Did You Know — Test Your Knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Code – Part 1 — The Answers 

Feb 22, 2021

In last week’s issue, you had the opportunity to answer our questions about the Code and best practices. Here are the answers to those questions.

General Electrical Equipment

Q: In the 25th edition of the Canadian Electrical is a separate panel board required for dwelling units in hotels and motels, and subdivided single dwelling units that are not individually metered?

A: Rules 26-600 and 26-602 prescribe the requirements for panel boards in dwelling units and the location of panel boards. In the 25th edition a separate panel board is not required for dwelling units in hotels and motels, and subdivided single dwelling units that are not individually metered.

Q: What rule governs the installation and connection of low-voltage surge protective devices?

A: Rule 26-420 governs the installation and connection of low-voltage surge protective devices. Note that Appendix B has additional guidance on the use of these devices.

Q: What does Rule 26-004 require of any electrical equipment installed directly over a combustible surface that is open at the bottom or marked to require protection?

A: A 1.6 mm thick steel plate extending 150 mm beyond the edge must be installed to cover the combustible surface. Note that equipment certified after September 30, 1986 only requires this protection if so marked.

Q: Rule 26-010 specifies that all outdoor installations must be…

A: Housed in suitable enclosures or surrounded by fencing as per 26-300 to 26-324 and must be bonded to ground.

Q: Which Class/type of ground fault circuit interrupter are required for receptacles installed outdoors and within 2.5 m of finished grade? Are there any exceptions?

A: Rule 26-722 requires that all receptacles installed outdoors and within 2.5 m of finished grade be protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type, except for vehicle heater receptacles provided in conformance with Rule 8-400. Note that the exception for vehicle heater receptacles provided in conformance with Rule 8-400 has been deleted in the 25th edition.

Q: Which rules provide requirements for installation bonding, protection by GFCI, tamper resistance and receptacles exposed to the weather, and for receptacles located on rooftops for the maintenance of equipment?

A: Rules 26-702 and 26-710 provide requirements for installation bonding, protection by GFCI, tamper resistance and receptacles exposed to the weather, and for receptacles located on rooftops for the maintenance of equipment. Appendix B provides some additional guidance on these subrules.