Electrical Outlets

CEC definition of outlet

CEC definition of outlet

point on a wiring system where current is taken to supply utilization equipment

Receptacle outlet

outlet where one or more receptacles are to be installed

Tamper resistant receptacles

require an equal amount of pressure at both prongs for a plug to be pushed in

Device (per the CEC)

unit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as its principal function

Lighting outlet

outlet that is for the direct connection of a lamp holder, lighting fixture, or pendant cord terminating in a lampholder

Opening

generic term that includes lighting outlets, receptacle outlets, junction boxes, other enclosures

What do the lines representing electrical wiring look like on a an electrical plan

curved

Why are curved lines used on an electrical plan

so they don’t get confused with visible lines

How much free conductor should be left at outlets and junction boxes

150 mm

Modern surface-mounted luminaires cab be fastened to

an octagon box

outlet box w/a plastic ring #8-32 metal screws and mounting strap

Each outlet or switch location must have a

box installed

The CEC states that outlet boxes must be

accessible

Can a junction box be concealed

No it cannot

When can a box or plaster ring be used where luminaires are to be hung

if it or the carton is marked as listed by the CSA for the support of luminaires

Switch boxes can be constructed of

steel or plastic

Junction box

electrical enclosure that houses one ore more wiring connections protecting them from environmental conditions and accidental contact

Conductors coming into a junction box are joined to

other conductors coming into the same box

CEC rule for junction boxes

they must be accessible without having to remove any part of the building

What is the most common location of junction boxes

unfinished basements

garages

open attic spaces

What is meant by ganging boxes

joining one or more boxes together

What is the standard size of a switch box

3 x 2 x 2-1/2 in

According to the CEC, is it ok to make an extension from a cover attached to a recessed outlet, junction or device box

No it is not

For fire safety purposes, a box must be mounted no more than how many mm from the surface on a noncombustible material

no more than 6 mm

If a surface is combustible then a box must be

flush with or project from the surface

What is the rule that tells us how boxes should be mounted for fire safety

Rule 12-3016(a)

What is used when an outlet box needs to be hung at a specific location between joists

an offset bar hangar

What are the requirements for boxes regarding wires

they must be large enough to provide ample room without having to jam or crowd the wires into them

Where can the number of conductors allowed in outlet and switch boxes be found

CEC Table 23

If the box contains NO fittings, devices, fixture studs, hickeys, switches or receptacles

directly use Table 23

If box contains 1 or more fixture studs, hickeys, or fittings

deduct 1 conductor from max allowed

For each device on a single strap containing 1 or more devices such as switches, receptacles, pilot lights

deduct TWO from number allowed

For 1 or more isolated grounding conductors

deduct 1

for each pair of insulated wire connectors

deduct one conductor

For conductors running through a box

count one per conductor running through

For conductors originating outside the box and terminating in the box

count one conductor per conductor terminating inside coming from outside

If no part of the conductor leaves the box (i.e. jumper wires)

don’t count it

How can more space be provided for additional conductors in a box

by using plaster rings, domed covers, extension rings

Are fixture device and bare bonding conductors counted in wire count for fill calculations?

No, do not count fixture device and bare bonding conductors

T/F: there are code rules that dictate the height of outlets

F, there are no CEC rules dictating outlet height

What is the industry standard height outlets are placed at

12 in

Before placing outlets the electrician should consult

plans and specifications as well as the architect/engineer/designer/homeowner

T/F: outlets must be oriented a specific way

F, there are no CEC rules regarding orientation of outlets

When a metal face plate is used it is industry standard to orient outlets in what direction

such that the “u” shaped prong is on the top

When metal wall plates are used for horizontal receptacles how should an outlet be oriented

the ground neutral blades should be on the top

When describing dimension heights of outlets, the measurement is from where to where

the finished floor to the centre of the outlet box

Switches are placed _____ m above the floor

1.17m above the floor

Switches between counter and kitchen cabinets

1.12-1.17 m

Outlets are typically what height

300 mm (12 in) off the floor

Outlets are what spacing between counter and cabinets

same as switches

Outlets in the garage are placed

1.22 m above the floor

Where are receptacle outlets not permitted to be placed

above baseboard heaters

Outside wall brackets are placed

1.8 m above the floor

Inside wall brackets are placed

1.52 m above the floor

Wall brackets on the side of a medicine cabinet are placed

same as inside wall brackets

When a surface is to be tiled how should switches and outlets be placed

Either entirely within the tile or entirely outside of the tile

Describe how face plates should be installed

flush, level and the screws oriented in the same direction

Bonding

joining together of all the non-current carrying metal parts of an electrical system with a conductor that has low or no impedance

What is the purpose of grounding

to protect against shock hazards

What is THE most important step of installing outlets

bonding!