Question 1

What Ottawa building code requirements apply to heated floor wiring under tile near a bathtub?

Accepted Answer

Heated floor wiring near bathtubs in Ottawa must comply with strict ESA electrical safety requirements and Ontario Building Code regulations. The electrical work must be performed by an ESA-licensed electrician, with the heating elements installed at least 150 millimetres (6 inches) away from the bathtub edge, and the entire system must be protected by a GFCI breaker and inspected before the tile installation can proceed.

The proximity to water makes this one of the most regulated aspects of he

Question 2

Can I run heated tile floors on a dedicated Ottawa Hydro off-peak circuit to save money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can absolutely run heated tile floors on Ottawa Hydro's time-of-use rates to save money, but it requires careful planning of your electrical installation and realistic expectations about heat retention. Electric radiant floor heating systems work exceptionally well with time-of-use pricing because tile and the thinset beneath it act as thermal mass, storing heat during off-peak hours and radiating it throughout the day.

Ottawa Hydro's time-of-use rates make off-peak heating (currently

Heated Floors & Radiant Heat

What Ottawa building code requirements apply to heated floor wiring under tile near a bathtub?

Can I run heated tile floors on a dedicated Ottawa Hydro off-peak circuit to save money?