Intro to Electrical Code and General Rules

What is the Safety Codes Act in Alberta?

-Alberta legislation that governs public safety standards for systems like amusement rides, boilers, electrical, fire protection, gas, and plumbing
-designates and accredits local inspection authorities via the Safety Codes Council

What is STANDATA in Alberta's electrical context?

-Interpretations, guidelines, and recommended practices for CEC Part 1
-includes recalls and updates
-not comprehensive—verify with the actual code

Why must you still check the actual code even when using STANDATA?

Because STANDATA may not include all possible installation variations and is meant as a guideline

What is bonding?

Permanent low-impedance joining of non-current carrying metal parts to ensure electrical continuity

What is grounding?

A continuous path to earth capable of carrying fault current safely

What is a branch circuit?

Wiring from the final fuse/breaker to the load

What are the CEC voltage classifications?

Extra Low: ≤30V, Low: 31–750V, High: >750V

What is a non-incendive circuit?

One that cannot ignite a prescribed gas or vapor due to lack of spark or thermal energy

What is explosion-proof equipment?

Contains any explosion inside and prevents surrounding gas ignition

What’s the difference between a box connector and wire connector?

Box: secures outlet boxes
Wire connector: joins two conductors in a circuit

What is a feeder circuit?

Connects the service box/supply to branch circuit breakers or fuses

What is a grounding conductor?

Connects service equipment to a ground rod

Low voltage protection vs release – what’s the difference?

-Protection shuts circuit off
-release interrupts and restores power when voltage normalizes

What is a neutral conductor?

Has voltage equal in magnitude and phase-spaced to the other conductors

Overcurrent device vs overload – what’s the difference?

Overcurrent: opens circuit under overload or short
Overload: protects only from excess current

What is a service box?

Lockable enclosure with a service switch that operates while closed

What distinguishes Class 1 and Class 2 circuits?

Energy level—Class 1: ≤1000VA, Class 2: ≤100VA, both limited to 30V (600V if remote)

When must a Class 2 circuit be treated as Class 1?

If its failure can cause fire or life hazard

Example: Why can’t you run a ventilation fan directly from Class 2 furnace controls?

Because power circuits need isolation—use a 120V to Class 2 transformer and Class 2-rated relay to interface with furnace

How can bonding be achieved for gas equipment?

Through EMT, conduit, or bonding jumpers

How is bonding conductor size determined?

Use CEC Table 16 based on the ampacity of the largest ungrounded conductor

Can TECK90 or flexible armor cable be used as bonding?

No, not acceptable bonding (CEC Rule 10-804)

Where must bonding be connected?

To a permanent outlet to ground (CEC Rule 10-618)

How must gas piping be bonded?

Using at least #6 AWG copper bonding jumper

Where is EMT not allowed?

In areas with mechanical stress, corrosive vapors, direct earth burial, wet locations, or concrete in contact with earth with no bonding conductor

What is the voltage drop limit in branch circuits?

Must not exceed 3% at calculated load

Can a gas line be used as an electric ground?

Never

What is the bonding continuity rule?

Bonding must be wired so removing a single device does not interrupt bonding to others

Do double-insulated tools require bonding?

No, they do not