SPE-1000-09

Preface

This is the third edition of CSA SPE-1000, Model code for the field evaluation of electrical equipment. It supersedes the previous editions published in 1999 and 1994.

This Model Code is based upon guidelines for special inspections. These guidelines have been in effect for over 30 years with a good safety record. The Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety strongly supports the continuation of special inspections of electrical equipment and products, with the stipulation that the requirements be formally published.

The field evaluation is intended to be offered by an inspection body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). The service provides the means for evaluating electrical equipment and products on location and, if found to conform to the requirements of this Model Code, such electrical equipment and products may be marked with a field evaluation label.

It is always within the purview of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) in whose jurisdiction the Model Code is applied to add technical or administrative stipulations or deviations to the Model Code as deemed necessary.

Typically, the AHJs base their official acceptance of electrical equipment and products upon a certification by an SCC-accredited certification body that the equipment conforms to the applicable standards. The certification body bases its certification upon testing and evaluation of a representative sample of the equipment as manufactured to the relevant equipment standard (known as type or prototype testing). Certification is granted if the sample of the tested electrical equipment or product is found to be in conformance and a follow-up inspection program is put in place to ensure continued conformance.

This Model Code does not deal with type (or prototype) testing of equipment as practiced in a regular certification program. The object of the Model Code is to facilitate a safety evaluation of equipment to essential safety considerations, which do not include evaluation of the efficacy or performance of products.

This Model Code addresses minimum construction, marking, and test requirements that are consistent with maintaining the level of safety for electrical equipment and products so as not to present an undue hazard (as defined in this Model Code) to persons or property. It is not the purpose of these requirements to address the performance of electrical equipment and products, or their quality.

This edition of the Model Code has been prepared by the Task Force on SPE-1000, which is appointed by, and accountable to, the Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety (CACES), in response to requests for changes from various stakeholders.

Scope

1.1

1.1.1

This Model Code provides marking and test/construction requirements for the field evaluation of electrical equipment by an inspection body, where certification of that equipment is impracticable or otherwise unavailable.

1.1.2

Field-evaluated equipment found to be in conformity with the requirements of this Model Code is considered to be acceptable to the AHJ.

1.1.3

Notwithstanding the requirements of Clauses 1.1.1 and 1.1.2, field evaluation is not intended to serve as a substitute for certification.

1.2

The following are examples of where this Model Code applies:

(a) custom-built equipment for special applications;

(b) equipment manufactured on a nonrepetitive basis;

(c) equipment sold in quantities of not more than 500 on a national basis, per model, per year, per inspection body;

(d) equipment not obtainable as “certified” under a regular certification program;

(e) equipment already installed or ready for use on-site and awaiting acceptance by the AHJ;

(f) complete systems or subassemblies that are all available for examination and testing during the evaluation process; and

(g) other electrical equipment as determined by the AHJ.

Note: Where it is unclear or there is uncertainty as to whether the electrical equipment is to be field evaluated under the

classifications of this Clause, the AHJ should be consulted for clarification.

1.3

This Model Code applies where the requirements are supplemented by requirements of particular equipment Standards, where referenced, and the installation requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, as applicable.

1.4

This Model Code applies to equipment that may be evaluated at a client’s facilities or at other specified locations, including the location of equipment installation.

1.5

This Model Code is not intended to apply to the re-evaluation of equipment that has been rejected due to the results of a previous evaluation conducted by a certification organization through any other existing certification service.

1.6

This Model Code does not apply to the field evaluation of

(a) wire and cable products;

(b) wiring devices;

(c) equipment for use in hazardous locations;

(d) medical electrical equipment and systems;

(e) components* that will require further evaluation as part of a complete assembly, such as switches, relays, and timers;

(f) equipment rated more than 46 kV; and

(g) any equipment that is not permitted to be field evaluated as directed by an AHJ (such as air-cleaning equipment that intentionally produces ozone).

*Special inspection/field evaluation only applies to equipment that is capable of being connected to the supply in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

1.7

In this Model Code, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with this Model Code; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of this Model Code.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.8

In accordance with Clause 1.7, this Model Code has been written in mandatory language to facilitate its adoption where users of the Standard or regulatory authority wish to do so.