/R E P E A T -- Electrical Safety Authority Advises Homeowners to Check for Electrical Damage Even if Power is Restored/

ESA Inspectors Deployed Across Province to Approve Repairs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is advising Ontarians to take a moment and check for damage to their home or property's electrical system that may have been caused by the ice storm.  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.

The Electrical Safety Authority's Inspectors continue to be deployed across the province -- including extra teams in the hardest hit areas -- checking and approving repair work to homes.  They've also dropped off more than 14,000 information flyers to homeowners in the most damaged neighbourhoods. The ESA call centre is processing repair work permits and connection requests.  In addition, ESA's investigators are out checking into reports of unlicensed companies and scammers approaching homeowners for repair work.

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.

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.

• Go to www.esasafe.com for a listing of the more than 7,300 Licensed Electrical Contractors in Ontario.
• 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 notify ESA and the ESA Inspector will confirm work has been done safely. ESA has waived overtime fees during the ice storm;
• The contractor will get a copy of the ESA certificate.  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 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 water damaged.

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

For more information contact or to arrange an interview with an ESA spokesperson:

Electrical Safety Authority media line:
905-712-7819
[email protected]

www.esasafe.com