Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Instalment 7

Wiring Methods

 

William (Bill) Burr

The CE Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook, but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the code.In this article: Section 12 — Wiring Methods.

It should be noted that while many other sections of the code are commonly used by designers, installers and regulators, Section 12 is mostly used byelectricians, who must clearly understand all aspects of wiring, and by electrical inspectors, who audit compliance of the wiring methods with the code requirements. Electrical inspection authorities must always be consulted on specific issues related to wiring methods.

Section 12 is a general section and applies to all wiring installations except for
•    Class 2 circuits
•    community antenna distribution and radio and television circuits
•    opticalfibre cables
•    communication circuit conductors
•    conductors integral to factory-built equipment

That is, unless specified in the respective code sections covering those type of installations. We will discuss this later when dealing with Sections 16, 54, 56, and 60in future instalments.

The rules of this section may also be modified by the provisions of Section 32 — Fire alarm systems, Section 36 — High voltage installations or Section 45 — Emergency power supply, unit equipment exit signs and life safety systems.

Section 12 of the Code is divided into six parts:
•    General Requirements
•    Conductors
•    Raceways
•    Cablebus
•    Manufactured wiring systems
•    Installation of boxes, cabinets, outlets and terminal fittings

Generally the definitions in Section 0 apply throughout, but there are some special terminology definitions in the sub-section rules covering flat conductor cable type FCC.

In the General Requirements part, rules 12-010 to 12-020 apply specifically to locations where fire, mechanical, moisture or other environmental issues must be considered or locations where wiring may be prohibited, such as ducts and plenum chambers, underground installations, hoistways, lightning down conductors, entry of raceways and cables into buildings, and wiring under raised floors for data processing.

The Conductors part includes the rules applying to the installation of all types of conductors.It is divided into a general subdivision and individual subdivisions for each type of conductor.

In the General subdivision of Conductors,Rule 12-100 establishes that types of conductors must be chosen for their location with respect to moisture, corrosive action, temperature, degree of enclosure and mechanical protection as set out in Table 19. The Appendix B notes offer additional specifications on choosing the appropriate type of conductor.

Rules 12-102 to 12-120 provide general considerations for the installation of all conductors, such as:
•    the treatment of insulated conductors
•    flame test coverings
•    multi- and single-conductor cables
•    conductors in parallel
•    radii of bends in conductors
•    conductor joints and splices
•    treatment of the ends of insulated conductors
•    termination of conductors
•    termination and splicing of aluminum conductors
•    supporting of conductors

You will find, again, that extensive notes in Appendix B provide additional helpful information, including a diagram outlining configurations for installing parallel conductors.

The rest of the Conductor subdivision deals with the rules for specific types of conductors:
•    open wiring Rules 12-200 to 12-224 apply to single conductors run as open wiring (colloquially referred to as “knob and tube wiring”)
•    exposed wiring on exteriors of buildings and between buildings on the same premises —Rules 12-302 to 12-318
•    barebusbars and risers —Rules 12-400
•    non-metallic-sheathed-cable: Rules 12-500 to 12-526 (NMSC)
•    armoured cable —Rules 12-600 to 12-618
•    mineral-insulated cable, aluminum-sheathed cable, and copper-sheathed cable —Rules 12-700 to 12-716
•    flat conductor cable Type FCC —Rules 12-800 to 12-824

The third part, Raceways, includes the rules applying to the installation of all types of raceways.It is divided into a general subdivision and subdivisions for each type of raceway.

The General subdivision,Rules 12-902 to 12-944, governs the installation of all
•    raceways and conductors run in raceways
•    types of conductors and cable suitable for use in raceways as per Table 19
•    conductors in raceways
•    protection of conductors at the ends of raceways
•    inserting conductors in raceways
•    conductors, in conduit and tubing
•    joints or splices within raceways
•    stranding of conductors, electrical continuity of raceways
•    mechanical continuity of raceways
•    junction of open wiring and raceways
•    entry of underground conduits into buildings
•    raceways installed underground or where moisture may accumulate
•    metal raceways in plaster
•    protection for raceways installed in concrete, cinder concrete, and cinder fill
•    raceways completely installed before conductors are installed
•    capping of unused raceways
•    maximum number of bends in raceways
•    metal raceways embedded in slabs, pavement or roadbeds

The rest of the Raceways part documents the rules for specific types of raceways:
•    rigid and flexible metal conduit:Rules 12-1000 to 12-1014
•    rigid PVC conduit: Rules 12-1100 to 12-1124
•    rigid types EB1 and DB2/ES2 PVC conduit: Rules 12-1150 to 12-1166
•    rigid RTRC conduit: Rules 12-1200 to 12-1220
•    liquid-tight flexible conduit: Rules 12-1300 to 12-1308
•    electrical metallic tubing: Rules 12-1400 to 12-1414
•    electrical non-metallic tubing: Rules 12-1500 to 12-1514
•    surface raceways: Rules 12-1600 to 12-1614
•    underfloor raceways: Rules 12-1700 to 12-1718
•    cellular floors: Rules 12-1800 to 12-1820
•    auxiliary gutters: Rules 12-1900 to 12-1904
•    busways and splitters: Rules 12-2000 to 12-2020
•    wireways: Rules 12-2100 to 12-2112
•    cable trays: Rules 12-2200 to 12-2210

The fourth part, Cablebus, includes the rules applying to the installation of cablebus as a complete system.Rules 12-2252 to 12-2260 include:
•    the use of Cablebus
•    methods of installation
•    connection to other wiring methods
•    provisions for bonding
•    ampacities of conductors in cablebus

The fifth part, Manufactured wiring systems, includes Rules 12-2500 and 12-2502 specifying the uses permitted, and Installation of Manufactured wiring systems

The sixth sub-section, Installations of boxes, cabinets, outlets, and terminals, includes Rules 12-3000 to 12-3036 that cover
•    outlet boxes
•    outlet box covers
•    terminal fittings
•    terminal fittings behind switchboards
•    boxes in concrete construction
•    outlet box supports, boxes, cabinets and fitting supports
•    accessibility of junction boxes, outlet boxes, cabinets and fittings
•    outlet boxes attached to existing plaster work
•    outlet boxes, etc., in damp places
•    entrance of conductors into boxes, cabinets and fittings
•    unused openings in boxes, cabinets, and fittings
•    extensions from existing outlets
•    multi-outlet assemblies
•    conductors in boxes, cabinets or fittings
•    wiring space in enclosures
•    maximum number of conductors in a box,
•    pull box or junction box sizes

 In the next installment we will be discussing Section 14 — Protection and control.

* The source for this series of articles is the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, published by CSA

Read the rest of the instalments in the series:
Part 1: Guide to the CE Code, Part I – A Roadmap (Installment 1 in a Series)
Part 2:
A Road Map to the CE Code, Part I – Installment 2
Part 3: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I – Installment 3
Part 4: A Road Map to the CE Code, Part 1 – Installment 4
Part 5: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Installment 5
Part 6: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Installment 6
Part 7: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Installment 7
Part 8: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Installment 8
Part 9:
Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Installment 9
Part 10: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Installment 10
Part 11: Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Installment 11


 

William (Bill) Burr is the former Chair of the Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety (CACES), former Director of Electrical and Elevator Safety for the Province of BC, and former Director of Electrical and Gas Standards Development and former Director of Conformity Assessment at CSA Group. Bill can be reached at Burr and Associates Consulting billburr@gmail.com.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Breaking out of a Winter Slowdown

    Breaking out of a Winter Slowdown

    March 10, 2025 For many Canadian electricians, winter months bring a painful slowdown in business. You’re grateful for your projects, but snowbanks, cold temperatures and slippery surfaces mean a half-day project eats up most of the day and the battery in your heated hoodie always seems to be on “empty”. Generate new business by strengthening… Read More…

  • How Technology is Reshaping Lighting Design: Augmented Reality, Sustainability, Smart Lighting, and 3D Printing

    How Technology is Reshaping Lighting Design: Augmented Reality, Sustainability, Smart Lighting, and 3D Printing

    March 10, 2025 By Kaitlin Burke, Lead System Engineer at Cooper Lighting Solutions & Rajat Bhayana, Lighting Product Manager at Cooper Lighting Solutions Technology is rapidly reshaping the lighting design industry, offering new ways to streamline workflows, enhance aesthetics, and optimize energy efficiency. In 2025, lighting professionals will have more tools than ever to balance… Read More…

  • A Powerful Partnership

    A Powerful Partnership

    March 10, 2025 By Milwaukee® Milwaukee® believes in the power of relationships. The global leader in hand tools and power tools has built its reputation over the past 100 years from the combination of producing high-quality tools designed for the jobsite, while continuing to go above and beyond their user’s expectations. A perfect example of… Read More…

  • ECAO Tariff Tracker

    ECAO Tariff Tracker

    March 7, 2025 ECAO is closely monitoring the evolving tariff battle between Canada and the US. ECAO are staying in touch with their industry partners and legal resources, and continually monitoring news feeds. In addition, they will be meeting with affiliate partners, suppliers and other industry players to plan implementation of possible solutions, to advise… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    March 7, 2025 IDEAL Electrical was the first company to obtain a patent to make and sell wire connectors in the United States 96 years ago this month – and today IDEAL® announces a modern look for the brand, which captures the company’s spirit of relentless innovation and the optimistic future of the electrical trade. … Read More…

  • Noramco Announce Promotion at London Branch

    Noramco Announce Promotion at London Branch

    March 7, 2025 Noramco has announced the promotion of Erika Liddle to Commercial & Industrial Account Manager – London. “Since joining us in September as Sales Support, Erika has embraced every challenge with determination, quickly making a strong impression. Her ability to learn, adapt, and build meaningful relationships with our customers has set her apart…. Read More…

  • Leviton Canada Unveils New Conveyor System at the Canadian DistributionCenter in Pointe-Claire, Quebec

    Leviton Canada Unveils New Conveyor System at the Canadian DistributionCenter in Pointe-Claire, Quebec

    March 7, 2025 Leviton Canada is thrilled to announce the unveiling of their new conveyor system at the Pointe-Claire (Quebec) distribution center, designed to boost efficiency and enhance service for their valued customers across Canada. With cutting-edge automation and improved accuracy, we’re ready to handle your orders faster and more reliably than ever before. This… Read More…

  • ESA President and CEO Named One of Canada’s Top Women in Safety

    ESA President and CEO Named One of Canada’s Top Women in Safety

    March 7, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is proud to announce that Josie Erzetic, President and CEO at ESA, has been named one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety by the Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine for 2025. The awards recognize exceptional female leaders who shatter glass ceilings while influencing the health and safety… Read More…