December 18, 2015 – Codes for safe electrical installation are fairly well known, but the public tends to be more familiar with the parts pertaining to homes and consumers. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group), however, has just published a new edition of two standards for power transmission and distribution.

By way of context, the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code) is published in several parts. Part I is the safety standard for electrical installations. Part II is a collection of individual standards for the evaluation of electrical equipment or installations. (Part I requires electrical products to be approved to a Part II standard).

Part III is the safety standard for power T&D circuits. Part IV is a set of objective-based standards that may be used in certain industrial or institutional installations. Part VI establishes standards for the inspection of electrical installation in residential buildings.

“The Canadian Electrical Code Part III specifies minimum requirements for electricity supply and telecommunication systems in support of public safety and reliability of service,” said John O’Neill, senior project manager for electrical standards with CSA Group.

The two new editions of standards from CSA focus on Part III and pertain to electrical protection, safety and design criteria for both overhead and underground T&D systems.

O’Neill explains Part III consists of a collection of nine standards dealing with the design and construction of power and communication lines, electrical stations and electrical coordination between different types of systems, such as between power and communication systems or power systems and pipelines.

The new editions of two key standards published in 2015—“Overhead Systems” and “Underground Systems”—cover power and communication lines and deal with issues such as clearances and separations, strength of poles and towers, and loading conditions, including the impact of weather, O’Neill added.

“These standards are referenced by electricity distribution and transmission utilities, telecommunication carriers, engineering consultants, electrical safety regulators and manufacturers across Canada.”

The new C22.3 No.7 “Underground Systems” is referenced by electrical and communication utilities. The standard helps ensure the safety and protection of people, services and property by specifying minimum design requirements for underground electricity supply and communication systems.

The latest edition of the standard includes several major changes and updates including revised definitions and new clauses, and reference materials dealing with line-of-sight at intersections, and supply cable bonding techniques.

The new edition of C22.3 No.1 “Overhead Systems” helps ensure the safety and protection of people, services and property by specifying minimum design requirements for overhead electricity supply and communication systems. The standard is referenced by railways, regulators, engineering consultants, electrical and communication utilities across Canada.

While the CE Code Part I is perhaps more well-known to Canadians than Part III, the latter is nonetheless vital to Canada’s electrical safety system. Without safe overhead and underground systems in place, consumers and businesses would not get the electricity they need, and public safety would be at risk.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the standards discussed above.