EP 071 | Power Your Reno with Steve Smith

July 30, 2018

Listen Now

Interior design professionals carry enormous risk and liability doing their jobs day in and day out. Nowhere is that more evident than when it comes to providing electrical work. Listen and learn from Steve Smith of the Electrical Safety Authority.

In this episode we learn:
– advanced planning provides you with enough time to collaborate with the experts you are working with
– always getting the proper permits for every job adds a layer of protection
– before presenting to the client, talk to your trades about what you have planned—they will give you the information and the confidence you need to talk to clients
– be careful with internet or off-shore purchases—they may not be compliant with regulations in your state or province
– knowing the difference in color temperature and in types of bulbs can improve your projects—rely on your LEC to guide you

 

Take Aways

Four Questions to ask your Licensed Electrical Contractor

  1. What is your license number? (then verify!)
  2. Will you provide a written estimate, including electrical permit fees?
  3. Can you provide three references?
  4. Will you provide a certificate of inspection following completion?

 

Design Intervention

Planning ahead and collaboration with your licensed electrical contractor will improve your knowledge prior to presenting to the client.

 

Steve Smith is the General Manager of the Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA’s) Central Region.

He manages 55 electrical inspectors and is responsible for overseeing the delivery of ESA’s regulatory duties within central Ontario, which include monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

Steve has worked with ESA (formerly a department of Ontario Hydro) for 32 years and has held many roles during that time, including Inspector, Senior Inspector, Technical Advisor, Project Manager and Director of Appeals. He is also on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors.

Prior to working with ESA and Ontario Hydro, Steve was a Master Electrician specializing in fire alarms as well as an instructor and training coordinator at the Joint Apprenticeship Council.

Steve is a certified Electrician RSE, C&M and Industrial (309A(D), 442), Master Electrician, Certified Engineering Technician, Certified Electrical Inspector, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Certified Fire Alarm Electrician.

The Electrical Safety Authority’s (ESA’s) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province.

More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at esasafe.com

Subscribe to the Podcast

Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.

|
X