Changes in the 2021 Edition of the Canadian Electrical Code

The 2021 edition of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) is expected to be proclaimed by the Province of B.C. in the next few months. Copies of the CEC are now available through local electrical distributors and at the CSA Bookstore: Product - CSA Group. The CSA website also offers free online viewing of the CEC.

Len Horvath of Quantum Lighting, Inc. represented BOMA BC on the recent CEC Expert Advisory Group meetings convened by Technical Safety BC to review the impact of changes to the 2021 CEC on electrical work done in B.C.

Following are the major CEC changes:

• Technical changes have been made to various sections to accommodate the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging in a more straightforward fashion. In particular, the code change will allow the installation of load-monitoring equipment to avoid potential overloading in a cost-effective manner.
• Updates have been added to cover the installation of energy production and storage systems such as solar PV, battery systems and associated direct current (DC) systems. Along with those updates, the definition for voltage has changed and low voltage will be defined as “up to 1,000V” from “up to 750V”, with a distinction between AC and DC voltages. This allows for new photovoltaic technologies to be installed without using high voltage methods.
• A significant change has been made that will affect some new construction, particularly tilt-up buildings: electrical wiring will no longer be allowed to be installed in the channels of Q-deck panels. This is due to the large number of incidents from accidental penetration of that type of wiring by other trades.
• Changes have also been made that require seismic restraints of electrical equipment to meet those requirements set out in the BC Building Code. There are also some technical changes to conform with the Building Code requirements associated with “Flood Hazard Zones” that will be important to note for buildings in those zones.

There are a number of other technical changes made to clarify wording or to update the code to meet new product standards that will be of interest to engineers and trades in the electrical field.

As with previous editions of the code, there will be training courses offered to update staff on these changes and their impact.

A potential safety hazard associated with “ballast by-pass” types of LED retrofit lighting products was identified in the meetings. The removal of ballasts in fluorescent and HID lighting fixtures when installing these products potentially exposes our staff replacing the lamps to high electrical currents at the lamp sockets. BOMA BC will work with Technical Safety BC and BC Hydro to submit a CEC Code Change Request requiring the installation of current-limiting fuses to address the issue in the next edition of the CEC. 

Any BOMA BC member concerned with the issue may contact Len directly to discuss the recommended code change at len@quantumlighting.com.