Grounded in Ontario Electrical Safety Authority

For a long time, ESA communicated with Licensed Electrical Contractors through fax machines. But, as technology has advanced, so have the platforms for communication between inspectors and contractors. On this episode, host Karen Ras talks with Eric Kingston, ESA’s VP of Operations about the latest innovations to ESA’s services – including a brand new app. Kingston will dive into remote inspections, a new inspector mapping tool and how the organization will implement feedback into its initiatives.

ESA’s Risk-based Oversight (RBO) program was developed more than two years ago as a tool to reduce the burden on contractor’s time. On this episode, host Karen Ras chats with Will Barrett, ESA’s General Manager for Operations, Planning and Support, to answer electrical contractors’ most frequent questions about RBO and to get tips on how to simplify the inspection process. Barrett will also give his best advice on how to improve your defect ratio, so you can focus less on inspections and more on your business.

A Licensed Electrical Contractor’s defect ratio is one of the factors in determining the risk ranking for RBO. That’s why, on this episode, host Karen Ras continues her conversation with Trevor Tremblay, technical advisor at ESA, on some of the most common defects recorded. Among the issues covered, Trevor gives advice on unapproved equipment and non-metallic cables and receptacles – so that you can stay up to date on how new products can present new electrical hazards.

Last year, inspectors wrote more than 143,000 defects. On this episode, host Karen Ras speaks with Trevor Tremblay, technical advisor at ESA, about the most common defects recorded and what Licensed Electrical Contractors should keep in mind in order to be consistently compliant. Among the issues covered, Trevor gives advice on arc fault circuit interrupters, scheduling and how to make your inspection process more seamless.

With climate change bringing more severe storms, many consumers are looking to install generators to ensure they still have power in extreme weather situations. On this episode, host Karen Ras gets the lowdown from Trevor Tremblay, technical advisor at ESA, on the most challenging parts of generator installations and how Licensed Electrical Contractors can meet the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Karen and Trevor talk through the trends, types of generators and permit requirements you need to know to stay safe and grounded.

Individuals working in the underground economy (without proper licences or permits) undermine the public’s trust in the electrical industry. In this episode, host Karen Ras speaks with Soussanna Karas, Director of Licensing at ESA, about how ESA is combating illegal electrical installations through educational materials and enforcement blitzes.