Questions & Answers. Amendments to Ontario Electrical Safety Code 23 rd Edition/2002

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1 Questions & Answers Amendments to Ontario Electrical Safety Code 23 rd Edition/2002 When do the new rules become effective? Ontario amendments to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code 23 rd Edition/2002 comes into effect on July 1 st, 2007 with the exceptions of Rule (4) which will be effective on August 1 st, 2007 and Rule which is already in effect. Why are there new amendments not a new version of the Code? Ability of industry to absorb changes in addition to contractor licensing which came into effect on January Reduced cost burden to contractors. The CEC did not have many significant changes. Ability to include the few significant changes via Ontario amendments. How many rules are introduced in the new amendments? There are 5 administrative rules as well as 5 technical rules. Administrative changes: Aligning Rule with Ontario Energy Board registration of distributors, transmitters, and generators. Changes for plan review submission requirements. Code to line up with contractor licensing requirements: - to file an application with inspection department (Rule 2-004); and - the right to refuse an application for inspection authorization (Rule 2-008). Exemption for like-for-like replacement permit requirements for licensed contractor in owner occupied single-dwelling. Technical changes: Shock and Flash warning label on panelboards, etc. Receptacles to be GFCI protected in areas subject to standing fluids on the floor or drenching the work area in healthcare facilities. In older non-residential buildings where no bonding to ground provision exists, GFCI receptacles can be used.

2 All dwelling units to have outside receptacles below 2.5m from grade GFCI protected, and Each fluorescent luminaire with voltages exceeding 150 volts-to-ground shall be provided with a disconnecting means. What is the cost of the new amendments and how can I view them? The Ontario Addendum will be provided at no cost contact Orderline at 1(888) or in Toronto (416) to have a copy sent. ESA printed addendum to the 2002 OESC. Posted on ESA s Website under the following address: Updated contractor/industry at ESA contractor information sessions and Association meetings. A copy of the amendments has been sent to all bulletin subscribers. If I have an application for inspection or plan review submissions prior to July 1st do I need to follow the new amended rules? No, you do not need to follow the new amended rules prior to July 1 st, For your information, all new amended rules will be in affect on July 1 st, 2007 except rule (4) which will be effective on August 1 st, 2007 and Rule which is already in effect. When will rule (4) be in effect, and what are the examples of the accepted disconnecting means? The effective date for rule (4) is August 1st 2007, and the examples of disconnecting means are: Plug type connectors incorporated in the ballast leads Plug type connectors located directly at the ballast 2-Pole switch Cord sets and power supply cords Wiring harness assembly Will Installations that started prior to August 1 st 2007 need to follow new rule (4)? No, despite the addition of this rule, a disconnecting means shall not be required if: a) an application for inspection, or a submission of plans for approval was made before August 1 st, 2007; and

3 b) notice is given to the inspection department before August 1 st, 2007 that the applicant is carrying out the electrical installation or work under the regulation prior to the amendment. ESA recommends the installation of disconnecting means prior to the implementation date. If I am only changing or replacing the ballast of an existing 347 volt fluorescent fixture (this would also include retrofits) do I have to install the new disconnecting means required in (4)? The new rule states "Each fluorescent luminaire installed...", so providing a disconnecting means is applicable to installations of "new" fluorescent luminaires, which includes either complete new installations of fixtures, branch circuit wiring, etc, or installation of a new fixture in place of an old one or an existing branch circuit. When replacing the ballast to an existing luminaire with the same characteristics, it is not mandatory to provide a disconnecting means but it is strongly recommended to install one in order to improve public safety. Rule states that in an owner occupied single dwelling unit licensed electrical contractors are not required to apply for an inspection when replacing certain electrical equipment. Does that include the replacement of receptacles in knob and tube as well aluminum installations? Yes, the following shall be included in the scope of work in relation to Rule 2-005: Replacements of the existing receptacles with a GFCI receptacles as part of knob and tube wiring inside residential installations, for more information about Knob and Tube Wiring in Residential Installations refer to Flash notice FL and bulletin *. Replacement of existing receptacles in residential homes with aluminum branch circuit wiring, with receptacles approved for copper conductors only using approved wire connectors for copper to aluminum connections, copper pigtails and marked as per Table 1. of ESA bulletin *. Are municipalities and rental housing eligible for the exemption under rule 2-005? No, a permit shall be required for any work on the electrical installation since the rule specifies In an owner occupied single-dwelling.

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5 Are there any bulletins that will be issued as a result of these amendments? Yes, there are specific bulletins that have been published, check your bulletin binder, or electronic CD.