Back to NewsSpring is in the air! The Safety Codes department is pleased to share the following information with you, as we continue to support our community and be of assistance to you.
ELECTRICAL UPDATES
This STANDATA allows for the reduction in the size of the mast in an overhead service for many code cycles. It is not going to be renewed when the 2024 electrical code is adopted April 1, 2025. All masts will be required to be 2 ½”.
There has been an increase in the amount of revenue or sub-metering over the past few years.
Concern has been expressed about the installation of devices into certified electrical distribution and control equipment for the purpose of metering. Often these are installed in larger capacity installations in either existing installations or at the initial construction stage. The industry is reminded that any alterations of certified equipment will void the original certification.
When metering devices (revenue or energy management) are to be incorporated in a new installation, the equipment must form part of an approved switchgear assembly constructed by the manufacturer or be installed in separate enclosures connected to the switchgear by recognized wiring methods. Where it is proposed to add metering devices (revenue or energy management) to an existing installation, approved devices are to be used and the electrical inspection authority having jurisdiction should be contacted prior to the installation to determine the acceptability of the proposed modifications.
Any device used for the measurement of electricity for revenue purposes must be approved by Measurement Canada, as well as CSA or equivalent. The utility type meter that fits into a meter base is approved by Measurement Canada, but not by CSA or equivalent.
The STANDATA states a Safety Codes Officer should be consulted prior to installation to reduce or eliminate rejection of these metering systems.
SMOKE ALARMS
For the past several code cycles, the building code has added requirements for smoke alarms in homes. The electrical code still only requires 1 smoke alarm per floor, and all must be interconnected, so when one goes into alarm, they all go into alarm together.
Smoke alarms used to have to be interconnected via a 14/3 cable and is still how most are wired today. With the advent of new technology, it has become easier to add smoke alarms to existing buildings with minimal to no drywall damage. Wireless interconnection is now commonly available in many brands. These wireless interconnection devices must meet CAN/ULC S531 which is the Canadian standards for smoke alarms.
The only difference between the wireless and wired models is the method of interconnection. Both types of alarms must be hardwired and have battery backup.
Smoke alarms are required by the National Building Code 2019 Alberta Edition to be installed in each dwelling unit, and in every ancillary or common space in a house with a secondary suite.
Within a dwelling unit, a smoke alarm must be installed on each storey including the basement. Where that storey includes a bedroom, the smoke alarm shall be in the following location(s).
- In each sleeping room, and
- In a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, or if the sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, this smoke alarm shall be in the hallway.
In rooms with a ceiling slope greater than 1 in 8, the smoke alarm must be located on the ceiling at the high side of the room or on the wall with the top of the smoke alarm mounted not more than 200 mm (8”) below the dead air space. The “dead air space” is the triangular area with the base of the triangle measuring 900 mm (36”) at 90 degrees to the wall.
Carbon Monoxide detection is also required in dwelling units and can be in the form of a combo smoke/carbon monoxide alarm.
PLUMBING & GAS UPDATES
New Building Code for 2024 has impacts on Plumbing & Gas
The 2023 Building Code (coming into effect on May 1, 2024) states, "Except as provided in Sentences (5) and (6), exhaust outlets that discharge air containing moisture, such as bathroom ventilation and clothes dryer exhaust outlets, shall be located at least 1800 mm from air intakes and vented soffits." National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition – 9.32.3.13(3)
This would include garage unit heaters, BH systems for Category IV appliances, etc.
Definition of an “air intake” - The fresh air intake is an opening through which outside air is drawn into the building. This may be to replace the air in the building that has been exhausted by the ventilation system or to provide fresh air for the combustion of fuel.
A fresh air intake may include an opening window. Currently, the B149.1:20 Gas Code has a setback required based on BTU load (Sentence 8.14.8). If the appliance is less than or equal to 100 MBH, the setback from a building opening is 12". If the load is over 100 MBH, the setback increases to 3’ (900 mm).
When the new Building Code comes into effect on May 1, 2024, that setback will be universally increased to 6’ (1800 mm). This may make it more challenging to find “real estate” on the wall for your vent terminations.
This update applies to all plumbing and gas contractors.
BUILDING UPDATES
New Building Code Coming into Effect May 1, 2024
There is big news in the building construction world, the new National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition has been released and will officially be implemented on May 1st, 2024.
Projects issued permits under the previous 2019 code may continue to be inspected for compliance under the 2019 code and if an owner can demonstrate their project design was substantially complete prior to the May 1st date, the project may continue under the 2019 code rules.
We’ve listed a few of most interesting new codes for builders below:
- Article 9.8.4.9. Open Risers - Open stair risers are no longer permitted except for in private dwellings and industrial occupancies. Where they are permitted in private dwellings builders are reminded the opening between the treads must not exceed 100 mm.
- Article 9.9.8.5. Openings in Guards - The triangular opening formed between the stair and underside of a guards in open stringer stairs cannot exceed 150mm. Industrial occupancies are exempt.
- Article 9.8.8.1. Required Guards – In order to protect toddlers and small children from falling through openable windows they will now be required to be protected by a guard rail or be limited to opening not more than 100mm (4 inches) by a window opening control device (WOCD). This applies where the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located less than 900 mm above the finished floor, or more than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window. A WOCD is a mechanism that can only be released with the use of tools or special knowledge, and it must control the free swinging or sliding operation of the openable part of the window to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally. WOCD’s must conform to ASTM FT2090 “Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices with Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanisms.”. These devices essentially child proof the window so that toddlers can’t inadvertently open a window more than 100 mm (4 inches) and fall through it yet will still allow younger persons and adults to open the window for egress purposes if the window is required to meet those requirements.
- Article 9.32.3.13.(3) Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Openings - The distance separating air intakes for mechanical ventilation from exhaust outlets that are potential sources of contaminants, such as gas vents or oil fill pipes, shall be not less than 1 800 mm.
- Article 9.3.2.3.13.(4-6) - Exhaust outlets that discharge air containing moisture, such as bathroom ventilation and clothes dryer exhaust outlets, shall be located at least 1 800 mm from air intakes and vented soffits or the soffits must be blocked at all points within 1800 mm per Table 9.32.3.13.-A.
- Article 9.36.2.5.(7) Continuity of Insulation - The effective thermal resistance of a wall at the projected areas of plumbing and electrical system components, such as plumbing vent pipes, conduits, and electrical outlet and switch boxes, need not comply with Sentence (6), provided the effective thermal resistance at the projected area of the system component is not less than 60% of that required in Articles 9.36.2.6. and 9.36.2.8., and the insulation is continuous on the cold side behind the system component.
- 3.1.8.3. (1-5) Continuity of Fire Separations- Continuity of fire separations at joints between ceiling, roofs, and walls, both interior and exterior are now required to be fire stopped with products that are tested and provide the appropriate F-Rating unless drywall has continuous framing support.
We have very knowledgeable Safety Codes Officers that can assist in answering questions that may be relevant to the materials or projects. To speak with a Safety Codes Officer, call our office at 780-743-7813, or email inspections@rmwb.ca.
The Safety Codes Department is committed to supporting safe work across our region. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at the phone or email address above. We are always happy to help!
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