At Captain Electric, it has become a weekly occurrence that we find improper wiring methods used with Aluminum Wiring.
On this call; a receptacle had stopped working. The home has Aluminum Wiring throughout. The receptacles used were not rated for use with Aluminum Wiring. Someone at the BIG BOX store said that these receptacles were okay to use with Aluminum Wiring and proceeded to provide the customer with the incorrect receptacles (rated for use with copper wiring only).
Homeowner sprayed expanding foam into outlet box which caught on fire
The BIG BOX store employee also failed to mention that the homeowner is required to apply for an ESA permit to do ANY electrical work in their own home. Yes, that’s right – ANY electrical work requires an ESA permit. The results are obvious from the picture.
Captain Electric ended up replacing all the receptacles and switches in this home with properly rated devices, and also remade every connection in the home with approved wire connectors. A permit was applied for, and an inspection certificate was issued after completion of the work.
A WORD ON PERMITS
A Word on Permits
Did you know that you can install you own Gas lines in your own home?
Yes you can. Your home is your castle and you have the constitutional right to do work in your own home. BUT, and this is a very big BUT – You must have it inspected and certified by a TSSA contractor. The biggest obstacle you will have is trying to obtain the product that you require (read on further).
Did you know that you can perform Electrical Installations in your own home?
Yes you can – BUT you as the homeowner are required by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code to apply for a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). This includes so-called simple things like changing a broken receptacle or switch, or replacing light fixtures, never mind wiring a basement or garage or replacing your electrical service or service panel.
Will a BIG BOX store ever tell you that? Not Likely. They would rather say nothing, and sell you their product, it’s better for business (not so much for safety though).
But, guess what? – you CANNOT buy gas fittings at the BIG BOX store, and you, the homeowner CANNOT buy them at a plumbing and heating wholesaler either, because the plumbing and heating supply house WILL NOT sell gas pipe, gas fittings to anyone other than a certified TSSA contractor.
YOUR SAFE CHOICE – Hire professionals for electrical work in your own home. Make sure the installation is legal and meets the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. And NEVER take advice from a part-time guy in an apron. The safety of your family and home may be at risk.