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
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)
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.
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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.
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
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.
4-004 (23) Ampacity of wires and cables (cont d)
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
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.
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.
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!
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).
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.
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
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)
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
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
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.
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)
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
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) 3000 sq.ft. house Combination-type $400-500 $850-$950 Blank/dead faced $400 $730 Receptacle $450 $250 $830
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
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.
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.
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,...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Section 66 Rationale: Fire safety Reduce shock risk to the public Impacts: Some costs are expected to increase with additional equipment required.
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
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
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.
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;
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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 10-200(1) for objectives of bonding Tables Expanded Table 6 (conductors in raceways) and Table 9 (cross sectional areas of raceways)
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