Grounded in Ontario
Grounded in Ontario provides electrical safety tips for Licensed Electrical Contractors, Master and certified electricians working in Ontario. Hosted by the Electrical Safety Authority's Josie Erzetic, the podcast explores best safety practices with ESA technical advisors and experts. It covers emerging industry trends, potential hazards, new bulletins, and updates to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
Episodes
What's New with Licensing at ESA? What Ontario Electrical Contractors Need to Know
What do new licensing updates mean for you or your business? ESA's Director of Licensing, Sarah Kempel, breaks down the biggest licensing changes affecting Ontario's licensed electrical contractors and master electricians, including the new self-serve licensing platform, annual renewals, compliance trends, enforcement activity, labor mobility updates, and the tools ESA is using to combat unlicense
Why New Pool and Hot Tub Code Changes Matter More Than Ever
As Ontario's Electrical Safety Code introduces major new bonding requirements for pools and hot tubs, ESA Technical Advisor Trevor Tremblay breaks down why stray voltage is becoming a growing safety concern — and what electrical contractors need to know about equal potential bonding, perimeter grids, water bonding, and new hot tub requirements to protect clients, reduce liability, and avoid costly
What's New in the 2024 Ontario Electrical Safety Code
The 29th edition of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code is now in effect, bringing important changes that contractors, designers, and DIY homeowners need to understand. In this episode, ESA Technical Advisor, Trevor Tremblay walks through the most notable updates, why they matter, and how to stay compliant as the rules shift. From EVSE load thresholds to outdoor receptacle requirements and pool bon
Meter Bases and Section 10 Changes
While meter bases may seem like a simple piece of infrastructure, incorrect installations can pose serious risks. In this episode, ESA Technical Advisor, Trevor Tremblay discusses common mistakes, updated code requirements, and best practices for bonding and grounding meter bases in the lead-up to the October 2025 enforcement deadline. To stay sharp, contractors will need to read all rules careful
The Future of Energy Storage Systems
Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are transforming energy management by providing backup power, reducing electricity costs, and enabling greater energy independence, especially when paired with solar systems and EV chargers. In this episode, ESA's Technical Advisor Trevor Tremblay explains why it's critical for LECs to follow strict installation guidelines, including using fine-strand cables, maintaini
Exploring a Career as an ESA Inspector
ESA's Technical Advisor, Diana Madill, shares her inspiring career journey from electrician to inspector and helps break down the role and responsibilities of this critical position. Diana also discusses her career path to her current role, the credentials needed to advance and some of the challenges she's overcome as a woman in the trade. Whether you're a Master Electrician, a Licensed Electrical
Exploring Code Requirements for EVSE Installations
With changing technology comes updated requirements. Karen Ras and Trevor Tremblay, Technical Advisor at ESA, explore electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) like charging stations for EVs. You'll hear updates on adjustable amperage settings, the need for disconnects, plan review requirements and the importance of upgrading service when installing EVSE.
Understanding Knob & Tube Wiring
While knob and tube wiring can be safe if properly installed and maintained, over time it can become a problem as newer wiring methods are intermixed and the system deteriorates. Karen Ras and Trevor Tremblay, Technical Advisor at the ESA, explain best practices for Licensed Electrical Contractors (LECs) dealing with knob and tube wiring to ensure safety and Code compliance.
Hot Topics (June 2024)
Karen Ras and Trevor Tremblay, a Technical Advisor at the ESA, return to discuss some hot topics and important developments every Licensed Electrical Contractor needs to hear, including changes in meter base standards, issues with ventilated 3R transformers, the rise of permanent holiday lighting, and the complexities of installing designer receptacles. We also answer some listener questions about
Piloting Remote Inspections
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 inspection
Risk-based Oversight
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 h
Top Ten Defects (Part 2)
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 c
Top Ten Defects (Part 1)
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 inspec
Safe Generator Installation
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 Elec
The Underground Economy Revisited
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.
Ontario Electrical Safety Code Changes
As a licensed electrical contractor, the Ontario Electrical Safety Code helps ensure you do your job safely. On this episode, host Josie Erzetic catches up with Nansy Hanna, Senior Director of Engineering and Regulations, to talk about significant updates that you need to be aware of in the new Code edition (available May 5, 2022). Josie and Nansy cover specific changes regarding environmental cau
Safely Installing Energy Storage Systems
With the cost of battery storage coming down, more and more businesses, industries and homeowners are moving towards grid independence. On this episode, host Josie Erzetic talks with Trevor Tremblay, Technical Advisor at ESA, about the safest way to install energy storage systems. Trevor gives a glimpse into approved system requirements, when to file a notification of work and some brand new secti
The Underground Economy
Each year, hundreds of unlicensed contractors perform electrical work in Ontario illegally— putting homeowners and families at risk of electrical shock, fire and even death. On this episode, host Josie Erzetic speaks with Soussanna Karas, Director of Licensing at ESA, about how ESA is targeting unlicensed and unpermitted work. Karas shares the ways you can report unlicensed electrical contractors
Arc Fault and Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Arc faults are one of the leading causes of fire hazards in a home. On this episode, host Josie Erzetic sits down with Trevor Tremblay, Technical Advisor at ESA, to discuss why it's important to install arc fault and ground fault circuit interrupters. Tremblay breaks down where they're needed, when to install them, and how to handle the nuisance tripping that may result from these products.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Installations
With gas prices on the rise and the cost of electric vehicles going down, it's no wonder that electric vehicle charging stations are a hot commodity. On this episode, host Josie Erzetic joins Trevor Tremblay, Technical Advisor at ESA, in a conversation about the best practices for installing these EV charging stations including planning a safe spot to install, practicing routine maintenance to ens
Pool and Hot Tub Summer Safety
It's summertime which means being inundated with calls for pools and hot tub installations! But before you pick up the phone, you need to make sure you're up to Code. On our first episode, host Josie Erzetic joins Trevor Tremblay, a Technical Advisor at ESA, in a conversation about how to avoid water and electric mishaps -- what hazards to be aware of, the dangers of online purchasing, and why ele
Work safe. Stay safe. Get Grounded!
Welcome to the first ever podcast made for the province's licensed electrical contractors, master and certified electricians, and those looking to join the ranks. This season, host Josie Erzetic of the Electrical Safety Authority, will be your guide through the industry's best practices. Hear from guest speakers on emerging trends, potential hazards, and updates to the Ontario Electrical Safety Co
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