Contact rIssue 2 2012

“The Voice of the Electrical Industry in the Province of Alberta”11235-120 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2X9 • P: (780) 451-2412 • F: (780) 455-9815 • www.ecaa.ab.ca

ElectricalContractorsAssociationofAlbertaNewsletter

President’s Message

Kelly Wilde, PECPresident

Well you had your chance at the Annual General Meeting to reconsider who your next President would be but you remained silent and now you’re stuck with me. So here we go. Let me first state that (all kidding aside) I am very honored to be your President for the upcoming year and I promise that I will do the best that I can to uphold this position in the light of the great Presidents who have come before me, none who were more worthy than our outgoing President Clem Gratton. I have very large shoes to fill.

I would like to thank Clem for all his hard work and dedication over the past many years he has been on the Board and especially this last year with all the extra load put on him with the 50th Anniversary. Clem, to you and the staff of the ECA congratulations on a job very well done. Well the AGM is over, but what a great weekend. With great weather, great golf, great President’s ball, great hospitality by our out-going President and his wife Kathy (I think I can remember having a very good time). That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Again thank you to the ladies of the ECA and to Sheri (through all of her surgery etc.) for making this event what it was. It was very gratifying to see all the past Presidents at the AGM and I thank them for coming out and making this event even better with their presence. It was also very nice to see many new faces ( at least to me ) out to this event and to see the PEC’s getting together to work at the program and to start to create new ideas for making this part of the Association even better. Thanks to Mike Fleming for stepping up to be the head of the PEC Education committee. I look forward to working with you and all of the others in the upcoming year. I would also like to thank all of the existing and new Board members for stepping up and being a part of this Association and I look forward to working with them all in the upcoming year. Kevin Lefebvre is our new Secretary. And speaking of Keven, it is an honor and a privilege to recognise him for having been awarded the Dr. Sauer Award at the Safety Codes Council (SCC) Partners Dinner. Keven has been one of our hardest working members and was acknowledged by his peers for his hard work and dedication to the SCC Partners. Keven has been involved on the Fire Technical Council for the past nine years, is the author of Keven’s Corner, and is a huge part of what our Association stands for. Congratulations Keven on a job well done yet again.

I would also like to take this time to thank Kelly Morris for all that he has done and accomplished in the past years as part of this Association, and in particular the Masters Committee. With the Masters now being part of the Safety Codes and a win for the Association Kelly has resigned his position on this committee. Words cannot express the gratitude that I (and I am sure the rest of the Association) have for what he has done and the time he has committed to our Association. If only we had a few more like Kelly. So thank you Kelly, job well done. I was just recently down to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for a couple of quick meetings with the local Chapters. Thank you goes out to Rob Coleman from the Lethbridge Chapter for having me come in to meet the local chapter people and to the people from both chapters for coming out to meet with us and discuss how we might help grow their chapter and to discuss their concerns. We have a lot of work to do to help them get their chapters up to the numbers we’d like to see and even more work to help them recognize their needs and concerns. I hope as the year progresses that we might achieve these things. Just got back from the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) AGM in Whistler. What a great time. Will give you some highlights in the next report. So here we go. We have many challenges facing us in the upcoming year and I look forward to taking them on. I will keep you updated as we go and please let me know if there are concerns or suggestions you have as I would be more than happy to discuss them with you. Have a wonderful summer and we will see you in the fall.

ECAA’s 50th AnnivErsAry CElEbrAtions

I would like to offer this report for this Contactor. I know some of you have already read this, but for those who do not get or read the Spark, here it is as submitted in the Spark. Thank you so very much for taking some time out of your busy schedules and attending the Annual General Meetings. It means so very much too all those hard working committee members to know that their efforts were not in vain, it mattered. All of our meetings had quorum and with the added support there is a real renewed feeling of worth for our committee chairs and their members. Excellent direction was given by members in each of these meetings and even some new ideas. It was especially nice to see some of our younger members starting to come out and get involved.

As far as the celebration of our 50th Anniversary, I was so impressed having such great participation from our Past Presidents. What a great honour it was to have them out and mingling with our members. I for one thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them, and boy did they ever show spunk and that deep desire to participate. Looks like that sticks with you forever. I felt very humbled and extremely nervous trying to run our AGM meeting with so much experience in the room; all of those guys have been there and done that. What a great day on the golf course, but did we Edmontonian’s ever doubt it -- weather here co-operates on these important occasions, we all know that… But really, no kidding, the Ranch Golf Course did an amazing job. The girls Sheri, Christine, Brittany and Dorothy also worked very hard on making sure everything ran well. Christine especially did a wonderful job making sure we were all looked after and that I knew what needed to be done - thanks Christine. The Presidents Gala, what can I say, what a great party, what an amazing turn out. The Marriott in my opinion did a fantastic job and they really paid attention to whatever the girls needed. They responded quickly and professionally and they also did some little things that were very nice. Our MC Chris Browton, Executive Director, Skills Canada Alberta, came out on his own time, in between family commitments, and did a fantastic job. What a great guy, thank you Chris. Hey Romeo, what an awesome group. I think they treated us pretty special, and dancing right to 1:00 A.M. with the floor still packed. O.K. those Calgary guys really know how to party. I have to give that to them, I was really impressed. Again our girls from the ECAA office really pulled it off, thank you so much ladies. Finally I have to pass along kudos to my Convention/AGM committee members; the entire function start to finish was their thoughts and ideas. What a great job you all did and thank you for all your hard work over the past year. Thank you, Sheri McLean, Christine Hryniw, Bob Maslanko, Les Dzwonkiewicz, Gordon Badach, Sharman Hnatiuk, and last but by no means last, Sophie Schmaltz, another lady who worked so hard helping in the preparations. I remember dropping in to the ECAA office on the eve of our AGM start day, there she was, wrapping cellophane around wine bottles for that little extra touch, amazing. All of this could not have been accomplished without the support from our sponsors. Associates and Contractors really stepped up to the plate for this our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Thank you all so much for helping make this, very special.

Greetings to the ECAA Membership at their 50th Anniversary Annual General Meeting

Good day Mr. President, Council members, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your kind invitation to attend your Annual General Meeting, in which you celebrate this truly significant milestone, the 50th anniversary of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Alberta. Unfortunately, family matters preclude my attendance today, but as the Director of Professions and Occupations, I am honoured to bring greetings to you from our office.As many of you know, Professions and Occupations’ representatives have been regular attendees to your Annual General Meetings and other related ECAA events over the years. Professions and Occupations has – and continues to work closely with both your association and many others in Alberta that serve the public through the registration, licensing, continued education and discipline of qualified professionals. Your governance of member Professional Electrical Contractors is recognized by the Alberta government as an important role in this province, since our citizens rely on you to ensure that their safety and the public interest is protected.

Evaluating the qualifications of applicant contractors is a critical step in the process of ensuring that high standards are maintained and professional ethics are adhered to.That is the basis of professionalism – and it is the reason why the Alberta government granted self-regulatory powers to the ECAA to govern those people who work as Professional Electrical Contractors (PECs). As PECs who work in this growing province, you are directly involved with our economy every day. Your work forms a critical part of our progress, since a growing province like Alberta will always need the electrical power required for our growing cities and towns, our burgeoning industries, and property development of all kinds. Of course, the good news in Alberta right now is that our economy is picking up – and there are strong signs of this all around us. We’re seeing growing employment numbers, with numerous companies across a variety of industry sectors announcing major hiring plans. This is certainly welcome news. We have weathered the worst of the economic storm and are seeing better times ahead.As the economy continues to recover, we will be hearing about announcements for construction projects, commercial and housing developments. All of these bode well for your members, Alberta’s Professional Electrical Contractors. Within your Association, we’re also impressed by the high level of member involvement in ECAA activities. Judging from our past experience in attending other organizations’ Annual General Meetings, it’s fair to say that the ECAA has one of the highest percentages of member engagement in its business affairs of any professional association in Alberta. This is especially true today, as you commemorate your 50th anniversary! It is gratifying to us to see the serious discussions about complex issues, which are raised and debated among your members. To us, this is a sure sign of a healthy organization – particular when, over the years, your members have attended ECAA functions and brought ideas and opinions to the table – all of which have seen your Association move forward as a result. I can also say that we look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship that exists between Professions and Occupations and the ECAA. We are truly proud of this relationship, and will do all we can to foster the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that exists between us. In closing, please accept our sincere thanks for the work you do within one of Alberta’s key professions. Your Association’s dedication to professionalism, to public education and to the promotion of professional electrical contracting over the past 50 years is something that all your members can be justifiably proud of. Enjoy this truly significant AGM and all the best to you in the years to come!

Mr. Adrian Pritchard, DirectorProfessions & Occupations

January 30, 2012 Mr. Clem Gratton President Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta 11235 - 120 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5G 2X9 Dear Mr. Gratton: On behalf of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA), I would like to congratulate the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA) on its 50th Anniversary. This half-century milestone could only have been achieved with vision and dedication. ECAA is a stellar example of a trade association that is committed to furthering the excellence of its member companies and helping them succeed in today’s extremely competitive marketplace, strengthening the province of Alberta’s economic growth. ECAA’s longevity is a real tribute to the value placed in its organization by its members. It is also an indicator of strong and steady leadership and superior service as ECAA continues to be a proactive advocate seeking to better the interests of this ever-growing industry. On this, its 50th anniversary, CECA salutes its fellow association, the ECAA, and looks to the future with anticipation and certainty for continued cooperation, friendship and success. We are proud of our relationship with ECAA and thank you for your support and leadership in the electrical industry. Please accept our best wishes for another fifty years of continued success. Sincerely,

Colin Campbell President

***ECAA would like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Campbell for taking time from his busy schedule in Halifax to join us.

Chapter reportsCalgaryMeet your Executive and Board of Directors:

scott White, PEC. Scott has been a part of Western Electrical Management in excess of 20 years. He has held a variety of positions, from 1st year Apprentice to his current position as Manager of Operations, Calgary. Scott has managed both new construction and redevelopment of existing projects, including shopping malls, data centres, and office towers. He received his Masters Certificate July, 2002 and his PEC accreditation August, 2007. Western Electrical Management has been a member of ECAA since 1989. Scott has been actively involved with ECAA since 2009 and is the current President of the Calgary Chapter.

Jaiden bonville. Jaiden began her apprenticeship in Grande Prairie in 2003. She relocated to Calgary in 2004 where she obtained her Journeyman ticket. She received her Masters Certificate April of 2012 and is working toward completion of her PEC accreditation. Jaiden’s work experience has been with companies that are members of the ECAA. She is currently Senior Estimator with Falco Electrical Systems Ltd. Jaiden has been actively involved with the ECAA since 2007 and is the current Vice-President of the Calgary Chapter.

barry Wentz. Barry began his electrical career in 1970 working for Eades Electric. He received his Journeyman ticket in 1974 and his Master’s Certificate in 1981. Barry and his wife, Susan, incorporated B.D.W. Electrical Installations Ltd. In 1983 and currently employ approximately 20 electricians. B.D.W. has been a member of ECAA since 2006. Barry is the current Treasurer and Membership Co-Chair of the Calgary Chapter.

Doug Miller. Doug began his electrical career in 1990 with Bert’s Electric in Abbotsford, B.C. He received his Journeyman’s Ticket in 1994 and Interprovincial Ticket in 1995. While in B.C. he worked on a number of Retail, Institutional , and Industrial projects in both Vancouver and Vancouver Island. His move to Calgary brought him to Custom Electric where he has been Estimator and Project Manager. He has his Masters Certificate and is currently Business Development Manager for Custom Electric. Doug is the current Secretary of the Calgary Chapter.

tim lang. Tim began his electrical career in 1986 working for Newland Contracting. He received his Journeyman ticket in 1991, his Master’s Certificate in 2001 and is currently a PEC student. Newland Contracting shut down operations in 1996 and he moved on to Raffin Electric as a project Manager till 2005. Presently he co-own’s Acutech Electric Ltd with approximately 30 employee’s. Tim has served the Calgary Chapter as President from 2009-2011 and is currently the Open shop and Nomination committee chair of the Calgary Chapter.

ron Mackenzie. Ron has been with Trotter and Morton Building Technologies Inc. in excess of 10 years and is Project Manager in their Calgary office. Trotter and Morton has been a member of the ECAA in excess of 20 years. Ron has been actively involved with the ECAA since 2000. Ron served as Calgary Chapter President in 2004-2006 and as Provincial President 2009-2010. He is currently Director-at-Large (South), Provincial Board of Directors.

Andy Carr. Andy began his career with Canem Systems Calgary in 1989 as an apprentice. He received his Journeyman Ticket in 1993 and has held a number of positions with Canem, from Field Superintendant to Construction Manager. Andy is the current Branch Manager of Canem Systems, Calgary, a position he has held since 2010. He received his Master Certificate in 2006 and Gold Seal certification in 2008. Canem Systems has been a member of the ECAA since 1968. Andy has been actively involved with ECAA since 2009 and has represented ECAA Calgary on the Calgary Construction Board of Directors since 2010.

lethbridge

Provincial President Kelly Wilde, Membership Chair Steve Warholik, and Executive Director Sheri McLean travelled to Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for luncheon meetings with members prior to the Code seminars held June 6th and 7th. Also joining them was Sophie Schmaltz, public member. Code seminar participants were also invited to attend the luncheon meetings. Lethbridge Chapter president, Rob Coleman, PEC thanked the City of Lethbridge inspectors for attending and commented that contractors have a very good working relationship with the City inspectors. Trevor Mackay, Gescan was thanked for sponsoring luncheon refreshments. Agenda items at both meetings included issues with the Permit Regulation; a Provincial Board update; and the Professional Electrical Contractor (PEC) program. A promotional fee for rural Chapters has been implemented to try grow membership in these areas.

Medicine hat Medicine Hat Chapter President , Larry Elhart, was acknowledged in his absence. Due to medical reasons Larry has been forced to step down as Chapter President. We wish Larry all the best and thank him for the years he has served as Chapter President. The Board of Directors would like someone to represent this Chapter at the Provincial Board. Interested members can contact the Past President, Glenn Pocsik or Sheri @ smclean@ecaa.ab.ca. Expenses to attend a Provincial Board meeting are covered by the Association.

north EastAt the request of Chapter members, the Cold Lake code update seminar has been moved to Portage College in Bonnyville. September 6th date remains the same. Seminar will begin at 1:00 pm.

stephen Dunne. Stephen has been involved in the electrical industry in excess of 25 years, working for a number of ECAA Associate members, including Eecol, Guillivan and Westburne. He is currently the Branch Manager for Gescan Calgary. Gescan has been a member of ECAA for many years. Stephen has been involved with the ECAA for the past 15 years and is the current Associate Liaison for the Calgary Chapter.

lindo rinaldi. Lindo began his apprenticeship in 1977. He obtained his Journeyman Ticket in 1981and his Masters Certificate in 1986. Lindo and his wife, Dianne, have owned and operated Rinaldi Electric Inc. for the past 25 years and have been members of the ECAA for 22 years. Lindo is the current City of Calgary Liaison and Membership Co-Chair for the Calgary Chapter.

Dianne rinaldi. Dianne has been an active partner and supporter of the ECAA for the past 22 years, along with her husband Lindo. She has volunteered her time in a variety of special events and social functions through the schools her children attended and has recently joined the Board of the Calgary Calabrian Cultural and Heritage Society. She brings her expertise to the Calgary Chapter as the Chair of the Social Committee, a position she has held since 2008.

Perry schmaltz, PEC. Perry began his apprenticeship with his father’s company in 1964.He gained experience working for other companies and in 1981 formed his own company. Perry received his Journeyman Ticket in 1971, his Masters Certification in 1978, and his PEC in 1997. He has been a member of the ECAA since 1982 and has served as both Chapter President in 1990 and Provincial President in 1995. He has represented the ECAA on a variety of committees, including the Local Apprenticeship Committee, Provincial Code and Advisory Committee, Safety Codes Council, Canadian Electrical Code, and continues to represent the ECAA as a member of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 Technical Committee, CSA as well as Alberta Construction Association, Research and Technology Committee.

ApprenticeshipThe Provincial Apprenticeship Committee will be looking for two more employer representatives by January 2013 to sit on the Board and is looking right now for two employee representatives to fill current vacancies.

Volunteers are also needed for one of the larger subcommittees that is reworking the new curriculum. Because each period is being examined this will be a lot of work.

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROGRAM FOR THE FuTuRE??

Please contact crauschning@highline.ca or Roland.Carignan@gov.ab.ca.

WE WELCOME YOuR PARTICIPATION.Chris Rauschning, PEC

CoMMittEE rEPorts

Ryan Smith, Top Electrical Apprentice

Arrigio Monai, ECAA/IBEW Apprenticeship & Industry Training Scholarship recipient

MEMbErshiP I would like to start by welcoming the two new Contractor and one new Associate Member that recently joined the ECAA and look forward to their participation at the Chapter level. I was able to attend the Edmonton Chapter, Red Deer and Calgary Chapter meetings that were held in May, as well as the Medicine Hat and Lethbridge meetings in June. We are trying to get more participation in the Lethbridge and Medicine Hat chapters. Thank you to the contractors who attended the informational lunches. I was also able to attend the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) convention in Whistler BC. I attended speaker Jim Mathis and also Awad Hanna. We stayed at the Four Seasons hotel. I was very impressed with the hotel and the convention. If anyone is interested in joining the ECAA please contact Steve Warholik either by phone (780) 446-2350 or email grover12@telus.net. Have a safe summer.

labour

ECCA and IBEW have retained the services of a recognized expert in Language skills to do a study and develop a report on the English Language demands of the industrial electrician in Alberta. The study relates to those demands to the Canadian Language Benchmarks and determines the appropriate benchmark for an electrician working on an industrial worksite in Alberta. This study is known as “Analyzing the Language Demands of Electricians” and “Electrician’s Photo Reference Guide.” These publications are available at No Cost to Union Contractors upon request. Simply contact the ECAA Provincial Office to secure a copy. (780-451-241 or 1-800-252-9375.)

Brian HalinaDirector Labour Relations

Steve Warholik, Chair

Fun at the ECAA golf tournament

ECAA honors its ownOn Saturday, May 26th, members of the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta honored Mr. Stan Misyk with Lifetime membership and Mr. Bernard (Bunny) Kennedy with Honorary membership in the Association. Mr. Keven Lefebvre, PEC was the Award of Merit recipient. Lifetime membership goes to a member of the Association who has sat on a board or committee for 10 years and has been a representative of a member company for 15 years. Stan has been actively involved in the Edmonton Chapter as Code Committee chair and his contribution to the betterment of the industry was acknowledged. Honorary membership is granted as an expression by the Association of its appreciation for distinguished services to or in the interests of the Association. Bunny was nominated for his active participation in Association events, both at the Chapter level and provincially, and for always stepping up to the plate when asked for sponsorship or donated items for a tradeshow, golf tournament or raffle.

The Award of Merit (previously called the Man of the Year award) is to honor an individual whose outstanding achievement is of such importance to the electrical contracting industry of Alberta that it is contributing to its human welfare and common good. Keven served nine years as ECAA representative on the Fire Technical Council (FTC) and is the author of Keven’s Corner in the Contactor. His active participation at the FTC was also recognized by Safety Codes Council this year, as Keven was the recipient of their Dr. Ken Sauer Award for exceptional commitment and dedication to the safety codes system in Alberta. Congratulations, Keven.

Mr. Pat Barnes was also recognized at the Awards Luncheon by Mr. Brian Halina on behalf of the unionized sector of the Association. Pat is a past president of ECAA and currently teaches Basic Estimating and the PEC Finalizing the Tender courses. Pat has decided to step down as Labour Relations Coordinator. We wish Pat all the best and welcome Jim Bendfeld into this role.

Bunny Kennedy - Honorary Member

Pat Barnes (Center) receiving recognition from President

Clem Gratton & Labour Relations Director Brian Halina

Stan Misyk- Lifetime Member

Kevin Lefebrve, PEC - Award of Merit

Electrician receives MbE in Queen’s birthday honours MBE honour for Richard Sagar, past winner of SkillELECTRIC competition.

Electrician Richard Sagar has been awarded an MBE for advocacy of skills competitions and careers in the electrotechnical industry. Richard is 25 and runs his own electrical installation business.

Richard won the skills competition in October 2008 when he worked for Eden Electrics and was completing his studies with SECTT. He went on to compete for the uK against the best electricians from across the globe in the 2009 WorldSkills competition held at Calgary in Canada, where he won the gold medal.

Since then Richard has been an enthusiastic advocate of skills competitions and careers in the electrotechnical industry, returning to the WorldSkills competition held in London last year as an ambassador to share his experiences with young people.It is for his role as ambassador that he has been awarded the MBE.

SummitSkills’ chief executive Keith Marshall OBE said: “Even when he won SkillELECTRIC in 2008 we were impressed by Richard’s talent and enthusiasm for his work. This is a clear example of how skills competitions highlight the best young people in their field and none of us who got to know Richard during our competition are surprised by his success. Richard has become a successful businessman who fully deserves this recognition for all of his hard work. We send him our warmest congratulations.”

SkillELECTRIC is one of the four Skill M&E competitions run by SummitSkills, which search for the finest mechanical and electrical engineers from the building services engineering sector.

At the events competitors undertake a series of practical tests based on real-life work to demonstrate their abilities and highlight their outstanding skills in their industry.

sKills CoMPEtitionsThe Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta is a strong supporter of the Skills competitions, and acknowledges the winners both monetarily and with a plaque.

Association members were able to meet first place Automation and Control recipient, Zachary Hartle at the recent Awards luncheon held on Saturday, May 26th. Zachary will compete in the WorldSkills Competitions next year in Leipzig, Germany.

Congratulations to Pake MacKinnon, 1st place Electrical Wiring; Taylor Bartel, 2nd place Electrical Wiring; Eryn Axenchuk, 3rd place Electrical Wiring; 2nd place Automation and Controls, Joshua Wiebe; and the secondary School placements for Electrical Wiring -- Trevor Charron, 1st place; Dustin Kambeitz, 2nd place and Lewis Staples, 3rd place.

Good luck in your future endeavours in the electrical trade.

inDUstry stAnDArD Explained A few weeks ago, the Safety Codes Council awarded me the “ Dr. Sauer Award” for exemplary service to the Safety Codes System of Alberta during my 9 years on Fire Technical Council. I am very proud to have received the award. I am the type of person who believes in the motto “if the hair on the back of your neck stands up when you are dealing with something, there is most likely something wrong with it. Be careful, but do not turn your back on it either.” This motto led me to a situation which I hope to prevent you from ever being in. It is becoming increasingly popular throughout industry that if someone doesn’t agree with the requirements of a code, if they don’t want to do all the work involved to do it right, or if they don’t understand a code, they simply do not comply with it. Once a section of an industry or an entire industry stops complying with any certain code application, it is a huge task to rectify the problems which arise, including repair of the problems and education as to why the code should be followed. Code is trump! A Safety Codes Officer may call you for a deficiency in the application of the requirements of a certain code. If it is spelled out prescriptively within the code, it is law and now you MuST rectify the violation. Also, you must now alter your company Standard Operating Procedures to reflect the proper application of the code. As I have written before, you may apply for a variance among other alternatives available. If you choose to ignore or deviate from the requirements as set out in a code, you are now in violation of the Code, the Act and are also assuming liability for doing so. Ignorance of the code is no excuse either. In addition, you may be charged under the Safety Codes Act. Penalties are scheduled to increase to as much as $300,000 later this year. Jail time of up to a year is also a possibility.

It is also not an acceptable excuse when breaking code to use the term “it is an Industry Standard.” Just because you, your company, or every company you know is not applying a given code properly, does not make it an acceptable practice. Lives could be at risk and huge amounts of money are spent to rectify a situation at a later date once it is discovered that the code is not being properly adhered to and the maintainer, installer and the permit holder will ALWAYS be liable for damages attributed to that work. Municipal Affairs is available to discuss whether a particular method or approach is consistent with Code at 1-866-421-6929. When dealing with a particular code issue this spring, concerning a life safety system, I was given the excuse that it was “industry standard” that the inspection which was required by code was not done properly. My head nearly did a 360! I couldn’t believe that an upstanding company was trying to defend itself from an obvious error by saying that “everyone does it this way.” Well, I don’t! and now the company is facing the cost of repair of the system, prosecution, and possibly a huge fine as well. Luckily the life safety device did not have to be relied upon as it may have in fact failed, at a cost of life… is that worth not doing your job for? Now, in the future, whenever you realize that some process is being done improperly, do not ignore it, do not defend it. Question it, find out if it is in fact a reliable installation and deal with it if it isn’t! As I have said before: “The life you save may be your own.”

Keven Lefebvre, PEC

CornerKeven’s

the nEW Canadian Electrical Code, 2012Addresses Renewable Energy Applications

With the increased interest in energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, it is important to have established safe practices for installation and maintenance personnel and to help ensure optimum performance of installed equipment. The expanding markets for renewable energy systems has also led to a need for electrical safety requirements to ensure public safety and provide a level regulatory playing field for installers and manufacturers. Revisions to the new 2012 Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), Part I, respond to this market need through the addition of Section 64 on “Renewable Energy Systems” and adoption of required revisions to Section 50 “Solar Photovoltaic Systems”. Stakeholders that have developed these requirements for renewable energy for use in Canada are recognized international professionals including engineers, manufacturers, regulators, utilities, project developers, insurers and academics.

The foundation of the Canadian electrical safety system rests on the installation requirements in the CEC, Part I, product safety requirements in the CEC, Part II series of standards, and enforcement of the CEC Part I through adoption as regulation.

In the CEC, Part 1, the newly developed Section 64 was formulated through extensive research of existing international documents and the results reflect the principles of global standards and industry practice and address the unique installation requirements for a variety of renewable energy systems including wind, hydrokinetic, micro-hydro and fuel cell systems for Canada. Through major updates to Section 50 and the addition of Section 64, the 2012 CEC, Part 1 covers electrical installation requirements for renewable energy systems including off grid and utility connected systems.

The new requirements for renewable energy systems cover 15 pages in the 2012 CEC, Part 1 and apply to all types of occupancies, including residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. Among the many new requirements contained in Section 64 are requirements for grounding of renewable energy systems, disconnection means, and the installation and connection of storage batteries.

While Section 64 covers many new technologies, requirements for solar photovoltaic systems in Section 50 have been substantially updated to reflect many technology specifc requirements including, new cabling and connection products, marking requirements, details about permissible voltage drop, safety devices, installation practices, and voltage / current temperature correction calculations.

In support of the new installation rules in the CEC, Part I, there is also a great deal of activity in the CEC, Part II series of standards for electrical product safety. New standards are either under development or have already been published to address a wide variety of new technologies in the PV industry including purpose-built PV cables, arc fault protection, connectors, combiner boxes and other related electrical products.

In addition to the modifications to the CEC Parts I and II, CSA Group has published standards for the wind energy industry that provide requirements for design, power performance, acoustic noise measurement and lightning protection for wind turbines, along with design requirements for offshore wind turbines. CSA Group is also currently working with many expert technical committees to adopt existing IEC Wind Energy Standards as National Standards of Canada and to develop new standards that meet Canadian requirements for the wind industry. Furthermore, CSA Group is in the process of developing PV rooftop installation best practice guidelines for rooftop projects.

Additionally, CSA Group offers training and supporting products to help users understand and apply the over 180 key changes and updates in the 2012 CE Code including: CE Code Update Training in workshop, online or onsite formats, the 2012 CE Code Handbook, and the 2012 CE Code Calculators. CSA Group provides a wide range of other electrical based specialty training including Installation and Maintenance of Renewable Energy Systems and PV Installation and Safety Requirements.

ABOuT THE 2012 CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE - Developed by committees of experts representing a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders from across Canada, the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I is published on a three year cycle and adopted as regulation in all Provinces and Territories. The 22nd edition of the CE Code was published in January 2012 and features over 180 major changes, in addition to the new Section 64.

ABOuT THE AuTHOR OF THIS ARTICLE - Tim Pope, C.E.T. is a senior project manager in the electrical standards program and is responsible for the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

ABOuT CSA GROuP - CSA Group is an independent, not-for-profit membership association dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. Its knowledge and expertise encompass standards development; training and advisory solutions; global testing and certification services across key business areas including hazardous location and industrial, plumbing and construction, medical, safety and technology, appliances and gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability; as well as consumer product evaluation services. The CSA certification mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group visit www.csagroup.org

board of DirectorsElectrical Contractors Association of AlbertaExecutives:President: Kelly WildeVice President: Les Dzwonkiewicz, PECTreasurer: Darcy Teichroeb, PECSecretary: Kevin Lefebvre, PECPast President: Clem Gratton, PEC

Chapter Presidents & ECAA Directors:Edmonton Tom Morin, PECCalgary Scott White, PECCentral Darcy Teichroeb, PECNorth East Terry BarnettNorth West Tim Tarita Lethbridge Rob Coleman, PECMedicine Hat Fort McMurray Gord Stuve

Directors-at-Large:North Terry Milot Bob Maslanko, PECSouth Ron Mackenzie

Committees:ACSA Dave HagenACA (Calgary) Andy CarrrApprenticeship Chris Rauschning, PECAssociate Liaison Terry SawatzkyCECA DJ CoppensCommunications Eric Fadden, PECConvention ’13 Kelly WildeConvention ’14 Les Dzwonkiewicz, PECLabour Relations - union Brian HalinaLabour Relations – Open Shop DJ Coppens

Membership Steve WarholikNominations Clem Gratton, PEC Bob Maslanko, PEC Ron Mackenzie

PEC Tom Morin, PEC Public Member Sophie SchmaltzSafety Codes Council: Fire Peter Wemyss Electrical Darcy Teichroeb, PECWays & Means Darcy Teichroeb, PEC

The Contactor is the official publication of the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta. We welcome articles and paid advertisements.

Contact:Sheri McLean, CAE, Executive Director Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta11235 - 120 StreetEdmonton, AB T5G 2X9(780) 451-2412 or 1-800-252-9375email: smclean @ ecaa.ab.ca

www.ecaa.ab.ca or join us on Facebook

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

ContractorSTRATA ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INC.

(EDMONTON)HIMAC ENERGY SOLuTIONS INC.

(FORT MCMuRRAY)

PECDANIEL BROWN

(ST. ALBERT)

ALBERTA MUNiCiPAL AFFAiRS AND SAFETy CODES COUNCiL ACCEPTiNG BUiLDiNG AND FiRE CODE

CONSULTATiON - June 06, 2012

As part of the code development process, Municipal Affairs and the Council are consulting on proposed changes to Alberta specific code requirements in the next editions of the Alberta Building Code and Alberta Fire Code.

The proposed changes were submitted to Municipal Affairs by the public and stakeholders or developed by the department. All the proposals were then reviewed and approved for inclusion in the consultation by Building and Fire sub councils of the Safety Codes Council.

For additional information, visit the Alberta Municipal Affair’s website.

THE CONSuLTATION WILL BE OPEN FROM JuNE 5 TO AuGuST 31, 2012.