What is the Canadian Electrical Code, Part
I? How and when does it apply and what are its purposes?
Everyone knows that’s where we go to find out what we have
to do to pass an electrical inspection. But is that it?
In this article, rather than focus on what the code says about
grounding, bonding and motor protection, let’s consider the
bigger picture and look at the philosophy and intent behind
the code.
A title page note says: "The Canadian
Electrical Code, Part I is a voluntary code for adoption and
enforcement by regulatory authorities." Regulatory
authorities—you know who they are—the electrical
inspection authorities in all of Canada’s provinces and
territories. On its own, the code has no basis in law. It only
becomes the law when adopted and legislated with or without
amendments by the "regulatory authorities" in each
province or territory. Some jurisdictions need to make
extensive amendments, while others have very few.
And there is no requirement that all
jurisdictions pass the CEC, Part I into law at the same time.
As sometimes happens, one province might very promptly adopt a
new version of the code, while its neighbours may hang in with
an earlier version for many more months. So don’t throw away
that old code book too quickly, since you might still need it
for a time.
Even though the CEC, Part I is intended for
application only within Canada, it also "meets the
fundamental safety principles of International Standard IEC
60364, Electrical Installation of Buildings." Compliance
with an international standard reminds us that we now live in
a world where standards are rapidly becoming global ones so as
to meet the growing demands for barrier-free international
trade. Are we moving toward a universal electrical code and
standards and is this always a good thing?
The stated object of the CEC, Part I is to
provide safety standards for installing and maintaining
electrical equipment so as to minimize electrical shock and
fire hazards. We are also reminded that electrical
installations should have sufficient capacity, not only to
meet today’s demands, but to allow for future growth. This
is good basic design, but is sometimes overlooked to save a
few bucks.
We are further reminded that the code
"is not intended as a design specification nor an
instruction for untrained persons." Here’s something
extremely important that is sometimes overlooked. Regrettably,
we sometimes become too obsessed with meeting the minimum
requirement that will pass an electrical inspection. That’s
not good planning nor what is intended. The code is proposed
only as a minimum safety standard. First-class design always
demands more, and literal interpretation of the code is never
intended as a reasonable substitute for suitable
qualifications, training and experience.
What is covered and which installations are
exempt from its requirements? The scope of the CEC, Part I
covers all electrical equipment and work except for some types
of installations that are expected to meet other standards.
Please note that different authorities have modified the
exemptions listed in the CEC, Part I to suit their individual
local needs.
• The first exemption covers electric,
communications and community antenna distribution systems
utilities when carrying out their utility responsibilities.
For example, the generation, transmission and distribution
facilities of an electrical utility are not required to comply
with the code. Neither must the operating facilities of
telephone and cable television companies. Otherwise, all of
their non-utility facilities in head office buildings, etc.,
do need to comply.
• The motive power and equipment for
electric railways, streetcars and subway systems are exempt
from the CEC, Part I, but all other facilities in stations,
yards and other buildings are required to comply with the
code.
• Railway signaling and communications
systems in railway cars, buildings and along the tracks are
not required to comply with the CEC, Part I.
• Aircraft electrical systems are also
exempt, but all airport facilities including electrical
systems in terminal buildings, runway lighting, etc., are
required to be in compliance.
• Electrical systems in ships regulated
by Transport Canada are not governed by the code. But when a
ship is permanently tied up and reworked as a fancy
restaurant, the electrical code does apply.
• In general, mines and quarries are not
exempt from the CEC, Part I, but are also covered under a
different standard, CSA Standard CAN/CSA - M421. However, in
the different regions of Canada, electrical safety in mines
and quarries is managed in several ways, often as a shared
responsibility between the electrical and mining inspectors.
In summary, a better understanding of the
viewpoint and intent behind the code will always lead to a
better understanding of its rules. As with past articles, you
should always consult the electrical inspection authority in
each province or territory as applicable for a more precise
interpretation of any of the above.
Leslie Stoch, P.E. is principal of L.
Stoch & Associates, providing electrical engineering
and ISO 9000 quality systems consulting. Prior to that,
he spent over 20 years with Ontario Hydro as an
electrical inspection manager and engineer. Les holds a
B.S. in electrical engineering from Concordia University
in Montreal. |
