Electrical Code Simplified (Canada) 9730920312

Citation preview

ETECTRICAT CODE

SIMPTIFIED HOUSE WIRING GUIDE

P.S.

KNIGIIT Co. Ln.

Aso Avruugr:

m gØrrlE

Eucrncll Coo¡ Smpun¡o - Commrncnt & llousnnl For lhe Professionol Eleclricion No jargon Electric¿l Code Simplified makes electrical law clearly and quickly relatable. It gives straight answers on tough issues. Code Rules seldom apply in isolation; there are usually other Rules that should be considered before a decision is made. This book collects these different applicable Rules, explains how they relate to each other and how they appl¡ and where helpfirl, offers commentary on the background to diffìcult sections

ofelectrical law. M

Available online at www.psknight.com. P.S. Knight Co. Lt¿ | 6423 Burbar:lr. Rd. S.E. Calgary, NbenaT2H 2El T el: 1.403.648.2905 | www.psknight.com

Kr.¡rcxl's

Clt¡¡ollt¡ Elrcrncru Coo¡

For professionol eng¡neers, ¡nspeclors, crnd eleclricions The Canadian Electrical Code is the body of elect¡ical law in Can¿da' The Code is passed into law both Federally and in every prowincial and territorial jurisdiction in Canada. Persons working in eleckical and related fields are

obþated to comply with Code regulations. Canadian Electrical Code contains the fr:ll Code, plus minor annotalions to higtrlight changes from previous Code editions. As an authorized reprintrng of electrical law, all illustrations, explanations, and descriptions therein are presented entireþ and exactly as enacted by

Knightt

Governments. Available online at www.psknight.com.

Ltd. | 6423 BurbankRd. Tel 1.403.648.2908 | www.psknight.com

P.S. Knight Co.

S.E. CaLgary,Albena T2H 2El

is based on the The purpose of this publicarion is ro presenr a simplified version of the Canadian Electrical Code. The material who are charged with those with instances some in at variance interpretation of Cùe Rules and may therefo¡e be "uthårt þersonal of enforcing the Rules in your localiry. There will always be differences of opinion regarding the interpretation, the responsibility it is important to or the application, of a parricular Rule. This is true even between neighboring jurisdictions. Fo¡ this reason Inspector ,rrrd...,årrd thar the fini decision as ro what is, or is nor, acceptable in any circumstance usually lies with the local from the the requirements of an interpretation is irrespective of any contrary opinion held by others in the Tiade. This book

author's persPective.

not to say the Inspector can alte¡ or reinterpret the Rules. Deviation from the offìcial Rules is possible only by first Code obtaining writren permission to do so under Rule i-o:0. Th. Inspector must determine if an installation complies with the Canadian work. The of the acceptance ofiìcial give rhe can or before he be made must .nd rhen-determine what, if an¡ changes compliance with Electrical Code is the minimuá standãrd for safery and the Inspector musr make the diffìcult decisions regarding that minimum standard. Bur the rrurh is, hrp..to., generally do their work on a pannership basis where they work togetheÌ with the installers to produce a safe installation.

This

is

shall Notice Concerning Liability: \(ihile every effort has been made ro presenr a thoughtfirl and workable. publication' the author consequential' indirect, whether kind, in no evenr be liable fo. *y properry d"-"g., personal injury or other d"m"g.t of whatever or compensatorl', directly ot i"air..ity r.rnltl.tg from the material in this book either by use o[ or reliance upon, this publication'

5th Edition, 2018 Copyright @ 2018 by PS. Knight Co. Ltd. Quotations from the Code a¡e @ Alberta Queent Printe¡ 2015 ISBN 973-0-920312-66-7

E¿

2018

.'Electrical

Code Simplified has been with me throughour my career. ln 1987, it was on my list of books to purchase for my Electrical pre-Apprenti.eship classes at BCIT It -"d. more sense rhan the CSA Electrical Code book that I had to also buy, and Knightt book haã funny pictrrres! This was imporrant to a20 yar-o\d aspiring electrician. \7hen I finally completed my electrical appienticeship in 1996 r.,d.t".t.d on -y o*n æ a Journeyman Electrician, I.picked uP a new copy of Electrical Code Simplified' ,åi"ia. *. io.g. In 2008, I started . ,r.- ph"r. in my career as an Electrical Inspector and, you guessed it, it was time to grab Knightì book. Since 2009, I have been instructing electricians and apprentices, both as an Inspector on "opyãfls "rrîpd"t.d t.åihing in my-spare time, and using Electrical Code Simplified to get my points across. I lras happy to_be offered the th.;ob "rrd opport,rrriry,o .oniribrr,.'"nd provide technicJcontent to this latest edition of Electrical Code Simplified. I owe a lot to Peter f"igfrfr book and ro enorher P.,.r, rn Inspector who mentored me. To both Peters who've now have left us; Thank you. I tried to get it right, Petet" Cbief Tecbnícal Edítor - Rícharã F*ìcþ

;:#s;"i;,i?*i,,2'#,, Copies of this book are also available from the publisher: PS. Knight Co. Ltd. 6423 Burbattk Rd. Calgary AB'T2H salesPpsknight.com www.psknight.com

2El

Copyright @ PS.Knight Co. Ltd. Calgry AB.'\7orld rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any -..h"tii."l, photogrJphic, o..l..tro.i. process, or in any form ofa phonographic recording, nor may it be stored in a retrieval sysrem, ,r".r.-ir,.ã, or otherwise copieJfor public or private use without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in Canada by Friesens

ETECTRICAT CODE SIMPLIFIED

Book 1

Res¡denliql

This book is intended for use in all jurisdictions that have adopted the Canadian Electrical Code, including those that have adopted 'Where the Code with certain amendments and additions. applicable, it's noted in the text that a cerrain amendment has been made by a particular jurisdiction, and an icon of the applicable province appears in the margin adjacent to the amendment as follows:

@

@

An amendment (variation) from the Canadian Electrical Code that affects Ontario. 'When either this symbol or the one below appears in the margin, watch for details in the adacent te¡rt that indicate variations from the unamended Canadian Electrical Code that affect Ontario or BC. Otherwise, just assume they are following the unamended Canadian Elect¡ical Code.

An amendment applicable to only British Columbia.'SØatch for details

as

explained for

Ontario, above.

The Canadian Electric¿l Code is the product of literally thousands of men and women from all across C-¿nada who, since 1927, have generously contributed their expertise, their special training, and their invaluable experience to making this the outstanding 'W'e document that it is. can be justifiably proud of our Ca¡adian Electrical Code - we own it, collectiveþ The primary purpose of each pan of the Code is safety where ever electricity is being generated, transported or used. However, a safery code is of no value until it is well published and understood. Electrical Code SimpliÊed has opened the Code and made it the friend, not the enem¡ of a very large number of Canadians who have discovered that they can understand the Code and can apply

it to

great benefit.

In more than thirry years' experience

as an Electricd Inspecto¡ the author often saw the need for a clear and simplified version of our Canadian Electrical Code. This book is intended to fill that need insofar as loomex wiring is concerned. It should be used as a guide only.'!ü?here there is any doubt as to inte¡pretation or application, the local Inspector should be consulted.

Every effon has been made to keep the explanations brief, yet clear, and in everyday language. Many illusrrations are provided to a further aid to the student or contractor, a large number of references from the Canadian Electrical Code are given. The material is dived into 21 sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of the electrical

clarifr certain points otherwise difficult to explain. As installation.

It

is the sincere hope of the author that this book will be helpful to you, the reader. Co¡¡ections to any errors or omissions found subsequent to the printing of this book are listed at www.psknight.com. To be notified by email of new editions, please sign up at www.psknight.com.

Conlenls t.

R¡sroì¡$sluTtEs

.

Electricol Confroctors Students. Homeowners. 2.

CSA C¡nr¡rrcAiloN

3.

Eucrnrca¡. lrusr¡cnom . When is on lnspection not Required? Rough Wiring lnspection Avoid Costly Rejections ond Deloys . Fínol lnspeciion

2

4.

Er¡ctRlclt h.lsp¡cnon Orncrs

5.

Senvrcr Szr

7.

8.

Srnvlcr ColtoucroR TypEs Copper Conductors or Aluminum Conductors. Service Conductor lnsulqtion UnurY S¡nvlcr Wln¡s To THE House Consult Utility. Entronce Cop obove Line lnsulotor . Roof Crossing. Heovy SnowfollAreos Minimum Line to Ground Cleoronces Utility Line Attochment to House .

Senvrcr EnnaNcr

Car

...

Consult Utility. Type of Cop to Use Height of Entronce Cop. . Bockground lnformotion Drip Loops Locotion of Entronce Cop

9.

.3 .3

3

4 .4 .4 .4 .5

.7 .B

.9 12

t4 l5

ró 16 16

l6 .16 .16 . tó .17 .17 .18

r8

.t8 .

.

Srnvrce Masr ReoutREi,lENTs. Pipe Most Ports for on Acceptoble Most CSA Cerlified Electricolservice Most Kit.

Wood Most.

.3

(Anracw)

Colculoted Lood. Note obout Aluminum Conductors Minimum Service Size (Ampocity) . Homeowner's Colculoted Lood Demonds . List of Moteriols Notes for the lnstoller Notes for the Student Service Ampocity Toble for Homeowner Use Detoiled Colculotion Form (for student use) Sub-Feeder Sizes to Second Ponel

ó.

3 .J

.19 .19 . l9

.t9 .t9 20 .21 .21 .21

.22

r0.

L¡ruoru

or SrRvlce CoHoucroR

22

.

Moximum Length Permilted Outside Building. Moximum Lengih Permitted lnside Building. Boxed in Service Conduit or Coble

23 23 24

Rigid PVC Conduit Service Coble - From on Overheod Hydro Supply

24 .25 .27 .30

12.

Srnvrc¡ FRoM AN Uruo¡ncnouND Supply Utility Connection Service Feeder to House Size of Service Conduit Depth of Buriol Meter Bose . Seoling

34 .34 .35 .35 .35 .3ó .3ó

13.

Mnrn Bas¡ lNsrnll-arloN

t

t.

S¡nvlce CoNoun oR SERVIcE Crst¡ EMT - Thin

.

WollService Conduit

SUPPLY

Types

Locotions Height Connections Support Blonk Cover Seoling Rings . Fittings & L.Bs etc.

14.

t

5.

37 .37 .37 .38 .38 .39 .39 .39 .39

Srnvlcr P¡H¡t Type - Fuse or Breoker Pqnel 3-Wire Cobles & Tie-Bors Bolhroom Rozor Outlet ldentify Circuits. Bosement or Altic Suite Ponel Minimum Circuits Required Additionol Circuits Required Sub-feeder to Second Ponel Size of Ponel ond Feeder Coble Required Locotion of Service Ponel Accessibility. . . . Heishl Which End is Up?. . Anongement of Conductors Service Section. Bronch Circuit Section.

39 .39 .40 .40

Gnou¡lolt¡o AND BoND¡NG Grounding Connections in Service Ponel . lncoming Buried MetqlWoter Pipe. . Metol Woter Well Cosing Ground Rods . Concrete Encosed Grounding Eleclrodes Plosiic Woter Service PiPe Bore Copper Conductor Direct Buried in Eorth Plole Electrodes Bonding Required

48 .48 .50 .50

.41 .41

.42 .43 .43 .43 .45 .46 .46 .46 .47 .47 .47

.51

.52 .53 .54 .54 .54

I

ó.

Bnaxcu Clncur Wlnl¡le Generol lnformotion Number of Circuits Fuses

3-Wire Coble

Cobles Bundled Together. Chorl of Bronch Circuits. Type of Coble Coble Stropping Coble Protection Kitchen Cobinets Attic Spoces Bosements ond Crowl Spoces Exposed Coble. Hot Air Ducls or Hot Woler Pipes . Cold Air Duct. Vopour Borrier for Light Outlei Boxes. Coble Connectors Lighi Outlei Boxes Outlets per Circuit Stoirwoy Lighting Unfinished Bosement Lighting Storoge rooms Goroges ond Corporfs Simple Light Outlet. . . . Recessed Light Outlet. . . . Fire Hozord Connection or Terminol Box Combinotion Heof Lomp ond Fon Fixture. Fluorescent Light Outlets Ouilet Box not Required. Bothroom Light Outlels Heot Lomps. Clothes Closet Light Outlets. Smoke Alorms & Corbon Monoxide Alorms. Overheod Rotory Fons Vopour Borrier

178.

18.

55 .55 .55 .5ó .5ó .57 .58 .60 .ó0

.ól .61

.62 .62 .ó3 .ó3 .ó3 .ó3 .ó3 .ó3 .64 .ó5 .65 .ó5 .ó5 .ó5 .ó5 .66 .66 .66 .67 .67 .ó8 .ó8 .ó8 .óB .69 .69

Swncn OurrEt Boxrs Vopour Borriers for Switch Outlet Boxes Cqble Connectors Height of Switches Bothroom Light Switch Kitchen qnd Loundry Room Light Switches Stoirwoy Light Switch Connection of Switches Switching Anongements Power Entering Light outlet Box Firsi (simplest Swifching Anongement) 3-Woy Switches. 2-Gong Swiich Box with Two Switched Plugs

70

Pruo Ouners Ouilets per Circuit Vopour Borrier for o Plug Outlet Box Height of Plug Outlets

79 .

70 70 70 70

7t 71

72 73 73 74 77

79 79 79

Coble Connectors. Receptocles - Type, Use, PurPose Number of Plugs ond Locotion.

.7?

Bedrooms Hollwoys Bosemenf Wiring Unfinished Bosement Bothroom Plug Outlet Woshroom Plug Outlet Other Rooms or Areos - Plug Outlets. Kitchen Counter Plug Outlets. Dining Areos Loundry Room or Areo

.82 .83 .83 .83 .8ó .8ó .87

.81 .81

Freezer Outlet

Bolcony Outlet Porch Outdoor Plug Outlets Corport-Only Plug Outlets. Goroge Plug Outlels. Circuit Requirements Doorbell Tronsformer.

19.

r00 100

r0r

Tvr¡s or Boxrs Type. Box Support Set Flush.

101

102 r03

r04 r0ó 107

Wires in Box. Aciuol Box Fill Permitted Toble

GFCI Receptocle Depth Toble Light Outlei Boxes, Junction Boxes, Other Boxes Toble.

21.

hoHnNo F¡xrunrs Set Flush. Connections Bothroom Light Switch Fluorescent Fixtures Bosement Lighting Fixtures Light Fixtures on Low Ceiling Closet Fixtures Bonding of Light Fixtures. .

95 96 97 97 97

.97 .99 .99

Conductor Joinis & Splices Junction Boxes

20

87

r08 1r0 112 114

.ils

. 1t5 . r l5 . ll5

.ils

.iló . lt6 .iló . 1ló

.

rr6

Pluc Rtctpraclrs Set Flush. Polorizotion of Plug Receptocles.

1ró r1ó

Types

117

Grounding ond Bonding . . Bothroom Plug Receptocle. Outdoor Plug Receplocles Gorden Outlets

..

.

il8 il8 il8 r 19

22.

H¡aw AreulNcrs

ll9

Gorburotor

120 120 120 122 122 123 124 124 124 125 125

Dishwosher Domestic Ronges Dryers

Woter Heqier. Furnoce (Gos ond Oil) Bonding Gos Piping Kitchen Fon Ronge Hood Fon, Ventilotion Fon, Bothroom Fon, Rotory Fon, Attic Fon Vocuum System Hydro Mossoge Bothtub

23

Eucrnrc Basr¡oano H¡at¡¡o Heol loss Colculotion Rough Floor Mop Required . Bronch Circuits

.

Breokers. Circuit Looding. Thermostots. Outlet Boxes Coble Protection Bothroom Heot Lomp . lnfrored Rodioni Heoters Grounding ond Bonding

24.

Ercrnrc Hor Arn Funxacr Cleoronces. Supply to Furnoce Furnoce Disconnecf Switch. . . Wiring Meihod Mechonicol Proiection Required Thermostqt Control Wiring BONDING

25.

26.

27

Dnrvrwav heutHç Conduit System Direci Buriol. Bonding

126 126 126 126 126 126 128 128 128 128 129 129

129 129

r30 r30 r30

l3r 13r

. r3r t3l . t3r . ì3r 132

TrmpontnyCoNsrnucrroNsERvtcEs Requirements for Connection Speciol Coses For Underground Services Only

132

Pou SrnvlcEs. Minímum Service Size . Pole Requirements Meter Bose . Service Equipmeni Service Enclosures Receptocles Grounding

r33

TrmponaRy

132

r33

'r33

r33 133

r33 134

r35 r3ó r3ó

28.

Pnrvrre Ganac¡

¡t¡p

FlRm Bu¡lptNcs Overheod Supply Lines .

Underground Supply Lines Sub-Ponels (Goroge or Similqr Building)

29

30.

3r.

137 137 137

r38

Durlrx DwnuHcs

r40

Seporote Service Conductors Common Service Conductors

r40 r40

.

R¡wrruNc AN ExFrNc Housr

141

Electricql Service Ponel Chonge Service Ponel Bronch Circuit Wiring .

141 141

Mo¡ru Homrs CSAMorking. .

.

.

.

.

Electricol Permit Service Size. . Single Unit in Mobile Pork Single Unit on Privote Property

142

. . ..143 .....143 .....143 .....144 .....144 .....145

Connection Methods Pole Locoiion on Property Pole Requirements

r45

lNorx

150

'148

r48

\ l/,i

R¡s¡o¡rsrsrrm¡s Some of the requirements of persons doing electrical wiring are

as

follows:

Er¡crnrcrr- Corutnncrons .

Ensure that electrical installarions are always left in a safe state.

. Maintain any insurance bonds, licensing requirements and business contact information, accurare and up to date with the local regulatory authoriry.- Obtain permits for electrical work as required by local regulacions and adhere to any rerms and conditions of rhe permit. . Keep up to date and current with knowledge oflocal elect¡ical codes

Ð

FI

and regulations.

@

. Submit

eccurâte information fo¡ installarions as required for permirs, declarations, afÊdavits, inspection requests, or any other local regulatory requirement in the required time frame. ' Provide proper supervision to apprentices and labourers as may be required by local regulations. . Not to perform wo¡k outside of the scope of their license or qualifications. ' Y..i.& that_the electrical equipment being installed has the appropriate approval mark from a cerrificarion agency recognized by the local regulations. ' Make the work available for inspection as required by any terms or condirions of the permit or local regulations.

'

Provide_any assistance the local authoriry may require to perform any inspections or auditing of the installation that may be

required.

Qualiffed electrical workers, Apprentices and labourers:

.

Ensu¡e that electrical installations are always left in a safe state codes and regulations . Provide supervision to apprentices and labourers ' Perform the work in a manner that meets requirements for the local codes and regulations . Follow instructions ofthe qualified person in charge . Ensu¡e they work in a safe mânner at all times

. Maintain current knowledge of local electrical

Sruo¡rurs Students who study the informacion contained in this book will find it easier to write the offìcial Government examination for Certificate of Qualification. Contact the examiner for information about what ¡eference materials you will require. These will likely include a current code book, a set of Bulletins, and a copy of the Regulations. Bring a pen, pencil, a calculator you are familiar with and a clear thinking head. a

The student should:

'

' ' '

Have the required prerequisites in the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment or have special training satisfactory to the Chief Inspector before they may write the offìcial examination. Do.,rm.ntary proóf, required by the Chief Inspecto¡ may consist of a certificate of achievement from a training school, i.e. Apprenticeship certificate or letters f¡om employers stating level ofresponsibiliry and training received. Failu¡e to obtain a passing ma¡k on the official exem may require a waiting period before a second etrempr is permitted. These details vary berween provinces. Once the exam is passed, the student is issued a Certificate of Qualification. Depending on the Regulations in rhe province, the cenificate permits the holde¡ to engage in electrical wolk within the scope of the license. One more thing - Äfter hou¡s of study and âgon)¡ over the exam, )¡ou ¡¡a)¡ face an Inspector in the field to ¿udit ¿n installation 1'ou'r'e done. If r.our work is good and )'ou¡ cooperation is good, vou ,¡'i,ll have no problem. If it is not good, the Board of Examine¡s may w¿nt to talk to ]'ou al¡out it - maT even want to give 1'ou a vacation (suspend 1'our Certificate) for a

period of tirne.

Honn¡ow¡l¡Rs The homeowner: ' Must obtain an electrical permit for all electrical work they do, including the wiring for ranges, dryers, fi-rrnace, extra ourlers, etc. The rules require an elect¡ical permit for any additional wiring, any ãltererion, ãnd any new wiring. It is like a building permit; it permits the holde¡ to install certain elect¡ical wiring and equipment in their own home. This permit musr be obtained before any electrical work is begun.

'

Y1y b. required to ânswer

a few questions asked by the local Electrical Inspector to show a certain level of competency befo¡e a permit is issued but that should not be difficult provided you havá read through this book. The Inspector cannot do the planning and iayout work for you. The purpose of this book is to walk you througÉ rhe whole installariôn and prepare you with good answers so that you should not have any difficulry with the Inspector in obtaining a permit or wirh ihel¡ inspection of your work.

PS Knisht co

Ltd

I

1

.

. .

. . . 2.

Should nore rwo rhings about that permit: First, that it has an expiry date. This means that you are expected to complete your work within the time allowed. An extension is usually possible by permission -of the I-nspecto¡. Second, that you assume iegal responsibility for all the elecrrical work you do. Again, these things are not difficult if you follow the instructions given in this book. they may not allow anyone to do any of the work covered by the permit Permit Holder Must do all rhe work themselves issued to the owner. May do the wiring in their own home only. This is the basis on which a permit is issued to an owner. They may not^inst¿ll theïiring, any wiring, in rheir own building if it is to be rented or sold. They may obtain an electrical permit only for their o*n p.rrõnal dwelling. They must do all rhe work themselves. No one, other than their immediate famil¡.such as a fathe¡, sister, brother, daughtãr, .t.., m.y do any of the electrical work unde¡ this permit. It has nothing to do with payment for work done. F,ven ,n F.lectrical Contrâctor could not work under a permit issued to ân owner. Treat it as you would your drivers license.

Must do all the work according to the electrical code. Musr notify rhe Electrical Inspector when the work is ready for inspection. One must not r€quest an inspection tefore they are, in fact, ready. The Inspecior may charge a re-inspection permit fee if they find the work is not ready or if it has been improperly installed. Complete the entire installation including all fixtures, switches, plates, etc. before a final ce¡tificate of approval is issued.

CSA C¡nnncATtoN Rule 2-024 - CSA is no longer the only testing end labeling agency acceptable in Canada. There are multiple agencies recognized narionelly and some locally in your province, check with your local inspector which are approved where you live. Each of these agencies performs prescribed tests to ensure the electrical equipment and appliances sold in each province is manufactured according to a rigid set of standards. Following is a list of the certification marks used by some of these agencies. CGA - Canaàian Gas Association -This is what ro look for on gas appliances such as furnaces, dryers, cooking stoves etc. If this label is in place it usually means both the gas and the elect¡ics are certified for use in Canada. CSA - Canadian Standards Association - This is rhe old reliable and very familia¡ certification label. Until recently, this label, and the provincial label, were rhe only rwo labels acceptable. This label is still acceptable just as it always was on almost everything electrical.

ETL - Inscape 7Þsting Seruice - This label is not as well known here in Canada but we can expect to see it on en ever increasing number of elecrical devices. Note the small "c" outside and to the left of the circle. This m€ens that equipment with this label is acceptable for use in Canada. If an electrical device has this label look for the small't." If it is not there the device is not 'W'arnocþ

Hersey -This ceftification mark already appeârs on heating equipment. electrical devices in the frrture.

'!le can expect to find it on

a broad range

of

UL - {Jnderwriters Laborøtories - This is a major testing agency in the United States. Note the small "c" outside and to the left of the circle. This means that equipment with this label is acceptable for use in Canada. If an electrical device has this label look for rhe small "c." If it is not there rhe device is acceptable for use in the United States but it is not acceptable for use in Canada. t-lLC - lJnlerzuriters Laboratoties of Canada - This certification marking is used mainly on Êre protection equipment. You will

find it on smoke alarms used in single family homes. The next three approval markings, Met, Entela and O-TL, are from the latest agencies acc¡edited by the Standards Council of Canada ro approve elect¡ical equipment for connection and use in Canada. Note that in each câse there is a small "c" outside 'Sí'ithout that small "c" these marks are not acceptable in Canada. and to the left of the certification mark. is Ontario Electrical Safery Authoriry. This marking applied to elect¡ical equipment which for one teâson or ânother must be tested for acceptance in rhe field. This would include specialry items that have been brought in as settlers effects or items imported on a one time basis. This label indicates the equipment has been examined and found to be acceptable for use in Ontario.

Provincial Government marking. - This marking is applied to electrical equipment which for one reason or another must be rested for acceprance in the field. This would include specialry items which have been brought in as settlers effects o¡ items imporred on e one time basis. This label indicates the equipment has been examined and found to be acceptable for use in a given province. Certification markings are very important for your safety. Each electrical device in your home, from the main service panel to the cover plate on the light switch, must bear one of these markings to show it has been properly tested and is certified. It may be tempting to pick up that cheap, uncertified, light Êxture in Mexico or elsewhere, or that under the counter electrical gizmo at a fraition of the cosr fo¡ the same thing back home but dont do it. It may be a fire hazard or an electrical shock hazard' Manufacturing to a safe standard and submitting that equipment to a laboratory for rigid tests is an expensive process but it is you¡ assurance that device meets ce¡tain minimum standards. Always look for one of the above certification marks on all electrical equipment you purchase. If you do not find any of these markings bring the device to the attention of the store menager.

2|

es Knisht co Ltd

Unfortunately the number of CertiÊcation Marks acceptable in Canada today undermines the idea that a home owner will recognise an illegal markng. There are at least ten more markings that âre also acceptable in Canada, but those are not shown he¡e. In this author's view, the millions of home owners and the meny thousands of workers involved in the application of this regulation in the ¡etail outlets ell across Canada cannot possibly be expected to know each ofthese different safery markings and consequentl¡ this important fundamental safe guard, I believe, is compromised.

3.

Eucrn¡cnl lnsrrcrroxs Wu¡r.¡ rs AN lNspEcTroN NoT Rrourn¡o?

@@ (D"@.

¡le¡¡ev

WtnrocN


ft

Seruíce cable is run into the PVC conduit. Note strapping to sup-

The bonding conductor in the cable ar rhe enrrance cap, is simply cut off.

port both cable and conduít

Casr¡ CoH¡rrcrons Use weatherproofconnectors where the cable connects to the top the cable you are using. Your supplier will advise you on rhis.

ofthe meter

base. Be sure ro use the correct size and type

for

@0{þffi Dry ryp. connectors may

be used

only where they are nor exposed to the weadrer.

PS Knisht Co

Ltd

| 31

Anti-Short Bushings, shown adjacent, must be used with dry type connectors. This is a fibre o¡ plastic bushing that fits into the end, inside the armour, of the cable. It protects the conductor insulation at the point where they issue from the armour. This thing is wholly inside the connector but its presence can be easily verified through the small openings provided by the manufacturer for this detective work. It is easier to put it in place when the cable is being installed. Later, after it has been rejected, it is much more difficult to do this.

[¡NorH oF SERv¡cE CasLr Prnmmro Rule 6-206 &,6-20g - Outside of the house - Service cable, which is run along the outside surface of the house, may be as long as it needs to be to get where you're going. However, this cable is expensive; keep it as short as possible. Anti'short bushing Service cable run inside the house - The rule says service equipment, (the service panel) must be short as practiceble. locared so thar rhe length ofservice cable run inside the house can be kept as See p. 22 For details on maximum lengths and the excePtions permitted' Very Long Service Runs - Rule 6-208 - \ü7here the panel location is well within the building we can take advantage of another rule which permits us to install long runs ofservice cable inside a building ifit is enclosed in at least 2 in. ofsolid concrete (all around covering) or if it is buried in the ground under the floor. The illustrations, p. 24 show such an installation for conduit. A cable would be installed a litde differently but the principle remains the same; any conduit or cable which is enclosed in at least 2 in. ofconcrete is considered to be outside the house and ma¡ therefore, be as long as needed.

Srnar¡r¡¡e Rule 12-618 - Cable must be strapped within 30 cm ( 12 every 1.5 m (59 in.) throughout the run.

in.) of its termination point at each end and

Nrurmr Cor.¡oucron marked cable can refer to rhe cable's white insulation, white tape, white paint (that will not damege the insulation) or even white heat shrink. All visible portions of the cable should have this marking on it, to avoid confusion in the snake pit of wires.

Mn¡n Co¡¡n¡cno¡¡s

Do not cut auray the PVC jøchet on thìs cøble, must run ínto the connector in thís wet location.

ít Cable neutral rnay be spliced, ín the meter base.

The bare bonding wire must terminate ín ø separate ground,ing lug which is bolted to the side wall of the rneter box, as shown. Do not use one of the wood screws for this purpose, Rule 10-906(3).

Mrcsrnrcat

Cable neutral rnust be connected, to this neu-

tral termínal in the meter

base.

Stuff dutc seel around, cond,uctors at thís point.

DAMAGE

G¡earer care is needed when installing this cable than is required when installing conduit. This cable is more easily damaged with driven nails or where it is run on the surface of a wall. \Øhere the cable is run on the su¡face of the wall and where it may be subject to mechanicel damage (in locations such as a garage or carporr for example) the cable may be protected with wooden or metal guards or a short section of metal PtP€ may be used. is shown running through the plate and over rhe broken edge of the foundation wall. This section of cable (where it runs through the plate) is subject to damage and must be protected. Use heavy gauge metal plates to prorecr the cable at these points. The side plates of metal sectional outlet boxes do this very well.

In rhe illustration beloq rhe cable

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PS Knight co Ltd

The illustration below shows TECK cable being used above the meter base to an overhead supply and f¡om the mere¡ base ro the panel. It also shows PVC conduit from the meter base downwa¡d to an underground Utility sysrem. Obviousl¡ only one of these systems will be available - either overhead supply or underground supply and the¡efore only rhe TECK cable running up o¡ the PVC conduit running down is necessary. Both systems are shown to indicate different merhods of installation. Heat shrínk soch used to protect the seruice lead.s This whole business rnay be flat agaínst the wall but it must face downward as shown

?he entrance cap or soch must be between 6 in. & 12 in. aboue the

Hydro line

TECK 90'cable Cable must be strapped

Here we nust use a weatherproof type cable connector. They are expensiue but they must be used. here. Follow the manufacturers ínstructions carefully when installing this connector. Do not remoue the PVC jachet - it must run ínto the connector. Use a 9@ connector here - dry type is acceptable for this location because it is in the wall. Remoue PVC outer jacket at the connector. The connector must clamp d.írectly onto the bare metal aîtnou,r.

For OWRHEAD seruíce cable

or For UNDERGROAND seruíce conduít

Cable must be strapped within 300 mm (12 in.) of the connector at each end and euery 1.5 rn (59 in.). Seruice conduit or cable length insid,e the building rnust be kept as short as possible. Under certøin conditions the short length shown inside the house ís permitted. Chech with your Inspector for special permission. Watch this cornet uery carefully. The cable must not be d,amoged. in any way - ít must not be bent sharply. [Jse heauy gauge metal to protect the cable from nøils.

Where frost heaoing is a problem you may be required to protect the meter base from beíng pulled off the wall. So¡ne tneasure of protection is prouided, with an expansion joint in the seruice cond.uít. To tahe aduantage of this mouement you nxust then also prouide as much slach as possible in the seruice conductors in the meter base.

Cautíon - TÞchnicaþ, the Rules will allow the seruice cable or conduit to run through the wall only, not as shawn here. Technícally then, this short uertical section of seruiee cable would need to be run outside of the house. It would, need to run frorn the bottont of the meter base doun to the leuel of the panel then through the conuete wall. Adifficult route. In that case í.t would be easier to do this with EMT and an LB fitting, not with cable. Chech with your local Inspector if there is a short rnaximum length permitted in the house as shoun here. It just may be possible to do this.

Conduit strap n¿ust be loose

fitting and not bínd to allou free û7oue¡nent of the conduit.

PV.C. Pípe

If

the conduit must pass through a concrete sid.ewalh you should prouid,e a sleeue so thøt any mouement of the sidewalk, through frost heauing, will not damage the cond,uit and/or meter base.

Dry type connector is okay here too. Cut away the PVC jachet so that the connector clamps directly onto the bare metal annour of the cable. Seruìce Panel

Chech

uith your electríc power

con-¿pany on the ínstallation for this underground. portion to the point where it connecls with their systenx. method, they requíre

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12.

Srnvrc¡ FRoM AN Ut¡o¡nonou¡lo Su¡¡Lv

Su¡rlv Unlrv CotNrcrp¡¡ Your local Supply authoriry will have cerrain requirements for an underground service installation. To begin your inquiry with local Utiliry ri"ffyou mây wanr to show them the illustration on the prior page for a ducted system or the illustration below for a direct buried service cable.

Lzaae as ruarh condacør lzngth

as

The andøground senice rcqaires

possiblz

a

ø øaoid

stress on these terminals

jumbo sized mzur

from frust beauing moucment.

baçe' See

axt belowfor dztøib. Seruice conductors arranged redøces

An

øfrom an inuemd U. This

strøin dt con¿uctor terrnínøtion¡.

expansion

joint

p. 27þr dzøik on this short nippb through tlte exteior wøll

See

rndy be

reqaired in lacations frost hedting couU rcsuh in the service conduit

Incoming

being pullzd oat of the

conductots.

meur

base.

Top of øp breaher mast not be more than 1.7 m (67 in.) abouefloox

Conduit straps rnilst be loose

fning and not bind to albw ftze mauement of the condøit. In protinces othet than Ontario, Min/Møx meter uaiæ upon bcøtion. Chech uith yoør local Utility oflce. In Ontøio, Max 185 cm (728 in.) Min 165 cm (64.9 in.) Bull¿tin 6-1-12

Conduit required herefor USEB 90 cable protection aboue grade.

I

Run seruíce cabl¿

ø propert!

line ta point acceptøblz

ø

Utility.

I

E Tape or seøl end

of cable ø prcuøt moisøre mny until

Uti litl mahes

nnection.

Utilitl

co

mahes this connection.

I

Con¿t¿it milst

I

Seruice condait tnust extcnd

cn (35 in.)

90

belou grade buel.

rl tr

/:- a

tt

USEB 90 cdbl¿.

terninaa in a bushing.

I

tt ll

tl

L

--- 1

-

fulz

12-012(5) sdls this cond.øit must teflnindtc no nore than 30 nn (12 in.) aboae trtnch floor. +

Caation- Confrm cøble type, nze, lzngth, and dtpth utith Incal Hydrc

ofic e b efo te i n s tallatio n. Before proceeding with your installation you need to obtain the following information from local Hydro staff:

(l). \Thichofthetwoarrangemenrsisacceptabletothem?-TheillustrationprovidesanopportuniryforUtilitystafftoknow what you plan to install and to make whatever revisions necessâry to comply with their regulations.

(2). '!(uhat is the

e¡ract location and depth of the trench required for the cable? - Normally it is the owner's responsibility to Check with Uiiliry for the exact location of thei¡ underground tap at the properry line. Check with Utiliry trench. prepare regarding depth of burial, rype and size of cable and who must provide it. (3). \7hat rype and size of underground service cable is required for your installation? - In order for Utiliry to determine the size of the underground service cable they will need to know the size of your service. Determine the size of your service from the

tÏe

Täble, p. 2

(4). \7ho supplies and who installs and connects the underground service electric¿l supply authoriry.

34

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es Knisht co Ltd

cable?

This varies across Canada, consult with the local

(5). Are there any

special size requirements for the meter base - In some ceses Hydro may require a 200 Amp meter base for a 100 amp underground service. One ofthe concerns is the space needed for sufficient additional conductor length to allow changes in length due to frost heaving.

(6).

for

Service Cable Protection Above Ground - The Electrical Code requires protection for the service cable where it rises above ground to enter the meter base. The Code is satisfied with any size of pipe provided the cable can pass through easily but your power company may have a word or two to say about the size of this conduit. Do check our this detail and ¡emember that your meter base must be deep enough to eccept whatever pipe size is required. A few mo¡e items to be aware oÊ . Sand Bed - Both Utiliry and the Electrical Code require a75 mm (3 in.) layer of sand both below and above the service

. '

cable.

Do not cover underground cable until authorized by the Elect¡ical Inspector. The connector lugs - Make certain that all the connector lugs inside the meter base and the service box are properly rated fo¡ the size ofunderground service conductors you plan to install. ' Peace of Mind - Check with your local power compeny to make sure there âre no other hiccups that could cost you time and money when you fìnally ask them for that power connecrion. Length of Service Run Inside the House - This must be kept as short as possible which means only the length required to run through the exterior wall of the house. See p. 22 for detailed information. See text

for details on rninimum síze

for an underground meter base.

Sealing - Rule 6-312 - The seal required by this rule prevents the 'warmer inside air from escaping through the service conduit. It

found that the warm air, if allowed to flow, condenses to water in suffìcient quantiry to damage the service equipment. has been

This seal is usually made with

soft, putrylike substance called DLX Seal is placed around the conductors in the last opening before the conduit leaves the warmer area.

DUX

Pach dur seal tightly around the con-

ductors in the LB fitting or ín the meter base to seal agaínst air flow through the seruice conduít.

Rule 6-300(4) requires this conduit to be sealed at the first openíng, usually in the rneter base, to preuent entrance of gas or moisture from underground sources. See text below.

a

Seal. To be most effective the

Drainage of Underground Ducting - Pay careful attention to gradients of underground service ducting.'Where your service duct is lower than the Utility ducting at the properry line you will need seals and drainage holes to be drilled into the service duct at specific locarions to prevent water entering service equipment. Check with Utility for their requirements.

Uti.liry Connection - Contact Utiliry for location of rrench termination at the property line.

Srnvrcr Frro¡n To HousE For the underground portion from the property line to the house there are at leest rwo choices as far as the rules are concerned. These are as follows: Conductors may be installed in conduit as shown in the illust¡ation on p. 34, or as shown below, service cable cenified for direct burial without conduit may be used. Check with your local Utility ofiìce if they have a preference.

Srzr

or Srnvrc¡ Cor.¡ourr

Building Code Rule 9.34.4.5 - The Building Code requires that this vertical section of conduit from the trench to the meter base must be at least 2 in. in diameter. Howeve¡, bear in mind that each of the separate power utilities in Ontario may set its own requirements for this se¡vice conduit. They may require this conduit to be larger than 2 in. but it may not be smaller than 2 in.

Dreu or Bunr¡l Electrical Code Rule 12-012(5) - End of Service Conduit - The Building Code requires this service conduit to extend at least 90 cm (35 in.) into the trench and Rule 12-012(5) requires this conduit to terminate 30 cm (12 in.) above the trench floor. That straight section of cable from the end of the service conduit to the trench floor is provided to permit movemenr as a result of frost heaving.

Depth of Service Cable - Check with your local Hydro offìce for minimum depth of service cable burial. Each utiliry will have its own standards. Some utilities will provide and install this cable in a trench you have provided others mey not provide or install it. In some câses you will be required to install Big O pipe for the service cable. This pipe is not acceptable as a service conduit, it serves only as a chase for quick removal ofthe service cable in the event oftrouble or upgrade. For this reason, when service cable is drawn into Big O pipe it is considered to be direct buried, therefore, the cable musr be suitable for direct burial. Cable such as USEB is acceptable for this service. Caution tape is required when running underground cable.

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35

.,i_¿

Mnrn Bmr The Bulletins do not specify For a service supplied from an Underground Distribution a 200 Amp meter base for every service supplied from an underground system nor does it require a specific sized meter base when installed for an underground service. However, meter base size is imponant. It must have a deep enough enclosure for t}re underg¡ound service conduit to enter through the bottom wall. System -

S¡aune Rule 6-312 - The sed required by this nrle prevents the warme¡ inside air from escaping through rhe service conduit. It has been found that the wa¡m air, if allowed to flow, condenses to water in sufficient quantiry to do serious damage the service equipment.

textfor dztdiß on minimum sizc of meter

See

b¿ç.

Pach dux seal tigbtþ øroand the eond*cnrs

in the LB ftting or in the meter against

Ruk 6-300(4) reqaires

abflnu through

base to seal

the seraice condøit.

these conduits ro be se¿l¿d

at thefßt opetting,

usaalþ in the meter bøse, to pr"uent enftltnce of gas or moisture from undcrground soarces.

See

text below.

This seal is usually made with a soft, putry-like substance called DUX Seal. To be most effective the DUX Seal is placed around the conductors in the last opening before the conduit leaves tÏe v¡armer area. Underground Service Conduit from an Underground Distribution System - Rule 6-300(4) requires service conduit to be sealed at the first opening above ground. This is to prevent stray gas or moisture entering the enclosure, (the meter base). Dux seal used to prevent breathing through the conduit nþle which runs through the wall can also be used here to seal against gas entering the meter base.'l7here the meter base is below the level of an underground service piping system from the properry line Dux seal is not a sufÊcient barier to prevent weter entry. Check with a Utility office for advice on an acceptable seal. Conduit Entry into a House from an Underground Distribution System - Rule 6-300(4) requires the underground service conduit to enter a house above finished grade. It may not enter directly below ground. There is a good reason for this requirement. Gas leaking from a nearby underground gas line could travel along the electrical pipe and enter the house. The volume of gas entering would likely not amount to much but if it became trapped and began to accumulate it would only need 'Where the conduit emerges outside of the house explosive gas vepors cÍrn evaporete a tiny spark to cause a violent explosion. safely to the atmosphere.

36 I

ps Knight co Ltd

13.

M¡rrn Brsr

l¡lsrn¡-l-nTloN

Tvrrs In general there are rwo rypes ofmeter services supplied

bases available,

from overhead lines. Make sure your

the round and the square or shoe box rype. Both rypes are acceptable for the correcr rating in amperes.

base has

Note l: For an underground service the power utility usually requires a 200 ampere merer base for all underground services up to 200 amp rating. This large base may be necessary to provide space for addirional conducror length to

.l#r'

allow for frost heaving movement. It may also be necessary to provide sufficient depth for the conduit .rr,ry. Thi. illustrated on p. 34.

i,

Note 2: If the knockouts provided by the manufacturer of the base are not in the correct position and new holes need to be punched out, these new holes must be totally below any energized parts in the mere¡ base. Only where a meter base is installed totally indoors, as in a service room in an aperrmenr building, may new holes be cur above the live parts in rhe base.

Old Round Base - By the wa¡ if you plan to use an old round rype merer base which has side or back conduit entry holes, be careful. First, because some utilities do not accept them and second, only the rop and botrom ent¡ies in round bases may be used where these round bases are allowed at aIl. One more rhing, many of those old mete¡_bases were not designed to permit splicing of the neutral in the base. This means the round base may not be suitable if you are using TECK cable for service conductors. The round base is not acceprable for an undeiground service.

localoNs Bulletin 6-l-13 and Ontario Building Code Rule 9.34.4.2(2) - Power companies usually wanr rhe merer base as close to the front ofthe house as possible. The illustration on p. 20 shows that the preferred location ofthe se¡vice enrrance cap and meter baseThe meter base must be located within the fìrst 3 ft (11S in.) of the front of the house. The front of the house is the side nearest the Utility distribution sysrem.

Tbe

sappþ authorit! usuølþ uants the entrance cø? an¿ meter uithin the frst 3rt (1n) of the front of the house.

base

someahere

I

>l

I

l