ESA Certificate & Electrical Systems

ESA, stands for Electrical Safety Association, is a non-profit organization responsible for administering specific regulations & guidelines related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC). ESA also overlooks the licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians, as well as the safety of electricity distribution system and related products.

Since the early 1900s, different types of electrical systems have been utilized in residential properties. ESA's major role is to ensure that either system upgrade has taken place, or that there is no safety concerns. Before purchasing an older property, it is essential to consider the status of its electrical system and wiring.

This issue is particularly crucial, as most insurance companies today may be reluctant to cover a property with an older electrical system - such as "knob-and-tube" or "aluminum" wiring. Though both might not pose immediate danger, increased chance of potential problems may apply with electricity overload due to new appliances and/or modernization of the house. An ESA certificate may be requested by insurer to understand whether any safety issues exists.

Contact the authority to book an appointment for a "general inspection". During this inspection, an ESA member will check for existence of safety problems. If not, he/she will write a "visual report" for the insurance company to go ahead with coverage. Otherwise, a paper will be issued to request repair. Hire an licensed electrician to fix the problem; after which, a "certificate of approval" will be issued by ESA for the insurance company.

Knob-and-Tube 

Commonly used until the 1940's, more than 1.5 million homes across Canada were built with this type of electrical system. Many homes today still have this wiring, but it is now considered too risky and dangerous to be insurable. For safety reason and to raise home resale value,  knob-and-tube should be replaced with copper wiring.

Aluminum

General concerns over aluminum wiring are the overheating and failure of wiring terminations. Aluminum has the tendency to oxidize; it is not compatible with devices designed to used with copper wiring. Warm cover plates, discoloration of switches, smell of hot plastic insulation are all signs that the wiring is unstable.



 

 

Go to www.esasafe.com to learn more on this topic.

*References provided by the Real Estate Council of Ontario*