court imposed a total fine of $12,500 for the most recent violations.

Numerous hazards were found in both homes that Miranda had completely rewired.  The investigation also found that Miranda falsely obtained an electrical permit in the homeowners name for completely rewiring a home and changing the electrical panel. The homeowner hired a general contractor who then sub-contracted the work to Miranda. The homeowner also hired the same general contractor and Miranda at a second residence. To address the safety issues, the homeowner had to incur additional expense to hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor to make repairs.

"This homeowner was the unfortunate victim of an individual who circumvented the law and ultimately put the safety of the homeowner and others at risk.  It also meant the renovation took more time and money to complete," said Normand Breton, General Manager, Harm Mitigation, who oversees ESA's electrical contractor licensing system.  "If a contractor can't provide an electrical permit or tells you take out the permit on their behalf, this is an almost sure sign that the contractor isn't licensed."

Consumers are reminded when considering hiring someone to do electrical work to follow 'the three C's': check to ensure the contractor holds a valid ECRA/ESA electrical contractor licence (you can search the database at www.esasafe.com); confirm that they are arranging the appropriate inspections from ESA; and call ESA at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1-877-372-7233) if you suspect someone is misrepresenting themselves.

"If you have hired a general contractor or other companies who may sub-contract work being done for you, insist that they hire a licensed electrical contractor to complete any electrical work and don't settle the final bill until you have the ESA Certificate of Inspection," added Breton

Hiring an ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractor ensures that the company you have hired:

• is fully insured
• uses qualified electricians to perform the electrical work you require
• will arrange for permits with the ESA
• can deliver an ESA Certificate of Inspection

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 across the province. 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]