Ontario Electrical Safety Code

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code sets ESA-enforced wiring standards, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, GFCI/AFCI, and installation compliance for residential, commercial, and industrial systems, aligning with CSA C22.1 and requiring permits, inspections, and documentation.

Essential Guide to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code for Electricians

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), or Ontario Regulation 169/99, is the electrical safety regulation for the Province of Ontario. This code protects electrical workers and the general public by regulating electrical equipment installations and establishing standards to help prevent electrical accidents caused by electric shock and fire hazards. For example, the OESC outlines specific electrical safety requirements for wiring and equipment in structures and buildings in Ontario.

If wiring isn’t done correctly or electrical workers don’t take proper precautions during installation, electrical accidents can occur. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code is referenced by the Canadian Electrical Code, which contains specific amendments made by the Province of Ontario. Continual updates of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code are also done in conjunction with the Canadian Electrical Code. For a broader overview of risk-reduction practices, see the application of electrical safety principles across industries.

Visit our Ontario Electrical Safety Code Training Course

Every three years, there are amendments made to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Electrical safety requirements recently changed for hazardous location practices, grounding and bonding practices, and the installation of electrical equipment, among others. For context on how these updates align with broader policy, consult electrical safety regulation guidelines referenced by industry authorities.

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code regulation (O. Reg. 164/99) is under the Electricity Act, 1998. It provides for the adoption of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), together with Ontario-specific amendments to the CEC, as the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC). The CEC is amended every three years, which requires the OESC to be updated as well. Upon approval, the Electrical Safety Code regulation will be amended to adopt the updated OESC. Historical changes are summarized in Electrical Safety Ontario analyses for comparison.

Ontario adopts the CEC as one part of the OESC. All Canadian provinces adopt the CEC as the basis for their provincial electrical safety codes, which may include province-specific amendments.

For organizations operating across borders, understanding how OSHA’s electrical standards interact with Canadian codes can help harmonize compliance programs.

The other part of the OESC is the Ontario-specific amendments to the CEC, which comprise a series of technical and administrative rules. The OESC sets the minimum safety standards for safe electrical installations, products and equipment in Ontario. Regular updates to the CEC and the OESC are necessary to ensure they reflect technological changes and respond to trends in electrical incidents. Organizations can support compliance by selecting certified electrical safety products suited to these evolving requirements.

Ontario Electrical Safety Code – Who is responsible for the OESC?

The Ministry of Consumer Services, a department within the Provincial Government of Ontario, is responsible for the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. However, the Ministry of Consumer Services has empowered the Electrical Safety Authority, a private organization separate from the government, to enforce the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Additional background on the ESA’s mandate is outlined in this overview of the Electrical Safety Authority and its oversight role.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is a delegated administrative authority responsible for administering Part VIII of the Electricity Act, 1998, and its regulations on behalf of the Minister of Government and Consumer Services and the government. It is responsible for administering the OESC and for day-to-day operations, including safety inspections of electrical installations. These activities align with best-practice frameworks, such as NFPA 70E 2021, that guide safe work practices around energized equipment.

Electrical Safe Code Ontario – Where can I get a copy of the OESC handbook?

The Electrical Safety Authority publishes the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, which is available for purchase on www.esasafe.com.

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