Electrical Industry Take Note: 27th Edition of The Ontario Electrical Safety Code Now Available

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO (Dec. 17, 2018) – The 27th edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (Code) has been finalized and is now available for purchase. The Code comes into effect as regulation on May 16, 2019. Members of the electrical industry are encouraged to begin familiarizing themselves with the new Code. Electrical work conducted after the effective date needs to meet its requirements.

The new edition of the Code includes the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I plus several Ontario-specific amendments. This new edition includes changes designed to enhance electrical safety and protect workers and the public including:
 Re-write of Section 10 requirements for bonding and grounding have been reorganized and reduced in size with some changes that will improve safety and simplify the installations;
 Expanding the use of Tamper-resistant receptacles in educational facilities and hotels/motels;
 Requirements for installing an identified (neutral) conductor at each control (switch) location of permanently installed luminaire;
 Alignment with the Ontario Building Code to prevent the installation of high-voltage conductors over buildings;
 Providing of adequate working space for electrical workers to undertake necessary repairs, maintenance and installation of transformers greater than 50kVA;  Prohibiting of installation of cables in concealed locations in corrugated roof decking
 Adding requirements for Energy Storage systems; and
 Facilitating the use of Power over Ethernet to provide a pathway for sources of electricity.

The Code book and all ESA bulletins – which provide important updates and interpretations – are sold together in print for $219 or in a searchable, digital format for $195 – accessible on smart phones, tablets and desktops and compatible with Windows and iOS.

“Ontario’s Government for the People is committed to upholding public safety and consumer protection. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code has been updated to include important advances in safety so we can continue to keep Ontario families safe from electrical harm. I applaud ESA's collaborative efforts to advance safety, reduce fires and save lives across Ontario," said Bill Walker, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

“Through a broad consultative process and in collaboration with our safety partners provincially and nationally, the new edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code provides Ontarian businesses, consumers and homeowners with an improved and streamlined Code experience, enabling compliance and contributing to a safer Ontario for all,” says Nansy Hanna, Director of Engineering and Program Development, Regulatory and Safety Programs, Electrical Safety Authority.

The 27th edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code is distributed by CSA Group. The Code is currently available for purchase –print and eBook copies are scheduled to arrive in January 2019. To purchase the Code, visit www.csagroup.org/oesc or call 800-463-6727.

For more information on the new Code, contact ESA’s Customer Service Centre at 1-877- 372-7233 or visit www.esasafe.com.

About the Electrical Safety Authority

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.
For further information:

Electrical Safety Authority Media Relations 905-712-7819 or Media.ESA@electricalsafety.on.ca