Conference 2016 Minutes.pdf
MINUTES OF THE
ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE – FEBRUARY 12 & 13, 2016
The meeting was called to order by the Conference Chairman Larry Cantelo at 8:30 a.m. The Chairman welcomed all delegates and guests to the 20th Anniversary of the Electrical Inspectors Association of Alberta (EIAA). Vendors were introduced. It was reported that the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 and the Electrical Oil and Gas Code are available for purchase at the Conference.
Housekeeping and evacuation procedures were provided.
Members of the Conference Committee were acknowledged for all of the hard work in putting together a conference of this nature.
All delegates introduced themselves.
Monte Kruger, Director of Central Operations was welcomed to the podium. Assistant Deputy Minister Bruce McDonald sent his regrets for being unable to attend. Mr. Kruger provided a high level overview of general government changes:
Big initiatives that can position Alberta well:
It is believed that Alberta faces some exciting times ahead, including working with stakeholders by being innovative and proactive.
Rob Lane, Building Technical Advisor was welcomed to the podium and provided an overview of the changes in the Alberta Building Code (ABC) as well as the 2011 National Energy Cost for Buildings (NECB) that will affect the Electrical discipline:
It was noted that should anyone need clarification on any of the Building Code Changes they may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-866-421-6929.
The floor was opened for questions:
Clarence Cormier, Chief Electrical Administrator, provided an overview of what’s new in 2016: § Automatic Code Adoption previously mentioned
2016
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=2006_209.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbncln=978 0779787548
A brief overview was provided on some of the current issues:
A summary was provided on the upcoming Sub-Council and Working Group meetings.
Each of the staff members in the electrical discipline at AMA were introduced and SCOs were encouraged to contact either the Chief Administrator of any one of the staff members when needed.
There was no one in attendance from the Council.
Stan Misyk, Chair of the Electrical Sub-Council (ESC) provided the following report:
(http://www.safetycodes.ab.ca/Council/SubCouncils/Pages/Electrical.aspx)
Issues still being worked on:
An overview was shown of the data base of issues that have been referred to the CEC Working Group. This group reviews the issues and makes recommendations to the ESC.
For clarification for the submission protocol, all issues get brought to the ESC. These must be sent in on a submission form. Then the sub-council decides if the issue warrants further research or clarification. If so, it would get deferred to the working group if warranted. The working group researches and reviews the issue and makes recommendations to the ESC. The ESC decides on the path forward.
Rene Leduc reported on the following subjects being reviewed by the working group:
There was no one in attendance to provide a report from the AEUC Working Group.
Darcy Teichroeb provided the following report from the Advisory Committee:
Electricians
Rene Leduc was welcomed to the podium and provided a presentation on the rewriting of the CSA Section 10 - Bonding and Grounding. Highlights of the presentation included the following:
Section 10 Committee reporting back to Part 1 Technical Committee o A flow chart process was determined and show on screen of the work to be done prior to submitting to the Part 1 Technical Committee
An in depth explanation was provided of the proposed changes to Section 10, along with examples of each type of ground and bond:
Rene Leduc further reported that the CSA sub-committee continues to do further work on proposed changes to ensure the code provides as much clarity as possible on grounding and bonding. Many individuals have different ideas of where this is going but there is still a great deal of work to be completed.
The floor was opened for questions, clarification was provided regarding the use of bonding and grounding terms (grounding the neutral, bonding the enclosure). Alignment will be required in other sections linked back to Section 10. Clarification was sought and provided on several of the diagram examples shown on screen. Proposals have been received for rule changes to single wire distribution relative to livestock.
It was noted that this same presentation is being provided to the CSA Technical Committee. Permission will be needed before circulating the presentation.
Ark Tsisserev was welcomed to the podium and led a discussion regarding the use of Electricity and Installation of Electrical Equipment in Patient Care Areas of Healthcare Facilities, CE Code Section 24 and CSA-Z32-09 Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in healthcare facilities.
The presentation highlighted the following:
The floor was opened for questions and the following was clarified:
It was reported that Vancouver has an excellent sign-off form. It was suggested that a form be created and circulated by AMA to ensure consistency amongst all Electrical SCOs. [Bradshaw]
A handout was circulated on how individuals can get involved on CSA Committees. Delegates were encouraged to talk with Ken Hood with any questions.
Don Bradshaw led the agenda items submitted for discussion. During the agenda item discussions, it was questioned regarding process and confirmed that the association does it’s best to respond to the proponent on any decision or clarification.
As clarified in the previous presentation, it is up to the Health Care Facility Administrator to designate the classification of patient areas.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was clarified that luminaries used under commercial range hoods must bear a mark suitable for use over commercial appliances.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned regarding retrofitting of hazardous location lighting fixtures with LED components. It was reported that CSA does not allow retrofits in hazardous locations. Currently there is only one kit for LED and it is very specific. Manufacturers will advise what can and can’t be used with their product.
It was suggested if SCOs come across these, they should be asking for proof that they’re allowed to change this.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned regarding what sections of the code to be used for flame spread ratings of cable and raceways in the 2014 ABC. It was recognized that the CE Code gives enough reference that the Electrical SCO can bring up the need for compliance with the Alberta Building Code.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned regarding whether it is acceptable for the receptacle for rooftop HVAC units to be inside the HVAC unit. It was clarified that it is not the intent to have non-trained personnel opening the unit to access a receptacle for other reasons. If the unit is just for HVAC, it was believed that this could be acceptable. However, if there are multiple pieces of equipment of the rooftop, separate receptacles should be installed.
It was further noted that these rules are very prescriptive. If there is any deviation for the rules, an equal or greater level of safety needs to be proven and a variance should be issued. The vast majority were in agreement.
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
It was questioned regarding what SCOs should be looking for when Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) calculations are submitted as far as soil tests are concerned. It was suggested that the SCO should be asking for a study by a qualified person and that Registered Engineering Professionals meet this criteria as per the Administrative Items Regulation.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was reported that a submission to amend STANDATA 4-004 and Interpretation of 4-004 has been sent to Alberta Municipal Affairs specifically for underground detail configurations and related ampacities.
It was reported that this has also been submitted to Part 4. In the meantime, SCOs need to work with what is currently in the code.
The Chief Electrical Administrator will review the STANDATA. [Cormier]
It was questioned regarding what correction factors and temperatures should be used in Alberta locations relative to roof top temperatures for Table 5A. It was reported that the proponent has been provided with the following website for reference –
http://www.copper.org/applications/electrical/building/pdf/rooftop.pdf
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned whether the use of Table 39 Wording is limited to feeders only in row housing and multifamily from the main service to the suite panels. It was clarified that this Table is for service conductors for single dwellings or for feeder conductors supplying units of row housing but not for other types of feeders. It was further clarified that 5% is already built into the table and it only says you can use the table, not that you have to use it.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
The meeting was recessed at 4:40 p.m.
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
The meeting reconvened at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016. The vendors and volunteers were thanked for the participation. It was reported that the EIAA Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2016 in Red Deer.
The Chair of the Electrical Sub-Council provided further clarification regarding the automatic code adoption, harmonization and standards. Relative to standards it was noted that the publication of new standards is not included in the automatic adoption process, but rather the standards that are referenced in the adopted codes that are in force. This will help bring more current standards into force in Alberta but the publication of a new standard is not part of that process.
It was reported that the BC Safety Authority has a free download (BCSA 2015 Electrical Code Change Manual) on their website of changes to the 2015 CE Code –
http://safetyauthority.ca/safety-info-training/2015-electrical-code-change-training-frequentlyasked-questions
Relative to Table 68 Voltage Drop Applications, it was questioned why the distance is from the service entrance and not from the breaker serving the circuit. It was also questioned that if there was a sub-panel, should the calculation be from the main panel to the subpanel then to the end device for allowable length.
It was clarified that this rule is intended for only single dwellings and is being interpreted in Ontario as measured all the way back to the meter base. It was noted that some provinces have not adopted this rule. It was noted that a recent Ontario article’s wording is not consistent with the wording of the rule and this is causing even more confusion.
Don Bradshaw will forward a submission to the Chief Electrical Administrator for consideration of the Electrical Sub-Council. [Bradshaw]
In the meantime, for consistency, consensus was reached that measurement be from the service entrance.
It was questioned how industry is ensuring that cables do not terminate in a non-hazardous area with negative pressure. Background was provided on the rewrite of Section 18. In order to keep code development moving forward, this section moved forward as is.
As noted in the pre-conference discussion, there have been no reported incidents of problems with regard to this matter, and perhaps it’s time for the Section 18 sub-committee to review it. SCOs should not concern themselves with this requirement unless they have reason to believe that the building in the non-hazardous location where the cable is terminated may be under a negative pressure (i.e., mechanical exhaust ventilation without make-up air). In those situations,
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
where the SCO has reason to believe that the building in the non-hazardous location has a negative pressure, they should request that they be provided documentation regarding the pressure status of the building. If that documentation concludes a negative pressure greater than 0.2 kPa, the SCO would identify non-compliance with 18-154(3)(b).
It was recommended that clarity needs to be provided to Electrical SCOs either through a STANDATA or with the Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities. Don Bradshaw will forward a submission to the Chief Electrical Administrator for consideration of the Electrical Sub-
Council. [Bradshaw]
Clarity was requested regarding required locations for AFCI in dwelling units. An in depth discussion was held regarding what AMA would consider part of the dwelling unit if asked for an interpretation and it was noted that they would not consider a detached garage as part of the dwelling unit. It was noted that this contradicts a previous decision of the EIAA when discussing tamper resistant receptacles.
Don Bradshaw will make a submission to Part 1 for clarification. [Bradshaw]
In the meantime, consensus was reached on whether AFCI is required in the following locations:
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
Consensus was reached on the following other questions asked within the submission:
It was noted that the 2018 CE Code will be including arc fault protection on lighting.
This led to a discussion regarding long term supporting living units where they are more like a motel room with only a microwave or coffee pot. It was suggested that Electrical SCOs have discussions with their Building SCOs when faced with this type of situation to help determine whether it is considered a dwelling unit or not.
Don Bradshaw will develop a submission to Part 1 for clarification. [Bradshaw]
It was questioned how to handle AFCI protection for Hospital Grade receptacles in dwelling units. As clarified by the Chief Electrical Administrator, Section 24 is an amendatory section so it can change Section 26 requirements. However, the absence of any mention of AFCI requirements does not delete the requirement as it must be specifically deleted in Section 24.
It was noted that an Information Bulletin STANDATA has already been published for clarification of Section 24. http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ss/STANDATA/electrical/461-CEC24rev-2-Jan2016.pdf
Consensus was reached that until told otherwise, arc fault protection will be required.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
Clarification was requested on the intent of the rule as it is believed this could lead to quite a controversy when installing cabling on such units as boiler trucks or farm back-up generator systems.
The following recommended reading was suggested:
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
Clarification was requested regarding what is the role of the disconnect for the PV output circuit from the combiner. It was noted that there is good guidance from the BC Safety Authority attached with the agenda item.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
Clarification was requested regarding the lack of equipment available. It was reported that there are several manufacturers. It was noted that there is good guidance from the BC Safety Authority attached with the agenda item.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned whether this rule would apply to Part 1 wiring methods only, not “factory” components and assemblies covered by Part 2. It was clarified that this is only for any field wiring, not factory components or assemblies covered by Part 2. It was noted that there is good background information from an article in IAEI Magazine May-June 2015 attached with the agenda item.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was recognized that there is a lack of equipment available to comply with this rule. A notice to contactors from Northwest Territories was included with the agenda item as information.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned regarding whether every PV system requires rapid shutdown. It was noted that the 1.5 m length in rule 64-218 (1) is being interpreted as conductors inside the building and the 3.0 m is being interpreted as located outside the area occupied by the array. Although it was recognized that there are limited products to meet this rule available, rapid shutdown boxes are showing up in the market now. Articles from the Electrical Safety Authority and BC Safety Authority were included with the agenda item as information.
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
This led to a discussion regarding courses available to SCOs. It was noted that the Solar Energy Society of Alberta (http://solaralberta.ca/) has excellent course and monthly meetings to discuss solar issues. It was also noted that NAIT has a course. But these courses are all geared toward the installation rather than for inspectors.
It was suggested that perhaps a recommendation could be made to the Safety Codes Council for the need of a solar training for Electrical Inspectors or that the EIAA develop a course with IBEW.
CARRIED [Cantelo]
It was noted that the International Association of Electrical Inspectors also has a great deal of information available on solar, particularly articles by John Wiles and they publish a magazine six times a year. With the Solar System Installation Grant Program available, it is anticipated to see a lot of growth in this area.
Relative to fire alarm wiring methods, ABC 2014 and referenced CAN/ULC S-524-06 mandate separation of conductors for data communication links when they drop down to devices for the primary and alternate wiring loops. It was questioned who should this be enforced by – the electrical SCO, building SCO or both.
It was noted that ULC Interpretation Bulletin 2015-05 provides clarification that these separation rules apply to any of these used for signalling, initiating or communications:
http://www.ecaa.ab.ca/Attachments/Announcements/181/Standards%20Bullletin%202015-05EN%20Interpretation%20of%20CAN-ULC-S524-06.pdf
Relative to enforcement it was clarified that SCOs are only able to enforce what’s in the code that the SCO has designation of powers and within their scope of work. It was suggested that Electrical SCOs would work with their Building SCOs on these areas.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
It was questioned what cables need what protection. Suggested reading and a summary of clarification was including with the agenda item. It was noted that it is the engineer’s responsibility to determine what needs to be protected, not the Electrical SCO.
It was further noted that CSA has three listings for cables rated for 2 hours. SCOs will see the CSA marking for the cable and then the ULC marking indicating the fire rating. Further information can also be obtained by emailing Pierre McDonald.
The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned what the proper installation requirements are for photoluminescent exit signs. An installation summary was included with the agenda item and reviewed.
It was clarified that although there are now photoluminescent signs available, they require a specific light that needs to charge this and specific standards to follow for installation. But the luminaire providing the charging light also needs to be on emergency power supply.
A variance request was received by the Electrical Sub-Council to allow these signs without emergency lighting and this request was denied as there was no equivalent or greater level of safety proven. It was noted that industry needs to take the lead on submitting any proposed changes to the code.
This item was brought forward to heighten awareness. The subject was considered closed with no action required.
It was questioned regarding what the new 2014 ABC requirements are for smoke and CO alarms in residential occupancies as these are installed by the electrical contractors.
The following was noted:
2016 EIAA Technical Conference
It was noted that neither the National or Alberta Building Codes have been changed to allow the use of wireless interconnection. The only exception is the Fire Variance STANDATA for existing secondary suites.
Concerns were noted regarding enforcement of electrical related requirements that are included in the Energy Codes. It was noted there is a need to work with their Building SCOs to determine how to enforce the electrical requirements in the Energy Codes. For example, if shutting down something for energy conservation purposes such as exit stair lighting that shouldn’t be shut down for public safety, this needs to be understood by the Building SCOs.
It was reported that a second errata for the 2015 CE Code was published in November 2015.
A discussion was held regarding the future of this conference or whether regional meetings would suffice. The value of this conference was recognized as it provides the opportunity to network with SCOs from other areas. Although the Safety Codes Council has an electrical portion at their Conference, Banff isn’t affordable or accessible for most. Consensus was reached that this technical conference should continue as an annual event.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:55 a.m.
2016 EIAA Technical Conference