Don't Get Burned - Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor

Electrical wiring is one of the most common sources of electrical fires in Ontario

TORONTO, April 2, 2012 /CNW/ - As Ontarians get ready for home renovation season, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is reminding homeowners that electrical work may be riskier than you think. Over a quarter of electrical fires in the home are caused by electrical wiring and equipment. Avoid danger by hiring the right person. Only a Licensed Electrical Contractor is legally able to offer their services in your home.

"While you may be tempted to hire your local handyman, our research shows that 33% of Ontarians have regretted hiring the cheapest tradesperson and have had to arrange to have unsatisfactory work fixed," " says Doug Crawford, Chief Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. "In the case of electrical work, the financial cost may not be the only regret you have. The bigger regret could be a potential safety hazard for you and your family."

To drive the message home, the ESA has launched a province-wide public awareness campaign to educate Ontarians about the risks involved with doing electrical work, and to remind the public that anyone offering to provide electrical work in the home must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority.  Licensed electrical contractors ensure electrical work is done by qualified electricians.  In addition, they carry liability insurance to protect consumers, and are the only service provider that can offer a Certificate of Inspection showing that your electrical installation meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements.

"Almost 100 per cent of electrical fires are preventable," says Crawford, "Part of our job is to educate Ontarians on how they can ensure their homes are safe from electrical incidents, and that includes hiring a licensed electrical contractor, and ensuring all electrical work is inspected."

The Electrical Safety Authority urges all Ontario homeowners to visit www.pluginsafely.ca to find a licensed electrical contractor in their neighbourhood before beginning any work.

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

Established in 1999 as a self-sustaining, not-for-profit corporation, the Electrical Safety Authority's mission is to improve electrical safety for the well-being of the people of Ontario. The overall vision of the ESA is to achieve zero electrical accidents, injuries and fatalities across Ontario. More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found on their website www.esasafe.com.

For further information:

Irene Poon
Argyle Communications
Email : [email protected]
Phone: [phone] ext. 2246