ATTENTION
February, 2012
MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO
ATTEND OUR NEXT CODE
SEMINAR ON
MAY 26, TO
UPDATE YOU ON THE MANY,
MANY CHANGES TO THE
2012 ELECTRICAL CODE
Inside in this Issue
EIA Code Article by Ted Simmons
1
Christmas thank you list
6
Installation of Fire Pumps , a bit
new information by Ark Tsisserev
8
BCEA Outstanding Individual
Award
13
Membership Form & Meeting
Information
14
EIA NEW Code Article
by Ted Simmons
.
I
n the November newsletter we reviewed the Code requirements for
Commercial garages and Residential
storage garages. In this article we will
review the requirements pertaining to fin-
Electrical Inspectors Association of British Columbia
Suite 201, 3989 Henning Drive
Burnaby, B.C., V5C 6N5
Phone: 604-294-4123
Fax: 604-294-4120
E-mail: info@eiabc.org
ishing processes and will complete our review of Section 20.
Rule 20-400 indicates that Rules 20-402
to 20-414 cover finishing processes such
as regular or frequent application of paints,
lacquers, or other flammable finishes by
spraying, dipping, brushing or by other
means. It also pertains to areas where
volatile flammable solvents or thinners are
used or where readily ignitable deposits or
(Continued on page 2)
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
and Diagram 5 indicate that the entire
space within 6m horizontally, in any direcresidues from such paints, lacquers, or fin- tion to a height of 1m above the goods to be
ishes may occur.
painted, shall be considered a Class I, Zone
1 location.
Rule 20-402 – Hazardous locations
In addition, Rule 20-402(4) indicates that
When spray painting operations are perthe remaining space within the room that is
formed within a ventilated spray booth the
beyond the limits of the Class I, Zone 1
interior of the spray booth and associated
area previously noted, shall be considered
exhaust ducts will contain ignitable conto be a class I, Zone 2 location. The followcentrations of vapours, and as noted in
ing illustration identifies the extent of the
Rule 20-402(1), shall be considered Class
hazardous locations for spraying operations
I, Zone 1 locations.
not performed in spray booths.
For operations where paint spraying is not
performed in a spray booth, Rule 20-402
(1)(b)
(Continued from page 1)
(Continued on page 3)
2
In Rule 20-402(7)(b) and as noted in Diagram 6, the extent of the Class I, Zone 2
It should be noted that Rule 20-402(7) re- classification is also reduced from the prelaxes the requirements of Rule 20-402(1)
vious requirement to encompass the entire
(b) for installations where adequate ventila- area within the room beyond the limits for
tion with effective interlocks is provided at the Class I, Zone 1 areas, to include only
floor level.
the space between a 1m and 1.5m distance
above the goods to be painted and all space
For example, Rule 20-402(7)(a) reduces
within 6m horizontally in any direction bethe extent of the Class I, Zone 1 classificayond the limits for the Class I, Zone 1 location from the previous 6m horizontal distion. The following illustration identifies
tance in any direction from the goods to be
the extent of the hazardous location for
painted to a distance of 1m provided there
spraying operations that are not performed
is adequate ventilation with effective interin a spray booth and adequate ventilation
locks.
with effective interlocks is provided at floor
level.
(Continued from page 2)
(Continued on page 4)
3
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
baffle of sheet metal of not less than No.18
MSG is installed vertically above the front face
In situations where paint spraying operations
of an open-face spray booth to a height of 1m,
are performed within an open faced spray
or to ceiling, whichever is less, and extending
booth; it is possible that the flammable vapours back on the side edges for a distance of 1.5m,
will migrate outside of the spray booth, conse- the space behind the baffle shall be classified
quently, Rule 20-402(2) indicates the Class I, as non-hazardous.
Zone 2 location shall extend not less than 1.5m
Rule 20-404 - Ventilation and spraying
horizontally from the open face of the spray
equipment interlock
booth and will extend from floor level to 1m
above the booth. Diagram 4 should be conThis rule requires the spraying equipment for a
sulted for further information pertaining to the spray booth to be interlocked with the spray
extent of the hazardous location.
booth ventilation system so that the spraying
(Continued from page 3)
equipment is made inoperable when the ventilation system is not in operation. In other
words, the spraying equipment cannot be operated unless the ventilation system is functioning properly and the operation of the spray
equipment is automatically stopped if the ventilation system fails.
Where spraying operations are confined within
a closed spray booth and for other areas where
hazardous concentrations of flammable vapours are likely to be present, such as paint
mixing rooms, there is the possibility that flammable vapours may be present in the vicinity of
the openings to these areas. In order to address this problem Rule 20-402(3) indicates
Rule 20-406 - Wiring and equipment in hazardous locations
With innovative planning and careful layout, it
is generally possible to locate most of the wiring
and equipment associated with finishing processes outside of hazardous locations. However,
where this is not possible, Rule 20-406(1) requires all electrical wiring and equipment installed within the hazardous areas as defined
in Rule 20-402 to be installed in accordance
with the requirements of Section 18.
the space within 1m in all directions from any
openings in the booth or room shall be considered a Class I, Zone 2 location. The extent of
the Class I, Zone 2 location is shown in Diagram 10.
In areas or rooms containing drip tanks or
drain boards, or in areas where open spraying
is conducted, it is possible that from time to
time the flammable vapours may travel beyond
the limits for the Class I, Zone 1 areas noted in
Subrule (1) and as a result, Rule 20-402(4) requires the remainder of the room to be classified as a Class I, Zone 2 location.
In addition to satisfying the requirements for
Class I, Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous locations, Rule 20-406(2) requires equipment that
is installed or used where it may be subject to a
hazardous accumulation of readily ignitable
In order to limit the extent of the hazardous lo- deposits or residue to be specifically approved
cation surrounding the openings on open and
for the gas group and have a maximum exterclosed spray booths, Subrules 20-402 (8) & (9) nal temperature that is less than the ignition
permit the use of sheet metal baffles to prevent
(Continued on page 5)
the migration of the flammable vapour. For example, as noted in Rule 20-402(8) where a
4
other hot particles do not fall into the hazardous area and create a possible ignition
source, Rule 20-412(2) requires equipment
such as lamps, cutouts, switches, etc. installed above a hazardous area or above an
area where freshly finished goods are handled to be of the totally enclosed type or constructed to prevent the escape of sparks or
hot metal particles.
(Continued from page 4)
temperature of the vapours or deposits encountered in that area.
As noted, it is generally advisable to locate
equipment outside of hazardous locations.
As a result, it is not uncommon for the lighting fixtures for spray booths and similar areas to be located outside of the booth with
illumination of the area within the booth
provided through panels of glass or other
transparent or translucent material. This
type of installation is permitted provided the
requirements outlined in Rule 20-406(3) are
satisfied.
Rule 20-414 – Bonding
In order to eliminate shock hazards and possible sparking which could create a source of
ignition, this rule requires that all metal
raceways and all non-current carrying metal
portions of fixed or portable equipment, regardless of the voltage, be bonded to ground.
It should be noted that Rule 20-406(5)(a)
permits totally enclosed and gasketted lighting to be used on the ceiling of a spray booth
where adequate ventilation is provided.
More on Section 20 in future articles.
Rule 20-406(5)(b) also permits infrared drying units to be used in a spray room if the
controls are interlocked with those of the
spraying equipment to ensure that both operations cannot be performed simultaneously.
Ted Simmons, is
Chief Instructor,
Electrical Apprenticeship Program
at the British Columbia Institute of
Technology, Ted
can he reached by
e-mail at
Ted_Simmons@bcit.ca.
With regards to portable lamps, Rule 20406(4)(a) does not permit their use within a
hazardous area during operation of the finishing process. Rule 20-406(4)(b) does
however, permit the use of portable electric
lamps for cleaning and repairing operations
provided they are of a type specifically approved for use in Class I locations. Fixed
electrostatic equipment and electrostatic
hand spraying equipment shall be installed
in accordance with the requirements of
Rules 20-408 and 20-410.
What’s New
Do you have any technical information or letters to the editor,
please mail or email :
info@eiabc.org
Rule 20-412 – Wiring and equipment
above hazardous areas
This rule indicates the fixed wiring installed
above hazardous areas shall conform to Section 12. However, to ensure that sparks or
5
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
The Merry Membership
For the nineteenth year the Electrical Inspector’s Association once again had a great
Christmas dinner meeting, and gave away lots of door prizes. Ninety three people attended the dinner. The prizes were donated by many contractors, businesses and individual members. This article has been written to show the Electrical Inspector’s Associations appreciation to the following people and organizations for their generous support making the meeting another grand success.
City of Vancouver Electrical Inspectors,
Keiller Gowans,
Dwayne Askins,
Moerman Electric,
Berts Electric,
The Safety Authority,
An anonymous donor,
Paul Kelly,
Lab Test Services,
Warren Hancock,
Indy Electric,
Elworthy Electric,
Alf Lam,
Elec Tech,
John Evans,
Nightingale Electric,
Joe Fata Electric,
CM and sons Electric,
Jack Ball,
Dave Harper,
David Wrisht of BOA Constuction,
Mike Cupit,
Cypress Mountain,
T&B Geor GE Foreman,
Jim Cupit,
Efficient Electric,
International Cellars,
Lions Electric,
Norgate Electric,
Rimrow Developements,
Mike McAndrew,
Trolls Restaurant,
The West Van. Care Center,
6
Metro Electric,
Cam Duncan,
WBI Home Warranty Service,
Abharham,
The Mystery Santa,
The City of Surrey Inspectors,
Dave Broadbent of Gescan,
Bill Strain of Villa Electric,
Rick Porcina,
Sabb Electric,
GPR Electric,
Ted Simmons,
United Power,
Onkar Singh Hundal of Ojay Electric,
Betty-Lou Pacey of the BCEA,
Dave Thorne of CSA,
Ark Tsisserev,
Gurmit Rooprai of Roop Electric,
Len Rhodes,
The Park Royal White Spot,
Ed Ballard,
Mike Wpit,
Calvins Cafe,
Kim Davies of Ready Lite,
Deltec Electric,
Genuine Electric,
Kuban Electric,
Andy Moerman,
John and Daniel Morse,
Wespac Electric,
Westburne Electric,
Gescan N. Van.,
Andrew and Vicky Collins,
(Continued from page 6)
Armeh Construction,
Siba Homes,
Chris Simpkins of CSC Construction,
Quality Electric,
Derek Page,
Westrade Electric,
Les Shaw,
Bellex Construction,
Park Royal Shopping Center,
Home Line Projects,
Mitre Electric,
Ron Osterman,
Zpiegniew of Zolt Electric,
Lorne Benson,
Barry Hill of Sylvania.
G&M Electronics,
Bruce Moss,
Go-on Construction,
FX 40 Design,
Duncan McFarlane,
Jennine Waldern of Intertek,
White Croze Electric,
Nu-way Electric,
Paul Sampson,
Rick Alexander,
Ron Cemett,
Jason Maros,
Eccol Electric,
Eric Voitech,
The generosity of the group came to light when the money for the 50/50 draw for the
Canuck Place Children’s hospice fund raising was counted. $300.00 dollars was raised
through the sale of 50/50 tickets. One of the most generous people at the meeting was
Gurmit Rooprai of Roop Electric. He won the 50 draw and said he was going to donate
his winnings to the Childrens Hospital. What a great guy!
In closing the executive would like to say a especial thanks to
Santa Len for obtaining many of the door prizes himself and
organizing them all to be given away. We would also like to
thank all those who attended the meeting and those who
could not, but made a donation never the less. Ho, ho, ho!
President
Jack Ball
Renewal Time
Application Form and Renewal Form on the last
Page of this News Letter
7
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
Installation of fire pumps - a bit of
new information.
by Ark Tsisserev P.Eng.
This subject is not new. There have been
numerous articles written about the CE
Code requirements for fire pump installations and about the selection of the conductors and overcurrent protection for fire
pump feeders.
instantaneous/magnetic trip setting of the
circuit breaker in a fire pump controller at
not more than 20 times of the full load current of the fire pump and a thermal trip
setting of the value that will allow a fire
pump controller to carry locked rotor current for a period between 8 and 20
So, what's the reason to revisit this issue? sec. NFPA 20 also specifies that locked roThe answer is: changes to the NFPA 20.
tor overcurrent protection in the fire pump
controller must be “calibrated and set at
Let's elaborate. This article is intended to
a minimum of 300 percent of motor fullclarify the requirements of Rule 32-206 of
load current”. Rule 32-206(4) requires
the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I –
that if a circuit breaker is installed in an
2009 and to correlate these requirements
emergency power supply circuit, upstream
with the NFPA 20-2010 (the latest pubof the fire pump transfer switch, then the
lished edition of the standard).
rating or setting of this circuit breaker
Background:
must comply with Rule 28-200 (i.e. it must
be selected in accordance with Table D16 of
1. Rule 32-206(5) of the CE Code requires
the CE Code). This requirement is based on
that the rating or setting of a circuit
the exception provided in previous editions
breaker installed in a normal power supply
of NFPA 20 – which was allowing to bypass
circuit, upstream of the fire pump controlovercurrent protection within the fire pump
ler shall be not less than that the overcurcontroller when the power is derived from
rent protection that is provided integral
an emergency generator. This CE Code rewith the fire pump controller. Appendix B
quirement reflects the fact that a coordinaNote on this Rule clarifies the Code requiretion of the O/C protection settings at the
ment by stating that this circuit breaker
circuit breaker installed in the emergency
should have setting of its overcurrent depower supply circuit with the O/C settings
vices coordinated with the setting of the
at the fire pump controller circuit breaker
overcurrent devices of the circuit breaker
is no longer necessary, as the fire pump
that is provided integrally with the fire
controller circuit breaker is bypassed when
pump controller, and this coordination
the power is derived from an emergency
should be established “in such a manner
generator (see Diagram 1).
that the upstream overcurrent device
does not disconnect the circuit prior to 2. Rule 32-200 of the CE Code mandates
the operation of the fire pump controlthat conductors from an emergency power
ler overcurrent protection” Additional
supply to the fire pump must have an amNote in Appendix B on this Rule advises
(Continued on page 11)
the Code users that NFPA 20 mandates an
8
9
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
10
NFPA 20. Clause 10.8.2.1.3. of NFPA 20
(that covers requirements for a transfer
switch) states the following: “10.8.2.1.3
Circuit Breaker. The transfer switch
emergency side shall be provided
with a circuit breaker complying
with 10.4.3 and 10.4.4”. This means
that a fire pump transfer
(Continued from page 8)
pacity not less than 125% of the full load
current rating of the fire pump motor. It
should be noted that this Code requirement
is no different than the provisions of Rule
28-106 for branch circuit conductors supplying all other types of individual motors. As this Rule does not specify require2. switch arranged in a “listed combinaments for selection of the ampacity of fire
tion Fire Pump Controller and Power
pump conductors from a normal power
Transfer Switch” as described in
supply circuit, the ampacity of these conClause 10.8.2.1 of NFPA 20 must now
ductors would have to be selected based on
be provided with a circuit breaker identhe requirements of Rule 28-106. (i.e. they
tical to the circuit breaker in the fire
would have to be also not less than 125%
pump controller. This also means that
of the full load current rating of the fire
the electrical characteristics of the cirpump motor)
cuit breaker selected by the electrical
It looks like issues addressed by items 1
designers upstream of:
and 2 above might be intertwined by the
(a) the fire pump controller – in the normal
rules of the current edition of the CE
power supply circuit, and (b) the fire pump
Code.
transfer switch – in the emergency power
Let's discuss these issues.
supply circuit
Discussion:
must be also identical. This means that the
setting requirements described in Rule 321. Clauses 10.4.3.3. and 10.4.4 of the cur- 206(5) of the CEC for the circuit breaker in
rent (2010) edition of NFPA 20 provide
the normal power supply circuit and coorsimilar requirements for the circuit
dination of these settings with the circuit
breaker in a fire pump transfer switch
breaker of the fire pump controller must be
as the requirements that are currently
extended to the circuit breaker installed in
referenced in Appendix B Note on Rule
an emergency power supply circuit (see
32-206 of the CEC (i.e. instantaneous/ Diagram 2).
magnetic trip setting of the circuit
breaker in a fire pump controller at
2. Rule 32-200 of the CE Code requires
not more than 20 times of the full load that conductors from an emergency power
current of the fire pump and a thermal supply to the fire pump must have an amtrip setting/locked rotor overcurrent
pacity not less than 125% of the full load
protection setting at a minimum of 300 current rating of the fire pump motor. It
percent of motor full-load current - to
should be noted that this Code requirement
allow a fire pump controller to carry
is no different than the provisions of Rule
locked rotor current for a pe28-106 for branch circuit conductors supriod between 8 and 20 sec). However,
plying all other types of individual motors.
the exception that was permitted in
Rule 32-200 appears to be conspicuously
1999 edition of NFPA 20 (in the edition silent on selection of the ampacity of conthat is referenced in Appendix B Note on ductors that connect a fire pump to a norRule 32-206 of the CEC) has been re(Continued on page 12)
moved from the current edition of the
11
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
the motor full-load current.
(Continued from page 11)
mal power supply circuit. Perhaps, this Rule
reflects the fact that in the emergency power
supply circuit, the O/C protection of the circuit
breaker would not have to be coordinated with
the circuit breaker in the fire pump controller,
as the overcurrent protection in the fire pump
controller was allowed to be bypassed in accordance with the 1999 edition of the NFPA (1999
edition of the NFPA 20 is currently referenced
in Appendix B Note on Rule 32-206). If this is
the case, then 125% of the full load current rating of the fire pump motor supplied from an
emergency power source is the logical ampacity . It should be also noted that ampacity
of branch circuit conductors based on 125% of
the full load current rating of any motor is
shown in Table D16 of the CE Code, and
such ampacity values are correlated with the
O/C devices protecting these conductors - as
also prescribed by Table D16. Thus, provision
of Rule 32-200 for the conductors of the emergency power supply circuit made perfect sense,
since the O/C protection of the controller downstream from the circuit breaker installed
in the emergency supply circuit, was permitted
to be bypassed. However, in light of the fact
that in accordance with NFPA 2010, the trip
settings of the circuit breaker in the emergency
power supply circuit will have to be coordinated
with the settings of the circuit breaker in the
transfer switch, the conductor ampacity currently mandated by Rule 32-200 (125%
of the full load current) may not be
now sufficient - to prevent insulation damage without being subjected to damage , as
these conductors would have to carry a fault
current in excess of 20 times of the full load
current.
2. If a transfer switch “approved for fire
pump service” in accordance with Rule 32-208
(1)(c)of the CE Code meets provisions of the
current edition of the NFPA 20 (i.e. is provided with an integral circuit breaker), then the
circuit breaker designed for installation in
the emergency power supply circuit, upstream
of the circuit breaker in the transfer switch
(see Diagram 2) should also be selected with an
instantaneous trip setting at 21 times of the
full-load current and with thermal/locked rotor
overcurrent protection setting at 350% of the
motor full-load current.
3. If a transfer switch “approved for fire
pump service” in accordance with Rule 32-208
(1)(c) of the CE Code does not meet provisions
of the current edition of the NFPA 20
(i.e. integral overcurrent protection is bypassed
in the fire pump controller/fire pump transfer switch arrangements, as shown in Diagram
1), then current provision of Rule 32-206(4) of
the CE Code could be met. Note: Proposal to
amend Rule 32-206 has been submitted to the
Section 32 S/C of the CE Code – to reflect the
conclusion 2 above.
4. Fire pump feeder conductors in both - normal and emergency power supply circuit
should have an ampacity not less than 200% of
the full load current of the fire pump motor or
not less than 200% of the sum of the full load
currents of the fire pump, jockey pump and
the fire pump auxiliary loads, where two or
more motors are provided with the fire
pump. Note: Proposal to amend Rule 32-200
has also been submitted to the Section 32 S/C
of the CE Code – to reflect this conclusion.
5. Fire pump feeder conductors from both – the
normal and the emergency power supply sources to the fire pump should be pro1. A circuit breaker designed for installation in tected against fire exposure to provide contina normal power supply circuit, upstream of
ued operation for not less than 1 h in accorthe circuit breaker in a fire pump controller
dance with sentence 3.2.7.10.(2) of the
(see Diagram 2) should be selected with
NBCC 2010. (i.e. conductors shall have circuit
an instantaneous trip setting at 21 times of the integrity rating not less than 1 h in accorfull-load current and with thermal/locked rodance with the ULC S139 “Fire Test for
tor overcurrent protection setting at 350% of
Conclusion:
(Continued on page 13)
12
(Continued from page 12)
Evaluation of Integrity of Electrical Cables”
or be located in a service space that is separated from the remainder of the building by a
fire separation that has a fire resistance rating
not less than 1 h).
However, it should be noted that the above
conclusions only represent observations of the
author on this subject, and until these conclusions are incorporated into the CE Code as the
result of the submitted proposals, compliance
with them is not legally required, as these conclusions simply describe a good engineering
practice.
consulted on this subject during the design
and installation of the fire pumps circuits.
Ark is a registered professional engineer with a
master’s degree in
Electrical Engineering. He
is currently the Chair of
the Technical Committee
for the Canadian Electrical
Code and is representing
the CE Code Committee on
the CMP-1 of the National
Electrical Code.
Ark Tsisserev P.Eng.
And as usual, the appropriate AHJ should be
Ted Simmons, being
recognized for his —
Outstanding Individual of the Year Award,
Presented by the
BCEA. The purpose of
this award is to recognize a company or individual who has
given back to the
community. A person
well recognized in our
community who is always willing to help
the industry grow. He
is a respected individual in our industry and was nominated by many individuals. He was also a nominee
last year for this same award; Congratulations Ted well done!
Photo L—R Ark Tsisserev P.Eng., Barbette Ishii, Ted Simmons (the man himself) , Jack Ball
13
INSPECTOR NEWSLETTER— February
EIA Executive
President—Jack Ball,
jackmball@shaw.ca
Vice President— Nick LeForte
City of Surrey
nleforte@surrey.ca
Treasurer—Brian Esau,
City of Burnaby
Brian.Esau@burnaby.ca
Monday, February 27 th , 2012
125—East 2nd Street, North Vancouver, B.C.
(just off Lonsdale Avenue)
Membership Secretary
George Razzo,
BC Safety Authority,
Chilliwack
leachtown@shaw.ca
Recording Secretary
Ted Simmons,
BCIT
tsimmons@bcit.ca
Social Hour 5:15—6:00
Dinner
6:00—7:00
Meeting
7:00— 9:00
Presention from EATON’s electric vehicle equipment and associated installation requirements. They will have a number of knowledgeable presenters to make it a very interesting update. Followed
by the Election of Officers.
Directors
Kerry Peterson,
CSA International
kerry.peterson@csa-international.org
Paul Stevens,
Retired
stev0851@telus.net
Vince Pietracupa
Intertek
vince.pietracupa@intertek.com
Len Rhodes,
District of West Vancouver
lrhodes@westvancouver.ca
Bill Strain,
ECA of B.C.
billvilla@telus.net
Past President
Roger Tuttle,
City of Vancouver
roger.tuttle@vancouver.ca
Editor:
Rick Porcina,
Email: info@eiabc.org
Dinner: $35
Most Important for Reservations: Please Phone Dwayne Askin (778)
396-2050 or Email: Dwayne.Askin@safetyauthority.ca
Membership Application & Renewal Form
For 1 year (Jan 1, 2012—Dec. 31, 2012)
$ 75.00
For 2 years (Jan 1, 2012—Dec. 31, 2013)
$ 150.00
For 3 years (Jan 1, 2012—Dec. 31, 2014)
$ 225.00
New Membership
Name (Please Print)
Address
Renewal
City
Postal Code
Inspector
Company
Title
Associate
Email
Mail to: The EIA of BC, Suite 201— 3989 Henning Drive,
Burnaby, B.C., V5C 6N5
14