PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Office of the Chief Building Official
BULLETIN 2015-004-BU/EL
June 25, 2015
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING FOR BUILDINGS
This bulletin provides clarification of requirements of Subsection 10.2.3. of Division B of the Vancouver
Building By-Law (VBBL 2014) with respect to Electric Vehicle Charging for Building and Electrical Rooms.
In addition to that, it is intended by this bulletin to provide explanation and clarification of application of
the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 (CE Code) in respect of installation of the electrical equipment
related to the VBBL requirements of Electric Vehicle Charging.
VBBL DEFINED TERMS
Row housing means a building of residential occupancy where no dwelling unit is located above another
dwelling unit and there is no common interior or exterior means of egress.
Laneway house means a detached dwelling unit constructed in the rear yard of a parcel on which is
situate a one-family dwelling or one-family dwelling with secondary suite.
One-family dwelling with secondary suite means a building containing only two dwelling units of which
the secondary suite is smaller than the principal residence.
Two-family dwelling with secondary suites means a building containing two self-contained dwelling
units where each self-contained dwelling unit contains one secondary suite.
Secondary suite means that area of a building that is intended to be a dwelling unit that is smaller than
the principal residence in the same building.
Lock-off unit means a smaller dwelling unit within a larger principal dwelling unit, which must have
separate external access and shared internal access, and which can be locked off from the larger
dwelling unit, but does not include a secondary suite.
EXPLANATORY INFORMATION AND SIMPLIFIED SUMMARY ON VBBL SUBSECTION 10.3.2 REQUIREMENTS:
Electric Vehicle Charging for Buildings
Article 10.2.3.1. of Division B of the Vancouver Building By-law regulates the requirements of Electric
Vehicle Charging for Buildings. This Article is divided into five Sentences which are delineated by
numbers in brackets as follows:

Sentence (1) requires the separate branch circuit rated not less than 40 A (@ 208 / 240V) must be
provided to power supply to an outlet box installed in each storage garage or carport in
one-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, one-family dwellings or two-family dwellings with
secondary suites or lock-off units, and laneway houses. Each outlet box for the purpose of electric
vehicle charging must be labelled in a conspicuous, legible, and permanent manner identifying it
as an electric vehicle supply equipment outlet.
City Hall, 453 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
tel: 3-1-1, Outside Vancouver: 604.873.7000, website: vancouver.ca
Bulletin 2015-004-BU/EL
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING FOR BUILDINGS
June 25, 2015
Page 2 OF 4

Notwithstanding Sentence (1), the intent of Sentence (2) is, in lieu of the separate branch circuit,
installation of a raceway not less than 21 mm running and connecting from the dwelling unit
panelboard to an electrical outlet box located in the storage garage or carport is permitted, if
computing the dwelling unit load that includes the 40 A branch circuit load will result the total
calculated load of this dwelling unit greater than 200 A.

Sentence (3) requires that each one of 20 percent of all parking stalls used by owners or occupiers
of dwelling units in a multi-family building or the multi-family component of a mixed use building
that includes three or more dwelling units must be provided with a receptacle for the purpose of
electric vehicle charging.

Sentence (4) requires that each one of 10 percent of all parking stalls in a commercial building, or
the commercial component of a mixed use building must be provided with a receptacle for the
purpose of electric vehicle charging.

Sentence (5) mandates that the separate branch circuit rated not less than 40 A (@ 208 / 240V)
must be provided to power supply to the receptacle required by Sentences (3) and (4).
Electrical Rooms
Sentence 10.2.3.2.(1) requires that the electrical room in a multi-family building or the multi-family
component of a mixed use building with three or more dwelling units must be designed to have sufficient
space to accommodate future installation of electrical equipment related to the electric vehicle
charging, for the remainder of residential parking stalls that have not been provided with branch circuits
supplying power supply to receptacles for the electric vehicle charging.
CE CODE DEFINITIONS AND RULE
Branch circuit — that portion of the wiring installation between the final overcurrent device protecting
the circuit and the outlet(s).
Outlet — a point in the wiring installation at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
Overcurrent device — any device capable of automatically opening an electric circuit, under both
predetermined overload and short-circuit conditions, either by fusing of metal or by electromechanical
means.
Panelboard — an assembly of buses and connections, overcurrent devices and control apparatus with or
without switches, or other equipment constructed for installation as a complete unit in a cabinet.
Raceway — any channel designed for holding wires, cables, or busbars, and, unless otherwise qualified in
the Rules of this Code, the term includes conduit (rigid and flexible, metal and non-metallic), electrical
metallic and non-metallic tubing, underfloor raceways, cellular floors, surface raceways, wireways, cable
trays, busways, and auxiliary gutters.
Electric vehicle charging systems – Rule 86-000(1) This Section applies to the installation of the
electrical conductors and equipment external to an electric vehicle that connect an electric vehicle to a
source of electric current by conductive or inductive means, and to the installation of equipment and
devices related to electric vehicle charging.
Bulletin 2015-004-BU/EL
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING FOR BUILDINGS
June 25, 2015
Page 3 OF 4
EXPLANATION AND CLARIFICATION OF APPLICATION OF THE CE CODE RELATED TO THE VBBL
REQUIREMENTS OF SUBSECTION 10.3.2. FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
1. When calculating the minimum ampacity of consumer’s service conductors from a supply service
supplying two-family dwellings, one-family dwellings or two-family dwellings with secondary
suites or lock-off units, the size of consumer’s service conductors between the BC Hydro point of
attachment and multi position meter base must be based on the calculated load obtained from
CEC Rule 8-200(2). When determining the main bus rating of the multi position meter base, the
main bus must have the ampere rating sized in accordance with CEC Rule 8-200(2).
2. The minimum ampacity of service or feeder conductors from a main service supplying two or more
dwelling units of, two-family dwellings, one-family dwellings or two-family dwellings with
secondary suites or lock-off units must be based on CEC Rule 8-200(2), as applicable.
3. When the secondary suite of a two-family dwelling building is not individually metered for
electrical power consumption and it is provided with an additional combination panelboard
supplied by panelboard of the principal dwelling unit, the minimum ampacity of feeder conductors
from the principal dwelling unit supplying the secondary suite must be based on the calculated
load obtained from CEC Rule 8-200(1). In this case, the minimum ampacity of consumer’s service
conductors from the multi position meter base to service box of the dwelling unit containing
secondary suite, the minimum ampacity of service conductors supplying the two-family dwelling
building, or service or feeder conductors from a main service supplying the two-family dwelling
building or dwelling unit(s) with secondary suite must be sized in accordance with CEC Rule
8-200(2), as applicable.
4. When calculating the minimum ampacity of consumer’s service conductors from a supply service
supplying laneway house and one-family dwelling or laneway house, secondary suit and one-family
dwelling with secondary suite, the size of consumer’s service conductors between the BC Hydro
point of attachment and multi position meter base must be based on the calculated load obtained
from CEC Rule 8-200(2). When determining the main bus rating of the multi position meter base,
the main bus must have the ampere rating sized in accordance with CEC Rule 8-200(2) (see
attachment for a fillable load calculation form).
5. The minimum ampacity of service or feeder conductors from a main service supplying two or more
dwelling units of, laneway house and one-family dwelling or laneway house, secondary suite and
one-family dwelling with secondary suite, must be based on CEC Rule 8-200(2), as applicable (see
attachment for a fillable load calculation form).
6. The consumer's service conductors between each subdivision of the multiple meter mounting
device and each consumer's service box supplying loads in the laneway house, one-family
dwelling, secondary suite or one-family dwelling with secondary suite (individually metered), or
the feeder conductors from a main service supplying laneway house, one-family dwelling,
secondary suite or one-family dwelling with secondary suite, must have the minimum ampacity
based on the calculated load obtained from CEC Rule 8-200(1), as applicable.
7. Laneway house means a detached dwelling unit. The determination of areas for a laneway house
must also include the sum of 100% of the area on the ground floor that includes the inside
dimensions of the area used for enclosed parking, for the purpose of CEC Rule 8-110 and
Rule 8-200. Also see Rule 26-722(a) for the requirements of branch circuits for dwelling units.
Bulletin 2015-004-BU/EL
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING FOR BUILDINGS
June 25, 2015
Page 4 OF 4
8. When calculating any electric vehicle supply equipment loads for the purpose of Subsection
10.3.2. of the VBBL, each EVSE load supplied by a branch circuit with a 100% demand factor of a
minimum of 40A must be used in the load calculation, for the purpose of CEC Rule 8-200,
Rule 8-202 and Section 86.
9. Receptacles must not be connected to a branch circuit having overcurrent protection rated or set
at more than the ampere rating of the receptacle. Receptacles having configurations in
accordance with Diagrams 1 and 2 must be connected only to circuits having a nominal system
voltage and ampere rating corresponding to the rating of the configurations. Refer to CEC Rules
14-600 and 26-700(2). When a receptacle of CSA Configuration 6-50R, 14-50R or 15-50R as shown
in Diagram 1 of the CE code is used for the purpose of electric vehicle charging, the receptacle
must be connected to a 250 V or 125/250 V branch circuit rated at 50 A. Receptacles having
configurations in accordance with Diagram 1 or 2 used for the purpose of electric vehicle charging
must be connected only to branch circuits having the ratings corresponding to the ratings of the
configurations.
10. The installation of electrical equipment related to electric vehicle charging systems and electric
vehicle charging stations must meet the requirements of the CE Code and manufacturer’s
instruction.
(Original signed by)
W. White
MANAGER, TRADES INSPECTION
DEPUTY CITY ELECTRICIAN
Attachment
(Original signed by)
P. Ryan, M.Sc., P.Eng.
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL
DIRECTOR, BUILDING CODE & POLICY
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Office of the Chief Building Official
One-Family Dwelling Permit
EPLaneway House Permit
EP-
Electrical Load Calculation for Laneway House and One-Family Dwelling or One-Family Dwelling with
Secondary Suite. CEC Rule 8-200(2). – Attachment to Bulletin 2015-004-BU/EL
Part 1.
One-Family Dwelling Address :
S Suite Address:
LWH Address:
CEC Rule 8-200(2)
One-FD m²
Secondary Suite m²
(If applicable) Excluding
secondary suite, if SS is
individually metered.
(If applicable) Portion of
One-FD, if SS is
individually metered.
*Area in m²
(1 square meter =
10.764 square feet)
Laneway House m²
(Including floor area used
for enclosed parking)
*Contractor to provide
accurate m² as calculated
per info from Building or
Development permit, for
the purpose of CEC Rule
8-110.
(1)(a)(i) a basic load of 5000 W for
the first 90 m² of living area (see
Rule 8-110); plus
(1)(a)(ii) an additional 1000 W for
each 90 m² or portion thereof in
excess of 90 m²; plus
(1)(a)(iii) any electric space-heating
loads (Section 62); plus
*Check box below:
Same day service
reconnection planned?
Yes
No
*If No,
(1)(a)(iii) any AC “Rule 8-106(4)”
each disconnecting means
must be terminated prior
to inspection.
(1)(a)(iv) single electric range: 6000
W + 40%-exceeds 12 kW; plus
(1)(a)(v) electric tankless water
heaters or water heaters for
steamers, swimming pools, hot
tubs, or spas. 100%; plus
(1)(a)(vi) electric vehicle charging
equipment loads. 100%; plus
(1)(a)(vii) additional loads: electric
range provided-25% X
(>1500 W), or no electric range
provided-100% of (>1500 W) up to
6000 W, + 25% X (>6000 W); or
(1)(b) (i) 100 A, exclusive of
basement, is 80 m² or more; or
(ii) 60 A, exclusive of basement
floor area, is less than 80 m².
Total calculated
demand loads (watts)
W
Each Main Breaker, O/C.
Type & size of consumer’s
service conductors.
Amps
Cu/Al
AWG/kcmil
CEC Rule 8-200(2)
W
Amps
Cu/Al
AWG/kcmil
*To book an inspection
when service is ready
for the connection to
the BC Hydro, call
3-1-1, 604-873-7000,
or the 24-hour line at
604-873-7059.
*
The service panelboard
and branch circuits
from a panelboard of
1FD or SS or 1FD with
SS must not be located
and connected to
outlets or electrical
equipment in the
detached LWH. CEC
Rules 26-402(1)
26-722(a). Zoning &
Development Bylaw
No. 3575.
W
Amps
Cu/Al
AWG/kcmil
Demand Application
8-200(2)(a) excluding any electric
space-heating & air-cond loads:
8-202(3)(a)(i)-100% of calculated
load of unit with heaviest load; +
(3)(a)(ii)-65% of next two units.
8-200(2)(a)(b). 8-202(3)(b)(c).
electric space-heating loads “Section
62, subject to Rule 8-106(4)” and
100% air-conditioning loads “subject
to Rule 8-106(4)”.
100% 1FD:
The size of consumer’s service
conductors between the BC Hydro point
of attachment and multi position meter
base to be based on the calculated load
obtained from Subrule (1)(a) or (b) and
8-202(3)(a)(i) to (ii); plus
8-202(3)(b)&(c). The main bus and each
subdivision of the multi position meter
base must comply with Rule 8-200(2) &
(1).
65% LWH:
65% SS Individually metered :
Electric space-heating loads:
Air-conditioning loads:
Total Calculated Load:
(W/240V)
Size & Type of Service Conductors:
Quantity of
meters:
(AWG/kcmil, Cu/Al)
Watts.
Amps.
I have verified that the information contained within this document is correct.
_____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________
Electrical Contractor Name & Licence #
Email Address
________________________________
FSR Name & Registration #
Phone Number
Date:
Signature
______ /______ /______
Y
M
D
Electrical Load Calculation for Laneway House and One-Family Dwelling or
One-Family Dwelling with Secondary Suite. CEC Rule 8-200(2)
Part 2.
Please enter all information where applicable.
Areas of the One-Family Dwelling. (1 sq. m. = 10.764 sq. ft.)
m²
m²
m²
Ground Floor:
Upper Floor:
Basement:
Areas of the Laneway House.
m²
Laneway House:
The determination of areas for a detached one-family dwelling of Laneway House must include the sum of 100% of the area used for enclosed parking
for the purpose of CEC Rule 8-110 and Rule 8-200(2).
m²
Secondary Suite Area:
Electrical Equipment Used in Load Calculation.
Type & Wattage of Electric Space-Heating:
Type:
Air-Conditioning Load:
Heat Pump:
Electric Booster for Geothermal Heating:
Electric Range:
Second Electric Range:
Separate Built-in Cooking Units:
Electric Clothes Dryer:
Electric Tankless Water Heater:
Electric Hot Water Tank:
Electric Steamer:
Electric Water Heater (swimming pool, hot tub, spa):
Electric Sauna:
Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Loads:
Electric Furnace / Motor:
Type & Watts of Addition Loads With Rating In Excess of 1500 W:
Type & Watts of Addition Loads With Rating In Excess of 1500 W:
Type & Watts of Addition Loads With Rating In Excess of 1500 W:
Type:
Type:
Type:
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W
W