April 24, 2025 – It’s that time of year when the snow begins to melt, causing rivers and creeks to overrun their banks or overwhelm a home’s drainage system. Freeze-thaw cycles have caused the ground—plus everything in it and on it—to shift, possibly rupturing water mains and causing significant damage to neighbourhoods.

Flood conditions always threaten the protection of people and property. In some cases, the utility will cut off an entire district until the waters recede to the point where assessments can be made and sites can be reenergized, one by one.

The CE Code’s 28-900 series of rules touch on the need to protect both workers and the system, and Rule 14-414 discusses connections to different circuits.

Some of the field techniques we’ve seen in emergency situations of are simply not safe and create a hazard for everyone. For example, connecting a panel without considering anyone’s safety, or creating dual male end cords to energize through a receptacle without understanding how this will affect workers and systems.

Backup generators, for example, must be checked for safe operation. As the Authority Having Jurisdiction, we want to ensure that no current is back-feeding to neighbours or utility workers.

Most jurisdictions provide guidelines on how to tackle individual properties or entire communities to keep people (including you!) and property safe during flood remediation and restoration.

Rule 2-022 talks about the dangerous conditions caused by flooding and the submersion of equipment and cables. If the installation has not been negatively affected and remains safe, your AHJ may determine that the intent of this rule has been met.

When a piece of equipment must be replaced, some AHJs may allow you to replace like-for-like, whereas others may require the entire installation to be brought up to the latest code requirements.

Always check with your local AHJ for any regulations and bulletins relating to flooding and power restoration.

Meanwhile, the end of winter heralds the coming growing season. Irrigation systems are expanding, and with them comes the need for large pumps that are placed in bodies of water shared by boaters, kayakers, and swimmers.

Some of these pumps float on the water and look like fishing platforms, while others are mounted on the shore, with intakes in the water where people are canoeing. Rule 26-956 reminds us that your AHJ must be alerted to the installation of these pumps, and rules regarding their installation on navigable waters may be imposed. If you’re involved in the irrigation sector, make sure you know the AHJ’s requirements for your area.

But it’s not all work and no play! We’re also getting ready for camping, boating, swimming, and more. Summer in Canada can be short, after all, so we plan and prepare to hit the ground running.

Marinas and harbours are being designed and built for the upcoming season. Boathouses are being installed and wiring them often occurs during the off-season so that, when the weather allows, our boats can be floated.

Plans reviews for these installations and structures are generally required in inspection jurisdictions, so touch base with your local AHJ for their requirements.

And then there are the campgrounds, getting ready to welcome visitors once the snow is gone. Section 72 was updated to ensure these places are designed to handle the higher loads demanded by today’s large RVs, as well as increased year-round use of the campsites themselves

One of the last things we want to keep in mind is the risk of electric shock drowning (ESD), which is often suspected as a cause behind otherwise inexplicable drownings. Recent changes to CE Code Sections 26 and 78 aim to reduce the risk of ESD.

Read the code and discuss plans with your AHJ. After all, the best way to enjoy Canada’s spring, summer, and fall seasons is safely!

David Pilon is manager, Electrical Inspections, at Technical Safety Authority, Saskatchewan (TSASK). He also serves as vice-chair of the Canadian Certified Electrical Inspector (CCEI) committee of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), Canadian Section.

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