Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 (CSA C22.1)

The Canadian Electrical Code, Part I is the safety standard for electrical installations published by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) as CSA C22.1. CSA describes it as applying to electrical work and electrical equipment operating, or intended to operate, at all voltages in electrical installations for buildings, structures and premises, subject to listed exceptions.

The Code is developed with participation from provincial and territorial authorities, manufacturers, educators, designers, conformity-assessment professionals and other industry experts. Federal regulations and federal procurement guidance both refer to it, which makes it a working reference for any supplier whose bid involves electrical equipment, installation or maintenance.

Scope of CSA C22.1

CSA C22.1:24 is titled Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (26th Edition), Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. Its subject is the installation of electrical equipment, and it covers both the electrical work itself and the equipment used in it. The scope covers buildings, structures and premises, and CSA lists specific exceptions to it.

Because the Code addresses installations rather than a single product category, it applies across many kinds of projects. These include construction, facilities work, building systems and related maintenance.

Editions and the three-year update cycle

CSA updates the Code every three years. CSA C22.1:24 is the 26th edition, and CSA C22.1:21 is the 25th edition. Provincial and territorial authorities take part in developing each edition.

Federal regulations can define the "Canadian Electrical Code" by reference to a particular CSA edition. The edition that applies therefore depends on the governing regulation or the contract. Suppliers should confirm which edition a solicitation or regulation names instead of assuming the newest one.

Federal regulatory requirements

The Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations refer to the Code in two ways:

• Where feasible, the design, construction and installation of electrical equipment must meet the standards in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
• The operation and maintenance of electrical equipment must meet the standards in the Code.

These requirements reach beyond initial installation. They also cover how equipment is run and maintained over its working life.

CanadaBuys guidance for clients and contractors

The Government of Canada's CanadaBuys buyer's guide sets out how federal buyers should treat the Code. It divides the responsibilities as follows:

• The client must determine whether a requirement is subject to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, and identify situations that require certification or approval.
• The contractor must comply with applicable building codes and standards, including the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
• Where electrical equipment must be certified or approved, the client should include the appropriate requirement in the solicitation.
• Equipment may require special inspection by an organization acceptable to the chief electrical inspector in the province, territory or city where it will be installed and operated.

What it means for a supplier

If you bid on federal work involving electrical equipment, installations, building work or facilities maintenance, expect the Code to be part of your compliance obligations. Read the solicitation for any certification or approval requirement, and check which edition of the Code it names. Confirm early whether your equipment needs special inspection in the province, territory or city of installation, because the acceptable inspection body is set by the local chief electrical inspector. Build these steps into your pricing and delivery schedule before you submit.