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British Columbia Safety Authority
CONSULTATION MEETING:
Adoption of the 2015 edition of the
Canadian Electrical Code
April 29, 2015 (10:00am-11:30am)
Safe technical systems. Everywhere.
Teleconference: 1-866-643-2939 4442830#
Welcome!
On the call today:
• Ted Gilbert, Electrical Safety Officer (presenter)
• Doug Kelly, Senior Policy Analyst
• Meryl Howell-Fellows, Stakeholder Engagement Programs
Coordinator
British Columbia Safety Authority
Agenda
1. Introduction (10 min)
Presented by Meryl Howell-Fellows
2. Major code changes (25 min)
Presented by Ted Gilbert
3. Feedback, questions & answers (15 min)
4. Proposed BC amendments (15 min)
Presented by Ted Gilbert
5. Feedback, questions & answers (25 min)
British Columbia Safety Authority
Introduction
How to enter the teleconference:
• Call toll-free 1-866-643-2939
• Enter the teleconference ID 4442830#
• Mute your phone line
** Please mute your phone line during the presentation sessions.
There will be time at the end of each presentation for questions
and answers.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Introduction
How to use the webinar:
• Go to www.gotomeeting.com. Click Join a Meeting, and enter
255-291-845 OR
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• If you can see this, you’re already logged in!
British Columbia Safety Authority
Introduction
Why are we here today?
• The feedback process
• What will the feedback go towards?
BC amendments are for:
• Consistency with provisions of the Safety Standards Act;
• Improvements to electrical safety; and,
• Clarification of ambiguous language which might create
inconsistency and confusion by the Code users.
British Columbia Safety Authority
British Columbia Safety Authority
2015 CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE
• Numerous Editorial Changes
• Approximately 65 minor changes
• Approximately 35 significant changes
• 27 new Tables
• Table 6 conductors in raceways expanded
• Table 9 cross sectional areas of raceways expanded
Section 2, General Rules
2-104 (1) Electrical equipment ratings
(1) All electrical equipment marked with a short-circuit
current rating or withstand rating shall have ratings
sufficient for the voltage employed and for the fault
current that is available at the terminals.
•
ETAC has made a recommendation that a BC
Amendment be adopted to delete this Rule as
it is unenforceable
•
Discussion and review later in presentation
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 4
4-004 Ampacity of wires and cables (see Appendix B)
(23) Notwithstanding Rule 4-006, 3-wire 120/240 V
and 120/208 V service conductors for
single dwellings and feeder conductors
supplying single dwelling units of row housing
of apartment and similar buildings and
terminating on equipment having a conductor
termination temperature of not less than 75°C
shall be permitted to be sized in accordance
with Table 39.
British Columbia Safety Authority
4-004 (23) Ampacity of wires and cables (cont’d)
British Columbia Safety Authority
4-004 (23) Ampacity of wires and cables (cont’d)
• New method for determining service conductor sizing for
single dwellings and feeder sizing for single dwelling units.
• Calculated load required before T39 can be used to
select minimum conductor size.
•
5% rule already taken into account.
• Resolves conductor ampacity issues created by the
2012 edition of the CEC
• No BC amendment required
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 8
8-102 Voltage drop (see Appendices B and D)
(1) The voltage drop in an installation shall be based on the
connected load of the feeder or branch circuit if known;
otherwise it shall be based on 80% of the rating of the
overload or overcurrent device protecting the branch
circuit or feeder, and not exceed
(a) 3% in a feeder or branch circuit; and
(b) 5% from the supply side of the consumer’s
service (or equivalent) to the point of utilization.
(2) Notwithstanding Subrule (1), where overcurrent devices
are selected in accordance with other Sections of this
Code, the voltage drop shall be based on the calculated
demand load of the feeder or branch circuit.
British Columbia Safety Authority
8-102 Voltage drop (cont’d)
(3) Notwithstanding Subrule (1), wiring for generaluse branch circuits rated at not more than 120 V
or 20 A in dwelling units, with the conductor length
measured from the supply side of the consumer’s
service to the furthest point of utilization in
accordance with the values in Table 68, shall be
acceptable.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 8
Appendix B Notes to Rule 8-102 (3)
This Rule is not intended to apply to branch circuits for the
following:
(a) household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines,
central vacuum systems, and other receptacles as per
Rule 26-722);
(b) kitchen counter receptacles Rule 26-724 (b) and dining room
receptacle c/w gas range receptacle Rule 26-724 (e);
(c) electrical heating and cooking appliances (Rule 26-744); and
(d) other specific receptacles installed in dwellings, such as those
dedicated for medical devices.
• These branch circuits must still meet Subrule (1) requirements!
British Columbia Safety Authority
8-102 Voltage drop (cont’d)
(4) Notwithstanding Subrule (1), at industrial establishments
where conditions of maintenance and supervision
ensure use by qualified persons, the design shall
ensure that the voltage at the point of utilization is
within the rating or voltage tolerance of the connected
device(s).
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 8
8-106 Use of demand factors (see Appendix B)
New Subrule (6)
(6) Where a feeder or service supplies motor or
air-conditioning loads, a demand factor as
determined by a qualified person shall be
permitted to be applied to these loads, provided
that a deviation has been allowed in accordance
with Rule 2-030.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 8
8-106 Use of demand factors (see Appendix B)
New Subrule (10)
(10) For loads other than those calculated in
accordance with Rules 8-200 and 8-202, feeder
and service load calculations shall be permitted
to be based on demonstrated loads, provided
that such calculations are performed by a qualified
person, as determined by the regulatory authority
having jurisdiction.
• ETAC has requested the BCSA develop a Bulletin describing
the experience and credentials required to be recognized as
“qualified”
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 10
Rule 10-802 Material for grounding conductors
(see Appendix B)
(1) The grounding conductor shall be permitted to be
insulated or bare and shall be of copper, aluminum, or
other acceptable material.
(2) The material for grounding conductors shall be resistant
to any corrosive condition existing at the installation or
shall be protected against corrosion.
•
BC Amendment proposed (later in this presentation)
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 18
18-004 Classification of hazardous locations
(see Appendices B, J, and L)
Hazardous locations shall be classified according to the
nature of the hazard, as follows:
(a) explosive gas atmospheres; or
(b) explosive dust atmospheres.
• Introduction of Zone 20 locations
• Harmonization with International IEC standards
• Equipment with equivalent protection schemes accepted
• Similar to adoption of IEC standards for hazardous
gas installations in 2002
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 26
26-724 Branch circuits for dwelling units (see Appendix B)
(f) each branch circuit supplying 125 V receptacles rated 20 A or
less shall be protected by a combination-type arc-fault circuit
interrupter, except for branch circuits supplying
(i) receptacles installed in accordance with
(A) Rule 26-710(f); or
(B) Rule 26-712(d)((i), (iii), (iv), and (v); and
(ii) a single receptacle for a sump pump
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 26
26-724 Branch circuits for dwelling units (see Appendix B)
(g) notwithstanding Item (f), the entire branch circuit need not be
provided with arc-fault protection where
(i) an outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit
interrupter is installed at the first outlet on the branch
circuit; and
(ii) the wiring method for the portion of the branch circuit
between the branch circuit overcurrent device and
the first outlet consists of metal raceway, armoured
cable, or non-metallic conduit or tubing.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 26
26-724 Branch circuits for dwelling units (see Appendix B)
Will not apply to circuits supplying:
• Bathroom and washroom receptacles (dedicated ccts only)
• Refrigerators
• Kitchen counter receptacles, kitchen island receptacles,
peninsula counter receptacles
• Single receptacle for sump pump (with restrictions)
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 26
Arc fault circuit protection for new branch circuit wiring in new
construction and existing dwelling units as per Rule 26-724
Rationale:
• Expands the use of arc fault circuit interrupters to other
areas of a residence where portable electrical appliances
and equipment are regularly used
• According to Canadian fire statistics, AFCI devices
have reduced the number of fatal residential fires
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 26
Arc fault circuit protection for new branch circuit wiring in new
construction and existing residences as per Rule 26-724
Impacts:
Estimated cost increases (per dwelling unit):
Type of arc fault
protection
2-bedroom
apartment
(wood framed)
High rise
apartment
(concrete)
Combination-type
$400-500
$850-$950
Blank/dead faced
$400
$730
Receptacle
$450
$250
3000 sq.ft. house
$830
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 50 - Deleted
Solar photovoltaic systems moved to Section 64.
Rationale:
• PV is a renewable energy source and should be grouped
with similar renewable energy types
• Common
installation requirements already found in Section 64
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 64 – Renewable energy systems
Solar photovoltaic systems - Rules 64-200 – 64-222
64-212 Conductor marking or colour coding (see Appendix B)
(1) Notwithstanding Rule 4-038, dc photovoltaic output circuit
conductors, and photovoltaic source circuit conductors installed
between a module and the power conditioning unit of the dc
system, shall be coloured or coded, or both, as follows:
(a) for a 2-wire circuit
(i) red for positive and black for negative; ….
(b) for a 3-wire circuit (bipolar circuit)
(i) white, grey, or white with a coloured stripe for mid-wire…
(2) The requirements of Subrule (1) shall not be met by field
marking or labelling.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 64 – Renewable energy systems
(3) Notwithstanding Subrule (2), conductor colour coding for multiconductor cables required in Subrule (1) shall be permitted to be
made through suitable field labelling or marking in a permanent
manner.
(4) Conductor labelling and marking permitted in Subrule (3) shall
(a) be made at every point where the separate conductors
are rendered accessible and visible by removal of the
outer covering of the cable;
(b) be made by painting or other suitable means; and
(c) not render the manufacturer’s numbering of the conductors
illegible.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 64 – Renewable energy systems
64-216 Photovoltaic dc arc-fault circuit protection
(1) Photovoltaic systems with dc source circuits or output circuits, or
both, and operating at a maximum system voltage of 80 V or
greater, shall be protected by
(a) a dc arc-fault circuit interrupter; or
(b) other system equipment approved to provide equivalent
protection.
(2) The arc-fault protection system required in Subrule (1)(b) shall
(a) detect and interrupt arcing faults ….
(b) not have the capability of being automatically restarted;
(c) have annunciation, …
(d) disable or disconnect, ...
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 64 (cont’d)
Rationale:
• Provide increased safety by reducing the risk of fires and failures
Impacts:
• Installation costs are expected to increase for new safety
requirements: additional equipment, training requirements and
correlation with other relevant standards.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 66 - Amusement parks, midways, carnivals,
film and TV sets, TV remote broadcasting locations,
and travelling shows
66-000 Scope
(1) This Section applies to the temporary installation of
electrical equipment, utilizing any source of electrical
power, for
(a) amusement parks;
(b) midways;
(c) carnivals;
(d) fairs;
(e) film, television, and radio productions;
(f) remote broadcasting and recording locations;
(g) live performance and entertainment events;
(h) touring shows and productions;
(i) concerts;
(j) sporting events;
(k) trade shows; and
(l) similar events.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 66 – cont’d
66-404 Receptacles
Receptacles having CSA configuration 5-15R or
5-20R installed in itinerant midways, carnivals,
fairs, and festivals and intended to supply loads in
outdoor or damp locations shall be protected by
ground fault circuit interrupters
of the Class A type.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 66 – cont’d
66-456 Single-conductor cable connections (see App. I)
(2) Plug-in connectors for single-conductor cables shall
(a) no change
(b) no change, and
(c) have all connections that are not in use covered with a seal or cap
that is acceptable.
(5) In-line single-conductor cable connections forming part of a circuit of
more than 150 volts-to-ground shall be mechanically protected by
enclosing the connector(s) in a lockable, non-conductive box or
similar enclosure.
(6) The lockable enclosure referred to in Subrule (5) shall
(a) be labelled on the outside, in a conspicuous, legible, and
permanent manner, identifying the supply voltage of the circuit;
and
(b) be acceptable.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 66 – cont’d
66-456 Single-conductor cable connections (see App. I)
(7) No more than one tapping or parallel tee per conductor shall be used
at any one point in a power distribution system.
(8) Any distribution splitting or combining devices requiring more than
two load connections per conductor shall use a single, approved
multiple connection device at that point.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 66 – cont’d
Summary:
•
Scope has been expanded and clarified to include additional
types of temporary installations
•
Receptacles rated 125V , 15A and 20A shall be GFCI
protected in outdoor and damp locations at carnivals, fairs and
festivals
•
Expanded requirements for single conductor cable connections
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 66
Rationale:
• Fire safety
• Reduce shock risk to the public
Impacts:
• Some costs are expected to increase with additional equipment
required.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 76 – Temporary wiring
Rule 76-016 Receptacles (See Appendix I)
Receptacles having CSA configuration 5-15R or 5-20R installed to
provide power for buildings or projects under construction or
demolition shall be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters of
the Class A type.
• 2012 BCSA Bulletin allowed construction receptacles to be
provided without GFCI protection when the Worksafe BC
“Assured grounding program” was implemented and used at
construction sites
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 76 (cont’d)
Proposed:
• Adopt Code as written without a BC amendment requiring
“special permission” to opt out of GFCI protection requirements
as currently required in 2012 Code.
Rationale:
• Special permission to utilize Work Safe BC’s assured
grounding program can be authorized by AHJ’s under
Rule 2-030.
• Provides administrative streamlining for construction industry
• Provides administrative streamlining for AHJ’s
British Columbia Safety Authority
British Columbia Safety Authority
Consultation on the adoption of the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code
FEEDBACK, QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
How to give feedback/ask a question
• Unmute your phone line.
• State your name and your company name.
• Give your feedback: How do these changes affect you and your
industry?
or
• Ask your question.
** Please be considerate of other people on the call and limit your number of
questions to two.
More questions and feedback can be given at the end of the next presentation.
British Columbia Safety Authority
British Columbia Safety Authority
Consultation on the adoption of the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code
PROPOSED BC AMENDMENTS
Proposed BC Amendments
Section 0 – Definitions
Change “electrical contractor”
Current text:
“Electrical contractor”
Any person, corporation, company, firm, organization, or
partnership performing or engaging to perform, either for their or its
own use or benefit, or for that of another, and with or without
remuneration or gain, any work with respect to an electrical
installation or any other work to which this Code applies.
Proposed text:
“Electrical contractor”
means a licensed electrical contractor, as defined in the Electrical
Safety Regulation;
British Columbia Safety Authority
Proposed BC Amendments
Section 0 – Definitions
Change “National Building Code of Canada”
Current text:
“National Building Code of Canada” (No current definition)
Proposed text: (provide a definition)
“National Building Code of Canada” means the “British Columbia
Building Code and local building bylaws”.
Rationale:
• Keeps the current definitions of “Electrical Contractor” and
“National Building Code of Canada”, consistent with other laws.
Impacts:
• None.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Proposed BC Amendments
Section 2 – General Rules
Rule 2-104(1) current text:
(1) All electrical equipment marked with a short-circuit current
rating or withstand rating shall have ratings sufficient for
the voltage employed and for the fault current that is
available at the terminals.
Proposed changes for BC:
Do not adopt Rule 2-104(1)
(1) All electrical equipment marked with a short-circuit current
rating or withstand rating shall have ratings sufficient for
the voltage employed and for the fault current that is
available at the terminals.
Proposed text: None, delete Subrule entirely
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 2: Rule 2-104(1) cont’d
Why?
• Rule cannot be enforced as written
• This was a newly introduced rule in the 2015 edition of the
Canadian Electrical Code.
Impact:
• None.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 10 – Grounding and bonding
Current 2015 Code Section 10
Rule 10-500, Effective Grounding
• Rule and Appendix B notes have been deleted
• Former Rule and Appendix B notes required the path to ground
for circuits and equipment to be continuous, have ample
ampacity and have impedance sufficiently low for operation of
O/C devices…
Proposed changes for BC:
• Add “(See Appendix B Note)” to title of Rule 10-002, Object
• Add information and definitions from previous Rule 10-500 and
Appendix B notes as a new Appendix B note to Rule 10-002
British Columbia Safety Authority
Rule 10-002 (cont’d)
Revised text as a Rule 10-002 Appendix B note:
Objective of bonding is to have an impedance sufficiently low in
order to:
(a) facilitate the operation of the overcurrent devices in the circuit on
the occurrence of a fault of negligible impedance from an
energized or phase conductor to exposed metal; and
(b) limit the duration of the voltage above ground on this exposed
metal. This objective is accomplished by means of completing
the fault path of the bonding arrangement of the consumer’s
installation which would normally have to be such that a current
of not less than five times the rating of the overcurrent device
protecting the circuit will flow on the occurrence of a fault of
negligible impedance via a bonding conductor back to the solidly
grounded source.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Rule 10-002 (cont’d)
Rationale:
• Retains information from Rule 10-500 of the 2012 edition of the
Canadian Electrical Code, which was removed from the 2015
edition.
• BCSA will publish an information bulletin providing rationale and
clarifications on amended provisions.
Impact:
• None. Information provided in previous Code editions
British Columbia Safety Authority
Rule 10-802, Material for grounding conductors
Current 2015 Code text:
10-802 Material for system grounding conductors
(1) The grounding conductor shall be permitted to be insulated
or bare and shall be of copper, aluminum, or other
acceptable material.
(2) The material for grounding conductors shall be resistant
to any corrosive condition existing at the installation or
shall be protected against corrosion.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Rule 10-802 Material for grounding conductors (cont’d)
Proposed changes for BC:
Rule 10-802, Material for grounding conductors
•
•
•
•
Change Rule 10-802 by;
Change wording in Subrule (1),
Add new Subrules (2) and (3), and
Renumber existing Subrule (2) as the new Subrule (4)
British Columbia Safety Authority
Section 10
Proposed 2015 Code text:
10-802 Material for grounding conductors
(1) Except as permitted by Subrules (2) or (3), the grounding
conductor shall be insulated or bare and shall be of copper.
(2) A grounding conductor shall be permitted to be of aluminum
for installation in dry locations only.
(3) Where a deviation has been allowed in accordance with Rule
2-030, the grounding conductor shall be permitted to be of
other acceptable material.
(4) The material for grounding conductors shall be resistant to
any corrosive condition existing at the installation or shall be
protected against corrosion.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Rule 10-802 Material for grounding conductors (cont’d)
Rationale:
• Clarifies the requirements where Aluminum grounding
conductors may be used
• Requires “special permission” to use other conductor materials
as a grounding conductor consistent with previous requirements
Impact:
• No impact. Installers will be able to use aluminum as an
acceptable material for grounding conductors in dry locations,
and copper in either setting.
British Columbia Safety Authority
British Columbia Safety Authority
Consultation on the adoption of the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code
FEEDBACK, QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS
How to give feedback/ask a question
• Unmute your phone line.
• State your name and your company name.
• Give your feedback: Do you agree with these proposed BC
amendments?
or
• Ask your question.
** Please be considerate of other people on the call and limit your number of
questions to two.
If we cannot answer your question at this time, we will post our response via
email on the CEC consultation webpage.
British Columbia Safety Authority
Questions? Comments?
Sec / Rule
Issue
0
Proposed change for BC: Definitions of “Electrical contractor”
and “National Building Code of Canada”
2-104(1)
Proposed change for BC: Do not adopt (equipment ratings)
4-004
Clarifies ampacities issues from 2012 edition
8-102 & -106
Voltage drop calculations and use of demand factors
10-002 &
-802
Proposed change for BC: Allows for use of aluminum as
ground conductor in dry locations (see Appendix)
18
Classification of hazardous locations with regard to
combustible dust
26
Expanded use of arc fault circuit protection in residences
64
(Formerly section 50): Renewable energy systems, including
photovoltaic systems
66
Temporary installation of electrical equipment
76-016
Assured Grounding Program to be authorized under 2-030
Appendices
Proposed change for BC: Add Appendix B Note on Rule 10200(1) for objectives of bonding
Tables
Expanded Table 6 (conductors in raceways) and Table 9
(cross sectional areas of raceways)
British Columbia Safety Authority
Thank you for attending!
Webpage
www.safetyauthority.ca/cec-2015-consult
Questions? More comments?
Meryl Howell-Fellows, Stakeholder Engagement Programs
Coordinator: stakeholder.engagement@safetyauthority.ca
Results
Posted after the consultation closes on May 15, 2015
British Columbia Safety Authority