2024 Canadian Electrical Code Changes: Key Updates and Implications for Compliance

Key Takeaways

• The new CEC includes numerous updates relevant to modern electrical practices.
• It emphasizes green energy initiatives and the use of innovative technologies.
• Key information is summarized for easy reference as the implementation date nears.

Key Updates in the CEC

Stay informed about the important updates to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) that affect your electrical projects in 2025.

Energy Storage and Renewable Systems:

• Updated guidelines now allow the use of lithium batteries in residential energy storage systems.
• New regulations introduce rapid shutdown options for photovoltaic systems and establish standards for the placement of disconnecting means and inverters.

Pools, Tubs, and Spas:

• Enhanced bonding requirements aim to reduce voltage gradients surrounding pools and hot tubs.
• New disconnecting means have been implemented to promote safer maintenance practices.

Film, TV Sets, and Traveling Shows:

• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection now extends to extension cords used in damp outdoor areas.
• New labeling and color-coding requirements facilitate the safe use of single-conductor cables.

Health Care Facilities:

• Areas designated for child care and diagnostics must now feature tamper-resistant receptacles to ensure safety.

Safer Maintenance:

• Circuit labeling in panelboards must be updated for any alterations, improving clarity for maintenance personnel.
• New regulations focus on mitigating arc flash hazards for overcurrent devices rated at 1200 A or more.

Wiring Methods:

• A new subsection addresses non-metallic jacketed cables, outlining specific requirements.
• Additional rules now govern cable supports, bonding conductors, and span limits for overhead installations.

Conductors:

• A new table correlates American Wire Gauge (AWG) sizes with IEC metric sizes to streamline selection processes.
• Voltage drop calculation methods have been refined for better accuracy in conductor sizing.

Bonding and Grounding:

• Simplified criteria for grounding AC systems have been introduced, along with the reintroduction of isolated bonding conductors.
• Clarifications regarding bonding practices for non-electrical equipment, including gas piping, have been provided.

Electric Vehicles:

• Load calculations for electric vehicle energy management systems are clarified, allowing the demand for EV supply equipment to be excluded under controlled load provisions.

New Products:

• Requirements for portable power now include high-voltage couplers.
• New standards dictate grade-level in-ground enclosures based on Class and Tier categorization.

All changes to the CEC by section:

Section 0 – Terminology

• New Terms:
  
  • Suite: Refers to a single room or a collection of rooms occupied by one tenant, such as apartments, motel rooms, or dormitory spaces.
  • Dwelling Unit: A suite that operates as a self-catering living area, equipped with amenities for cooking, dining, sleeping, and hygiene.
  • Industrial Facility: Indicates a structure or part of a structure (excluding office areas) where goods are created, processed, or stored.
• Updated Terms:
  
  • Cable: Revised to clarify its distinction from "Insulated conductor," with references to bonding conductors introduced.
    
  • Identification: Removed specific mention of grey color standards for identification.
    
  • Service Point: Expanded to include broader definitions, especially regarding administrative boundaries where service demarcation occurs.
    
  • Voltage Classifications:
    
    • Extra-Low Voltage: Adjusted from 42.4 V dc to align with 60 V dc to conform to recognized standards.
    • Low Voltage: Increased definition from 42.4 V dc to 60 V dc and from 1060 V dc to 1500 V dc.
    • High Voltage: Enhanced from 1060 V dc to 1500 V dc to satisfy industry-specific standards.
• Non-Incendive Circuit: Moved to Section 18, aligning with standards for hazardous environments.
  

Section 2 – Primary Regulations

• Rule 2-034 Code Application:
  
  • Introduces a new regulation that addresses various maintenance and oversight aspects, particularly for grounding and overcurrent protection systems.
  • Clarifies that code regulations do not extend to utility-owned facilities or substitute power authority systems for required protections.
  • Stipulates that auxiliary consumer devices cannot replace compliance with code requirements.
• Rule 2-100 Equipment Labeling:
  
  • Updates marking standards applicable throughout the lifespan of equipment installations.
  • Requires labeling for conductor capacities when these are less than the rating of overcurrent devices.
  • Applies retroactively to necessitate updates for existing installations regarding circuit modifications.
• Rule 2-306 Shock and Arc Protection:
  
  • New addition aligns with national safety standards aimed at minimizing arc exposure for personnel.
• Rule 2-328 Electrical Gear near Flammable Equipment:
  
  • Changed the terminology from "Combustible" to "Flammable" to standardize with international language.

  • Updated safety clearance rules based on gas types and equipment specifications for installations near gas meters.

• Rule 2-400 Equipment Enclosures and Designations:
  
  • Consolidated enclosure categories into Table 65, reducing repetitive details.
  • Updated regulations for various types of boxes integral to device installations.
  • Subrule 2 states that enclosures without specific markings are designated for general indoor applications.
• Rule 2-402 Protection Against Ingress:
  
  • Clarified that Ingress Protection codes cannot replace established enclosure types per previous rules.
• Rule 2-404 Motor Housing Labels:
  
  • Expanded marking requirements for motor housing to ensure they meet environmental safety criteria.

Section 4 – Conductors

• Rule 4-002 Conductor Sizing:
  
  • Added a new table (D18) presenting relationships between conductor sizes in various measurement systems, promoting harmonization with international standards.
• Rule 4-036 Busbar Specifications:
  
  • Modified to relocate busbar ampacity regulations, creating consistency within the code.

Section 6 – Service Installations

• Rule 6-302 Consumer Service Installation:
  
  • Item j) now permits Neutral Supported (NS) cables in residential service applications.
• Rule 6-308 Neutral Conductor Usage:
  
  • Updated terminology to replace “Bare” with “Conductors.”

  • Restricts the use of bare neutral conductors to specific cable types to prevent unintended multi-point grounding.

• Rule 6-402 Meter Loop Installations:
  
  • New subrule acknowledges standards for combination meter-mounting devices that integrate service equipment, permitting multiple meters on the same service.

Section 8 – Load Estimations

• Rule 8-106 Demand Factors:
  
  • Revised to state that if an electric vehicle energy management system (EVEMS) is employed, additional demand does not need inclusion in calculations.
• Rule 8-110 Area Specifications:
  
  • Aligns with national regulations, indicating that crawl spaces exceeding 1.8 m in height will be classified as basements for calculation purposes.
• Rule 8-202 Residential and Similar Structures:
  
  • Updated to remove Table 38, asserting that without an EVEMS, vehicle charging demands must be fully accounted for.

Section 10 – Grounding and Bonding

• Rule 10-004 Updated Terminology:
  
  • Clarifies the definition of a Solidly grounded system and allows for bonding conductors to provide a grounding body for specific equipment configurations.
• Rule 10-206 Solid Grounding Protocols:
  
  • This rule defines the requirements for grounding systems, specifying conditions under which neutrals must be grounded and addressing various configurations for systems.
• Rule 10-400 Ungrounded System Guidelines:
  
  • Specifies that neutrals can only remain ungrounded when not distributed back to the main supply.
• Rule 10-604 Bonding Requirements for Service Equipment:
  
  • Details mandates for bonding bushings when securing metallic conduits, ensuring effective grounding paths.
• Rule 10-612 Reintroduction of Bonding Conductors:
  
  • Recognizes isolated bonding, which was omitted in previous editions.
• Rule 10-702 New Guidelines:
  
  • Introduces specifications recognizing that non-electrical equipment may be bonded through metallic connections for safety and compliance.

Section 18 – Dangerous Environments

• Updates reflective of safety considerations specific to hazardous workplaces and environments that require additional precautions for electrical installations.

Section 20 – Fuel Dispensing Facilities

• Incorporates specific regulations tailored for safety measures around gasoline dispensing systems and aircraft facilities.

Section 24 – Health Care Locations

• Focuses on meeting stringent safety standards and electrical requirements in patient care settings.

Section 26 – Isolation Devices

• Clarifies requirements for applying isolating switches and receptacles in various installations to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Section 28 – Generator Requirements

• Updates procedures for the installation and maintenance of generators.

Section 36 – High Voltage Interfaces

• Details requirements concerning safety protocols for high-voltage coupler systems.

Section 56 – Fiber Optic Guidelines

• Outlines specific regulations for the installation and management of optical fiber cable systems.

Section 62 – Heating Systems

• Maintains necessary standards for implementing electrical heating solutions.

Section 66 – Temporary Installation Techniques

• Specifies regulations for temporary wiring methods ensuring safety compliance.

Section 68 – Water-related Installations

• Establishes guidelines for implementing electrical systems in pools, spas, and hot tubs, emphasizing safety measures.

Section 86 – Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• Defines requirements for the installation and operation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

Tables

• Standardized data tables have been updated to reflect changes in regulations and provide clear guidance for compliance.

2024 CEC Implementation Schedule:

Different provinces have set their own target dates for the code's implementation:

• Alberta: Effective April 1, 2025
• British Columbia: Begins March 4, 2025
• Ontario: Starts in May 2025

FAQs:

When will electrical exams update to the 2024 CEC standards?

Content updates are scheduled for February 2025.

When will the 2024 electrical code be included in the exam materials?

The timeline for incorporating the new code varies by province. Refer to the “2024 CEC Implementation Timeline” for specific details regarding your region.