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ELECTRICAL LINE
September / October 2002
Code Matters!
Section 30 - 2002 Code Change Highlights
By Ted Simmons
T
here have been numerous changes made to the various sections of the 19th edition of the Canadian Electrical Code.
Section 30, which deals with the installation of lighting equipment, is no exception. Since lighting is such a large part of any
electrical installation it is essential that everyone from designers to installers be aware of the following important revisions.
Special terminology has been added to Section 30 to reflect
the use of new and existing products used in lighting installations. For example, Rule 30-002 now describes four types of
recessed luminaires that are available, each having different
installation requirements. Cabinet and under-cabinet lighting
systems have also been defined in this rule.
For show window lighting installations, Rule 30-202 now
recognizes the use of bare conductors for cable lighting systems, provided the installation is completed in accordance
with Rule 30-1206.
Installers should be especially aware of the change to Rule
30-204(2) which now prohibits the use of bare lamps and bulbs
in clothes closets. The intent of this change is to reduce the risk
of fire due to bare lamps and bulbs coming into contact with
clothing or boxes stored on closet shelves. This requirement
applies to all lamps including fluorescent tubes.
The support requirements for lighting fixtures have also
been modified substantially. Rule 30-302(3) now indicates the
maximum weight that may be supported by a wall outlet box
is 13kg., provided the outlet box is attached directly to the
building structure. It should be noted that device boxes which
utilize 6/32 machine screws would not be acceptable for this
purpose. For fixtures mounted on ceiling outlet boxes attached
directly to the building structure, the maximum weight has been
increased from the previous 11.4kg. to 23kg. Where wall
mounted fixtures and ceiling mounted fixtures exceed the
weights specified in these rules, they must be supported independently of the outlet box. Various methods can be employed
for supporting these fixtures, however, whichever method is
used, it is critical that the branch circuit wiring connections
remain accessible without removing the fixture supports.
Installers are reminded that lighting fixtures installed in suspended ceilings must be supported independently of the ceiling.
A new Subsection identifying the requirements for luminaires in buildings of residential occupancy has been added to
Section 30. Although Rules 30-500 to 30-510 appear to be new
requirements, they are in fact a duplication of rules that already
exist in the National Building Code. Introduction of these rules
into the Canadian Electrical Code will assist in harmonizing
the requirements of the C.E.C. and the N.B.C. Each of the new
rules in this subsection reference the applicable National
Building Code requirements. It should be noted that the
September / October 2002
National Building Code also contains the requirements for
lighting in public corridors and similar areas.
The requirements for Recessed Luminaires have also been
assigned to a separate subsection. Rules 30-900 to 30-910 have
been added to identify the requirements for the installation of
luminaires recessed in cavities in ceilings or walls. Recessed
fixtures can present serious fire hazards when improperly
installed. It is essential that installers pay close attention to the
marking on the recessed fixture to ensure the fixture is suitable
for the particular location and all required clearances are maintained. This is not an easy task considering there are now four
specific types of recessed luminaires. They include:
• Type IC and type IC Inherently Protected Luminaires which,
as noted in Rule 30-906, may be installed in contact with
combustible materials or blanketed with thermal insulation.
• Non-IC type luminaires which are outlined in Rule 30-902
must be located at least 13mm from combustible material;
and thermal insulation shall not be installed closer than
76mm to the luminaire.
• Non-IC Marked Spacings type Luminaires are outlined in
Rule 30-904. These luminaires will require careful
scrutiny from the installer to ensure the fixture is installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s spacings marked
on the luminaire. It would be advisable to maintain a copy
of the manufacturer’s spacing requirements. In cases
where doubt exists regarding the installation of thermal
insulation in the area of a recessed fixture, it is essential
that a fixture intended for insulation contact be used.
There have also been minor revisions made to the requirements for Extra-Low-Voltage Lighting Systems. Extra-lowvoltage lighting systems typically include:
• Landscape lighting systems.
• Cable lighting systems.
• Cabinet and under-cabinet lighting systems.
Since the power supply requirements for Extra-Low-Voltage Power supplies are covered in Section 16 of the Code,
the previous requirements to limit the branch circuit overcurrent protection to 15 amps have been eliminated. Rule 301208 has been introduced to identify the requirements for
cabinet and under-cabinet wiring systems.
This rule permits the use of flexible cord on the secondary
side of the power supply and allows the flexible cord to be
secured to structural members and be run through cabinet
holes. Rule 30-1208 also allows connections to be made
without an enclosure provided the connection is not exposed
to mechanical damage. It is essential that installers be aware
that the requirements for Extra-Low-Voltage Lighting systems identified in Section 30 are supplementary and amendatory of the General Requirements of the Code.
The General Requirements of Section 16 for Class 1 and
Class 2 circuits should be consulted when completing any
Extra-Low-Voltage wiring installation. Ω
Ted Simmons is Chief Instructor, Electrical Apprenticeship
Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
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