Frequently Asked Questions about Contact Voltage

Q: What causes contact voltage?

A: With all energized electrical equipment, there is a risk. Aging infrastructure and the presence of salty water can be contributing factors. Vibrations from the street level and the subway underground can cause wires to dislodge and become exposed to the harsh weather conditions. As well, private or third-party assets can also pose the risk, so avoid any electrical metal structure.

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Q: How is Toronto Hydro resolving this issue?

A: In 2009, Toronto Hydro committed resources to its contact voltage program, including a team of mobile voltage testing vehicles. The trucks “sweep” city streets to identify any further contact voltage conditions. In addition to mobile voltage testing vehicles, we are replacing handwells with a new non-conductive standard. To date, we are more than half way through the replacement of metal lids and are working to have almost all handwell structures replaced by 2014 (there are approximately 12,000 handwells in Toronto).

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Q: What happens when contact voltage is detected?

A: Contact voltage conditions that are identified are de-energized or repaired immediately, regardless of who owns the asset. It has been our experience, and the experience of many other utilities, that contact voltage conditions also exist on assets that are privately owned.

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Q: How much will the contact voltage program cost?

A: The scanning cost is estimated to be $3-4 million annually. Handwell replacement costs are approximately $15 million per year.

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Q: Can you predict where or when contact voltage will occur?

A: Contact voltage is intermittent and could occur at any time.

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Q: What advice do you have for people who fear they or their pets may be in danger?

A: We’re asking people to avoid areas where they may suspect contact voltage. This is any energized metal structure that is present on public or private property.

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