Safety Codes Update - Winter 2024

Under the 2024 Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), EHT shall be assembled & installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction and the applicable rules of this section (CE Code 62-104 App B).

If EHT cables have come with a molded cord cap on it, a homeowner or plumber can install these cable assemblies for freeze protection provided that:

• They are GFCI protected by an electrical outlet and a Combination Arc Fault Interrupter (CAFCI) protected when being installed in a dwelling unit or under it.
• If the EHT cable comes without a molded cord cap (end) this needs to be installed by a qualified Electrician complete with a permit. This assembly now needs special care to be installed as per Manufacturer’s Specifications (all items included in the kit are approved for this assembly ensure all parts are used) Pictures should be taken at every step to verify to the electrical inspector that all steps are in conformance with the CE Code requirements. 

New Canadian Electrical (CE) Code

The 2024 Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2025, throughout Alberta.

Electrical permits issued by the RMWB prior to April 1, 2025, will be covered by the 2021 code.

Electrical permits issued as of April 1, 2025, are required to conform to the new 2024 edition of the CE Code. Unless an unsafe condition exists or would exist in the opinion of the Safety Codes Officers, electrical installations in progress should not be required to be updated to the new codes. Questions regarding unusual situations should be directed to the RMWB Inspections department. 

Code changes to note:

• CE Code rule 10-702 3: New sub rule added to allow the bonding conductor of the supply circuit to a gas appliance to serve as the means of bonding the gas line. 
• CE Code rule 12-116: New sub rule added pertaining to the termination of fine-strand conductors.
  • Fine-strand conductors shall terminate in:
    • connectors identified for use with fine-strand conductors; or
    • standard connectors with the use of ferrules.
    • ferrules shall not be used on solid conductors.
• CE Code rule 68-072: New code rule has been added to require a disconnecting means for hot tubs.
  • Disconnecting means for pool pumps, spas, and hot tubs.
  • A disconnecting means rated to interrupt the connected load shall be provided for each permanently.
  • A connected pool pump, spa, hot tub, shall be:
    • located not closer than 1.5 m to the inside walls of a pool, spa, or hot tub unless behind a permanent barrier that will prevent the occupant of the pool, spa, or hot tub from contacting the device.
    • located outside when the equipment is located outside of a dwelling unit.
    • readily accessible; and
    • lockable when not within sight of the pool pump, spa, or hot tub.

Please note that CE Code rule 68-068 is not affected, and a GFCI device/breaker cannot be within 3 m of the tub or pool.

Additional Notes (as per the Notice Publication) Alberta Municipal Affairs Electrical STANDATA

The following list is comprised of the provincial STANDATA that will not be reissued:

• 21-ECV-006-112: Service masts – new mast installations must meet 2024 CE Code Part 1 requirements.
• 21-ECV-018-150: Equipment in classified areas - addressed in C22.1:24
• 21-ECV-064-218: PV Rapid Shutdown - addressed in C22.1:24
• 21-ECV-064-900-ESS(REV1): Energy storage systems in residential buildings - addressed in C22.1:24

The gas code states that if using a gas appliance for heat, you need to have an approved appliance for the use. Not all furnaces are certified to be used in this environment and the contractor should read the installation manual prior to the appliance being installed for compliance. Most new furnaces, if used as temporary heat, have restricted maintenance instructions as well as installation instructions special to that appliance.

When using construction heaters for temporary heat, ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions and the gas code are followed. This will include some of the following requirements: fresh air, proper use of gas hoses, location of heater(s), etc.

Requirements for temporary heat:

• All new gas installations used for temporary heat need a temporary heat permit, (Gas Permit) and may also require a gas appliance vent permit (Gas Appliance Vent Permit). Inspections need to be called in on these permits, and installation instructions must be left on site with the appliances.
• If using propane for the heating source, ensure that a Propane tank set permit and connection are also required. These permits are the responsibility of the contractor under the general contractor’s supervision or the owner, both of which have final responsibility under the Safety Codes Act.
  • If changing out any gas appliances in a commercial application, such as hot water heaters, boilers, roof top units, furnaces, unit heaters, and make up air units, you will need a gas permit and inspections. The Safety Codes Act states that a permit in the gas discipline is required to install, alter or add to a gas system. When commercial appliances are used for space heating, you will also need a Building Permit.

Winter is now fully upon us, and builders are reminded that both excavations and concrete must be protected from freezing.

Excavations are required to be kept from freezing to ensure the stability of the soils under structures, while concrete must be kept above 10 C to cure and reach its designed strength. Failure to maintain these conditions can result in:

• a delay of approval for backfill at the inspection stage.
• additional engineering costs assessing the extent of the frost heave and/or damage to the concrete.

In all cases construction will be ordered to cease until it has been confirmed the foundation has not been compromised by an engineer.

Fall Protection at Residential Windows

A new requirement of the code is for guardrails or window opening control devices (WOCD) at windows, including in homes, where the windowsill is low enough to fall through and the ground is far enough below the windowsill to cause injury in the event of a fall. To protect toddlers and small children from dangerous falls, openable windows will now be required to be protected by a guardrail or be limited to opening not more than 100mm (4 inches) by a WOCD. This requirement will apply where the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located less than 900 mm above the finished floor and 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 controls the free swinging or sliding operation of the openable part of the window, limiting any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally. WOCDs must conform to ASTM FT2090 “Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices with Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanisms.” These devices childproof 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 young people and adults to open the window for egress purposes if the window is required to meet those requirements. For additional information please see STANDATA variance 23-BCV-001 Window opening control devices (WOCD).

A variety of Window Opening Control Devices are available for purchase online. Safety Codes staff are available for questions and can be reached through Pulse at 780-743-7000 or pulse.rmwb.ca/Request.

NEW UPDATED Accessibility Design Guide

Alberta Municipal Affairs has released the 2024 Accessibility Design Guide, developed with input from members of the Accessibility Sub-Council of the Safety Codes Council. A companion to the accessibility requirements outlined in section 3.8 of the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition, the guide reflects new standards, as well as best practices that go beyond minimum code requirements.

The guide provides detailed information and context to ensure the provincial building code’s accessibility standards are met and to support the development of more inclusive communities where all Albertans can move safely and efficiently.