About
History of the EESA
1998
The Entertainment Electrical Safety Committee of Ontario (EESCO) was formed to address concerns from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) about electrical practices in the Ontario entertainment industry. Originally comprised of representatives from the ESA and the film and television industry, EESCO expanded to involve the rest of the entertainment industry including live events, carnivals, and trade shows.
2016
EESCO changed its name to the Entertainment Electrical Safety Association (EESA) in an effort to better serve the Canadian entertainment industry and to reflect a national presence with expanded active contributions.
Our Work
Unique in its dependence on portable power versus fixed installation, the entertainment industry uses large quantities of portable power cable to establish temporary installations of a power distribution backbone and loads which may be powered from either a generator, the utility, or both.
Some industry protocols, although usually performed in a safe manner, fall outside of the rules contained in the Canadian Electrical Safety Code (CEC). The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) continues to work alongside the entertainment industry through the EESA committee to bridge the gap between the realities of the entertainment world and electrical safety.
ESA SPEC-001 – The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) released SPEC-001 to address certain groups of luminaires used in parts of the entertainment industry. This included both old luminaires and those that were not approvable by regular means, hence the document’s original draft name of Ye Olde Fixture Document (YOFD). Combined with ESA wiring inspection, SPEC-001 allows acceptance of these luminaires through defined minimum specification, ESA product inspection, and work practices.
ESA SPEC-003 – Electrical work performed in the entertainment industry does not always conform to the requirements of the electrical code and could potentially pose electrical safety hazards. In most cases, where the specific aspect of the installation is not clear within the electrical code, the installation should use alternate methods to achieve the equivalent level of safety required. The ESA SPEC-003 guideline was developed by the EESA and details methods to be used to achieve this level of safety. It also serves as a resource through the inclusion of forms, reference tables, and glossaries.
Ground Rod Installation in Toronto Parks – The EESA’s film equipment rental house members sponsored the installation of artificial ground electrodes in parks that are frequently used as film locations in the City of Toronto.
CEC Section 66 – Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Section 66 was amended to reflect acceptable use of single pin portable power cable distribution systems.
Governance
The EESA regularly meets with vendors, labour organizations, and equipment manufacturers. We are also part of the ESTA.org family. The ESTA Technical Standards Program is the only ANSI-accredited standards program dedicated to the needs of the entertainment technology industry. The standards created under the TSP are used directly or indirectly every day by almost every manufacturer, dealer, installer, production company and end user. These standards prevent accidents, protect lives and property, save time and money, solve problems, inform the industry, and enhance creativity.
The TSP is comprised of over 350 volunteer experts who devote time and knowledge to drafting American National Standards for the benefit of the whole entertainment technology industry.
ESTA – Entertainment Services and Technology Association
EPWG – Electrical Power Working group
Membership in the EESA is open to stakeholders of the entertainment industry, governed by the Canadian Electrical Code, in the following areas:
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Film, television, remote broadcasting, and recording locations
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Live performance and entertainment events, touring shows, sporting events, and trade shows
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Amusement parks, midways, carnivals, and fairs
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Manufacturers, suppliers, and provincial electrical inspection authorities
If you supply products or services to these industries, EESA membership allows for opportunities to participate and contribute through publications, regular meetings, and webinars.
Members
Meet the members of the EESA that are committed to enhancing electrical safety standards in the entertainment industry.
To reach a member of the committee, please email eesateck@gmail.com.
Ryan Brown
VP Technical, Christie Lites
Jeff Moss
Moss LED
Robbie Mclennan
B.I Canada
IAN FOULDS
ETCP, EIPT, IATSE 873 Ret.
Mike Harwood
Senior Manager, Equipment and Support
Sunbelt Film and TV
Doug Hook
IATSE 58, ETCP, EIPT