consultation meeting: adoption of the 2015 edition of · pdf filebritish columbia safety...

British Columbia Safety Authority

Safe technical systems. Everywhere.

April 29, 2015 (10:00am-11:30am)

CONSULTATION MEETING:

Adoption of the 2015 edition of the

Canadian Electrical Code

Teleconference: 1-866-643-2939 4442830#


On the call today:

• Ted Gilbert, Electrical Safety Officer (presenter)

• Doug Kelly, Senior Policy Analyst

• Meryl Howell-Fellows, Stakeholder Engagement Programs

Coordinator

Welcome!


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)

Agenda


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.

Introduction


How to use the webinar:

• Go to www.gotomeeting.com. Click Join a Meeting, and enter

255-291-845 OR

• Go to https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/255291845

• If you can see this, you’re already logged in!

Introduction

http://www.gotomeeting.com/

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/255291845


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.

Introduction


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)


• 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

4-004 (23) Ampacity of wires and cables (cont’d)


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 general-

use 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)

(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.

New Subrule (6)


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


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



(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



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):

Section 26

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


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 50 - Deleted


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 multi-

conductor 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.



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, ...



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 64 (cont’d)


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.



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.



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.


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



Rationale:

• Fire safety

• Reduce shock risk to the public

Impacts:

• Some costs are expected to increase with additional equipment

required.

Section 66


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 – Temporary wiring


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

Section 76 (cont’d)


FEEDBACK, QUESTIONS &

ANSWERS

Consultation on the adoption of the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code


• 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.

How to give feedback/ask a question


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.



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



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 2: Rule 2-104(1) cont’d


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…


• 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

Section 10 – Grounding and bonding


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 10-002 (cont’d)


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



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)

Rule 10-802 Material for grounding conductors (cont’d)


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.

Section 10


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.

Rule 10-802 Material for grounding conductors (cont’d)


FEEDBACK, QUESTIONS &

ANSWERS



• 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.

How to give feedback/ask a question


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)

Questions? Comments?


Webpage

www.safetyauthority.ca/cec-2015-consult

Questions? More comments?

Meryl Howell-Fellows, Stakeholder Engagement Programs

Coordinator: [email protected]

Results

Posted after the consultation closes on May 15, 2015

Thank you for attending!

http://www.safetyauthority.ca/cec-2015-consult





mailto:[email protected]

consultation meeting: adoption of the 2015 edition of · pdf filebritish columbia safety...

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