Resources – Electrical Industry News Week

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 58 — Passenger Ropeways and Similar Equipment

Blake Marchand — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:55:31 +0000

March 9, 2026

by William (Bill) Burr^{^[i]}

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to find the information you need quickly. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. It is not the intent of these articles to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook**but hopefully provide help to navigate the Code.

Section 58 — Passenger Ropeways and Similar Equipment

Rule 58-000 states that Section 58 is a supplementary or amendatory section of the Code and applies to passenger ropeways as defined in the CSA Z98, Passenger Ropeways and Passenger Conveyors standard and includes tramways, chairlifts, gondolas, surface ropeways, passenger conveyors, and similar equipment. In addition, ANSI B77.1, Passenger Ropeways – Aerial Tramways, Aerial Lifts, Surface Lifts, Tows and Conveyors – Safety Requirements, and Can/CSA-C22.3 No.1, Overhead Systems should be referenced.

Appendix B and the CE Code Handbook provide additional information.

Rule 58-002 provides special terminology definitions for Cabin, Messenger, Passenger Conveyor and Station.

General requirements

Rule 58-010 requires that, in addition to the spacing requirements of Rule 2-308, the headroom in working spaces around controllers, disconnecting means, and other electric equipment must be no less than 2.0 m. Part 2 of the rule provides relaxation of requirements for headroom if:

Only authorized persons have access to the area,
The working space is kept clear of obstructions, and either:
- guarded, isolated or insulated live parts can be examined, adjusted, serviced or maintained while energized without removing the protection, or
- A cautionary label advising that the equipment cannot be examined, adjusted, serviced, or maintained while energized is applied, or
- The applied voltage is equal to or less than 30 V RMS or 42 V peak.

Rule 58-012 specifies that circuits must be grounded except

that ungrounded isolated haul ropes may be used for safety, communication, control, remote control, monitoring, supervision, and
signal circuits; and extra-low-voltage safety, communication, control, remote control, monitoring, supervision, and signal circuits may be ungrounded in accordance with Rule 10-400 4).

Rule 58-014 limits voltage

for safety, communication, control, remote control, monitoring, supervision, and signal circuits to 48 V except circuits for hand-crank-type telephone signal bells, and
only safety, communication, control, remote control, monitoring, supervision and signal circuits may be carried between towers that support the passenger
for motors, motor controllers, machine brakes, motor-generator sets, floodlighting, heaters, and air conditioners to not exceed 750 V ac or 1060 dc (1000 ac or 1500 dc),
to 300 V for all other circuits

Rule 58-016 provides thatluminaires for night skiing or similar floodlighting applicationsmay beinstalled on passenger ropeway towers and stations if:

there is a circuit breaker installed in a lockable enclosure that disconnects all ungrounded conductors, and
that a Class A GFCI protects each circuit to the luminaires

Conductors

Rule 58-102 specifies that the minimum size of insulated conductors for all communication, control, remote control, monitoring, supervision, and signal circuits be No. 26 AWG copper, except for circuits contained in travelling cables where the minimum size must be No. 20 AWG.

Rule 58-104 permits that:

Optical fiber cables, shielded cables, and insulated conductors for operating devices, power, motor, heating, air conditioning, operating, signal, communication, control, safety, fire alarm, and lighting circuits may be grouped in raceway systems or travelling cables, providing the insulation rating for each conductor is not less than the conductor with the maximum circuit voltage; and
Optical fiber cables, shielded cables, and insulated conductors for operating devices, operating, signal, communication, control, safety, and fire alarm circuits may be run in the same aerial cable, providing that the insulation rating for each conductor is not less than the rating of the insulated conductor with the maximum circuit voltage.

Optical fiber cables include conductive, non-conductive and hybrid types as defined in Rule 56-102.

Wiring methods

Rule 58-200 outlines acceptable wiring methods in passenger ropeways and similar equipment:

Generally, all insulated conductors and cables, including optical fiber cables in machinery spaces, control spaces, in or on cabins, in machine rooms and control rooms, must be installed in rigid metal conduit, EMT, rigid PVC conduit or wireways, except for travelling cables connecting the movable drive carriage or movable return carriage.
In addition, the following wiring methods may be used:
- mineral-insulated cable; aluminum-sheathed cable; armoured cable; cable trays installed per Rules 12-2200 to 12-2210; flexible conduit or liquid-tight flexible conduit between raceways and limit switches, interlocks, operating devices, or similar devices; flexible conduit or liquid-tight flexible conduit between control panels and motors, machine brakes, motor-generator sets, disconnecting means, or pumping unit motors and valves;
- supported jacketed cables installed between raceways and signal equipment and between raceways and operating devices that have mechanical protection, including:
  - cables used in Class 1 extra-low voltage and Class 2 low-energy circuits, including but not limited to travelling cables connecting the movable carriage or movable return carriage;
  - extra-low-voltage control cable;
  - communication cable;
  - fire alarm and signal cable;
  - multi-conductor thermoplastic-insulated cable;
  - hard-usage and extra-hard-usage cables;
  - auxiliary gutters between controllers, starters, and similar apparatus; and
  - flexible cords and cables used in extra-low-voltage circuits not greater than 2 m in length, supported and provided with mechanical protection.

Rule 58-202 requires that supports for travelling cables be located and provided with suitable guards to prevent damage to the cables and contact with other equipment.

Protection and control

Rule 58-300 requires that motor control devices be arranged, as per Rules 28-312 and 28-400, to prevent automatic restarting after shutdown where restarting could cause injury to persons.

Rule 58-302 provides that the disconnecting means for the ungrounded conductors of the main drive motor and auxiliary drive motor, including their ventilation and control circuits, for each passenger ropeway or passenger conveyor must not contain a provision to automatically close the disconnecting means, and must be:

a single disconnect which also disconnects power to the driving machine brake(s) control circuit directly or through an auxiliary contact that is positively opened mechanically (the opening not being solely dependent on springs),
an externally operated fusible switch or a circuit breaker, capable of being locked in the open position, and clearly labelled describing the connected load,
readily accessible to authorized persons and located where it is visible on entry to the control room or machinery area,
provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device, and
a single disconnect for motors and control circuits of multiple driving machines or motors connected to a single passenger ropeway or passenger conveyor.

Rule 58-304 provides that disconnecting means for utilization equipment must be:

a single disconnect for all ungrounded conductors,
capable of being locked in the open position and located in the machine room, control room, machine space, or control space, and
provided with a sign to identify the location of the supply side overcurrent protective device.

Rule 58-306 requires the coordination of the overcurrent protection with any upstream overcurrent protective devices.

Rule 58-308 requires a Class A GFCI to protect every 125 V single-phase receptacle installed in machine rooms, control rooms, machine spaces, control spaces, and counterweight enclosures.

Rule 58-310 specifies that motor controllers be rated to comply with Rule 28-500(1) except where the controller limits the available power and is labeled “power limited”.

Branch circuits

Rule 58-400 requires that each machine room, control room, machinery space, and control space must have:

luminaires controlled by lighting switches within easy reach of the point of entry and not supplied from the load side of the GFCIs required by Rule 58-308
a 125 V, single-phase, duplex receptacle, having a configuration per Diagram 1, and
a separate branch circuit for the supply of luminaires and receptacles.

Rule 58-402 requires that branch circuits in a building or room containing counterweights comply with the requirements of Rule 58-400

Rule 58-404 specifies that utilization equipment other than that identified in Rules 58-400 and 58-402 must be supplied by a separate branch circuit with overcurrent devices located in the machinery room, control room, machinery space or control space.

Regenerative power

Rule 58-500 requires a means to absorb regenerative power that cannot be absorbed under overhauling load or braking conditions.

Grounding of towers and stations

Rule 58-600 requires grounding of each metal tower and metal station structure of passenger ropeways, passenger conveyors and material ropeways utilizing conductors

installed following Rules 58-602 – 58-610.

Rule 58-602 specifies that the grounding conductors for towers and stations be not less than No. 4 AWG. Remember to observe the bonding requirements for all non-current-carrying parts of electrical equipment, raceways, or enclosures to ensure proper bonding to the service equipment or system grounding conductor. Do not use the requirements of Rule 58-600 for bonding to ground purposes.

Rule 58-604 requires the securely fastened in place of conductors and direct attachment to the supporting surface without the use of insulating supports.

Rule 58-606 requires the location and protection of conductors against corrosion and mechanical damage.

Rule 58-608 requires the connection of ground conductors to grounding electrodes as specified in Section 10. Note that there is a preference for field-assembled grounding electrodes because of their superior performance, ease of use, and durability.

Rule 58-610 specifies the running of ground conductors either inside or outside buildings.

Previous Installment: Section 56 — Optical fiber cables

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 60 — Electrical Communications Systems.

[i] William (Bill) Burr is an associate member of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, Technical Committee and formerly Chair of the Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety (CACES), Chief Electrical and Elevator Inspector for the Province of BC & the Northwest Territories, Director of Electrical and Gas Standards Development and Director of Conformity Assessment at CSA Group. Bill can be reached at Burr and Associates Consulting [email protected]..

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition– A Road Map: Section 56

Blake Marchand — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:14:19 +0000

February 6, 2026

By William (Bill) Burr

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook**, but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code.

Section 56 — Optical fiber cables

Rule 56-000 states that Section 56 is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to the installation of optical fiber cables in conjunction with all other electrical systems.

Rule 56-002 provides a special terminology definition for an Optical Fiber Cable – a cable consisting of one or more optical fibers that transmits modulated light for the purpose of control, signalling or communications.

Rule 56-102 outlines that there are 3 types of optical fiber cables:

Non-conductive cables containing no metal other conductive materials.
Conductive cables containing non-current carrying conductive material such as strength member, metal vapour barriers or metal sheaths or shields, and,
Hybrid cables that contain both fiber optic and current carrying electrical conductors.

Rule 56-104 requires that optical fiber cables

installed, within buildings, be approved types as listed in Table 19 and
where installed outdoors be suitable for the location with respect to moisture, corrosive atmosphere, temperature, degree of enclosure and exposure to mechanical damage.
Also note that OFNP, OFNR, OFNG, OFN, OFNH, OFCP, OFCR, OFCG, OFC, and OFCH have a minimum cable temperature rating of 60 °C.
Where a cable is used in a greater temperature the rating must be marked on the cable.

Rule 56-106 states that, as per paragraph (a) in the Scope of the code, optical fiber installations, by a utility in its function as a utility, are not subject to inspection and acceptance by an inspector.

Rule 56-200 prohibits non-conductive optical fiber cables from occupying the same raceway, cabinet, panel, outlet box or similar enclosure with insulated conductors of electric lighting, power or Class I circuits, unless they are functionally associated, and the number and size of insulated conductors meet applicable requirements of the wiring method. For industrial establishments, where authorized persons supervise and maintain the installation, this prohibition may be waived.

Rule 56-202 Conductive optical fiber cables

are permitted to occupy the same raceway with Class 2 circuits in accordance with Section 16; communication circuits in accordance with Section 60; or community antenna distribution and radio and television circuits in accordance with Section 54.
must not occupy the same raceway, panel, cabinet, or similar enclosure housing electric lighting, power, or Class 1 circuits.
must not occupy the same cabinet, panel, outlet box, or similar enclosure housing the electrical terminals of a Class 2, communications, community antenna distribution, or radio and television circuit, unless they are functionally associated with the Class 2, communication, community antenna distribution, or radio and television circuit; or the conductive optical fiber cables are factory assembled in the enclosure.
for industrial establishments only, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only authorized persons service the installation, conductive optical fiber cables are permitted to occupy the same raceway, cabinet, panel, outlet box, or similar enclosure as electric power, control, or instrumentation cables provided the total length of each conductive optical fiber cable does not extend beyond the boundaries of the industrial establishment.
The conductive non-current-carrying members of conductive optical fiber cables shall be grounded in accordance with Section 10

Rule 56-204 permits optical fiber cables to be incorporated in hybrid cables with electric lighting, power, or Class I circuits not exceeding 750 volts, or Class 2, communications, community antenna, or radio and television circuits conductors with associated functions. In every case, the hybrid cable is classed as per the type of insulated conductors in the cable and installed according to the rules for that type.

Rule 56-206 requires that where an optical fiber cable penetrates through a fire separation it shall be installed in accordance with Rule 2-128 to prevent fire spread.

Rule 56-208 requires optical fiber and hybrid cables installed in a vertical shaft to be totally enclosed in non-combustible raceway unless they meet the flame spread requirements of the National Building Code of Canada or local building legislation for buildings of non-combustible construction (FT4).

Rule 56-210 provides that optical fiber cables must not be installed in ducts or plenum chambers unless they meet the flame spread requirements of the National Building Code of Canada or local building legislation and the provision of Rule 12-010 – Wiring in ducts and plenum chambers.

Rule 56-212 requires that all raceways containing optical fiber cables must be installed in accordance with Section 12.

Rule 56-214 requires that where conductive optical fiber cables are exposed to lightning or accidental contact with lighting or power cables the metal parts must be bonded to ground at the point, as close as possible, to the point the cable enters the building.

Previous Installment: Section 54

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 58 — Passenger ropeways and similar equipment.

[i] Source: CSA C22.1:24, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. © 2024 Canadian Standards Association. Please visit store.csagroup.org. With the permission of CSA Group, material is reproduced from CSA Group standard CSA C22.1:24, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. This material is not the complete and official position of CSA Group on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the Standard in its entirety. While use of the material has been authorized, CSA Group is not responsible for the manner in which the data are presented, nor for any representations and interpretations. No further reproduction is permitted. For more information or to purchase standard(s) from CSA Group, please visit store.csagroup.org or call 1-800-463-6727.

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – 26th Edition[i] – A Road Map: Section 54

Blake Marchand — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:42:01 +0000

January 12, 2026

By Bill Burr

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code.

Section 54 — Community Antenna Distribution and Radio and Television Installations

Rule 54-000 states that this is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to community antenna distribution, equipment for the reception of radio and television broadcast transmission, and equipment employed in the normal operation of a radio station licensed by the Government of Canada as an experimental amateur radio station. The section does not apply to equipment and antennas used for broadcast transmission and for coupling carrier current to power line conductors. Appendix B and the CSA CEC Handbook provide additional explanations and diagrams.

Rule 54-002 provides definitions for special terminology used, including cable distribution plant, customer distribution circuit, customer service enclosure, multitap and blocking device, that need to be referenced when reading this section.

Rule 54-004 specifies that community antenna distribution is used to distribute radio and television frequency signals commonly known as cable TV (CATV), and that rules 54-100 to 54-704 apply. Where other than a coaxial cable wiring system is employed, the requirements of Sections 56 or 60 prevail.

Rule 54-006 notes that generally equipment under this section is not required to be approved as per Rule 2-024 unless specifically specified in this section.

Rule 54-008 specifies that rules 54-800 to 54-1006 apply to radio and television receiving equipment and amateur transmitting equipment.

Rule 54-010 explains that if insulated conductors or parts of community antenna distribution circuits are in a cable along with communication circuit conductors, then the rules of Section 60 – Electrical Communication Systems apply. Where protectors and grounding for the coaxial cables are required, then the rules of this Section 54apply.

Community antenna distribution

Rule 54-100 requires that all conductors used in community antenna distribution must be coaxial cable and, if installed in buildings, be selected in accordance with Rule12-102 3).

Rule 54-102 provides conditions and voltage and current limitations for using coaxial cable for supply to the customer service enclosure, and between two or more customer enclosures. Because the CATV cables enter buildings and are connected to televisions, radios and computers, the voltage and current levels must be limited to minimize shock and fire hazards.

In addition, cables and equipment must be bonded to ground, power blockers and locks installed on customer service enclosures, and any signal amplification must be energized by a class 2 transformer. Appendix B contains a sketch outlining the various limitations.

Rule 54-104 notes that, where installed in hazardous locations, all CATV circuits and equipment must also meet the requirements of Sections 18, 20 and 24.

Rule 54-106 specifies that if the CATV circuits are operated by a utility, within the scope of Section 60, they are not subject to electrical inspection. However, where transformers, amplifiers or current limiting devices are used, the junction with the electric supply is subject to inspection.

Rule 54-108 states that supports for cables on buildings must be suitable for the purpose.

Protection

Rule 54-200 requires that the outer conductive shield of coaxial cable be bonded to ground or be provided with a protective device close to the point of entry to a building, in case of accidental contact with lightning arrestor or insulated power conductors. Note also that the protector operation must not interrupt the building grounding system.

Rule 54-202 provides the specifications and location for a protector device. Appendix B notes for 54-200 and 54-202 provide a description of the point of entry to a building.

Grounding

Rule 54-300 details the requirements for grounding the outer conductor or protector of a coaxial cable.

Rules 54-302 and 54-304 outline that the installation of grounding electrodes and connections conform generally with Section 10. The purpose of grounding CATV coaxial cable is for bleeding off, to ground, excess voltage from accidental energizing or lightning strikes, and not for a low-impedance fault current path. Therefore, the driven length of a rod electrical can be a minimum of 2 m.

Conductors within buildings

Rules 54-400 to 54-408 provide requirements for CATV cables in conformance with Section 12 in terms of separation from other insulated conductors, cables in a vertical shaft, penetration of fire separations, prohibited placement in ducts or plenum chambers, except as permitted by Rules 2-130 and 12-010, and, installation of raceways in accordance with Section 12.

Equipment

Rule 54-500 requires that community antenna distribution amplifiers and other power sources be readily accessible, adequately ventilated, connected to the system ground with a minimum No. 6 AWG copper conductor, and be provided with a lock or similar closing device.

Rule 54-502 provides that exposed equipment and terminations be located in accordance with Rule 2-202, except in a joint use room, where a 900-mm separation from adjustable electrical equipment is required.

Rule 54-504 notes that non-powered or exclusively coaxial powered equipment are considered grounded if effectively connected to the grounded coaxial cable shield.

Conductors outside of buildings

Rule 54-600 specifies that overhead CATV cables on poles conform to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part III.

Rule 54-602, permits CATV cables to pass over buildings, provided a minimum distance, vertically from the roof, is maintained at 2.5 m. In addition, CATV cables may not be attached or run within 2.5 m vertically of a roof, except for garage or auxiliary buildings.

Rule 54-604 requires that CATV cables on buildings be separated from:

insulated light or power conductors, not in cable or conduit, by at least 300 mm, or by a continuous non-metal-type raceway,
combustible material, by being supported on glass, porcelain, or other insulating material, except where the outer conductive sheath of the coaxial cable is grounded, and
other communication cables, attached to the same building, to prevent interference with maintenance operations, and not cause abrasion to the insulated conductors, strand, or equipment of the other system.

Rule 54-606 outlines that CATV cables entering buildings must pass through a non-combustible, non-absorptive insulating bushing, a metal raceway, or masonry.

Rule 54-608 requires a minimum separation of 2 m between CATV cables and lightning conductors on buildings.

Rule 54-610 requires CATV cables installed over or adjacent to swimming pools to conform to rules 68-054 and 68-056.

Underground circuits

Rule 54-700 requires that direct buried CATV cables be:

suitably designed for direct burial,
installed outside of the same vertical plane that contains differing cables other than communication cables, except when installed in accordance with the metal shield as per the last item in this list,
maintained at a minimum 300 mm horizontal separation from differing cables, other than communication cables, except when installed in accordance with the metal shield as per the last item in this list,
placed at a minimum depth of 600 mm, or 450 mm if rock bottom is encountered at a lesser depth,
reduced to 450 mm depth for service wires under parkways and lawns,
placed with a layer of sand 75 mm deep, both above and below the cable, if in rocky or stony ground,
placed at a minimum depth of 900 mm under an area that is subject to vehicular traffic,
reduced to 600 mm with mechanical protection consisting of a treated plank at least 38 mm thick placed over the cable, with first backfilling with 75 mm of sand or earth, containing no rocks or stones,
placed in a conduit, suitable for earth burial, placed to facilitate cable replacement and to minimize traffic damage, or
equipped with a metal shield, when in a common trench with random separation of insulated power cable operations at 1000 V or less, and the CATV cables.

Rule 54-702 requires that underground raceway for CATV cables:

be separated from the electric power system by not less than 50 mm of concrete or 300 mm of well-tamped earth,
be located to maintain a minimum depth of 600 mm in areas subject to vehicular traffic and 450 mm in all other areas, or encased in concrete,
not terminate in the same maintenance hole used for an electric power system, unless all requirements of Clause 6 of CAN/CSA-C22.3 No. 7 are adhered to,
not be placed in the same raceway containing electric lighting, power, or Class 1 circuit conductors,
be suitable for wet locations,
enter the building above ground where practicable, and
be sealed with a suitable compound, in such a way that moisture and gas will not enter the building or will be suitably drained.

Rule 54-704 permits the bushings or raceways required by Rule 54-606 to be omitted

where the entire street circuit is run underground and the circuit is placed to prevent contact with electric lighting, power, or Class 1 circuits of more than 300 V.

Receiving equipment and amateur transmitting equipment

Rules 54-800 and 54-802 require that the lead-in conductor from an outdoor antenna to a receiving station or an amateur transmitting station be provided with a lightning arrestor, that will drain static charges from the antenna, except where the lead-in cable sheath is grounded between the antenna and the entrance to the building, or the antenna is grounded.

For receiving stations, the lightning arresters must be located:

as near as practicable to the entrance of the cables to the building,
outside the building, or
inside the building between the point of entrance of the lead-in and the radio set or transformer, and,
not near combustible material, nor,
in a hazardous location.

Grounding for receiving equipment and amateur transmitting equipment

Rules 54-900 to 54-912 specify that grounding conductors must be:

copper, aluminum alloy, copper-clad steel, bronze or other corrosion resistant material, and may be bare,
securely fastened in place directly, but may be attached to the supporting surface without the use of insulating supports,
protected where exposed to mechanical damage,
run in as straight a line as is practicable from the lightning arresters or antenna mast, or both, to the grounding electrode, and
connected to a grounding electrode, as specified in Section 10, but may be run either inside or outside the building.

Rule 54-914 specifies that the protective grounding conductor providing mast ground and lightning arrestor connections is in accordance with Section 10.

Rule 54-916 permits a single grounding conductor to be used for both protective and operating purposes. The disconnection of the operating ground must not affect the protective ground circuit.

Rule 54-918 requires that exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of radio and television equipment installed in basic, intermediate, and critical care areas of hospitals as defined in Section 24, be bonded to ground as per Rule 24-104(7).

Rule 54-920 requires that radio interference eliminators, capacitors and noise suppressors connected to power leads be protected from mechanical damage.

Rule 54-922 notes that masts, metal support structures, and antenna frames for receiving stations must be bonded to ground in accordance with Section 10.

Transmitting stations

Rule 54-1000 specifies that transmitters must be enclosed in a metal frame or grille, and thoroughly shielded or separated from the operating space by a barrier or other equivalent means.

Rule 54-1002 requires the bonding to ground of:

all exposed metal parts of transmitters,
external metal handles,
controls accessible to the operating personnel, and
accessories such as microphone stands.

Rule 54-1004 requires that all access doors of transmitters be provided with interlocks, that will disconnect all voltages in excess of 250 V, when any access door is opened.

Rule 54-1006 states that all audio-amplifiers located outside the transmitter housing be suitably housed and readily accessible and adequately ventilated.

Previous installment: Section 52 — Diagnostic imaging installations (Note: Sections 48 and 50 have been deleted from the Code in previous editions)

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 56 — Optical fiber cables

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] – A Road Map: Section 52 — Diagnostic imaging installations

Blake Marchand — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:03:21 +0000

By William (Bill) Burr^{^[i]}

Section 52 — Diagnostic imaging installations (Note: Sections 48 and 50 have been deleted from the Code in previous editions)

Rule 52-000 Scope – states that Section 52 is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to the installation of X-ray and other diagnostic imaging equipment operating at any frequency but does not provide any specifications for safeguards against radiation. Information on radiation safeguards is contained in the series of Health Canada Safety Codes for radiation protection.

Rule 52-002 provides some special terminology for this section, and defines momentary and long-term ratings of 20 seconds and 5 minutes respectively for operation of applied x-ray and computerized tomography equipment.

Rule 52-004 provides guidelines for guarding of high-voltage parts, and requires that high-voltage parts be contained within bonded to ground metal enclosures, or within separate rooms or enclosures where a circuit control switch controlling the diagnostic imaging equipment is interlocked, to be open when the door is open and unlocked, and be insulated from the enclosure. In addition, high-voltage circuit cables must be of the shockproof type. If a milliammeter is provided, it must be either connected in the lead that is bonded-to-ground, or guarded, if connected in the high-voltage lead.

Rule 52-006 permits mobile diagnostic equipment, and permanently connected diagnostic equipment on a 30 amp or less branch circuit, to be supplied with a plug and hard-usage cable or cord.

Rule 52-008 specifies thata disconnect must be placed in the supply circuit in a location accessible from the radiation control of the diagnostic equipment. The rating of the disconnect for X-ray or computerized tomography equipment is based on 100% of the power input required for the long-time rating of the equipment, or 50% of the power input required for the momentary rating of the equipment, whichever is greater. For equipment on a 120volt, 30amp circuit, the required disconnect may be a receptacle and plug of the appropriate size.

Rule 52-010 exempts transformers and capacitors, forming part of diagnostic imaging equipment, from the requirements of Section 26. This equipment must comply with the CEC Part II product standard for the equipment. Capacitors must be provided with a means for automatically discharging and grounding the plates when the supply is disconnected. This is not required if the current-carrying parts of the capacitors and conductors are located 2.5 meters or more above the floor and accessible to only authorized persons, or, if located within 2.5 meters of the floor, within:

metal enclosures that are bonded to ground, or
enclosures of insulating material.

Rule 52-012 provides for protection where step-up transformers are used for diagnostic equipment. The low-voltage circuit of the step-up transformer is required to have an overcurrent device with no exposed live parts, installed as part of or adjacent to the equipment that protects the high-voltage radiographic circuit from all fault conditions. Where the above overcurrent device is too large to protect other fluoroscopic or therapeutic circuits on the equipment, additional overcurrent protection needs to be installed to protect these circuits. In the case of portable equipment, the above requirements also apply, however an exemption can be applied if all high-voltage parts are enclosed in a single metal enclosure, bonded to ground. Where more than one apparatus is supplied by a common high-voltage source, other switches must be installed to independently disconnect each apparatus from the high-voltage source.

Rule 52-014 reiterates that all non-current-carrying parts of apparatus, including ancillary equipment, must be bonded to ground in accordance with the requirements of Section 10.

Rule 52-016 provides the requirements for determining ampacity of insulated supply conductors and rating of overcurrent protection for diagnostic imaging equipment. For a single piece of equipment, use the larger of:

the long-time current rating of the equipment, or
50% of the momentary current-rating required on a radiographic setting.

Note that this information is contained on the equipment faceplate.

Where more than one piece of diagnostic equipment is supplied, the rating of the insulated supply conductors and overcurrent device is based on:

The sum of the long time current ratings of all the equipment supplied by the circuit, or
The sum of 50% of the maximum momentary current rating for the two largest units supplied, plus 20% of the maximum momentary current rating of the other units, when the equipment is on a radiographic setting.

Previous Installment: Section 46 — Emergency Power Supply, Unit Equipment, Exit Signs, and Life Safety Systems

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 54 — Community antenna distribution and radio and television installations

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 46

Blake Marchand — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:04:30 +0000

November 10, 2025

By William (Bill) Burr[i]

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendices B and G or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code. These notes are based on the 26^th edition.

Section 46 — Emergency Power Supply, Unit Equipment, Exit Signs, and Life Safety Systems

Rule 46-000 Scope – states that Section 46 is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to the installation, operation, and maintenance of emergency power supply and unit equipment intended to provide power to life safety systems, exit signs, and illumination of exit signs in the event of failure of the normal power supply in cooperation with the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada. Appendices B, G and the CSA CEC Handbook provide additional explanations and diagrams.

Rule 46-002 – provides some special terminology for this section and defines emergency power supply, life safety systems and unit equipment in accordance with the terms in the National Building Code of Canada.

The Section is divided into 4 parts:

general rules, which applies to all emergency power supplies and unit equipment,
emergency power supplies,
unit equipment, and
exit signs.

General

Rule 46-100 specifies that an emergency power supply, including unit equipment must have adequate capacity for all the equipment that is connected to it in case of a normal power failure.

Rule 46-102 requires that complete instructions for operation, care and monthly testing be posted, under glass, and on the premises, in conformance with the National Building Code of Canada.

Rule 46-104 states that, where batteries are used as the emergency power supply, they must be maintained in proper condition and fully charged.

Rule 46-106 specifies that emergency lights must be on a dedicated emergency circuit, with no other lamps connected to it, and need to be arranged so that the area covered is illuminated even if any one lamp fails.

Rule 46-108 outlines the wiring method for all insulated conductors, with a few exceptions as noted below, required for life safety systems, emergency power supplies, exit signs and between unit equipment and remote lamps. In addition to the methods outlined in this rule, the National Building Code of Canada or Provincial Building Codes must be referenced for additional requirements for fire protection of insulated conductors and cables that may apply. For additional information see Appendices B and G. These methods include:

metal raceway of the totally enclosed type,
cable having a metal armour or sheath,
rigid non-metallic conduit, and,
electrical non-metallic tubing imbedded in at least 50mm of poured concrete or masonry.

Exceptions to this rule include:

insulated conductors and cables installed in buildings of combustible construction where rules 12-506 to 12-520 apply and may be run as NMSC or in totally enclosed non-metallic raceway, and
use of flexible cord and attachment plug for unit equipment in accordance with Rule 46-304(3).

In addition, the above noted insulated conductors and cables must be kept separate from all other insulated conductors and equipment, except for transfer switches and exit and emergency lights with two sources of supply. Also, the supply for any other electrical equipment that is not part of the “life safety system” must not enter any busway, splitter, or other enclosure that is part of the emergency power supply as per rule 46-208.

Emergency power supply

Rule 46-200 notes that Rules 46-202 to 46-212 only apply to central standby power sourced emergency power supplies.

Rule 46-202 outlines that emergency power supplies, in conformance with the National Building Code of Canada, must consist of:

an automatically rechargeable storage battery with sufficient capacity to maintain at least 91% of full load voltage for a minimum of 30 minutes; or
an automatically and failure-free starting and transferring generator conforming to CSA C282 with sufficient capacity to carry the full load of the emergency power supply.

Note that where storage batteries are used they should not be automobile or lead acid batteries unless of the totally enclosed glass-jar type, except by special permission granted under rule 2-030.

Rule 46-204 reaffirms that all insulated power, control, and communication conductors and cables required for emergency power supply, and installed outside the generator room, must, as per the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada, be protected against fire exposure to maintain continued operation.

Rule 46-206 specifies that an automatic transfer switch, solely accessible to authorized persons, that actuates upon failure of the normal power supply, must control the emergency power supply. Where an area is adequately illuminated by daylight and artificial light is only needed at night, an automatic light-actuated device may be used to control emergency illumination separately in this area.

Rule 46-208 requiresthat the overcurrent protection for an emergency power supply needs to be coordinated with OC devices ,for feeders and circuits supplying life safety and other emergency power supply equipment, to provide selective operation in the event of a fault. These overcurrent devices must be accessible to authorized persons only.

An exception to this is where, in accordance with CSA C282:19 Emergency Electrical Power Supply for Buildings, or Rule 32-306 (6), the overcurrent protective devices are connected upstream of the main disconnecting means and overcurrent device connecting the generator to the emergency electrical power system, selective coordination between the overcurrent protective devices is not required.

Rule 46-210 outlines that all emergency power supplies need to be equipped with audible and visual trouble signal devices that:

warn of the normal source current failure,
indicate exit signs or life safety systems are supplied from the emergency power supply,
are connected so that they can be silenced, but continually show a red warning or trouble light, and
when the system is returned to normal, continue to audibly indicate the need to restore, or automatically reset, the silencing switch to normal.

Rule 46-212 specifiesthat remote lamps, located some distance from the power supply, must have a voltage drop limited to 5% of applied voltage.

Unit equipment

Rule 46-300 outlines that Rules 46-302 to 46-306 apply to unit equipment for emergency lighting only, as defined in Appendix B.

Rule 46-302 requires the bottom enclosure of unit equipment to be mounted at least 2 meters above the floor where practicable. Note that the definition of practicable includes the synonym “feasible”.

Rule 46-304 specifies the requirements that the supply connections for unit equipment include:

permanent connection, if the voltage exceeds 250 volts or 24 amps,
flexible cord and attachment plug located 2.5 meters above the floor and within 1.5 meters of the unit equipment, where the ratings above are not exceeded, and
automatic actuation upon failure of the normal lighting power supply to the area covered.

Rule 46-306 provides the requirements for remote lamps to unit equipment and requires that:

the voltage drop of insulated conductors be limited to 5% of the marked output voltage of the unit equipment,
remote lamps be included in the list of lamps provided for that unit, and
the number of lamps connected to a single unit does not exceed the power output rating of the unit for the duration of the emergency period.

Exit signs

Rule 46-400 requires that exit signs be:

connected to a dedicated circuit, except where connected to a circuit supplying emergency lighting in the same area,
illuminated by an emergency power supply, where emergency lighting is required by the National Building Code of Canada. Note that the NBC requires that exit signs be illuminated continuously, so no switch, time clock, or other disconnecting means, may be inserted in the circuit.

Previous Installment: Section 44 — Theater Installations

Next installment: Section 52 — Diagnostic imaging installations (Note: Sections 48 and 50 have been deleted from the Code in previous editions)

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] – A Road Map: Section 44 — Theater Installations

Blake Marchand — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:42:29 +0000

by William (Bill) Burr[i]

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code. These notes are based on the 26^th edition.

Rule 44-000 Scope – states that Section 44 is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to electrical equipment and installations in buildings or parts thereof that are used for dramatic, operatic, motion picture or other shows. It should be noted that, because of rapid advances in the theater industry, some rules in this Section may refer to electrical equipment that may be obsolete. The CEC Handbook provides additional notes and diagrams to better explain this Section.

The Section is divided into 5 parts –

General rules, which applies to all theater installations,
Fixed stage switchboards,
Portable switchboards on stage,
Fixed stage equipment, and
Portable stage equipment.

General

Rule 44-100 Travelling shows – requires that a permit must be obtained before any electrical equipment is used for the initial performance of a travelling theater company, circus, or other type of travelling show, even if held in a theater. This ensures that a qualified person oversees the installation.

Rule 44-102 Wiring method requires that all wiring, in the stage, stage wing areas, orchestra pits and projection booths must be in rigid metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, mineral-insulated cable, flexible metal conduit, armoured cable, lead-sheathed armoured cable, aluminum-sheathed cable, or copper-sheathed cable. Note that surface raceways are not permitted on the stage side of the Proscenium wall. Flexible cord or cable is permitted in accordance with Rules 44-252, 44-320, 44-350, and44-354of this Section and other wiring must be in accordance with Section 12 or Section 76. The proscenium is the frame separating the stage from the audience.

Rule 44-104 limits the number of border, stage pocket, or remote-control circuit conductors to the requirements of Rule 12-910. In addition, the fill of conductors is limited to 20% of the cross-sectional area of auxiliary gutters or metal wireways.

Rule44-106 permits aisle light circuits to supply up to 30 – 25-watt lights.

Fixed stage switchboards

Rules 44-200 and 44-202 require fixed stage switchboards to:

be dead front,
have mechanical protection above the switchboard covering the full length as well as the space between the board and the wall behind,
have exposed live parts on the back of the board enclosed by the walls of the building, by metallic mesh grilles, or by other acceptable methods, and
have a self-closing door at the entrance of the enclosure.

Rule 44-204 specifies that only externally operated enclosed switches shall be used.

Rule 44-206 requires that a pilot lamp:

protected by a 15 amp or less overcurrent device, and
connected ahead of any master switch

be included in every switchboard enclosure that is connected to the circuit supplying the switchboard.

Rule 44-208 specifies that the fuse(s) for switchboards can be either plug or cartridge type but must be provided with an additional separate enclosure.

Rule 44-210 requires that an overcurrent device:

be connected in the ungrounded conductor of each circuit leaving the switchboard, and
thatnotwithstanding Rule 30-104, a 120-volt luminaire may be protected by an overcurrent device rated up to 100 A.

Rule 44-212 governs the installation of lighting dimmers and requires that:

they must be completely disconnected from the supply when they are in the open position,
resistance typedimmers that do not open the circuit may be connected in a grounded neutral conductor,
all current-carrying parts of dimmers must be enclosed to prevent accidental contact.

Rule 44-214 requires that stage and gallery pockets, which are receptacles in the performance space used to power stage lighting, be controlled from the switchboard.

Rule 44-216 provides that,due to the high heat and vibration that may be associated with switchboards, some additional requirements that insulated conductors must have are:

insulation suitable for the temperatures involved and not less than 125 °C.

an ampacity concurrent with the switch or overcurrent device to which they are connected.
bushed holes where they pass through a metal enclosure,
wire strands soldered together fastening under a clamp or binding screw, and
soldered into a lug or connected to a solderless lug, where the insulated conductor is No.8 AWG or larger.

Portable switchboards on stage

Rule 44-250 provides that portable switchboards must be constructed in substantial enclosures, which may be open during operation, if there are no exposed live parts except on dimmer faceplates.

Rule 44-252 requires that portable switchboards be supplied from an externally operated, enclosed, fused master switch within the switchboard that:

is supplied by a flexible cord, type S, SO, or ST, that has sufficient ampacity to carry the total load current of the switchboard,
arranged to cut off current from all apparatus within the enclosure, except the pilot light, and
has an ampere-rating of the fuses not greater than the total load current of the switchboard.

Fixed stage equipment

Rule 44-300 specifies that footlights be installed in individual outlet boxes, where connected using rigid metal conduit or EMT, or in a metal trough to ensure bonding continuity.

Rule 44-302 provides minimum thickness of not less than:

0.78 mm thick for metal work forfootlights, borders, proscenium sidelights, and strips, and
0.53 mm thick for metal work of bunches and portable strips.

Rule 44-304 requires that terminals of lampholders have a clearance of a minimum of 13mm from the metal trough.

Rule 44-306 calls forsuitable guards to protect borders, proscenium sidelights, and strips from mechanical damage and accidental contact with combustible material.

Rule 44-308 specifies that suspended luminaires in borders and strips must be electrically and mechanically safe.

Rule 44-310 because of possible severe vibration, conductor termination at lampholders need to have a positive and reliable connection by soldering or suitable solderless connections.

Rule 44-312 identifies that mogul lampholders need to be double-walled with adequate ventilation between the walls.

Rule 44-314 requires that conductors supplying field assembled foot, border, proscenium, and portable strip luminaires must have insulation rating suitable for the high operating temperatures involved and not less than 125 °C.

Rule 44-316 reiterates thatbranch circuit overcurrent protection for footlights, border lights, and proscenium sidelights must be consistent with Rule 30-104.

Rule 44-318 states that pendant lights containing lamps with more than 100-watt capacity need to be provided with a minimum 13mm mesh guard to contain and prevent falling glass.

Rule 44-320 specifies thatflexible cord supplying border lights must be:

S, SO, or ST type
fed from points on the grid iron or from other acceptable overhead points, but not from side walls,
arranged so that clamps and binding screws are free from strain,
provided with a metal bushing where passing through a metal or wooden enclosure, and
located to permit convenient access to terminals or binding posts inside the switchboard enclosure.

Rule 44-322 addresses the flexibility of wiring for arc pockets, which are receptacles that supply carbon-arc lighting fixtures.

Rule 44-324 states that at least one receptacle installed in gallery pockets be rated not less than 30 amps for use by higher capacity lighting equipment.

Rule 44-326 specifies thatarc and incandescent receptacles cannot be interchangeable and receptacles and plugs intended for the connection of:

arc lamps must be rated not less than 35 A and be supplied by a minimum No. 6 AWG insulated copper conductor, and
incandescent lamps be rated not less than 15 A and be supplied by a minimum No.12 AWG copper or No. 10 AWG insulated aluminum conductor.

Rule 44-328 requires that curtain motors must be the enclosed type.

Rule 44-330 governs the control and operation of flue dampers, which are located above the stage to allow smoke to exit in case of fire.Where stage flue dampers are released by an electrical device it must be:

held in the closed position and automatically released on power interruption,
controlled by at least two single-pole switches enclosed in self-closing but un-locked or latched metal boxes, one located at the electrician’s station, and the other as per Rule 28-604, and
rated for full circuit voltage, with minimal circuit resistance, and located in a protective metal box in the loft above the scenery.

Portable stage equipment

Rule 44-350 requires that electrical fixtures attached to scenery must be securely fastened and supplied with flexible cord or cable suitable for hard usage and selected in accordance with Rules 4-012 and 4-040. In addition, bushings must be used where stems of fixtures extend through the scenery.

Rule 44-352 directs that where festooned lighting is used that the joints be staggered and that guards or shades be used to prevent contact with combustible material.

Rule 44-354 states that supply cords be provided for wiring methods for:

arc lamps, bunches, or other portable equipment must be approved for extra-hard usage,
other miscellaneous portable equipment may be other than extra-hard usage, and,
all selected as per Rules 12-402 (1) and 12-406 9(1).

Rule 44-356 requires that special stage effects portable equipment must be acceptable to the local AHJ and located to prevent flames, sparks or hot particles contacting combustible material.

Previous Installment: Section 42 — Electric Welders

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 46 — Emergency Power Supply, Unit Equipment, Exit Signs, and Life Safety Systems.

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] – A Road Map: Section 42 — Electric Welders

Blake Marchand — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:05:42 +0000

September 15, 2025

by William (Bill) Burr[i]

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code. These notes are based on the 26^th edition.

Section 42 — Electric Welders

Rule 42-000 Scope – states that Section 42 is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to the installation of electric welders. There are two main types of welders – arc and resistance welders. Arc welders use a sacrificial rod to weld the metal target material together. Resistance welders fuse the metal target material together. Arc welders are divided further into transformer and motor-generator types.

Rule 42-002 Special terminology – contains definitions for special terms that apply to Section 42 that are not defined in Section 0 such as: actual primary current, duty cycle, and rated primary current. These terms will be important when calculating the ampacity of the supply conductors for welders.

Rule 42-004 Receptacles and attachment plugs – along with Appendix B notes, outlines that

where receptacles are installed for the plug and cord-connection of a portable welder, the ampacity rating of the overcurrent protection for the circuit can be more than the rating of the receptacle, but the receptacle must have a rating equal to or greater than the ampacity of the supply cable required for the primary current of the cord-connected welder. This is important because the high instantaneous inrush start-up current of the welder will exceed the branch circuit conductor ampacity. This prevents nuisance tripping.
where a welder receptacle is installed, it must be labeled to indicate:
- the receptacle is for a welder connection only,
- the AWG size of the insulated conductors,
- whether the insulated supply conductor is Cu/Al,
- the conductor insulation designation and temperature rating, and
- the ampere rating of the overcurrent device protecting the receptacle insulated supply conductors based on the duty rating (80% or 100%)

Transformer arc welders and inverter welders

Rule 42-006 Supply conductors – provides the factors in determining the ampacity of insulated supply conductors for transformer type arc or inverter welders. The ampacity depends on the duty cycle of a single welder, as in sub-rule (1) and the demand factors where a group of welders are supplied by one circuit as in sub-rule (2). Table 42A shows the correlation between duty cycle and demand factor and determination of the demand factor for multiple welder installations.

Rule 42-006: Supply Conductors

Individual Welders – For each transformer arc welder or inverter welder installed individually, the ampacity of the insulated supply conductors must be at least equal to the rated primary current of the welder (in amperes) multiplied by the corresponding factor listed in Table 42A.
Groups of Welders -When supplying a group of transformer arc welders or inverter welders from a single circuit, the ampacity of the supply conductors must be at least the sum of the current values determined for each welder using the method above, with the following demand factors applied:
- 100% of the two largest calculated currents
- 85% of the third largest calculated current
- 70% of the fourth largest calculated current
- 60% of the calculated currents for all remaining welders in the group
Reduced Values for Low Duty Cycles -Lower ampacity values than those specified above are allowed if the nature of the work makes a high operating duty cycle for individual welders impossible.

Rule 42-008: Overcurrent Protection for Transformer Arc Welders and Inverter Welders – specifies the factors to be used in calculating the rating of circuit overcurrent protection:

Overcurrent protection for each transformer arc welder and inverter welder must be rated or set at no more than 200% of the welder’s rated primary current, unless the overcurrent device protecting the insulated supply conductors meets this requirement.
Every ungrounded conductor supplying a transformer arc welder or inverter welder must be protected by an overcurrent device rated or set at no more than 200% of the ampacity of the insulated conductor, as specified in Table 1, 2, 3, or 4. The next higher rating or setting may be used if:
- The nearest standard rating of the overcurrent device is less than the required rating or setting, or
The required rating or setting would cause the overcurrent device to open too frequently.
For feeders supplying a group of transformer arc welders or inverter welders, the maximum rating or setting of the overcurrent protection must not exceed a value determined by:
- Calculating the maximum rating or setting permitted for the welder with the highest overcurrent protection, and
- Adding the sum of ampacities (as calculated by Rule 42-006 (1)) for all other welders in the group.

Rule 42-010 Disconnecting means – requires that where there is no integral disconnect on the welder, a switch or disconnect must be provided to disconnect the supply conductors and must have sufficient current rating capacity to accommodate the overcurrent protection as specified in Rule 42-008.

Motor-generator arc welders

Rule 42-012 Conductors, protection, and control of motor-generator arc welders – specifies that the requirements for insulated conductors, protection, and control of motor-generator arc welders are primarily governed by Sections 4 and 28. However, there are a few notable exceptions:

Motors must be marked in amperes only.
- If a controller is built-in as an integral part of the motor-generator set, it does not need to be separately marked, if all necessary data are included on the motor nameplate.
For an individual motor-generator arc welder, the ampacity of its insulated supply conductors must be at least the rated primary current (in amperes) of the welder multiplied by the applicable factor found in Table 42B.
When supplying a group of motor-generator arc welders, the ampacity of the insulated supply conductors must be not less than the sum of the calculated currents for each welder (using the method above), multiplied by the following demand factors:
- 100% of the two highest calculated currents in the group
- 85% of the third largest calculated current
- 70% of the fourth largest calculated current
- 60% of the calculated currents for all remaining welders in the group
In situations where it is impossible for individual welders to operate at a high duty cycle due to the nature of the work, lower values than those specified above may be used.

Resistance welders

Rule 42-014 Supply conductors for resistance welders – providesthe factors in determining the ampacity of insulated supply conductors serving resistance welders according to the various operating conditions of the equipment:

Individual seam or automatically fed resistance welders – the insulated supply conductors must have an ampacity of at least 70% of the welder’s rated primary current when operated at varying values of primary current or duty cycle.
Manually operated, non-automatic resistance welders – for welders operated at different times with different primary current or duty cycle values, supply conductors must have an ampacity of at least 50% of the rated primary current.
Welders with known and constant primary current and duty cycle – the ampacity of supply conductors should not be less than the value obtained by multiplying the actual primary current by the appropriate factor found in Table 42C.
Conductors supplying multiple resistance welders – the ampacity required is at least the sum of the following:
- The ampacity for the welder with the largest calculated supply conductor requirement (using the factors described above).
- 60% of the conductor ampacities calculated for all other welders in the group.

42-016 Overcurrent Protection – specifies the factors in determining the rating of the overcurrent protection:

Each resistance welder must have overcurrent protection rated or set at no more than 300% of its rated primary current, unless the device protecting supply conductors offers equivalent protection.
Each ungrounded conductor of a resistance welder must have overcurrent protection rated or set at no more than 300% of the conductor’s ampacity (as per Tables 1–4). The next higher standard rating is allowed if:
- the nearest standard rating is less than required; or
- the required rating causes nuisance tripping.
For feeders supplying multiple welders, the maximum overcurrent device rating is the highest permitted for any single welder plus the total ampacities calculated for the rest as per Rule 42-014.

Rule 42-018 Control of resistance welders – requires that a resistance welder have a disconnecting switch or circuit breaker rated at not less than the capacity of the insulated supply conductors, as per Rule 42-014 to isolate the welder from the supply circuit.

Rule 42-020 Nameplate data for resistance welders – requires data specific to the resistance welder to be provided on the nameplate including rated KVA at 50% duty cycle, maximum and minimum open-circuit secondary voltage, short circuit current and the throat and gap setting.

Previous Installment: Section 40 — Electric Cranes and Hoists

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 44 — Theatre installations

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] – A Road Map: Section 40 — Electric Cranes and Hoists

Blake Marchand — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 18:19:36 +0000

August 1, 2025

by William (Bill) Burr[i]

Section 40 — Electric Cranes and Hoists

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code. These notes are based on the 25^th edition.

Rule 40-000 Scope – This is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to the installation of electrical equipment and circuits for electric cranes, hoists, and monorails. The CEC Handbook provides additional notes and diagrams to better explain this section.

Rule 40-002 Supply conductor sizes – Because of the short duty of crane and hoist motors, insulated supply conductors are selected from Table 58, which specifically applies to Crane and Hoist installations.

Rule 40-004 Conductor protection – Insulated conductors supplying main contact conductors must be installed in approved protective wiring methods—such as rigid conduit, electrical metallic tubing, or sheathed cables—unless Rule 40-018 provides an exception. If a flexible connection to equipment is required, armoured or unarmoured cable, festoon cable, or flexible cord may be used, provided take-up devices are included to prevent cable damage and keep it clear of the operating area.

Rule 40-006 Overcurrent protection – For main contact insulated supply conductors or directly supplied equipment, the overcurrent protection must be selected as per Rule 28-200 and Tables 29 and D16 for the motor load, plus any allowance as per Rule 14-104 where conductors have been selected with capacity for the other loads on the crane or hoist.

Rule 40-008 Disconnecting means – All ungrounded conductorsof the main contact conductors must be capable of being simultaneously disconnected quickly for safety in an emergency and for maintenance. The disconnect must be within sight of the main contact conductors or the equipment. In addition, the disconnect must be accessible and be operable from the ground or floor over which the crane or hoist operates.

Rule 40-010 Main contact conductors – This rule requires thatwhere there are bare main contact conductors, they must have an ampacity not less than the conductors supplying them and, if wire conductors, shall be not smaller than No. 4 AWG copper, or No. 2AWG aluminum. If the conductors are more than 18 m long, then the minimum size must be No. 2 AWG copper or No. 1/0 AWG aluminum unless intermediate strain relief is provided by clamp type insulating supports. Bare conductors may be hard drawn copper, aluminum wire, or steel or other suitable metal in the form of angles, tees, T-rails, or other rigid shapes.

Rule 40-012 Spacing of main contact conductors – Because bare main contact conductors depend on free air space to provide insulation between phases and to ground, this rule outlines the minimum support separation required of main contact conductors installed in a horizontal plane of 75mm for monorail hoists and 155 mm for other than monorail hoists. If installed in other than a horizontal plane, the separation of the main contact conductor supports must be 200mm. They should also be supported so that the extreme limit of displacement maintains a separation of 38mm from any surface. Where the bare main contact conductors are rigid, the supports must provide a minimum separation of 25mm between conductors, collectors, and any surface.

Rule 40-014 Supporting of main contact conductors – In addition to the spacing required in Rule 40-012, the main contact conductors must be stretched between strain insulators at each end and supported throughout the length at 6m intervals. If building conditions preclude supporting at 6m intervals, it may be increased to a maximum of 12m intervals providing the separation between contact conductors is increased by the same proportion. In the case of rigid main contact conductors, insulated supports must be spaced at intervals of up to 80 times the vertical height of the conductor but not more than 4.5m. Refer to the CEC Handbook for diagrams illustrating support spacing and calculation notes.

Rule 40-016 Joints in rigid contact conductors – This rule outlines the importance of ensuring that any joints made in rigid main contact conductors must maintain the same ampacity of the conductors over the joint to eliminate any overheating.

Rule 40-018 Use of track as a conductor – This rule permits a single monorail, tramrail or crane runway track to be used as one of the main contact conductors or supply circuit conductors for one phase of a 3-phase circuit, providing it is derived from a single isolating transformer, does not exceed 300 v, is bonded to ground (see Rule 10-1100 to 10-1108), and any joints meet Rule 40-016.

Rule 40-020 Guarding of contact conductors – Requires that all contact conductors be guarded against inadvertent contact with bare current-carrying parts unless incorporated in an enclosed contact assembly. In addition, as long as a minimum clearance of 6 m between bare contact conductors and grade, floor, or any working surface (including a catwalk) is maintained, guarding of bare contact conductors may not be required.

Rule 40-022 Contact conductors not to supply other equipment – This rule prohibits the contact conductors supplying the crane, hoist or monorail feeding other equipment not essential to the operation of the crane, hoist or monorail.

Rule 40-024 Bonding – As per Rule 10-406 all exposed non-current carrying parts shall be bonded to ground. In addition, in the case of a track or rail used as a conductor, it shall be bonded in accordance with Rule 40-018. Note that metal wheels on metal rails may provide a low impedance grounding path. A flexible supply connection as per Rule 40-004(2) must contain a bonding conductor.

Previous Installment: Section 38 — Elevators, dumbwaiters, material lifts, escalators, moving walks, lifts for persons with physical disabilities, and similar equipment

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 42 — Electric Welders.

View all of the Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code Installments

[i] Source: CSA C22.1:21, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. © 2021 Canadian Standards Association. Please visit store.csagroup.org. With the permission of CSA Group, material is reproduced from CSA Group standard CSA C22.1:21, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. This material is not the complete and official position of CSA Group on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the Standard in its entirety. While use of the material has been authorized, CSA Group is not responsible for the manner in which the data are presented, nor for any representations and interpretations. No further reproduction is permitted. For more information or to purchase standard(s) from CSA Group, please visit store.csagroup.org or call 1-800-463-6727.

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] – A Road Map: Section 38

Blake Marchand — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 01:56:05 +0000

June 30, 2025

by William (Bill) Burr[i]

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook, but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code. These notes are based on the 25^th edition.

Section 38 — Elevators, dumbwaiters, material lifts, escalators, moving walks, lifts for persons with physical disabilities, and similar equipment.

The Numbering of the rules in Section 38 is an exception to the numbering system outlined in the Preface of the Code. The numbering of the rules in this section corresponds with the rule numbers of associated rules in the ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators and the CSA-B355, Lifts for Persons with Physical Disabilities. The reason for this is that most of these rules will be used by elevator constructors

Rule 38-001 Scope points out that this section is amendatory or supplementary to the general rules of the Code and applies to the installation of electrical equipment and wiring of elevators and similar equipment as per ASME A17.1/CSA B44, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators; CSA B44.1/ASME A17.5, Elevator and Escalator Electrical Equipment; CSA B355, Lifts for Persons with Physical Disabilities; and CAN/CSA-B163, Private Residence Lifts for Persons with Physical Disabilities.

Rule 38-002 Special terminology contains definitions for specific equipment – Motor controller, Operating device, and Signal equipment. Note that control equipment may be located in a single or multiple enclosures.

Rule 38-003 Voltage limitations outlines that generally voltage is limited to 300 volts except it is limited to 750 volts for:

branch circuits to door operator controllers,
door motors,
heating and air-conditioning equipment, located in the car,
branch circuit and feeders to motor controllers,
driving machine motors,
machine brakes, and motor-generator sets.

Branch lighting circuits are limited in accordance with Section 30. Note that CSA B44.1/ASME A17.1 also has voltage limitations within equipment.

Rule 38-004 Live parts enclosed requires that all live parts that can be contacted by users of the device must be enclosed to protect against accidental contact.

Rule 38-005 Working clearances – as an exception to the Requirements in Rule 2-308, the minimum headroom in working space around elevator associated electrical equipment is 2M. In addition, the working space of 1M in Rule 2-308 need not apply where only authorized persons have access and where other conditions as listed in sub-rules (2)(a) to (d) exist.

Rule 38-011 Insulation and types of conductors – conductors in hoistways, cars, platforms, wellways, machine rooms, and between the car or counterweight and the raceway must be selected in accordance with Tables 11 or 19 and the specific conditions of use, and the requirements of Rule 2-130. Note that the insulation voltage rating of all conductors must be equal to the maximum nominal circuit voltage rating of any conductor within the same enclosure, raceway, or cable.

Rule 38-012 Minimum size of conductors – the minimum size for conductors in travelling cables is:

No.14 AWG copper or equivalent ampacity for parallel conductors for lighting circuits, and
No.20 AWG copper for operating, control, signal, and extra-low-voltage lighting circuits.

The minimum size of conductor for all other operating, control, signal, and communications circuits must be No. 26 AWG copper.

Rule 38-013 Ampacity of feeder and branch-circuit conductors – the ampacity for conductors supplying:

the driving motor of the motor-generator set supplying power to the driving machine motor of a unit with generator field control, is based on the nameplate current rating of the driving motor.
a single motor is based on Rule 28-106 and Table 27.
a motor controller is based on the motor controller nameplate current rating plus all other connected loads.
a single power transformer is based on the nameplate current rating of the power transformer plus all other connected loads.
more than one motor, motor controller, or power transformer is based on the sum of the nameplate current ratings of the equipment plus all other connected loads. Ampere ratings of the motors are based on Rule 28-108 and Table 62.

Rule 38-014 Feeder demand factor – select from Table 62.

Rule 38-015 Motor controller rating – select according to Rule 28-500(1) except when the controller inherently limits the available power to the motor and is marked “power limited”.

Rule 38-021 Wiring methods outlines the various wiring methods for specific equipment and locations.

elevators: hoistways, cars, within machine rooms, control rooms and machinery spaces, control spaces, and counterweights.
escalators: insulated conductors and cables used in Class 1 extra-low voltage and Class 2 low-energy circuits, extra-low-voltage control cable, communication cable, fire alarm and signal cable, multiconductor jacketed thermoplastic-insulated cable, hard-usage cable, extra-hard-usage cables, flexible cords and cables that are components of approved equipment and used in extra-low-voltage circuits, extra-hard usage flexible cords selected in accordance with Rules 12-102 4) used as flexible connections on escalator or moving walk controllers and disconnecting means installed in conformance with Rules 38-005 2) a).
lifts for persons with physical disabilities: Insulated conductors and cables used in Class 1 extra-low voltage and Class 2 low-energy circuits, flexible cords and cables that are components of approved equipment and used in extra-low-voltage circuits (30 V or less).

Rules 38-022, to 38-025 outline the requirements for provision of single, sole, or separate branch circuits, for specific lighting, receptacles, other utilization equipment used in conjunction with Section 38 devices, or locations. In addition these rules specify locations for required lighting control switches and prohibit required lighting to be supplied from the load side of a GFCI.

Rules 38-032 and 38-033 reference Rule 12-910 and Table 8 for metal, non-metallic wireways and number of conductors in raceways.

Rule 38-034 Supports outlines that cables or raceways must be securely fastened to guide rails, moving walk trusses or hoistways, wellways, or runways construction.

Rule 38-035 Auxiliary gutters references Rules 12-1900, 12-1902, and 12-1904.

Rule 38-036 Grouping of insulated conductors lists cables and insulated conductors that are permitted to be run in the same raceway or travelling cable if all are insulated for the maximum voltage.

Rule 38-037 Wiring in hoistways, machine rooms, control rooms, and machinery spaces and control spaces specifies that only insulated conductors used in connection with the operation, protection, communication, control or lighting and ventilation of equipment covered by Section 38 is permitted to be installed in hoistways, runways, machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces, control spaces or escalator wellways.

Rule 38-041 Suspension of travelling cables lists the locations and methods of suspending travelling cables.

Rule 38-042 Hazardous locations references Section 18.

Rule 38-043 Location of and protection for cables requires minimizing any possible damage to conductors and, where necessary, protecting with guards.

Rule 38-044 Installation of travelling cables provides that travelling cables suitably supported and protected from damage need not be installed in conduit or raceway.

Rule 38-051 Disconnecting means sets out the need to provide:

characteristics, visibility, indication, identification, accessibility, and location of disconnecting means for all ungrounded conductors of:
drive motors, ventilation, heating, air-conditioning, lighting, and control circuits for each device covered by this Section.
It requires that there be only one disconnect for multiple driving machines of single devices, and
that a sign identifying the location of supply side overcurrent devices be provided.

The rule also prohibits automatic closing of disconnection means on power failure restoration and requires manual closing only.

38-052 Power from more than one source requires that in single and multi-car installations, where equipment is supplied from more than one power source, a single disconnect is provided within sight of all the equipment served. Where parts of controllers or interconnection of controllers are energized from a different source a clear, legible warning sign is required.

Rules 38-053 and 38-054 requires that:

single, enclosed, externally operable, fused motor circuit switches or circuit breakers,
capable of being locked in the open position,
for disconnecting all ungrounded car light, receptacle, ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning supply conductors, be located in the machine or control room for that car.

The disconnecting means needs to be numbered to correspond to the car light source it controls and be provided with a sign identifying the location of the supply overcurrent device.

Rule 38-055 Utilization equipment disconnecting means requires that:

a single, enclosed, externally operable, fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker,
capable of being locked in the open position,
for disconnecting each branch circuit for other utilization equipment supply conductors, be located in the machine or control room.

The disconnecting means needs to be numbered to correspond to identifying number of the equipment it controls and be provided with a sign identifying the location of the supply overcurrent device.

Rule 38-061 Overcurrent protection:

References Section 14 and Section 16, for provision of overcurrent and protection for operating, control, signal, Class 2 extra-low voltage, and low-energy circuits.
The overload protection for each ac drive motor of a Section 38 device, or of a motor-generator set supplying current to the machine-drive motor, is selected in accordance with Rule 28-302.
Overload devices shall be provided for each dc machine-drive motor providing power to two drive motors, and where the overcurrent protection of Section 14 is inadequate, or subject to reduced voltage during levelling.

Rule 38-062 Selective coordination requires overcurrent protection to be coordinated with upstream overcurrent devices.

Rule 38-071 Guarding equipment requires that driving machines, motor-generator sets, motor controllers, and disconnecting means shall be installed in a room or space that is secured against unauthorized access except where motor controllers are:

in enclosures with doors or removable panels capable of being locked in the closed position, and the disconnecting means is integral to or adjacent to the motor controller,
in enclosures that are in the balustrade on the side away from the moving steps or treadway,
provided as an integral part of the motor controller, operable without opening the enclosure,
in elevators with driving machines located on the car, counterweight, or in the hoistway and driving machines for dumbwaiters, material lifts, and lifts for persons with physical disabilities.

Rules 38-081 to 38-084 specify that all metal parts of Section 38 devices must be bonded to ground in accordance with Section 10.

Rule 38-085 Ground fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel requires that:

except for a single receptacle supplying a permanently installed sump pump, each 125V, single-phase receptacle installed in pits, hoistways, elevator and enclosed vertical lift car tops, escalator and moving walk wellways shall be a Class A GFCI type.
all 125V, single-phase receptacles installed in machine rooms and spaces shall have Class A GFCI protection.

Rule 38-091 Emergency power provides guidelines for operation of elevators from an emergency power supply in the event of normal power failure:

Where the elevator system regenerates power back into a power source that may be unable to absorb it, other building loads, such as power and lighting, that are automatically connected to the emergency power may be utilized to absorb the regenerative power.
A disconnecting means in accordance with Rule 38-051 must disconnect both the emergency power source and the normal power source.
Where an additional power source is connected to the load side of the disconnecting means, which allows automatic movement of the car or movement of the carriage controlled by users, the disconnecting means shall be provided with an auxiliary contact that:
- mechanically opens positively,
- is not solely dependent on springs, and
- must cause the additional power source to be disconnected from its load when the disconnecting means is in the open position.

Previous Installment: Section 36 – High Voltage Installations

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 40 — Electric cranes and hoists.

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i] – A Road Map: 26th Edition, Section 36 – High Voltage Installations

Blake Marchand — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:36:36 +0000

June 2, 2025

By William (Bill) Burr

The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the explanations of individual requirements contained in the CEC Handbook but will hopefully provide some help in navigating the Code. These notes are based on the 25^th edition.

Section 36 – High Voltage Installations

Although Rule 36-000 has not yet been amended, note that the definition of voltage in Section 0 – Definitions has been revised in the 26^th edition:

“Voltage —

Extra-low voltage —

a) for ac circuits, any voltage not exceeding 30 V ac; or

b) for dc circuits, any voltage not exceeding 60 V dc.

Low voltage —

a) for ac circuits, any voltage exceeding 30 V ac but not exceeding 1000 V ac; or

b) for dc circuits, any voltage exceeding 60 V dc but not exceeding 1500 V dc.

High voltage —

a) for ac circuits, any voltage exceeding 1000 V ac; or

b) for dc circuits, any voltage exceeding 1500 V dc.”

Installations operating above 1000 volts ac or 1500 volts dc require special rules and conditions because high voltage arcs can travel through free air and along the surface of some materials. In addition, non-current-carrying metal parts can carry dangerous voltages along their surfaces in a ground-fault situation without effective bonding to ground.

General Requirements

Rule 36-000 Scope – this is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and, as per the note above, applies to all electrical installations operating above 1000 volts ac or 1500 volta dc. Note that the rules of the code for installations operating at 1000 volts or less also apply.

The Scope also mandates that the supply authority and the inspection department be consulted before commencing any installation covered by this section.

Also noted is that the rules of this section do not affect factory assembled equipment approved under the Canadian Electrical Code, Part II standards. Refer to Appendix B and the CEC Handbook for additional information.

Rule 36-002 denotes some special terminology with definitions that applies to this section – Boundary fence, Coupler, Ground grid conductor, Maximum ground fault current, Potential rise of ground grid, Station, Step voltage, and Touch voltage. The CEC Handbook contains an explanation of touch and step voltages with good diagrams. In addition, see Table 52.

Rule 36-004 Guarding – requires that the live parts of high-voltage electrical equipment must be accessible only to authorized persons.

Rule 36-006 Warning notices – specifies the required wording, specifications and various locations where warning notices and signs are required.

Wiring Methods

Rule 36-100 Conductors – stipulates that

bare or insulated conductors not enclosed in grounded metal must be used only:
- outdoors,
- in electric equipment vaults in accordance with Rules 26- 350 to 26-356,
- in cable trays in accordance with Rule 12- 2202, or
- in service rooms accessible only to authorized persons.
insulated conductors or cables used indoors or attached to buildings outdoors must be:
- installed in metal conduit,
- installed in electrical metallic tubing,
- installed as metal-enclosed busways,
- cables with a continuous metal sheath, steel wire armour, or of the interlocking armour type, or,
- Type TC tray cable installed in cable tray in accordance with Rule 12- 2202.
High-voltage TC cables installed in the same tray with low-voltage conductors must have:
- a metal barrier not less than 1.34 mm thick separating them.
- permanent marking of the location of conductors imbedded in concrete or masonry,
- conductive coverings stripped back from terminals to prevent current leakage, and
- a minimum mechanical strength of #6 AWG for service conductors.

Rule 36-102 Radii of Bends – notes that the minimum bending radii for cables must conform to Table 15.

Rule 36-104 Shielding of thermoset insulated conductors – high-voltage cables with thermoset insulation operating at more than 2000 volts must have

a metallic shield layer over the insulation, and
metal sheaths, shielding, armour, conduit, and fittings must be connected together and
bonded to ground in accordance with Rule 10-606 to equalize the dielectric stress on the insulation layer, except where the conductors meet the conditions outlined in sub rules (2), (3), and (4).

Appendix B provides additional information that any fabric tape, semi-conducting or otherwise, over the insulation should be removed completely with the metal shielding and the surface of the insulation thoroughly cleaned to remove any current-carrying residue. At all terminations and joints, stress cones must be made and adequate leakage distance provided from bare live parts. Electrical continuity of the metal shielding must be maintained across insulated joints.

Rule 36-106 Supporting of exposed conductors – conductors not enclosed in grounded metal must be sufficiently insulated from their supports to withstand any stresses imposed by a possible short circuit in the supply system.

Rule 36-108 Spacing of exposed conductors – conductors and other bare live parts must conform to the spacing outlined in Tables 30 and 31. Where the conductors are connected to terminals with less spacing, they are required to meet the required spacing at the first support point.

Rule 36-110 Guarding of live parts and exposed conductors – conductors not in contact with grounded metal and bare live parts must be accessible only to authorized persons, and isolated by elevation or barriers in accordance with Tables 32, 33, and 34. For voltages more than these tables and for conductors crossing highways, railways and communication lines, use the requirements in CAN/CSA-C22.3 No.1. Where a span following Table 34 exceeds 50 meters, increase the clearance by 1% of the excess.

Rule 36-112 Terminating facilities – where cables are terminated, they must be protected from moisture or mechanical damage.

Rule 36-114 Joints in sheathed cables – where sheathed cables are spliced or tapped, the covering insulation and shielding must be electrically and mechanically equivalent to that on the conductors or cables. In addition, the continuity of any bonded metal or conducting sheath must be maintained or the joint must be made in a suitable splicing box that maintains the bonding path continuity.

Rule 36-116 Elevator shafts – high-voltage insulated conductors or cables are not permitted in elevator shafts unless installed in conduit imbedded in and surrounded by not less than 50mm of masonry or concrete.

Rule 36-118 Conductors over buildings – states that high voltage conductors must not be installed over buildings.

Control and Protective Equipment

Rule 36-200 Service Equipment Location – as per Rule 6-206, service equipment must comply with the location requirements of the supply authority and be at the service entrance point either inside the building or in an outdoor fenced switch yard.

Rule 36-202 Rating and Capacity – it is important that the type and ratings of circuit breakers, fuses and switches are sufficient to provide protection and current-limiting from the high levels of energy during a short circuit. Compliance with Rule 14-012, the requirements of the supply authority, and the rules for other electrical equipment is required.

Rule 36-204 Overcurrent Protection – all ungrounded conductors must have overcurrent protection by a circuit breaker or fuse having adequate rating and interrupting capacity. Fuses must be accessible to authorized persons only and be preceded by a group-operated visible break load-interrupting device or visible break air-break device that may be closed, with safety to the operator, with a fault on the system.

Rule 36-206 Indoor Installation of circuit breakers, switches, and fuses – these must be totally enclosed or installed in an area with non-combustible construction, and for dielectric liquid-filled equipment must conform to Rule 26-012.

Rule 36-208 Interlocking of fuse compartments – to prevent access to energized fuses, the cover or door of the fuse compartment must be interlocked with the isolating means so that there is:

no access to the fuses unless the isolating or disconnecting means immediately ahead of the fuses is in the de-energized position,
no access to the fuses where the fuses may be energized from either side, unless the isolating or disconnecting means on both sides of the fuses are in the de-energized position; and
no possibility to place the switch into the closed position until the fuse compartment has been closed and the interlock re-engaged.

Rule 36-210 Protection and Control of Instrument Transformers – in addition to complying with Rule 26-262, instrument voltage transformers must have a disconnecting means on the supply side of the fuses.

Rule 36-212 Outdoor Installations – field assembled high-voltage switches and fuses must conform to the spacing outlined in Table 35. Horn-gap switches must be mounted horizontally and be capable of being locked in the open position.

Rule 36-214 Disconnecting Means – a load breaking device is required wherever high-voltage insulated conductors or cables fed from a station enter a building.

It must be located either:
- at the entry of the insulated conductors or cable into the building, or
- at the supply station, and
- be capable of being operated from within the building.
Except where the load breaking device is the draw-out type, the contacts must be visible for inspection in the open position.
It must also be provided with a group-operating isolating switch on the supply side that provides:
- visible inspection of the contacts in the open and closed position,
- interlocking to prevent operation under load, and
- positive indicators of position.
Where there is more than one source of voltage or possibility of feedback in a station, the visibility of contacts, as above, must be provided in all circuits where a feedback could occur. The Appendix B note provides a further explanation in understanding this concept.

Grounding and Bonding

Rule 36-300 Material and Minimum Size of Grounding Conductors and Ground Grid Conductors and Connections – conductors ideally should be copper and sized per Rules 36-302 to 36-310 and Table 51. Materials other than copper can be used if:

the current carrying capacity is equal or greater than that specified for copper conductors,
consideration is given to galvanic action when buried in ground or in contact with dissimilar metals, and
methods of connecting maintain the required current-carrying capacity of the connection for the life of the electrode design.

Reference should also be made to IEEE 80, IEEE 837 and CSA C22.2 No. 41 for additional information.

Rule 36-302 Station Ground Electrode – provides the specifications for constructing a station ground electrode either outdoors or indoors to meet the requirements of Rule 36-304.

Rule 36-304 Station Ground Resistance – outlines the specifications necessary to provide the maximum permissible resistance of the station ground electrode, to limit the potential rise of all parts of the station ground grid to 5000 volts and to the tolerable step and touch voltages specified in Table 52. In special circumstances, in accordance with Rule 2-030, higher voltage rise may be permitted up to the insulation level of communication equipment.

Rule 36-306 Station Exemption – provides exemption from conducting soil resistivity, analysis of touch and step voltages or measurement of resistance of the station ground electrode or touch voltage near the ground electrode where the phase-to-phase voltage is less than 7500 volts, the ground surface covering meets Rule 36-304(5), and the ground potential rise (GPR) will not exceed touch and step voltages in Table 52.

Rule 36- 308 Connections to the Station Ground Electrode – requires that all non-current carrying metal equipment and structures forming part of the station must be grounded to the station ground electrode and provides the sizes of grounding conductor and methods of connection of various items.

Rule 36-310 Gang-operated Switch Handle Grounds – provides methods for grounding of switches to the ground electrode and requirements for a metallic gradient control mat to maintain the touch voltage to Table 52 tolerances.

Rule 36-312 Grounding of Metallic Fence Enclosures of outdoor stations – specifies the location of the fence and the various points and methods of connection of parts of it to the station ground electrode, and requires that:

touch voltages within 1 meter of a boundary fence, located close to the station fence, must not exceed the tolerable values of Table 52 (the CEC Handbook provides several good diagrams showing effective connections to the station ground electrode),
the station ground electrode must be connected to the fence by a tap conductor at each end post, corner post, gate post, and at intermediate posts at intervals not exceeding 12 m, by a conductor of not less than No. 2/0 AWG copper,
the tap conductor at each hinge gate post must be clamped or bonded to the gate frame by a copper braid or a flexible copper conductor of at least No. 2/0 AWG,
the tap conductor must be connected to the fence post, the bottom tension wire, the fence fabric (where the conductor may be woven in at least two places), the top rail, and each strand of barbed wire, with the connection to the bottom tension wire, the fence fabric, and barbed wire strands made with bolted or equivalent connectors, and with the top rail connections bonded at every joint by a jumper equivalent to No. 2/0 AWG copper.
When there is a metal boundary fence in proximity to the station fence, the touch voltages within 1 m of all parts of the boundary fence must not exceed the tolerable values specified in Table 52.

High Voltage Couplers

Rule 36-400 General – High voltage couplers are permitted only where the electrical installation ismaintained by qualified persons.

Rule 36-402 Cables – Male and female high voltage couplers intended to mate must be attached to cables that have the same insulation temperature rating. The ampacity of cables connecting high voltage couplers intended for use on general purpose branch circuits or feeders must not be less than the ampere rating of the coupler.

Rule 36-404 Wiring Methods – Wiring methods in high voltage couplers must be in accordance with Section 12.

Rule 36-406 Terminations – Conductor terminations must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Rule 36-408 Bonding – A high voltage coupler with a bonding contact must have the bonding conductor sized in accordance with Table 16.

Rule 36-410 Protective devices –Requires that:

High voltage couplers must be connected only to circuits having a nominal system voltage and ampere rating equal to or less than the coupler rating.
Circuits which utilize couplers must be provided with devices that automatically open the circuit and will not automatically reset if overcurrent, overload, undervoltage or ground fault occurs on any of the power conductors.
The bonding conductor monitoring system must de-energize the supply by a failsafe circuit in less than 0.5 s, and a de-energized supply must not become reenergized if the bond-check conductor opens; the bond-return conductor opens; or the bond-check conductor shorts to ground.
A bonding conductor monitoring system must have an open circuit voltage of less than 100V and shall continuously indicate the status of the bond-circuit continuity.

In the next installment, we will be discussing Section 38 – Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Material Lifts, Escalators, Moving walks, Lifts for Persons with Physical Disabilities, and Similar Equipment.