Safety Codes Updates - Summer 2023

Electrical Updates

Mast kits

Mast kits are a receptacle located at the top of a vertical conduit, referred to as a mast, where overhead conductors enter a residence. 

This has been a developing problem across Canada.  The hub that comes with a mast kit cannot be combined with a rigid metal conduit.  They physically do not fit together.  There is an adapter that some have been using, but it is not approved. 

If the mast hub that comes with the kit is utilized, a rated mast must be used.  While still threaded rigid steel, it is a rated mast, and will be labeled.

You can still use a threaded hub for rigid conduit of various sizes and use a ridged steel conduit in place of a rated mast, this is still acceptable.

Personal care home businesses

Several home-based businesses have opened using electrical medical equipment for cosmetic purposes. 

After intensive discussions with business owners, stakeholders, and the Provincial Electrical Administrator, it has been determined that this does not constitute a Patient Care Area if the procedures are not listed in the Z32 standard.

The Canadian Standards Association has a standard labelled Z32 (CSA-Z32).  It is in place for the Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities, and it applies to essential electrical systems and electrical installations in the patient care areas of health care facilities.

Clearances General

Rule 2-308 in the CSA-Z32, states that 1M is required for electrical equipment.  Many associate this to mean panels, but it is much more extensive.

• 2-308 1) *A minimum working space of 1 m with secure footing shall be provided and maintained about electrical equipment that:

a) contains renewable parts, disconnecting means, or operating means; or

b) requires examination, adjustment, operation, or maintenance.

*This covers panels, disconnects, cabinets, HVAC units, etc. 

New product

Leviton is a company that manufactures electrical wiring equipment in North America. They have introduced a new piece of equipment that could potentially make a big difference for outside loads. This information could be valuable for contractors in our region. Some points to note are:

• This is a combo meter/disconnect with an 8-circuit panel built in.
• With 8 circuits plus a main, the hot tub/garage/AC, etc. can run without having to penetrate the house.
• Adding the GFCI here would eliminate the need for the spa pack.
• With a 225A bus, a solar installation can be max size without the bus restriction in 64-112 (4)(d) in the Canadian Electrical Code.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Information

EV charger installations will need electrical permits. The applications will require additional information on the type of charger as well as load calculations on the service.  This information will be reviewed before permit issuance.

Electrical Inspector in the dunk tank!

Every year the ECAA puts on the Wood Buffalo Apprenticeship Classic golf tournament.  This year it is at the Fort McMurray Golf Club located at 100 Real Martin Dr on Aug 17th.

One of our very own Electrical Inspectors has agreed to be in the dunk tank this year. Come on out and take your shot!

Temporary Gas Installations

A regular gas permit does not include provision for temporary gas installation. 

A separate permit for “Temporary Gas installation” is required for temporary services and are time sensitive.

Inspection requests

When requesting an inspection, please be sure to give ample time to schedule an inspector to your project.  Our branch can usually accommodate next day inspections, there are some exceptions, so be sure to give as much lead time as possible.

When an inspection is required outside of regular working hours (e.g., later in the evening or on weekends), please let our scheduling staff know. They can provide an estimated after-hours cost, and work with you to get the inspection scheduled.

The New Plumbing Code

The new Plumbing Code came into effect on April 1, 2023. We are always available to answer any questions related to the new plumbing code changes or updates. Call our office at 780-743-7813 or email inspections@rmwb.ca.

Reminders

• Rural Water & Sewer Systems (RWSS program) - all documentation is required to be in place for the approval by the Safety Codes Officer.
• Residential gas appliance change-outs require the correct use of chimney liners, for extra information on this topic, please see below, section 8.19 of the Gas Code:

8.19 Chimney connections

8.19.1

The entrance of a vent connector into a chimney shall be above the chimney clean-out opening.

8.19.2

The vent connector shall not protrude into the chimney and obstruct the chimney flue.

8.19.3

A sleeve shall be used to facilitate removal of the vent connector for cleaning.

8.19.4

The space between a chimney and chimney liner shall be sealed at the point of entry of a vent connector.

• Back flow protection in the basement needs to be installed to separate the main floor plumbing from basement suite plumbing. All questions or concerns can be directed to the Safety Codes branch at 780-743-7813 or email inspections@rmwb.ca.

Gas Appliance Vent permits are required when changing out gas appliances and modifying the venting. When the gas piping remains unchanged, there is no requirement for a gas permit for residential change outs. Commercial installations will always require a gas permit when changing out appliances and may need a Gas Appliance Vent permit as well.

Building Updates

Ventilation Systems

Although comfort is important, health and safety are the primary purpose of our ventilation systems. Proper ventilation ensures the quality of the air we’re breathing remains healthy and safe for the intended use.

Depending on the activity or purpose of a space the ventilation needed may be different from original, meaning more or less ventilation may be needed. To ventilate spaces effectively and efficiently systems require precise design, and just as no two buildings are the same, no two ventilation systems will be the same. Occasionally a space may have more ventilation than is needed and while healthy and even code compliant, it may cost more to run. In that case the owner may consider changing or modifying the system for additional efficiency.

Safety Codes permits are required when making changes to ventilation systems and through the permit process we can work with you and your HVAC designer to ensure any changes remain compliant.  Also, whenever heating appliances are changed out on/in a commercial application, building permits are required.

Code Requirements

The code requirements for ventilation systems for businesses are found in Part 6 of the 2019 National Building Code - Alberta Edition. Part 6 identifies the standards, and parameters in those standards that allows the system designer the freedom to choose equipment and design a system that satisfies the codes requirements while tailoring the system to the exact needs. 

Some of the highlights from part 6 are provided below. Each of the questions below have reference sentences from the code. The information provided may help with questions. If required, contact the RMWB Safety Codes Offices and speak with a Building Inspector by calling 780-743-7813 or email inspections@rmwb.ca.

Q & A

What is ventilation and when is it required?

Ventilation systems manage the air quality of a building’s indoor environment by replacing indoor air with clean outside air, thus removing/reducing contaminants that can have potentially adverse effects on occupants’ health. Ventilation systems typically consist of mechanical air handling units that use fans, supply and/or exhaust, to move air and most often an energy source to condition the replacement air, hot or cold, for the comfort and health of the occupants. As noted in the sentence below, ventilation is required for all buildings.

Reference: Sentence 6.3.1.1. Required Ventilation

1) Except as provided in Sentence (3) (Residences), all buildings shall be ventilated in accordance with this Part.

2) Except in storage garages covered by Article 6.3.1.4., the rates at which outdoor air is supplied in buildings by ventilation systems shall be not less than the rates required by ANSI/ASHRAE 62, “Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality”

What type of ventilation system is required?

Most ventilation systems, including the distribution system and controls, will be sized, and designed by an engineer to be compliant with the codes and standards for a specific use and size of space. A properly designed and appropriately sized system should be efficient at both maintaining the indoor air temperature and provide healthy air quality. An existing system is adequate or even oversized for a new use, and still be possible to meet the ventilation requirements of the code but may also be inefficient. This is something that will need to be confirmed by the contractor or consultant. Once confirmed what is needed, the proper design can be confirmed, and the system approved as is or modified as needed to ensure the minimum requirements for healthy indoor air quality will be met.

Reference: Sentence 6.2.1.1. Good Engineering Practice

1) Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, including mechanical refrigeration equipment, shall be designed, constructed, and installed in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in, but not limited to, the ASHRAE Handbooks and Standards, the HRAI Digest, the Hydronics Institute Manuals, the NFPA Standards, the SMACNA Manuals, “Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice for Design” published by the ACGIH

When is a dedicated exhaust system required to remove contaminants?

Dedicated exhaust systems are required when a building’s use is identified in one of the referenced standards as requiring it, typically exhaust is required if a process inside the building generates particulate, smoke, fumes, dust or other contaminates in sufficient quantities to be considered hazardous to human health. The various standards will dictate the exhaust rate required depending on the use of the space. Some examples are Repair Garages, Storage Garages, Beauty and Nail Salons, Kitchens, and Pet stores. Each of these may have a different requirement for exhaust. The equipment, appliances, and their controls must be designed for continuous use in all conditions anytime the building is occupied.

Reference: 6.3.1.6. Indoor Air Contaminants

1) Air contaminants of concern that are released within buildings shall be removed insofar as is possible at their points of origin, and not be permitted to accumulate in concentrations greater than those permitted by applicable provincial or territorial requirements or, in the absence of such requirements, by good engineering practice such as that described in the publications listed in Sentence 6.2.1.1.(1), measured using the methodology described therein.

When is a dedicated makeup air system required?

A dedicated makeup air system is required when the volume of air required to be exhausted exceeds the base heating systems ability to maintain the desired indoor air temperature under continuous use at the January 2.5 % design and/or to prevent an air pressure imbalance that negatively affects the operation of other appliances in the building. The various standards will dictate the exhaust rate required depending on the use of the space, the makeup air and exhaust system will need to be balanced.

Reference 6.3.2.8. Makeup Air

1) In ventilating systems that exhaust air to the outdoors, provision shall be made for the admission of a supply of makeup air in sufficient quantity so that the operation of the exhaust system and other exhaust equipment or combustion equipment is not adversely affected.

2) Makeup air facilities required by Sentence (1) shall be interlocked with the exhaust devices they serve so that both operate together.

3) Where makeup air facilities are intended to introduce air directly from the outdoors to occupied parts of the building in winter, they shall incorporate means of tempering that air to maintain the indoor design temperature.

When is roof access required?

When heating and/or ventilation equipment requiring service or maintenance is installed on a roof, a permanent interior roof access is required by either an interior ladder or stair. If the equipment is located on a sloped roof, additional permanent access with guard rails may be required to safely access the appliance. Where possible, appliances should be located inside the building or on the ground, additional barriers may be required to protect ground mounted equipment. 

Reference 6.2.1.6. Installation – General

6.2.1.6. Installation – Equipment requiring periodic maintenance and forming part of a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system shall be installed with provision for access for inspection, maintenance, repair, and cleaning. Access to roof-mounted heating, ventilating or air-conditioning equipment shall be provided in conformance with Article 3.6.4.7.

If you have any questions regarding the updates, please contact our office by calling 780-743-7813 or email inspections@rmwb.ca and speak with a Building Safety Codes Officer.