Regulator Involvement in Writing the CE Code: Guiding Safe Installations for More Than 80 Years

CSA

September 22, 2017

By Alison Drover

The Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, is an integral part of the Canadian electrical safety system — a system that works hard by design to keep, electricians, consumers, and the public safe from harm.

With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the CE Code, Part I, is the original, authentic Canadian-based safety standard developed to make electrical installations and maintenance safer. It is one of CSA Group’s oldest and most respected standards largely because of the expertise and dedication of the people who write it. From the first edition of the CE Code, which was published in 1927, all the way up to the upcoming 24th edition due to publish in January of 2018, the combined expertise of volunteer committee member — from industry, utilities, regulators, consumers and other relevant stakeholders — has been its backbone. In particular, the contributions of regulators from across the country is critical.

In Canada, each province and territory has specific legislation governing electrical safety in its jurisdiction. This includes the adoption of codes and standards as well as appointing an authority to administer the legislation, referred to as the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Each province and territory also designates a representative, usually the chief electrical inspector or equivalent, to participate on the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I Committee.

“As the AHJ for electrical safety, regulatory involvement is critical to developing a model code designed for adoption across Canada,” says Tim Pope, Senior Project Manager for Electrical Standards at CSA Group. “Regulatory authorities are generalist experts who know the code inside and out, and front to back. Regulatory authorities also keep an eye on new code proposals to flag those that are unenforceable, or that may conflict with existing legislation.”

Add the expertise of regulators with a meticulous standards development process and the result is a detailed and consistent document that is ready to be adopted into legislation within each province and territory, with minimum variation, from coast to coast. “The CE Code development process follows rigid procedures that adhere to strict consensus principles,” continues Pope, “While ensuring that even a single voice in opposition is given consideration by the full Committee.”

Aside from being adopted in the provinces and territories, the CE Code is also referenced by the federal Canada Labour Code. This is all part of the electrical safety system in Canada.

Alison Drover is a Marketing Project Manager for CSA Group.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    March 28. 2024 As demand for skilled trades professionals rises, Skills Ontario is commending the government for continued investments in skilled trades and technology programing, working to address the shortfall and need to build the workforce of the future in Ontario.  The skilled trades shortage is costing Ontario approximately $25 billion in foregone GDP. A… Read More…

  • IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

    IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

     IVRY Technologies, a division of IDEAL Electrical, is launching seven new virtual reality (VR) lessons in Canada as part of its Virtual Electrical Training (VET) Series 2 training module. The cutting-edge training will serve as a learning resource for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training centers across Canada. Read More…

  • PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    March 28, 2024 Hon. Jill Burridge, Minister of Finance, presented government’s 2024-25 operating budget to the legislative assembly, outlining $3.2 billion in investments for Prince Edward Island with a continued focus on healthcare, housing and affordability measures. “This budget signals where we’re headed as a province and shows Islanders where we will be making key… Read More…

  • BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    March 28, 2024 Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, met with community climate leaders in Nelson to discuss how Budget 2024 can help support people in the region to transition to a low-carbon economy and meet shared CleanBC goals. “Our government’s budget this year reflects the… Read More…