Updated Ontario Electrical Safety Code now in effect

MISSISSAUGA, ONT. —The latest edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) — the legal standard with which all electrical work in Ontario must comply — came into effect May 5 and includes a number of new safety requirements.

The updated OESC contains these three significant changes:

•Expanded requirements for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) — a device that de-energizes the circuit when it detects an electrical arc. Circuits that supply bedroom receptacles have been required to be protected by AFCIs since 2002. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) analysis of the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal’s data concluded that AFCI protection could reduce residential electrical distribution fires by up to 71 per cent. The new OESC expanded the requirements to include most other areas of the home, including outdoors. The new OESC also requires "combination type" AFCIs that protect wiring within house walls and connected electrical cords against the unwanted effects of arcing, indicates the ESA media release.

•New guidelines for safe clearances between light fixtures and combustibles — in response to several fires in Ontario in the past five years caused by light fixtures coming too close to flammable materials (which includes shelving). The previous OESC required a shade or guard for lights installed where combustibles are stored. The updated OESC goes beyond storage areas to other situations where combustibles may exist, such as kitchen cabinetry close to pot lights. It provides guidance for minimum clearances that will minimize any potential overheating surrounding light fixtures.

•Wiring at non-commercial docks — to address hazards associated with electric shock drowning, which are present not just at commercial facilities but also on private docks. Electric shock drowning occurs when a person comes into contact with water that has been energized from faulted electrical products or installations. The new OESC states that receptacles on commercial docks and marinas as well as cottage docks are required to be protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Feeder circuits installed in or on a cottage boathouse or dock are also required to be protected by GFCIs, which can cut the power before a dangerous or even fatal shock occurs as a result of electricity coming into contact with water.

Other additions to the OESC include changes for renewable energy installations including requirements for rapid shutdown for solar, and specifics on the location of electrical hook-ups for recreational vehicle parking, to reduce unsafe use of extension cords and harmonize with the United States’ National Electrical Code.

In addition to prescriptive amendments and rules regarding instructions for safe electrical installations, the OESC also contains requirements regarding electrical permits. Specifically, almost all electrical work requires a permit.

In Ontario, only a Licensed Electrical Contractor is legally allowed to be hired for electrical work, and only homeowners or occupants are able to conduct electrical work in their own home.

Scott Saint, chief public safety officer for the ESA, commented, "ESA, together with its safety partners, participated in a collaborative consultation process both provincially and nationally, and reviewed technical and incident data to inform this updated version, based on the Canadian Electrical Code."

For more information visit www.esasafe.com/2015oesc.