New Canadian Electrical Code Goes Interactive with Electronic Version

2015 Edition Includes More than 200 Updates and Revisions to Help Keep Canadians Safe

TORONTO, Jan. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - CSA Group, a leading standards development organization and a global provider of testing and certification services, today officially announces the availability of the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part 1. The 2015 CE Code is the 23rd edition of Canada's primary standard for electrical installations, includes more than 200 updates and revisions, and is offered in a new interactive version that provides users enhanced ability to locate, interpret and calculate requirements of the code on a tablet or phone.

New and extensively updated sections focus on renewable energy, electric heating and hazardous locations classifications. A separate document entitled "Top 16 CE Code Changes" provides an overview of the changes and how they impact various stakeholders.

"CSA Group is looking to modernize the way we develop and offer standards. Our new interactive version of the CE Code allows people to reference the document from their phone or tablet," said Gianluca Arcari, Executive Director, Standards and Vice President, CSA Group. "Users can now easily access and find the relevant sections on a portable device, while they are on the job. This is just one of ways we are changing to meet the needs of our clients. Most importantly, these changes will help workers to easily access information that helps make everyone safer."

In the 2015 CE Code, renewable energy systems are now covered in one section.  Requirements for photovoltaic systems have been merged with requirements for renewable energy systems, such as wind and hydrokinetic, and there are significant updates reflecting the latest technologies and safety features for occupants and first responders.

The updated Code now changes Section 18, hazardous locations, to focus exclusively on the Zone system of classification. The section has been revised to introduce the IEC classification for locations containing explosive dust atmospheres, such as grain elevators and flour mills.

Another important change is to the section on electric heating. Installation requirements for electric heating equipment have been rationalized and grouped into general rules, where appropriate. New requirements have been added for skin-effect trace heating systems and heating systems by Class 1 extra-low voltage power circuits.

About the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I
The Canadian Electrical Code, Part I is an integral part of the Canadian Electrical Safety System that helps keep Canadians safe from harm. The CE Code, Part I covers the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment for operation at all voltages in buildings, structures, and premises (including factory-built relocatable and non-relocatable structures).

The 2015 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, includes numerous updates:

• Arc fault circuit interrupters: New requirements expand the use of arc fault circuit interruption (AFCI) technology to include most rooms within dwelling units.
• High voltage cable ampacities: Ampacity tables have been added for conductors rated 5kV to 46kV.
• Receptacles for residential dining areas: Modern homes tend to have open concept kitchen and dining areas and can include entertainment areas and workspaces. The code has been revised to reflect the same requirements for great rooms as for living rooms and bedrooms.
• Reduction of shock drowning in marinas: To increase safety, the requirements for ground fault circuit interrupter protection of class A type receptacles has been extended to all 125V, 15A and 20A receptacles installed on fixed or floating piers, docks or wharves in fishing harbours or on marine structures.

The standard is available for sale online, by calling toll free 1-800 463 6727, or via email. To support organizations in understanding and implementing the extensive changes contained in the 2015 Canadian Electrical Code, CSA Group offers a variety of CE Code-related publications, resources and training tools designed to help advance the use of new or updated electrical installation practices contained in the new code. From the new interactive standard, to study guides for apprentices and CE Code update training, CSA Group has a variety of options available.

About CSA Group
CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit membership association dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. Its knowledge and expertise encompass standards development; training and advisory solutions; global testing and certification services across key business areas including hazardous location and industrial, plumbing and construction, medical, safety and technology, appliances and gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability; as well as consumer product evaluation services. The CSA certification mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group visit www.csagroup.org.

SOURCE CSA Group

For further information: Media Contact: Allison Hawkins, Manager, Corporate Affairs, 416-747-2615, [e-mail]