Advertise on podcast: Grounded in Ontario

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 unlicensed electrical work. Whether you're an LEC, ME, or Designated Master Electrician, we've got valuable insights into the evolving licensing landscape and what it means for the future of electrical safety in Ontario.

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 troubleshooting down the road.

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 bonding safety, staying informed now will prevent costly rework later.

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 carefully and always double-check labeling.

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, maintaining one-meter working spaces, and adhering to location restrictions like avoiding crawlspaces or bedrooms to reduce severe hazards.

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 Contractor or just curious what a career in the electrical industry looks like, Diana provides a detailed roadmap for you to follow.

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.

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.

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 EV chargers and acceptable methods for disconnecting.

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 inspections, a new inspector mapping tool and how the organization will implement feedback into its initiatives.

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 his best advice on how to improve your defect ratio, so you can focus less on inspections and more on your business.

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 can stay up to date on how new products can present new electrical hazards.

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 inspection process more seamless.

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 Electrical Safety Code. Karen and Trevor talk through the trends, types of generators and permit requirements you need to know to stay safe and grounded.

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.