CSA C22.1HB:24

Introduction to the Canadian Electrical Code Handbook This Handbook provides background information on the reasons behind the requirements in the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, and explains the Rules in plain, easy-to-understand language. The Handbook is intended to provide a clearer understanding of the safety requirements of the Code. The content of this Handbook is not meant to form a code of mandatory requirements. The mandatory language ("shall") that is used in the CE Code, Part I has not been used here. Care has been taken to ensure the intent of the Code Rules is clear to the users of the Handbook. However, users of the Handbook must not under any circumstances rely on it to determine the current requirements of the Code. As always, reference must be made to the Code itself and any local amendments. Consult the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific Code interpretations. CSA Group does not assume responsibility for any errors or omissions resulting from the information contained in this Handbook. The Rules in the CE Code, Part I are divided into two groups. Sections 0 to 16 and 26 are considered general Sections, and the other Sections supplement or amend those general Sections. Therefore, a requirement in the supplementary Sections takes precedence over a general requirement. For example: • Rule 12-1008 requires three threads to be engaged when making a threaded connection while Rule 18-102 requires five threads to be engaged when making a threaded connection in a Zone 1 area. • Section 4 permits the use of aluminum conductors, but Rule 32-100 does not allow aluminum conductors to be used in fire alarm systems. Preface This is the eleventh edition of CSA C22.1HB, the Canadian Electrical Code Handbook. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2021, 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009, 2006, 2002, 1998, 1994, and 1990. Changes since the previous edition include the following: • throughout the Code, the word "allowable" has been removed from "allowable ampacities"; • in Section 0, voltage definitions for dc circuit voltages have been revised; • in Section 2, there are new requirements for reducing arc fault clearing times and clarifications on the use of ingress protection designations for enclosures; • in Section 4, there is now recognition for conductors sized in mm2 and Table D18 has been added in support of this; • in Section 8, load calculations for installations with electric vehicle supply equipment have been revised, Table 38 has been deleted, and voltage drop calculations using Table D3 have been updated; • in Section 12, sag and span requirements for overhead installations have been updated, and there are new Rules for non-metallic jacketed cable; • in Section 18 and Annex J18, sealing requirements have been revised; • in Section 36, there are now Rules for installation of high-voltage couplers; • in Section 64, the Rules for energy storage, renewable energy, and photovoltaic systems have been revised, there is a new Subsection for residential occupancies in Section 66, and ground fault circuit interrupter protection is now required for receptacles in temporary installations (such as tents) for outdoor functions; • in Section 68, there are new disconnecting means and bonding requirements for conductive pool infrastructure; • Table 11 has been formatted into two new Tables (11A and 11B) and laid out in a manner similar to Table 19; • Annexes A.1 and A.2 of Appendix A have been reinstated, along with an index; and • Appendix K has been deleted. CSA gratefully acknowledges the outstanding contribution of Marcia Ranger to the development and publication of the 2024 Canadian Electrical Code Handbook.