The Electrical Safety Authority, which aims to increase public electrical safety in Ontario, conducted a safety blitz on electric vehicle charger installations in Toronto and found more than 400 incidents of working without an ESA permit.
According to ESA, working without the permit means the installation may not be to code or safe. As a result, they launched a public safety campaign around the importance of using approved charging equipment installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor who has an ESA permit.
“With more Ontarians using electric vehicles, prioritizing safe charging practices is critical,” said Steve Nelson, General Manager of Central Region, Electrical Safety Authority, in a statement. “By purchasing a certified charging system and having a Licensed Electrical Contractor with an ESA permit install it, Ontarians can contribute to a safer EV ecosystem.”
Improper installation could lead to an electrical fire, and because more Ontarians are considering buying an EV, the chances of a problem arising may increase. The ESA is pushing for the purchase of a Canadian-certified charger and the hiring of Licensed Electrical Contractors, among other things.
Dealers may need to increase customer education about EV chargers and installation as adoption rates rise.
