Your Safety

Starting Electrical Work In Your Home?

Before starting any electrical work in your home, you need to know your obligations under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. It specifies steps you need to take to ensure the work is being done safely. Visit the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for detailed guidance on starting your project.

Always hire a professional for electrical work. It's dangerous and can be fatal if not done safely.

Gardening or Planting a Tree?

 

Click before you dig by contacting Ontario One Call.

If you plan to do any work that requires digging, have a FREE locate done by Ontario One Call.

You must contact Ontario One Call at least five business days before.

Here's Why:

  • To avoid coming into contact with our underground electrical power lines;
  • Hitting a cable with a shovel or digger could cause severe injury, even death;
  • To avoid unnecessary damage to buried lines;
  • Homeowners or their contractors who cause damage are liable for the cost of repairs and could incur a costly lawsuit if adjacent property is damaged or someone is injured as a result;
  • Under Ontario regulations, it's against the law to dig without having a Locate


To request an underground cable Locate:
 


Ontario One Call will relay your locate request and information to us, as well as to other participating member utilities. In turn, NT Power will provide you with a timely, free locate of our underground facilities so you can complete your project SAFELY.

Hitting a cable with a power shovel, excavator or auger can result in serious damage, liability, severe injury, or even death. As the contractor doing the digging, you are responsible for getting a cable and/or gas locate for your job. Make sure workers on the site are trained properly and are aware of these potential hazards.​​​​​

Extension Cords, Plugs and Outlets

  • Keep electrical cords away from water and heat.
  • Never use a plug when your hands are wet.
  • Always remove a cord from the outlet by grasping the plug, not the cord. 
  • Always use a three-pronged plug, never break off or bypass the third prong.
  • Don't overload outlets by plugging in too many appliances or devices.
  • Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to help prevent electric shock. They're ideal for spaces with a water source, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
  • Replace cords that are frayed, cracked or that heat up when in use.
  • Use the right extension cord. There are different types for everyday devices, large appliances and outdoor use. 

Ladders and Lines Don't Mix

Before you begin roofing, siding or even eavestrough work, be sure to look up and stay clear of overhead powerlines. You can be seriously hurt or killed if the object you are holding or standing on contacts a powerline.

  • Before raising or extending any equipment capable of reaching a powerline, check in all directions for powerlines.
  • Keep a safe distance from any powerline measuring from the end or tip of your own extended reach and including the end of any object you are holding or carrying.

Even non-metallic ladders and equipment can conduct electricity.