CSA C22.1:21

Overview

For 90 years, the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I has been developed and updated to help better protect electrical workers and promote improved consistency in electrical installations across the country.

Why should you buy the 2021 Edition?

Now in its 25th edition, the CSA C22.1:21, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I includes over 200 additions and revisions, including:

·    Changes to hazardous location requirements.

·    New content addressing energy storage systems and climate change adaptation.

·    New tables, diagrams and clarified text to better explain electrical installation requirements.

·    Clearer requirements for wiring in and between subdivided dwelling units.

·    Rules for functionally grounded renewable energy systems.

Did you know?

The CE Code is developed with the participation of Provincial and Territorial AHJs, manufacturers, educators, designers, conformity assessment professionals and many industry experts. The code is updated every three years to better protect electrical workers and help make electrical installation and maintenance safer.

All paper copies of the CE Code, Part I include a free copy of the Electrical Quick Reference Guide, offering you easy access to the most used clauses and definitions.

Preface

This twenty-fifth edition of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, was approved by the Committee on the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, and by the Regulatory Authority Committee at their June 2020 meetings. This twenty-fifth edition supersedes the previous editions, published in 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009, 2006, 2002, 1998, 1994, 1990, 1986, 1982, 1978, 1975, 1972, 1969, 1966, 1962, 1958, 1953, 1947, 1939, 1935, 1930, and 1927.

This edition contains important revisions to many Sections. Section 64 features a new Subsection governing installation of energy storage systems and Rules for functionally-grounded renewable energy systems. Several important changes appear in Section 26, including a new requirement for ground fault circuit interrupter protection for all 15 A and 20 A receptacles located outdoors within 2.5 m of grade.

New requirements in support of climate change adaptation appear in several Sections of the Code. Section 22 now contains a new Subsection for farm buildings housing livestock, as well as revised Rules for equipment in Category 1 and 2 locations.

Other significant revisions in this edition include the following:

• redundant or out-of-date requirements, such as the Rules for open wiring, have been removed;

• the definition for “Voltage — Low voltage” has been revised in Section 0;

• clarification has been provided on impedance grounded system operation under fault condition in Section 10;

• new requirements for electrical equipment installed near roof decking systems have been added in Section 12;

• load calculations and equipment layout for recreational vehicle lots have been updated in Section 72;

• Table 19 has been completely reorganized, simplified, and shortened;

• Annexes A.1 and A.2 of Appendix A have been removed and are now hosted online; and

• Appendix E has been deleted.

Many of the changes in this edition were developed by cross-functional working groups. Their work is gratefully acknowledged.

Scope

This Code applies to all electrical work and electrical equipment operating or intended to operate at all voltages in electrical installations for buildings, structures, and premises, including factory-built relocatable and non-relocatable structures, and self-propelled marine vessels stationary for periods exceeding five months and connected to a shore supply of electricity continuously or from time to time, with the following exceptions:

a) installations or equipment employed by an electric, communication, or community antenna distribution system utility in the exercise of its function as a utility, as recognized by the regulatory authority having jurisdiction, and located outdoors or in buildings or sections of buildings used for that purpose;

b) equipment and facilities that are used in the operation of an electric railway and are supplied exclusively from circuits that supply the motive power;

c) installations or equipment used for railway signalling and railway communication purposes, and located outdoors or in buildings or sections of buildings used exclusively for such installations;

d) aircraft; and

e) electrical systems in ships that are regulated under Transport Canada.

For mines and quarry applications, see also CSA M421.

This Code and any standards referenced in it do not make or imply any assurance or guarantee by the authority adopting this Code with respect to life expectancy, durability, or operating performance of equipment and materials so referenced.

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