60 More Things Every Electrician Should Know

ETEL-01(02)-01 (2014-05-06)

Table of Contents Part 1 – Technical Section ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Part 2 – Administrative Section ............................................................................................................................ 8 Part 3 – MyConnection.......................................................................................................................................... 23

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60 MORE THINGS EVERY ELECTRICIAN SHOULD KNOW Part 1 – Technical Section 1) Working "live" is prohibited and contrary to the BC Electrical Code and WorkSafe regulations. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 2-304 (1) Disconnection (See Appendix B) (1) No repairs or alterations shall be carried out on any live equipment except where complete disconnection of the equipment is not feasible. Interpretation: This rule is interpreted as meaning that electrical work may only be carried out in a deenergized state, unless it can be demonstrated that the task to be performed is not possible in a de-energized state. Examples of circumstances where a person must work energized may include: 1) Conditions in which de-energizing the equipment introduces additional risks or increased hazards. 2) Work such as troubleshooting of control circuits, or testing and diagnostics, where complete disconnection is not possible due to operational limitations; or 3) Installations where equipment design prohibits complete disconnection.

2) Bonding bushings must be used when armoured cable enters a PVC box. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 12-608 Continuity of armoured cable Armoured cable shall be run in a manner such that the mechanical and electrical continuity of the armour is maintained throughout the run, and the armour of cables shall be mechanically and electrically secured to all equipment to which it is attached.

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3) A transfer switch installed to supply a main service panel must be approved for "service entrance". Canadian Electrical Code Rule 2-024 Use of approved equipment (see Appendix A) Electrical equipment used in electrical installations within the jurisdiction of the inspection department shall be approved and shall be of a kind or type and rating approved for the specific purpose for which it is to be employed.

4) There are options when replacing old two-wire receptacles with UGround receptacles. Note: A U-ground receptacle may replace an existing 2-wire receptacle if the branch circuit contains a bonding conductor connected to ground OR a bonding connector may be run to the outlet in accordance with Rule 10-808 to provide the necessary bonding path to which the U-Ground bond terminal can be connected, OR GFCI protection may be applied to the outlet being replaced by installing GFCI receptacle, installing GFCI protection in an upstream receptacle, or installing a GFCI circuit breaker to protect the complete circuit. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 26-700 (7), (8), & (9) General (see Appendices B and I) (7) Where grounding-type receptacles are used in existing installations to replace the ungrounded type, the grounding terminal shall be effectively bonded to ground and one of the following methods shall be permitted to be used: (a) connection to a metal raceway or cable sheath that is bonded to ground; (b) connection to the system ground by means of a separate bonding conductor; or (c) bonding to an adjacent grounded metal cold-water pipe. (8) Notwithstanding Subrule (7), at existing outlets where a grounding means does not exist in the receptacle enclosure, grounding-type receptacles without a bonding conductor shall be permitted to be installed, provided that each receptacle is (a) protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type that is an integral part of this receptacle; (b) supplied from a receptacle containing a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type; or (c) supplied from a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type. (9) A bonding conductor shall not be extended from any receptacle protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter of the Class A type in accordance with Subrule (8) to any other outlet. ©

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5) A 20 A or 25 A breaker can not protect a #14 awg conductor supplying receptacles or lighting. Although Table 2 indicates a #14 AWG copper with 75C and 90C insulation has an allowable ampacity of 20 A and 25 A respectively, Rule 14-104 (2) states the maximum overcurrent rating must be set at 15 A unless specifically permitted by other rules of the Code. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 14-104 Rating of overcurrent devices (see Appendix B) (1) The rating or setting of overcurrent devices shall not exceed the allowable ampacity of the conductors that they protect, except (a) where a fuse or circuit breaker having a rating or setting of the same value as the ampacity of the conductor is not available, the ratings or settings given in Table 13 shall be permitted to be used within the maximum value of 600 A; (b) in the case of equipment wire, flexible cord in sizes Nos. 16, 18, and 20 AWG copper, and tinsel cord, which are considered protected by 15 A overcurrent devices; or (c) as provided for by other Rules of this Code. (2) Except as provided for by Subrule (1)(c), the rating of overcurrent protection shall not exceed (a) 15 A for No. 14 AWG copper conductors; (b) 20 A for No. 12 AWG copper conductors; (c) 30 A for No. 10 AWG copper conductors; and (d) 15 A for No. 12 AWG aluminum conductors.

6) A doctor’s office is considered to have “patient care areas”. Canadian Electrical Code Rule24-002 Special terminology (see Appendix B) Patient care area - an area intended primarily for the provision of diagnosis, therapy, or care.

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7) A #12 copper wire is the minimum size conductor required to supply and ground receptacles & equipment in a Patient Care Area. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 24-102 (1) & (2) Circuits in basic care areas (see Appendix B) (1) The branch circuits supplying receptacles or permanently connected equipment in basic care areas shall be supplied from a grounded distribution system. (2) Branch circuit conductors shall be copper and shall be sized not smaller than No. 12 AWG. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 24-104 (2) Bonding to ground in basic care areas (see Appendix B) (2) All receptacles and other permanently connected equipment shall be bonded to ground by copper equipment bonding conductors, sized in accordance with Table 16, but in no case smaller than No. 12 AWG, and run in accordance with Rule 10-808 or run with the circuit conductors in accordance with the following: (a) each multi-wire branch circuit shall be provided with its own equipment bonding conductor; (b) except as permitted by Items (c) and (d), each 2-wire branch circuit supplying a receptacle in a patient care environment shall be provided with its own equipment bonding conductor; (c) when the receptacles in a patient care environment are supplied from two 2-wire branch circuits in the same raceway, a single equipment bonding conductor shall be permitted to be shared by the two circuits; or (d) when receptacles intended for a pair of adjacent patient care environments are supplied by three 2-wire branch circuits and one of the circuits is intended to be shared by both environments, the three circuits shall be permitted to share two equipment bonding conductors.

8) The minimum size of copper bonding conductor accepted by Telus to bond the network interface box (NIB) is #10 AWG copper. As per Telus installation instructions, Telus recommends a #6 AWG green insulated copper conductor but will accept a #10 green insulated bonding conductor as the minimum. Table 59 of the Canadian Electrical Code lists the smallest acceptable size as #14 AWG. However, to ensure you all have the latest information we intentionally defer to the Utility Standards.

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9) The maximum length of unprotected service conductor permitted inside a building is 1.5M. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 6-206 (1) Consumer’s service equipment location (see Appendices B and G) (1) Service boxes or other consumer’s service equipment shall be (a) installed in a location that complies with the requirements of the supply authority; (b) readily accessible or have the means of operation readily accessible; and (c) except as provided by Subrule (3), placed within the building being served as close as practicable to the point where the consumer’s service conductors enter the building and not be located in (i) coal bins, clothes closets, bathrooms, and stairways; (ii) rooms where the ambient temperature exceeds 30 °C under normal conditions; (iii) dangerous or hazardous locations; (iv) locations where the headroom clearance is less than 2 m; or (v) in any similar undesirable places. Interpretation: Consumer’s service conductors are interpreted as entering a building where the raceway or cable penetrates any part of the building envelope, or where the raceway or cable emerges from concrete encasement. This rule is interpreted as requiring consumer’s service equipment to be located so that the length of consumer’s service conductors, inside the building, is as short as possible. In no case, shall consumer’s service equipment be located so that the length of consumer’s service conductor, inside the building, exceeds 1.5 m. The 1.5 m is determined by measuring the length of raceway or cable between the point where the raceway or cable enters the building and the point where the raceway or cable enters the service box or cabinet. For further information, download Information Bulletin No: IB-EL 2012-03 Services and Service Equipment from www.safetyauthority.ca/regulations/electrical/information-bulletins

10) A separate bonding conductor is not required in rigid PVC conduit between the meter base and a main panel board. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 10-624 (4) Bonding equipment to the grounded system conductor (see Appendix B) (4) The grounded service conductor on the supply side of the service disconnecting means shall be permitted to be connected to the metal meter mounting devices and service equipment, and where the grounded service conductor passes through the meter mounting device it shall be bonded to the meter mounting device. ©

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11) There is no requirement to fully rewire a home when a service change is performed. There is no Code or regulation requirement to rewire a home and this includes knob & tube installations. However when a new service is installed, Information Bulletin No: B-E3 091214 2 - Minimum requirements for upgrading of electrical systems, single family dwellings does apply. An electrical contractor is held responsible for all existing circuits re-connected. Contractors should survey the whole home and any outbuildings to ensure the original wiring and any wiring added over the years will meet the Information Bulletin requirements. BC Safety Policy has decreed electrical equipment and wiring that was installed and compliant with the CEC Code of the day is considered acceptable today provided it is safe and adequate for the purpose. All too often the electrical requirements and demand have changed through the years and overloaded circuits and prevalent extension cord use is found. These conditions must be addressed by the contractor (permit holder).

12) A local disconnect is required for an electric furnace in a residential or commercial installation. Canadian Electrical Code Rule 62-208 Installation of central units (1) Central units shall be installed so that there is reasonable accessibility for repair and maintenance. (2) Central units shall be installed (a) in an area that is large compared with the physical size of the unit unless specifically approved for installation in an alcove or closet; and (b) to comply with the clearances from combustible materials as specified on the nameplate. (3) A single disconnecting means that simultaneously opens all ungrounded conductors supplying the controller and the central unit shall be provided. (4) Notwithstanding Subrule (3), where the supply to the central unit and controller require more than one circuit, the disconnecting means shall be grouped together and signage on the central unit and controller shall indicate the need to isolate multiple circuits before working on the central unit and controller. (5) The disconnecting means required in Subrule (3) or (4) shall be located within sight of and within 9 m of (a) the central unit and the controller; or (b) an alcove or closet when the central unit and the controller is installed in such a space.

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Part 2 – Administrative Section 13) There are 5 major documents governing electrical work in BC. a) Safety Standards Act is the governing Legislation. b) Safety Standards General Regulation addresses contractor and worker qualifications. c) Electrical Safety Regulation regulates permitting, inspections, equipment approval, un-certified worker supervision. d) WorkSafe BC Regulations regulate worker safety. e) BC Electrical Code provides installation technical specifications.

14) The rules regarding permits and inspections are not found in the Canadian Electrical Code Book. Although there is a short reference in Section 2 to obtaining a permit, posting a permit, and requesting inspection, these references are superseded by the Provincial Regulations.

15) There are six ways to obtain an electrical permit from BCSA. a) b) c) d) e) f)

Online (MyConnection) Call 1.866.566.7233 In person at regional or corporate offices BC Safety Authority website (e-form) Fax Email a scanned form

16) There are six ways to request an electrical inspection. a) b) c) d) e) f)

Online (MyConnection) Call 1.866.566.7233 (except final inspection) In person at regional or corporate offices BC Safety Authority website (e-form) Fax Email a scanned form

17) A Multi-Permit Decal Sheet is now available for low voltage installations (security alarms, telephone, vacuums, and data). This permit product became effective on July 1, 2013 and is available to qualifying electrical contractors only. The Multi-Permit Decal Sheet consists of 25 permit numbers provided on a single excel spread sheet and come with the following Terms and Conditions: ©

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1. These permits may be used only when the value of the job is less than or equal to $250 excluding utilization equipment. 2. The installation must utilize 30 volts or less and have a maximum output of 100 VA (E.g. security alarms, central vacuum, telephone, data, and audio). 3. The Electrical Contractor is required to provide permit details (site, work details, etc.) by way of a single declaration to BCSA for all permits used every six months. 4. The permit numbers are non-transferrable and non-refundable. 5. Permits are automatically invalidated after 1 year if not used.

18) BC Safety Authority issues Electrical Information Bulletins on code, safety and technical matters. Information bulletins provide helpful information and clarification on issues such as regulations or code that affect people in the electrical sector.

19) BC Safety Authority issues Electrical Directives on code, safety and technical matters. BC Safety Authority Directives are issued to provide important interpretations of the regulations. Those persons involved in installing, operating or maintaining electrical products must comply with the interpretations provided in the Directives. Directives can be found on the BC Safety Authority website at www.safetyauthority.ca/regulations/electrical/directives

20) The owner of a private high voltage line must hold an operating permit. All high-voltage installations require an operating permit per Directive D-E3 070801 7 (Electrical Operating Permit Requirements) prior to energization. Installations that have a Utility take-over agreement do not require an operating permit. Directive D-E3 070801 7 can is available for download on the BC Safety Authority website at www.safetyauthority.ca/regulations/electrical/directives

21) An operating permit held by the owner of a private high voltage line is valid for 5 years. When the high voltage installation consists of a small high voltage installation such as a private high voltage line to a residential property, the operating permit applicant (owner) must enter into a contract with a person holding a valid A FSR (usually a Class A licensed contractor). This FSR is named on the permit by the permit applicant. The FSR’s (contractor’s) duties are to perform regular site inspections to ensure the high voltage installation remains in a safe condition. The operating permit applicant (owner) must perform any maintenance or make any repairs required to keep the high voltage line ©

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compliant as stipulated by the responsible FSR. If maintenance or repairs are not carried out, the duty of the FSR is to notify the BCSA safety officer.

22) A Permit Amendment Review is a new fee type. This fee may be assessed when: a) Electrical work is commenced without a permit, or b) The electrical work performed exceeds the value originally declared on a permit It has always been contrary to the Safety Regulations to do electrical work without a permit unless the work was specifically exempted from permit requirements (See ESR Section 18 for a list) or the work was performed in an emergency or a permit was not obtainable. When no permit was obtained, the safety officer could assess a “double permit fee” to the person doing the work. This policy has been replaced with the new Permit Amendment Review Fee which covers the actual costs to BCSA. A permit must also be obtained to authorize the work.

23) A temporary operating permit is required for events like fairs, carnivals, movie sets and events rated over 5kW. Directive D-E3 070801 7 Electrical operating permits specifies: Section 18(1)(b) of the Safety Standards General Regulation specifies that an operating permit is required to operate a regulated product. An operating permit shall be obtained if; 3) the installation is for a temporary entertainment site where an installation permit has not been obtained; or 4) required by an electrical safety officer. When the permit is obtained, a specific address is required for each location (if a multievent site). The permit holder (FSR) must provide a site listing of all locations and submit a declaration indicating all work is safe for each location. There is no requirement to submit a “final” after the event is over. The permit will automatically close.

24) A temporary operating permit for a construction service is valid for up to 12 months. Temporary construction services are now included in the class of permits called temporary operating permits. The permit is valid for 1 year. As the permit nears expiration, a notification letter is sent to the permit holder advising the permit is about to expire. On the 1 year anniversary, the permit will expire and the supply connection is no longer authorized. This Permit must be closed by the permit holder by submitting a “final assessment” request. If the temporary service is still required, a new permit must be obtained and a new service connection assessment requested. This assessment is required even if the service has not been disconnected by the Utility. It serves as ©

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confirmation that the FSR has attended the site and confirmed the service is still in a serviceable and safe condition.

25) The “180 day” or “work in progress” FSR site inspection requirement does not apply to a temporary construction service (operating) permit. There is no longer a requirement for the FSR to attend the site and provide a 180 day progress inspection as in days past. The FSR named on the permit must attend the site, inspect the service, and request an inspection when the service is ready for connection. The FSR must provide a “final inspection” request when the service is disconnected or when the permit expires, whichever comes first.

26) The permit holder is responsible for a temporary construction service and the safe use of the equipment (cords) plugged in to them. BC Safety Regulations require the permit holder to be responsible and accountable for the safe use and operation of electrical equipment when connected to temporary construction service. The FSR named on the permit is responsible for ensuring compliance of the equipment, and must ensure that the permit holder is made aware of any non-compliances that require correction. If non-compliances are left uncorrected, the FSR must notify the authority having jurisdiction. The fee permit category on the schedule was changed to allow the owner of the site or project to obtain the temporary Construction Service (operating) permit. When making an application a qualified FSR must be named on the permit. This could allow an electrical contractor to rent the service equipment to an owner or general contractor and be named on the permit as the FSR. The permit holder is charged with the duty of ensuring the electrical equipment is used and maintained in a safe fashion.

27) An electrical installation permit expires 180 days after the permit issue date or the last inspection request. Electrical Safety Regulation Section 19 (1) & (2) Inspection of electrical work (1) If a person holds an electrical installation permit, the field safety representative named on the permit must request an inspection at least once in every 180 day period. (2) If no inspection request under subsection (1) has been submitted within a 180 day period, the holder of the permit must have the permit amended to allow for the extra time before performing any regulated work. ©

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28) Permit expiry amendment fees may be charged in cases where a permit has expired. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring permits issued to them do not expire and are completed and closed after the work is finished. A permit holder is also responsible for the electrical installation until the work is completed and the permit is closed. BC Safety Authority is responsible for providing the oversight of the permit holder in meeting their obligations. When BCSA or a safety officer must commit resources to ensure a permit holder complies with the Regulations they are permitted to charge a fee for this service. This permit expiry amendment fee is not new and prompt action by the permit holder will ensure their permit does not expire and an amendment fee is not applied. Expiry Amendment To assist the permit holder, BCSA provides a permit expiry notification service. The letter shown here is sent to the permit holder approximately 3 weeks before a permit will expire using their preferred contact method. The permit holder may send in a 180 day declaration/inspection request at any time while the permit is “active” and this will extend the permits “active” status another 180 days. Permit Now Expired but Work On-Going Once an installation permit “expires”, the expiry amendment fee is automatically applied and work may not continue on the project (no valid permit). A permit holder can complete an Electrical Installation Permit Amendment Form and pay the amendment fee to reactivate the permit. This amendment is used to renew an expired installation permit only and cannot be used to re-activate multi-permit low voltage / low power decal permit types. The FSR must physically visit the installation site and submit a Declaration / Inspection Request Form. Permit Now Expired but Work has Stopped Once an installation permit “expires” the expiry amendment fee is automatically applied and the permit must be re-activated before work may start up at the job (must have valid permit). However, the FSR must continue to physically visit the installation site and submit a Declaration/Inspection Request Form every 180 days even if the job has stopped. A permit holder can complete an Electrical Installation Permit Amendment Form and pay the amendment fee to re-activate the permit. This makes permit valid and work may start up again. This amendment is used to renew an expired installation permit only and cannot be used to re-activate multi-permit low voltage / low power decal permit types.

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29) Each check box on the Declaration / Inspection Request Form means something.

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30) The cover date for a rough wiring inspection is the start of the second business day after the request was received. This cover date requirement is found on the back of a permit application and is a term and condition attached to all electrical permits. The date shown for covering must be no sooner than the start of the second business day after the notice was received. Notices received after the end of normal business hours will be dated as received on the next business day. If special considerations prevent the permit holder from complying with this term and condition (e.g. the work must be covered early), the safety officer should be notified.

31) Inspection requests received after the end of normal business hours will be dated as received on the next business day. Submitting an inspection request by fax, phone, email or MyConnection after business hours results in the processing of the request the next morning. The safety officer may not receive the request until the day after that. As noted previously, installations may be covered at the start of the second business day after the notice was received. With respect to MyConnection, if you enter an inspection today, it is registered for the next day. The date entered is today but the request date is tomorrow.

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32) Permit applications must include a description of the work. The requirement to provide a description of the work to be performed is found in the Safety Standards General Regulations, Section 13. Safety Standards General Regulation Section 13 Permit Application Procedure An application for a permit must be accompanied by any required fee and must include the following: (a) a description of the regulated work to be performed; (b) the address of the place where the regulated work is to be performed; (c) the name and address of the person for whom the regulated work under the permit is to be performed; (d) if the regulated work is to be performed by a licensed contractor, the licensed contractor's name, address and registration number; (e) if the regulated work is to be performed by a homeowner, the name of each person who will be assisting with the regulated work other than members of the homeowner's immediate family.

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33) A BCSA Mobile Home Inspection Report must be completed when a contractor makes application for a silver label inspection. The BCSA Mobile Home Inspection Report is provided as the minimum upgrading requirements necessary for a mobile home to be eligible for a Silver Label. The report requires the FSR to record the mobile home permit number, location, make, model and serial number as part of the process. The FSR must review and check off each requirement as being compliant or not applicable. This form is sent in along with the request for inspection to the permit file as part of the permanent record. For complete details, BCSA Directive D-E3 080606 1 Approval of Manufactured Home, RV’s and Factory-Built Structures is available on the BCSA website at www.safetyauthority.ca/regulations/electrical/directives

34) A Permit obtained for a Silver Label application authorizes all the work required to bring the unit up to compliance. The only permit required is the Silver Label permit irrespective of the work value and including its connection. The Silver Label does not include installation of a new service though.

35) A mobile home bears a CSA Label but the addition was wired without a permit. A Silver Label is not required to put it up for sale. A Silver Label upgrade is not required to put the mobile home up for sale but the owner must have an electrical contractor take out a permit and survey the addition and/or wiring for Code compliance.

36) A Mobile Home with only a CSA specification sheet is eligible for a Silver Label. Often a mobile home bears the original specification sheet with the CSA compliance number including make, model, and serial number. This paper label is not a substitute for a recognized certification mark, but provides documentation that the mobile home complies with the CSA standards of the time. If a Silver Label Permit is obtained, a BCSA safety officer will apply a Silver Label provided the wiring in mobile home has not been altered. Upgrading of the mobile home to Silver Label standards will not be required.

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37) Electrical permit fees for a new single family dwelling are based on the rating of the main service installation. The BCSA Fee Schedule says “Contractor Installation Permits – Single family Residential”. Permits in this category are applicable for single dwellings only as defined in BC Electrical Code, Section 0.

38) A Declaration of Compliance must be posted on site. This is one of the terms and conditions (#3) agreed to when obtaining an Electrical Installation Permit. Electrical Installation Permit -Terms and Conditions – Contractor 3. To obtain authorization to cover rough wiring, complete a “Contractor Authorization and Declaration of Compliance Form 206” (www.safetyauthority.ca/form-206), post a copy at the jobsite in a conspicuous manner, and notify the nearest BC Safety Authority office by one of the following methods …

39) A Site Inspection Report is not the same as a Certificate of Inspection. A Site Inspection Report (SIR) is left on site to address FOI regulatory compliance. The Site Inspection Report provides basic information to the owner and others (trades or builder) confirming an inspection was performed, the installation passed or failed and whether the work may be covered and /or energized. It provides instructions to the reader to contact the permit holder if further information is required. A Certificate of Inspection is a more detailed document regarding the electrical installation and is issued to the FSR named on the permit. It is sent using their preferred communication method (mail or email). Normally it is not left on-site unless the contractor or FSR is there to receive it unless other arrangements have been made. Contractors and FSR’s should check their communication preferences to take advantage of direct email to phone or computer.

40) Sometimes you should call for an inspection even if the job is not ready for inspection. If the work on the job has stopped or is delayed, a request for inspection/declaration of compliance must be provided within 180 days to keep a permit from expiring. OR To advise a safety officer that a “workwith” has been scheduled for an upcoming date if requested to do so by the safety officer. ©

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41) Electrical equipment and products are required to be marked as approved if used in BC. Electrical products are required to bear a label from a recognized certification agency. Information Bulletin B-E3 071019 3 Revision 5 provides examples and general information. It is available for download on the BC Safety Authority website at www.safetyauthority.ca/regulations/electrical/information-bulletins

42) When is an electrical permit required? Whenever electrical work is performed which is not specifically exempt through the Regulations. Most electrical work is performed under a valid permit. For example:  New electrical installations are authorized by an installation permit,  Maintenance at a hospital, school or sawmill is authorized by an operating permit, and  Even BC Hydro and Fortis perform their work under a utility permit.

43) When is an electrical permit not required? When the electrical work is specifically exempted by the Regulations. Examples would include work done directly for an electrical utility or where the electrical work is covered by another technologies permit (i.e. gas permit). Electrical Safety Regulation Section 18 When permit is not required for electrical work (1) No permit is required if the only electrical work performed is testing. (2) An individual may replace the following regulated products without a permit, up to a maximum rating of 150 V to ground, with electrical equipment of a similar type or rating: (a) receptacles; (b) cord attachment plugs; (c) snap switches; (d) ballasts; (e) dimmer switches; (f) fan speed controllers; (g) thermostats; (h) overcurrent devices. (3) An individual may replace, without a permit, a lamp of up to 347 V to ground with a lamp of a similar type or rating. (4) An individual may replace, without a permit, a fuse of up to 750 V with a fuse of a similar type or rating.

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(5) If a licensed electrical contractor or a manufacturer's technical representative performs repairs involving the components of existing installed and certified regulated electrical equipment, no permit is required if (a) there are no modifications or additions to the electrical installation, (b) neither the electrical rating nor the characteristics of the equipment is altered, and (c) the replacement components are of a type which do not invalidate the original certification mark.

44) An electrical installation permit is required to replace 20 hard wired smoke detectors in a strata complex, even if all the wiring is existing. The exemption from requiring permits for certain electrical equipment provided in Electrical Safety Regulation, Section 18 does not include the replacement of smoke alarms.

45) A permit is required for electrical work on First Nation land. BC Safety Regulations and BC Hydro service policies apply to all citizens of BC. Electrical permits and inspections are included. An electrical permit shall be obtained for work on First Nation land.

46) The terms "person" and "individual" have different meanings in the Safety Regulations. As per the Electrical Safety Regulation: Person - Use of the word “person” coveys the duty and the authorization to supervise onto an actual body but also onto the company holding the installation permit. Individual - The Term “individual” is used in this context applies to actual people who do not hold recognized electrical credentials and must be supervised. The term “helper” or “labourer” might also have been used.

47) An electrical operating permit is required whenever a site meets a condition of the Electrical Safety Regulation. The Owner must have an operating permit if:  the supply is > 250 kVA  the supply is > 750 V when privately owned. (HV neon is exempt)  the installation is for a temporary entertainment site  required by a safety officer  regular on-going maintenance of operating electrical equipment is performed ©

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48) An Operating Permit authorizes maintenance and significant installation work at the facility. Operating permit holders have a wide range of options regarding electrical work performed under their permit. As well as authorizing established work types, operating permits allow more flexibility in the workforce as to who can do electrical work, supervisory requirements and record keeping (log books instead of declarations). The electrical work authorized under an operating permit includes maintenance of existing electrical equipment, the term “maintenance” may also include: 1) Replacement of existing equipment with equipment intended to perform the same function, and 2) Installation, relocation and alteration of electrical as follows: From Directive D-E3 070801 7 C. Minor installations under Operating Permits Installations may be performed under an operating permit provided that; 1) additional loads, or additional distribution capacity, is only added to existing plant structures, systems, and assemblies; 2) the existing main service is rated at 250 kVA or less and the additional load or capacity, per installation, does not exceed 12.5 kVA; 3) the main service is rated over 250 kVA and the additional load, per installation, does not exceed 36 kVA and; and 4) the work does not result in a change in the main service capacity.

49) A contractor declaration is not required to be posted when doing work under an operating permit. The terms and conditions of an operating permit require a site log be maintained and completed as electrical work is performed. This requirement extends to all electrical workers coming in and performing electrical work on behalf of the permit holder (owner). When the annual operating permit is due for renewal, the permit holder must submit a declaration, signed by the FSR named on the permit, indicating the work performed under the operating permit is compliant.

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50) A rough wire or service connection declaration may not be submitted before the work is ready for Inspection (unless authorized by your inspector). Electrical Safety Regulation 19 (3) requires a declaration be submitted when each phase of the work is completed. This requirement makes the FSR the “Inspector” on the job to ensure compliance with the Codes. The FSR has the authority to have changes made before he signs and submits the declaration of compliance. BCSA Electrical Installation Permit Terms and Conditions Pursuant to section 27(3) of the Safety Standards Act, the following terms and conditions are attached to this Electrical Installation Permit by the Provincial Safety Manager. 1. The Field Safety Representative named on the permit must physically examine the work described on this permit, including any amendments to this permit and, once satisfied that the work described has been performed and completed in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and regulations, complete a “Contractor Authorization and Declaration of Compliance” form supplied by the BC Safety Authority in accordance with these terms and conditions. The Field Safety Representative must meet the requirements to complete the scope of work described on the permit.

51) There is a correct procedure to use when your job or contract is canceled and the permit needs to be closed. Call your safety officer and submit an authorization form indicating “all work complete”. In the notes section put in writing that your contract has been terminated and this inspection request is to finalize the work done to date under this permit. This is important to ensure you are responsible only for work done to date and not held accountable down the road for work you are not responsible for.

52) Supervision ratios are 4 individuals to 1 journeyman when wiring a building with a 120/240 V, 1Ø, 200A main service. (150 V to ground max). An authorized supervisor may supervise up to four individuals to do electrical work. Electrical Safety Regulation Section 12 (2) Supervision ratios under installation permits (2) For the purposes of doing regulated work under an installation permit for electrical equipment in which the field safety representative named in the permit is a person who holds a certificate of qualification of class A, B or C, a person authorized to supervise under section 4 (3) may supervise ©

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(a) up to 4 individuals for installations derived from a 3 wire 120/240 volt grounded neutral system, if the rating of the main consumer service equipment does not exceed 200 amps, or (b) in any other case, 1 or 2 trainees.

53) Supervision ratios are 2 trainees to 1 journeyman for any installation with a 347/600V main service. On any installation other than 120/240V, 1PH, 200A or less, 150 volts to ground or less the helper must be a trainee (apprentice) in an approved training program. See Electrical Safety Regulation, Section 12 (2), Supervision ratios under installation permits.

Part 3 – MyConnection 54) BCSA has acquired an online service called MyConnection. With a MyConnection account, the following services can be accessed online: • Purchase installation and temporary operating permits • View and print your permits • Request an inspection • Sign-off on declarations To access, click the MyConnection Login tab at www.safetyauthority.ca

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55) MyConnection is available 22 hours per day. MyConnection is available from 12:00am - 10:00pm daily. It is closed from 10:00pm to 12:00am nightly. This two-hour window allows the system to do its nightly backup and execute some necessary functions.

56) MyConnection works best when using the latest version(s) of Internet Explorer. MyConnection works best when using the latest version(s) of Internet Explorer. Other supported browsers may also be used, although we recommend Internet Explorer for the most accurate functionality.

57) Your MyConnection password is easy to reset. 1) Go to the MyConnection homepage and click on Log On.

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2) From the log on screen click forgot password.

3) Enter your email address and press reset. 4) A temporary password will be emailed to you. 5) The next time you log in you will be prompted to change your password.

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58) Sometimes you’ll get an error message when printing off a PDF of a Permit. This can be due to: a) not having Adobe up to date b) going thru Safari on a Mac Either of these can cause PDF files to not open up correctly. Adobe can be updated easily by Google searching Adobe Reader and installing the latest version for Mac or PC. 59) MyConnection now provides a “favorites” list of FSR’s when obtaining permits. There is a new feature where you can add favorites. Rather than searching for contacts on every permit, there is a button called “Add Favorites” which will populate a list of any FSR’s you set up. 60) Training for MyConnection is available on our Website. MyConnection training materials are available at www.safetyauthority.ca.

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