BURLINGTON, ONT. — An Ontario electrical contractor was recently sentenced to five days in jail and ordered to pay $40,000 in fines for performing electrical work illegally.
David John, who has been known to operate as Kenchiku Developments Inc., based in Brampton, Ont. was found guilty in a Burlington court of two counts of working without an electrical contractor’s licence and two counts of failing to apply for an electrical inspection, noted a report released July 27 by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
John was also ordered to pay a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, amounting to $10,000.
The charges were related to illegal electrical work done in homes in Milton, specifically the installation of interior and exterior pot lights.
The outcome sends a strong message that electrical work in Ontario must only be done with an electrical contractor’s licence and in compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, said Scott Saint, chief public safety officer with the ESA, in the statement.
"Unfortunately it has become too common to see advertising on flyers, signs and online for electrical work, particularly pot light installations," said Saint. "Homeowners need to know that electrical work done outside the law — even for something as commonplace as pot lights — is a safety risk if not done properly, and it’s illegal.
"We are very pleased to see that the court has sent a strong message which we hope will deter others in the underground economy who consider working outside the law."
In Ontario, only Licensed Electrical Contractors are legally allowed to conduct electrical work for hire, noted the ESA. When hiring someone to do work, homeowners and businesses are reminded to check to ensure the contractor holds all required qualifications and licences, including an ECRA/ESA licence for electrical work; and confirm the contractor has secured all appropriate permits and inspections.
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