Top 15 Changes in the Canadian Electrical Code 2018 as compared to Electrical Code of 2015
Canadian Electrical code is ever evolving piece of component for its citizen’s safety and comfortably. Following changes are brought into highlight for the code changes that happened in 2018.
1. Power over Ethernet
2015 Code — No specific requirements
2018 Code — New Subsection 16-300
2. Installation of identified conductor at control locations
2015 Code — Two wire simple switch loop acceptable
2018 Code — Identified conductor required at every control location
3. Bonding and grounding
2015 Code — 15 pages long and two tables
2018 Code — 8 pages long and one table
4. Arc fault circuit interrupters
2015 Code — AFCI protection required, with some exemptions
2018 Code — exemptions tightened, application to existing circuits clarified
5. Disconnecting means for LED luminaires
2015 Code — disconnecting means required for fluorescent ballasts
2018 Code — disconnecting means required for fluorescent ballasts and LED drivers
6. Tamper resistant (TR) receptacles
2015 Code — TR receptacles required in dwelling units and child care facilities
2018 Code — TR receptacles required in additional occupancy types
7. Equipment connected to devices having Class 2 outputs
2015 Code — approval requirement based on application
2018 Code — approval based on voltage and application. Voltage limited by location.
8. Increased GFCI protection for wet areas
2015 Code — Nno requirement for GFCI protection for heaters or controls in bathrooms
2018 Code — GFCI protection required
9. Continuous loads
2015 Code — complex continuous load requirements
2018 Code — continuous load requirements simplified.
10. The 5% Rule
2015 Code — calculated load permitted to exceed conductor ampacity by 5%
2018 Code — 5% rule eliminated
11. Marking for maximum continuous load
2015 Code — no labelling requirement
2018 Code — maximum continuous load required to be field marked on equipment
12. Electric shock drowning
2015 Code — 15 and 20 A receptacles require GFCI protection
2018 Code — ground fault protection for feeders, GFCI protection for receptacles
13. Electric vehicle energy management system
2015 Code — EV supply equipment loads added to load calculations at 100% of rating
2018 Code — demand factors recognized where energy management system used.
14. Kitchen wall (not counter) receptacles
2015 Code — separate branch circuit required
2018 Code — separate branch circuit not required
15. Refrigerators
2015 Code — separate circuit required for each receptacle installed for a refrigerator
2018 Code — separate circuit only required for mandated refrigerator receptacle
Full article courtesy: Electrical Industry: https://electricalindustry.ca
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