/R E P E A T -- Important information: You may need to arrange for electrical repairs before power can be restored to your home/

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Electrical Safety Authority is providing this important information to people who have experienced damage to their home's electrical equipment.

Electrical Equipment May Belong to You and Not The Electrical Utility

• Typically a homeowner's ownership of electrical equipment begins where the wires attach to the house.  This means the wire from the pole to the house generally is the utility's, but the wires inside the mast/pipe, the mast, and those attached to the house and in it belong to you.
• IF THIS EQUIPMENT IS DAMAGED, you need to arrange repairs before the utility can safely reconnect power.
• You should start this process immediately.

The Four Steps to Get Repairs Done

1. Don't attempt to repair this equipment yourself.  Stay back to avoid risk of shock, electrocution or fire.
2. Contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to make repairs.
• If you are able to go online, go to www.esasafe.com and use the "Find a Licensed Electrical Contractor" search tools.
3. Once you have hired a Licensed Electrical Contractor:
• The contractor will file for a permit with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) so there is a record of the work;
• When the contractor completes the work, the contractor will notify ESA and the ESA Inspector will confirm work has been done safely and power can be reconnected;
• ESA will inform the utility that it is safe to reconnect;
• The utility will reconnect when it is able to do so.
4. After the work is done, the homeowner should ask the contractor for a copy of the ESA certificate of Inspection for their records and insurance.

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
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.

Image with caption: "Example of Damaged Homeowner-Owned Equipment (CNW Group/Electrical Safety Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131227_C6711_PHOTO_EN_35249.jpg

Image with caption: "Example of Damaged Homeowner-Owned Equipment (CNW Group/Electrical Safety Authority)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131227_C6711_PHOTO_EN_35250.jpg

SOURCE: Electrical Safety Authority

[email protected]
1-800-498-4600 or 905-712-7819