This page has been archived on the Web
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
Archived – Health Canada Reminds Canadians of Electrical Safety This Holiday Season
- Starting date:
- December 10, 2008
- Posting date:
- December 10, 2008
- Type of communication:
- Advisory
- Subcategory:
- Household Items
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Product Safety, Labelling and Packaging, Electrical Hazard, Unauthorized products
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-110002484
Electrical products, such as sparkling lights, decorations and plug-in toys, form a central part of holiday celebrations in Canada. With the holiday season quickly approaching, Health Canada is reminding the public to choose certified electrical products and to use them properly.
Electrical products that are not properly certified to the standards required by provincial and territorial electrical authorities can lead to electrical shock and fire, resulting in property damage, injury, and even death. When buying electrical products, make sure that they bear one of the recognized Certification marks or Field Evaluation marks (below). These marks ensure that the products are certified to the required Canadian electrical safety standards. If you notice products which do not bear at least one of these marks, report them to the retailer and to your provincial, territorial, or municipal Electrical Safety Authority, or to Health Canada. Note that several marks require the letter 'c' to designate certification to Canadian electrical safety standards. Also note that marks are required on the product itself; marks on the packaging alone are not acceptable.
Recognized Certification Marks
Recognized Field Evaluation Agency Marks
Source: Electrical Safety Authority
If a mark is not present, the product may be counterfeit. Counterfeit electrical products pose health and safety hazards. However, counterfeiters are skilled at mimicking legitimate products, and can apply false certification markings. A reliable way to tell if a product is counterfeit is by its selling price; if a product is offered at an extremely low price, it could be counterfeit. Purchasing from reputable establishments can help you avoid counterfeit products.
| Location | Telephone number |
|---|---|
| City of Winnipeg | 204-986-5258 |
| Government of the Yukon | 867-667-5485 |
| Manitoba Hydro | 204-992-7501 |
| British Columbia Safety Authority | 1-866-566-7233 |
| City of Calgary | 403-268-2113 |
| Prince Edward Island Department of Community and Cultural Affairs | 902-368-5470 |
| Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour | 902-424-8018 |
| Saskatchewan – SaskPower | 306-566-2518 |
| Ontario – Electrical Safety Authority | 1-877-372-7233 |
| Government of the North West Territories | 867-873-7461 |
| Alberta Municipal Affairs | 1-866-421-6929 |
| Government of Newfoundland and Labrador | 709-729-0907 |
| Québec – Régie du bâtiment du Québec | 514-864-2903 |
| New Brunswick – Department of Public Safety | 506-444-5185 |
| City of Vancouver | 604-873-7561 |
| Government of Nunavut Community & Government Services | 867-975-5448 |
You may also contact your regional Health Canada Product Safety office toll free at 1-866-662-0666 or by e-mail at cps-spc@hc.gc.ca (please indicate the province or territory from which you are corresponding).
Media enquiries
Health Canada
613-957-2983
Public enquiries
613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709
Images
Select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window
