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Conference 2016 Minutes - EIAA.CA
pdf Conference 2016 Minutes
Conference 2016 Minutes.pdf
ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE – FEBRUARY 12 & 13, 2016
A. Called to Order and Chairman’s Address
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.
B. AMA Updates
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:
Changes to the Safety Codes Act which included:
Timely Code Adoption, including harmonization with national codes and standards
7 of the 10 disciplines’ codes adopted
Permit Amendment Regulation adopted
PDD Care Homes in residences
Three changes in Ministers with the government being in the Red Zone for a significant portion of the year
A new government for the first time in 44 years
Economy impacts from low oil prices, including a higher than usual rate of unemployment
A decline in housing starts resulting in a reduction of building permits
About 20 cabinet meetings, dealing with a variety of things including budget and health
The government understands the impact the safety system has on the public on a daily basis
Big initiatives that can position Alberta well:
Significant infrastructure investments in 2016
Government priority includes climate change relative to energy efficiency (e.g. carbon pricing, innovation, new technology, solar panels, microgeneration, etc.)
Prioritizing to ensure the government is doing things efficiently
Development of quality assurance framework
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:
Enforcement timelines – ABC came into force May 1, 2015 but Section 9.36 delayed to May 1, 2016
Fire stopping requirements for single conductor cables greater than 25 mm in overall diameter – spaced a minimum of 300 mm apart
Combustible construction – FT-4 rating
Non-combustible construction – FT-6 rating, or FT-4 rating when enclosed in noncombustible raceways
Exceptions for cables and wires used for signals for fire alarm, security, radio and television
Raceways in Plenum
2005 NBC / 2006 ABC Conductor Requirements
Protection of electrical conductors – changes between 2005 and 2010 NBC/ 2014 ABC
Method of protection in conformance to ULC-S139 Standard or located in service space with fire-resistance rating of 1 to 2 hours
Smoke alarms in Residential Suites
Fire and Smoke Alarms are required to be installed in every sleeping room
Exit signs are now the Green Running Man directional signs
Energy efficiency requirements with the ABC itself for houses and small buildings as well as the NECB for larger buildings
NECB 2011 Lighting and Electrical Power Systems and Motors
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:
Clarification was requested on the exception of cables and wires. The Technical Advisor did not have the rationale with him at the meeting. It was suggested that a request be emailed to him and information will be provided off line.
It was clarified that phone systems are not exempt.
Concern was expressed regarding the energy codes only be under the Building discipline and that discussions need to be held regarding how SCOs across all disciplines will need to work together relative to the energy code requirements.
It was questioned regarding the in force and transition dates and members were encouraged to review the Safety Notices relative to this: http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ss/BuildingFireEnergyCodes-pdf http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/CP_Energy_Codes_Information
Clarence Cormier, Chief Electrical Administrator, provided an overview of what’s new in 2016: § Automatic Code Adoption previously mentioned
Electrical Code Amendment Regulation – adopted on August 21, 2015, in force January 1,
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=2006_209.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbncln=978 0779787548
The wording “as amended from time to time” in the regulation allows for the automatic adoption of the Codes
Section 39(4) in the Safety Codes Act is what allows for the automatic adoption
A brief overview was provided on some of the current issues:
Finishing processes (hazloc classification) AFCI mandatory implementation date
Auto transformer used for multiple loads
Car receptacle concerns (15A vs 20A)
Concerns regarding the new code – AMA response draft 2015-11-17
Automatic re-closers on utility lines
Christmas Lights Project (product failures)
Generlink – Residential Meter Base ATS
Loading of branch circuits in a residence 80% vs 100%
Location of main disconnecting means (required in each suite?)
New flame spread ratings (FT4 vs FT6)
VWP Cambridge (liquid tight conduit vs Teck Cable)
Question regarding the retrofitting of lighting fixtures with LED components
Request for Clarification on visual signals re 2014 ABC 3.2.4.20
STANDATA list subscription service announcement
Photoluminescent / NBCC vs CE Code – exit signs
Use of wire nuts in sabre 9768 TCPL Simonette Meter Station Buildings
White Paper on Field certification for discussion (UL vs ULC)
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.
a) Electrical Sub-Council
Stan Misyk, Chair of the Electrical Sub-Council (ESC) provided the following report:
4 meetings held in 2015
List of members were provided
(http://www.safetycodes.ab.ca/Council/SubCouncils/Pages/Electrical.aspx)
Recommended the adoption of the 23rd edition of the Canadian Electrical Code
Recommended the adoption of the 5th edition of the Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities
SCO continuing education initiative delayed until at least 2017
Group A SCO Code Update training is a mandatory requirement and this must be completed within 1 year of the training being available
Subject submissions get referred to the sub-council and they may choose to submit to the CEC Working Group for recommendations
Several STANDATAs and variances were viewed, revised and endorsed by the sub-council. These can be found at: (http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_electrical_standata)
GFCI Protection for emergency generators
The review of terms of reference for working groups to ensure consistency
Concession trailers – food trucks – inspections and certification Street lights / traffic lights
b) Canadian Electrical Code Working Group
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.
Only one meeting in 2015
Good cross section of representation
Submission Protocol established
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.
c) Oil & Gas Code Working Group
Rene Leduc reported on the following subjects being reviewed by the working group:
Diagram B2 Drilling Rig Enclosed Areas as Zone 1 / Division 1 areas, the worst case scenario should be considered. However, these have been classified as Zone 2 for many years without documented issues.
Diagram B4 & JB4
Diagram B5 & JB5 – proposed changes being recommended
d) Alberta Electrical Utilities Code Working Group
There was no one in attendance to provide a report from the AEUC Working Group.
e) Master Electricians Program Advisory Committee
Darcy Teichroeb provided the following report from the Advisory Committee:
Terms of Reference was approved
The Master Electricians examination has been ratified
The ability for an electronic-based exam is still in progress
Completed draft code of ethics being reviewed by the Council
Completed redrafted policy being reviewed by the Council
The Council wants to produce a roles and responsibilities document for Master
A number of associations are putting on code update training, during the day, evenings and by distance learning
E. Guest Speaker – Rene Leduc (Marex)
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:
Introduction o An overview was provided of the structure of the CSA committees, showing the
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
Project timeline shown with the goal to have the Section 10 proposed changes approved by the Part 1 Technical Committee in June 2017
A detailed explanation was provided of the Scope, Object
Definitions and example diagrams were provided for bond, system bond jump, protective bond, equipotential bond, grounded, ungrounded system, impedance grounded systems, solidly grounded system
An in depth explanation was provided of the proposed changes to Section 10, along with examples of each type of ground and bond:
Grounding - General
Impedance grounded systems
Bonding – General Protective bonding
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.
F. Guest Speaker – Ark Tsisserev (Applied Engineering)
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 purpose of the Standard is to protect the patient who is receiving treatment and care
The purpose of the presentation was to make delegates think differently relative to where and when this Standard should be used
Provisions of the CSA-Z32-09 Standard are supplementary to the installation requirements specified in Sections 24 and 52 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I
Definitions of A, B and C health care facilities were reviewed
The electrical inspector is ultimately the authority that will approve whether it meets all code requirements
The administrator, clinical staff, and facility designers shall clearly define which types of procedures are to be frequently or normally performed in specified areas of the Health Care Facility. This determination should be received in writing. The Electrical Inspector is not the right person to be making that determination but the doctor isn’t in the position to know the electrical code.
Equipment that is not labelled by CSA or ULC has to be either certified by a Certification Body (CB) or field inspected by the Inspection Body (IB) in accordance with SPE-1000-13 - Model code for the field evaluation of electrical equipment.
It was emphasized that isolated ground receptacles (also known as “clean ground” receptacles) shall not be used in patient care areas.
The Health Care Facility Administrator is the one that determines the essential electrical systems (Rule 6.1.2.)
The Health Care Facility Administrator determines requirements and redundancies (Rule 6.6.2.1)
CEC 24-302(1) An essential electrical system shall comprise circuits that supply loads designated by the health care facility administration as being essential for the life, safety, and care of the patient and the effective operation of the health care facility.
The floor was opened for questions and the following was clarified:
If using different pieces of equipment together to make one machine, this would have to be certified by a CB or inspected by an IB as any original certification is no longer valid.
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.
G. Technical Agenda Items
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.
Agenda 2016-01 – CE Code 2015, Section 24
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.
Agenda 2016-02 – CE Code 2015 2-024; 2-100; NFPA 96 – 9.2.3.1
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.
Agenda 2016-03 – CE Code 2015 – 2-024; 2-100
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.
Agenda 2016-04 – CE Code 2015 – 2-130; 2-132; ABC 3.1.4.3; 3.1.5.18; ABC 3.1.4.4 3.1.5.20
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.
Agenda 2016-05 – CE Code 2015 – 2-312; 26-704
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
2016-06 – CE Code 2015 – 4-004 Ampacity of wires and cables
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.
2016-07 – CE Code 2015 – 4-004 Ampacity of wires and cables
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]
2016-08 – CE Code 2015 – 4-004 (8)
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
2016-09 – CE Code 2015 – 4-004 (23)
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 meeting was recessed at 4:40 p.m.
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
2016-10 – CE Code 2015 – 8-102
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.
2016-11 – CE Code 2015 – 18-154 (3)(b)
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,
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]
2016-12 – CE Code 2015 – 26-724 (f)
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.
Moved by Rene Leduc, seconded by Gerry Wiles that the EIAA support the interpretation from AMA that a detached garage is not part of the dwelling unit until an interpretation is received from Part 1; CARRIED
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:
Detached garage – no
Attached garage – yes
Exterior receptacles on a detached garage or in the yard of a dwelling unit – no
Vacuum receptacle – yes
Gas range – yes
Bathroom receptacles (STANDATA indicates wash basin receptacle – what about others in the bathroom) – Only those receptacles that are within one metre of wash basins are exempt, all others have to be arc fault protected
Garburator – yes
Dishwasher - normally direct wired instead of a receptacle, if on a receptacle – yes
Panel receptacles – yes
Dwelling unit receptacles energized for construction – no, but once finished there is no exclusion
Apartment hallways – no
Motel rooms – if long term kitchenette placing it into the dwelling unit category – yes; if regular overnight guest rooms – no
Consensus was reached on the following other questions asked within the submission:
Can the same neutral wire be used for the installation of more than one AFCI outlet – no
Can an AFCI outlet and a GFCI outlet be used on the same circuit – yes
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]
2016-13 – CE Code 2015 – 26-724 (f)
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.
2016-14 – CE Code 2015 – 28-900 (1) (2)
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:
Consultants Corner - Electrical Line Magazine July/August 2015
Disconnecting Means for Generators…Are we Consistent on this subject – Ark Tsisserev
2016-15 – CE Code 2015 – 64-060
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.
2016-16 – CE Code 2015 – 64-060
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.
2016-17 – CE Code 2015 – 64-210 (5)
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.
2016-18 – CE Code 2015 – 64-216
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.
2016-19 – CE Code 2015 – 64-218
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.
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.
Moved by Michael Chledowski, seconded by Clark Redden that the Education Committee move forward with offering a solar energy training course for SCOs now and for every code cycle;
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.
2016-20 – CE Code 2015 – 32-102 (3)
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:
conventional Class A circuit wiring
data communication link style A
data communication link style C
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.
2016-21 – CE Code 2015 – 46-204; ABC 2014 3.2.7.10
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.
2016-22 – CE Code 2015 – 46-204; ABC 2014 3.2.7.10
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.
2016-23 – CE Code 2015 – 32-110
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 requirement for a smoke alarm to be within 5 m from the bedroom door has been removed
The requirement regarding 900 mm or more above or below an adjacent floor level has been removed
There is a requirement that one smoke alarm must be installed in each bedroom as well one on each storey including each floor where bedrooms are located
All smoke alarms must have a hush feature and battery backup
All smoke alarms must be interconnected
Testing is done in accordance with CAN/ULC-S552-02
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.
2016-24 - National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2011
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.
H. Other Business and Adjournment
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.