If you're renovating your home, here are some helpful tips and useful advice regarding electrical service to keep in mind.
Renovation Electricity Checklist
- Advise Hydro Ottawa
Advise the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), allowing as much lead time as possible 1-877-372-7233.
- Know the location of your
- Fuse or circuit breaker panel
- Electric meter
- Electric water heater
- Call Before You Dig
If you or your contractor plan to install a pool, fence, plant a tree, dig a garden, landscape, excavate, or add a room to a house, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to locate burried cables. This is a FREE service for excavators and homeowners, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Disconnection of Electricity Service
With the receipt of a written request from the landlord, Hydro Ottawa will disconnect the supply of electricity to a vacant premise. Should the service be disconnected for more than six months the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) may require that the service conform to its current code requirements when re-energised. We recommend you call the ESA at 1-877-372-7233 regarding possible electrical contractor work and ESA permit / inspection fees.
Upgrading Service/Electrical Panel, Relocating Your Meter
If your renovations include upgrading your electrical service/panel and/or moving your electric meter outdoors, call our Customer Service Desk at 613-738-6400.
Overhead Wires
If you're renovating or remodelling the exterior of your home, remember an aluminum ladder, antenna or any other metal tool that contacts a power line can cause a neighbourhood power failure and result in severe injury or electroluction. Look up first!
Safety of Electrical Work
There are a number of regulations in place to ensure that electrical installations are safe:
- An electrical inspection permit should be obtained from the Department of the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario 1-877-372-7233, which is the authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
- The contractor hired to do work in Ottawa must be licensed by the City of Ottawa as an Electrical Contractor and employ a licensed Master Electrician. The city requires all licensed contractors to maintain minimum levels of insurance for public liability and property damage.
- Equipment and materials installed as part of the work must be approved by the Canadian Standards Association or the Department of the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario 1-877-372-7233.