Oakville Contractor Convicted and Fined $5,750 for Doing Electrical Work without Licence

Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) reminds Ontarians to check credentials when hiring someone to do electrical work to avoid hazards and costly repairs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 10, 2014 /CNW/ - A contractor was convicted in a Burlington, Ontario court on May 26, 2014 of a charge relating to performing electrical work illegally and another charge of advertising to do electrical work while not holding the licence to do so.

Andrew Gallino of Gallino Contracting was found guilty on one count of performing electrical work without an electrical contractor's licence and one count of advertising electrical services without an electrical contractor's licence.

A homeowner hired Gallino Contracting to replace an electrical panel and rewire a basement.  An ESA inspection found that the work did not meet the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, which could have resulted in a shock or a fire, and that Gallino was not licensed to do electrical work. As a result, the homeowner had to hire a licensed electrical contractor to redo the wiring, replace the panel and ensure the work was done to Code.

The investigation also found that Gallino Contracting was advertising electrical services on many websites despite not holding the licence to do the work.

The court imposed a total fine of $5,750 for both violations. The fine included a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

"Unfortunately this homeowner hired someone who didn't hold a licence to do electrical work, and who did not follow the rules and regulations.  The result was additional time, cost and inconvenience - not to mention safety risk." said Normand Breton, General Manager, Harm Mitigation, who oversees ESA's electrical contractor licensing system. It's not enough for a contractor to say they can do electrical work.  They need to show you proof that they are licensed to do electrical work in Ontario."

Consumers are reminded when considering hiring someone to do electrical work to follow 'the three C's': check to ensure the contractor holds a valid ECRA/ESA electrical contractor licence (you can search the database at www.esasafe.com); confirm that they are arranging the appropriate inspections from ESA; and call ESA at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1-877-372-7233) if you suspect someone is misrepresenting themselves," added Breton. "And lastly, if you have hired a general contractor or other companies who may subcontract work being done for you, insist that they hire a licensed electrical contractor to complete any electrical work."

Hiring an ECRA/ESA licensed electrical contractor ensures that the company you have hired:

• is fully insured
• uses qualified electricians to perform the electrical work you require
• will arrange for permits with the ESA
• can deliver an ESA Certificate of Inspection

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province. More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through Twitter @HomeandSafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority

SOURCE: Electrical Safety Authority

Electrical Safety Authority Media Relations
905-712-7819 or [email protected]