Electrical Product Safety Tips for Consumers in Ontario

Choosing safe electrical products is one of the most effective ways to reduce fire and shock risks in your home or business. In Ontario, electrical products must carry a recognized Canadian certification mark before they can be legally sold, displayed, or used. This simple check protects you, your property, and others across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

Ionix Electrical (ECRA/ESA Licence #7017371), Fully Licensed & Insured, only installs approved electrical products and follows the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Call (647) 783-2210 or email info@ionixelectrical.com for safe installation and advice.

Why Recognized Certification Marks Matter

Before any electrical product is used, sold, displayed, or advertised in Ontario, it must be evaluated and approved by an accredited certification or field evaluation agency. Products that carry a recognized mark have completed this process.

Using or selling unapproved electrical equipment is against the law in Ontario and can create serious safety risks. Always look for a recognized Canadian certification mark when buying plug-in devices, appliances, EV chargers, lighting, or any other electrical product.

For the official list of recognized marks and full guidance, visit the Electrical Safety Authority.

Buying Electrical Products Safely

Follow these practical steps when shopping:

• Choose products that display a recognized Canadian certification mark.
• Buy from trusted retailers and reputable sources.
• Check product descriptions for certification details. If the information is missing, contact the seller to confirm.
• Watch for typos, vague claims, or unusually low prices that may indicate counterfeit products.
• Use platform filters when shopping online to narrow results to certified items.

These habits significantly reduce the chance of bringing an unapproved or unsafe product into your home.

Holiday Decorating and Seasonal Safety Tips

Seasonal decorations increase electrical load and risk if not handled carefully.

General guidelines

• Use only certified products.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Remove decorations after the holidays; they are not designed for year-round use.

Holiday lights

• Use lights rated for indoor or outdoor use as intended.
• Replace damaged cords, plugs, or ornaments immediately.
• Avoid overloading outlets.
• Use GFCI protection for outdoor lighting.
• Turn lights off when leaving home or going to bed.

Extension cords and outlets

• Do not overload cords or circuits.
• Never remove the grounding pin from plugs.
• Avoid running cords under rugs, through doors, or across walkways.
• Keep outdoor cords dry and elevated.
• Keep cords away from pets and children.

These precautions help prevent overheating, trips, and fire hazards during high-use periods.

Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor

If you need an electrical product installed, hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Only a licensed professional has the training, equipment, and legal authority to perform electrical work in Ontario.

Ionix Electrical provides fully licensed installation of approved products, including wiring services, lighting services, service and panel upgrades, upgrades and repairs, and ESA inspections. We serve Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and the surrounding GTA.

Learn more about our professional electricians in Toronto.

Energy-efficient certified products and related upgrades may also qualify for programs through Save on Energy.

Report Unsafe Electrical Products

If an electrical product appears unsafe or lacks a certification mark, stop using it and return it to the seller. Reporting helps protect other consumers and supports ESA’s product safety mandate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do electrical products need a certification mark in Ontario?
The mark shows the product has been independently tested and approved to applicable safety standards. Unapproved products are illegal to sell or use and increase fire and shock risk.

Where can I find the list of recognized certification marks?
The Electrical Safety Authority maintains the official list of recognized marks on its website.

Can I install an electrical product myself?
Simple plug-in devices may be used by homeowners, but any permanent installation or hard-wiring must be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.

What should I do if I already own an unapproved product?
Stop using it and return it to the seller if possible. Do not attempt to modify or continue using unapproved equipment.

Does Ionix Electrical only use approved products?
Yes. We install only approved electrical products and ensure all work complies with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and ESA requirements.

Protect your home with approved products and licensed installation.
Contact Ionix Electrical (ECRA/ESA Licence #7017371), Fully Licensed & Insured, at (647) 783-2210 or info@ionixelectrical.com. We provide safe, code-compliant electrical services across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.