The CE Code, Part I, is a voluntary Code for adoption and enforcement by the electrical inspection authorities of each Province, Territory, or City.* It is divided into 41 Sections. Sections 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 26 are considered to be “general” sections in that they provide the Rules generally applicable to all installations. The remaining sections are “supplementary” or “amendatory” to these general Rules in the Code. That is, these Rules are additional to the Rules in the general sections of the Code and in some cases may modify the general Rules of the Code. “Supplementary to or amendatory of” is the term used in the Scope of these sections to clearly indicate that the Rules following cover the specific subject matter of that section.
Code Rules are written in the positive sense, with the word “shall” indicating a mandatory requirement.
To fully understand how to use the Code, you need a good knowledge of the definitions in Section 0 and the general Rules of Section 2. The CE Code is adopted across Canada and in certain areas, to meet local conditions, amendments or additional requirements may be introduced. You should therefore determine if any special requirements exist before making any electrical installations.
Appendices A, B, D, E, F, G, and H provide general information on the Code and do not include any amendatory requirements. Appendix C outlines the organization of the Committee on CE Code, Part I, and gives the Rules of Procedure. Annex J18 applies to locations in which electrical equipment and wiring is subject to the conditions indicated.
The Canadian Electrical Code is a publication issued by CSA in several parts. Among these are Part I, which establishes safety standards for the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment, and Part II, which consists of safety standards governing the construction, testing, and marking of electrical equipment.
Part II Standards are prepared by Subcommittees, which operate under the jurisdiction of Technical Committees, which in turn are responsible to the Standards Steering Committee on Canadian Electrical Code, Part II. In preparing these Standards, the views of all interested organizations are taken into account; regulatory authorities, industry, and general interests.
Tony Moscioni