M I N U T E S SECOND ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2013

Transcription

1 DATE: May 13, 2013 M I N U T E S SECOND ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2013 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Delta Edmonton South Stan Misyk, Chair Ron Derworiz Larry DeWald Roy Etwaroo Mike Gratton Kevin Harrison, Vice Chair - North Shane Hoogenboom Rene Leduc (arrived 9:15 a.m.) Brian Magega Bill McAllister Allan Nagel Jim Porth, Vice Chair - South James Rivait Darcy Teichroeb Gerald Baron, Safety Codes Council Tyler Wightman, Safety Codes Council (until 12 noon) Mike Gardner, Safety Codes Council Celia McDonagh, Safety Codes Council (until 12 noon) James Orr, AMA Director of Codes and Standards (until 12 noon) Dan Niven, AMA Acting Chief Electrical Administrator REGRETS: GUEST: RECORDER: John Briegel Daryl Schmidt Eric Benner Sandi Orr 2013 MEETINGS: SCC Conference June 5 to 7, 2013 Banff AEICTC In conjunction with SCC Conference Monday, September 9, 2013 Calgary Monday, November 18, 2013 Edmonton

2 A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:58 a.m. and a round table introduction was held. B. Adoption of Agenda The following items were added to the agenda: E Electrical Utility Code (readded) F Communication / Subject Submission F AEUC Variance Expired April 15, 2013 F Smaller/Municipal Utility Replacement It was noted that F OBIEC Status is a duplicate item to be addressed under Standing Agenda Items. Larry DeWald / Bill McAllister moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. (a) Adoption of Minutes of the February 11, 2013 Meeting Allan Nagel / Jim Porth moved to adopt the minutes of the February 11, 2013 meeting, as circulated; CARRIED (b) Review of Action Items F ULC Approvals on Fire-rated Cables Draft STANDATA The Acting Chief Electrical Administrator sought direction from the ETC. It was reported that BC directs industry to the ULC website and suggested that a similar approach be taken in Alberta. The following was circulated and reviewed: BC Safety Authority Information Bulletin (Handout #1) Ontario Electrical Safety Authority Alert Notice (Handout #2) ULC Website article on Fire Resistive, Fire Resistant and Circuit Integrity Cables (Handout #3) Consensus was reached that the Acting Chief Electrical Administrator will draft a STANDATA similar to the BC Information Bulletin for review at the next meeting. [Niven] D. Business Arising from the Minutes E Adoption of the CEC 22 nd Edition Update The Director of Codes and Standards explained the Alberta code adoption process and processes adopted by different governments. The current government requires a formal consultation for all regulations with approval to consult required beforehand. It was recognized that this process has become overwhelming and government has chosen to deal with the extensive ones in this process and consideration is being given to remove the requirement for regulations that have checks and balances and consultations already in place. CEC was one of the first that this request for consultation was removed. The MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 2

3 removal of that step will apply to all future codes in the electrical discipline. It was questioned how this could speed up the adoption process and reported that the goal for future is to adopt the electrical codes within 6 months of national code publication barring any issues or concerns brought forward from council or industry. The council was reminded that all codes must be adopted through regulation. The regulations to adopt the recommended codes will come back to council and can be adopted through letter ballot or a special meeting could be called. Although letter ballots limit discussion, it was noted that the expected content of the regulation has already been discussed extensively. For the 22 nd Edition of the CEC, it is anticipated that the adoption and in force date would be in the fall 2013 or potentially earlier. It was noted from the educational institute perspective the institutes are ready to go with the new codes. Any further delays would result in costs above the $200,000 that has already been spent to update all ILMs and course material. F Draft STANDATA: Acceptability of the old farm service economizer equipment It was reported that the economizer is complete with the breaker and meter provided by the utility and some are using it as the consumer service box. Meetings were held with several utility companies and the following was noted: Utilities see this as being there solely for the utility s use. Some equipment is approved and some is not. The breaker can be changed at any time by the utility and there would be uncertainty if proper over current protection is provided for the consumer. Cost impacts are minimal. After discussion with the utility companies, it is recommended that the economizer not be allowed to be used as a consumer service box. It was noted that an education component is needed for the public as this will impact change over past practice. The Acting Chief Electrical Administrator will draft a STANDATA for review at the next meeting. [Niven] F Electrical SCO Qualifications The draft SCO qualifications were circulated. It was reported that goal is to bring back a final draft at the September meeting. A discussion was held regarding the entry qualifications and the difference between a designation and diploma. It was agreed that the intent was for a diploma as many may next join ASET or APEGA. The Master Electrician exam is being reviewed and there is potential that some training credit may be transferable between the Master Electrician and SCO s CEC course. MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 3

4 It was reported that the Construction Safety Training Course which is mandatory in the building discipline is now also mandatory in plumbing and gas, and is being proposed for SCOs in all construction disciplines. This new requirement was supported by ETC. Policy changes will come back to ETC in the fall. [Wightman] F Electrical Group B Code Update Training The Manager of Training reported that the Master Electrician Administrator has been working on the Code Update Training course material with the goal that it will be ready at the same time as the code in force date. Both classroom and webinar delivery will be available. More graphics are being incorporated into the training material and update course is anticipated to be 5 to 6 hours in length. The course will include selfassessment with answers provided at the end of the course. It was reported that typically, SCOs must complete the training with one year of the course being made available. Jim Porth / Ron Derworiz moved that all Electrical Group B SCOs be required to take the Group B Code Update Training within 1 year of the course being available in order to maintain their certification; CARRIED F STANDATA Section 24 Patient Care Areas CEC-24 Background on the issue was provided for new members. The proposed STANDATA would bring awareness that when there are patient care areas within a residence, only that area where the equipment is located would need the additional requirements. It was questioned and clarified that in a residence, the owner would determine the patient care area. A discussion was held regarding aging in place, whether these electrical requirements could be moved and whether it was expensive. It was noted that yes they can be moved and yes it could be costly. It was suggested that a proposal be sent to CSA to consider different types of equipment that could be used in the home and that may not be considered critical. Roy Etwaroo requested the opportunity to review the draft STANDATA and forward his comments. Any further discussion was deferred to the September meeting. E Electrical Utility Code It was reported that the EUC is in the proofreading stage and it was uncertain when this would be complete. A discussion was held regarding the variance regarding Corporations being allowed to construct facilities to the EUC being included within the scope and there was resistance due to the fact this was not included in the consultation. It was recommended that variance be reissued when the regulation is added and that this be considered in the next code cycle. MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 4

5 E. Standing Agenda Items F Electrical Utility Code Committee update The EUCC Chair reported that their meeting typically held in conjunction with the AIECTC and SCC Conference is being rescheduled earlier due to logistical challenges. It was reported that the terms of reference requires the positions of Chair and Vice Chair be members of the ETC and appointed by the council. Jim Porth / Bill McAllister moved to appoint Allan Nagel as the Vice Chair of the EUCC; CARRIED F Oil & Gas Code Committee update The O&GCC Chair reported on their meeting in April There were technical difficulties with the conference call and questioned whether SCC could facilitate this in future. The Director of Operations will pass this request along to the Manager of Stakeholder Relations. [Baron / Stroud] It was reported there are challenges updating the 32 drawings and it would be much easier for someone with CAD abilities. Roy Etwaroo volunteered to work on the drawings. [Leduc / Etwaroo] The major change forthcoming is relative to the consideration of pressure application adjustment factor. A new table will be used, two code references proposed and diagrams changed. The exception relative to Rule will be placed up front. A number of minor changes will also be proposed and these included in the O&GCC minutes. The O&GCC minutes will be circulated to all ETC members. E Canadian Electrical Code Advisory Committee update The CECAC Chair reported there have not been any recent meetings but 7 new submissions have been received that need review. It is expected the next meeting will be in the fall and recommendations will be brought back to the ETC. F AEICTC Task Force Report The AEICTC Task Force Chair reported on the presenters and some of the challenges encountered. The Manager of Stakeholder Relations will be contacted to try to get wide distribution to boost participation. It was requested that someone else take on this responsibility for next year. As it is not a technical council function to facilitate informational sessions, this is an opportunity for the new Manager of Stakeholder Relations and her department to organize. The Director of Operations will discuss this with the Manager of Stakeholder Relations to develop a transition plan. [Baron / Stroud] MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 5

6 E OBIEC Conditional Grant Final Report The Chair reported on discussions held at the Technical Coordinating Committee and the feedback provided from each technical council. Although concerns were addressed and background was provided to the TCC, there were many that abstained from voting and subsequently, the motion to recommend the use of OBIEC was defeated. A discussion was held regarding the comparison of the variance process and OBIEC. Both are intended to use the CEC as the minimum, and not go below it. Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda until such time as it is brought forward in the future. E Update on Risk-based Inspections Project Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. F Master Electrician Advisory Group Update The MEAG Chair reported on their meeting in March. Draft policies are being developed. QMPs, penalties, and a Code of Ethics are being reviewed. Master Electrician fees are being reviewed and photographs on ME certificates are expected to be phased in. A draft proposed policy relative to the examination will be brought forward to the ETC at a future meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for September 16, The March meeting minutes will be circulated to all ETC members. [Harrison / Paches] F. New Business F Continuing Education for Safety Codes Officers The presentation was included in the agenda package and highlights of the presentation included: What is Continuing Education Current Continuing Education amongst SCOs o Some disciplines already include continuing education requirements. o All SCOs are required to take code update training. o Some SCOs take self-initiated training. Formal Program o Opportunities public safety, professionalism and consistency. o Challenges costs, administration and accessibility. Elements of Continuing Education o Different methods of delivery could be available. o Could be measured by units/points or hours. o A need to determine how much an SCO would require, what would be considered eligible activities, whether any limitations claimed in any one category, how the program would be administered, and meeting occupational continued education requirements could be considered equivalent (e.g. NEASA, APEGA, ASET, etc.). MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 6

7 o Examples were provided of what a continuing education program might look like. It was suggested that a list of examples, per discipline, would eventually be developed with the need to be flexible. Timeline and Next Steps were provided. The floor was opened for questions and clarification was provided on penalties for noncompliance. Members were asked to provide feedback to the Administrator of Certification by June 1, [All] It was reported that a task group with representation from each council is being created to assist the Administrator of Certification on this project. It was suggested that possible a representative from both distinct groups be considered. Rene Leduc volunteered on behalf of the ETC. F Single Family Service Calculations Correspondence from C.M.N. Electrical Systems Ltd. was reviewed regarding residential service load calculations. The greatest issue is to bring awareness of this issue at the development stage rather than having to be addressed by each homeowner when the conductor is not sized to meet service demand. Caution was expressed regarding the term basic demand as it is not expected that all appliances and outlets are working at the entire time. After a thorough discussion of the concerns brought forward, it was noted that utilities are being aware of the issue and that an influx of secondary suites are also not easy to resolve. Consensus was reached that there is awareness of the issue and that no further action was required. This item will be removed from the agenda. F OBIEC Status This item was discussed under E and will be removed from the agenda. F Gift Policy The SCC Gift Policy and accompanying memo were circulated with the agenda package and a brief overview was provided. E Electrical Code Regulation and the Amendment to the CEC with the addition of Table 5E discussion The Acting Chief Electrical Administrator reported that the addition of ampacity Table 5E will be included in the 2015 CEC edition and it was recommended that this be added to the 2012 CEC adoption in Alberta. This table is specific to residential service applications. MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 7

8 Kevin Harrison / Shane Hoogenboom moved to adopt the addition of Table 5E with the 22nd edition of the CEC; CARRIED E Recommendation to the Coordinating Committee Adoption of the 2012 Canadian Electrical Code with one amendment being the Addition of Table 5E Kevin Harrison / Shane Hoogenboom moved to recommend to the Minister through the Technical Coordinating Committee the adoption the 22 nd edition of the Canadian Electrical Code with one amendment being the addition of Table 5E; CARRIED It was noted that Educational Institutes strongly encourage government that adoption of the CEC and it s in force date be no later than September 30, It s critical to prevent a logistical nightmare for the entire academic year as new ILMs are already revised. The adopting regulation will be circulated to ETC for acceptance by way of letter ballot as soon as the regulation is done. E Recommend to the Coordinating Committee adoption of the 2012 Code for Electrical Installations at Oil & Gas Facilities This item was put on the agenda as it was believed that a formal recommendation was never made by the ETC. The minutes were reviewed and it was noted this recommendation was adopted at the November 28, 2011 meeting under F Oil & Gas Code Committee. Rene Leduc / John Bronius moved to recommend to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, through the Coordinating Committee, the adoption of the 4th Edition of the Code for Electrical Installations at Oil and Gas Facilities based on the proposed changes included in the three-column document; CARRIED F Communication / Subject Submission It was reported there is a need to ensure industry knows who and where to submit subjects for consideration (CECAC, AEUC, OIL & GAS CODE). It was suggested that any proposed changes to the CEC should go to the national level. AMA contact information should be included in the Alberta-specific code books and on the SCC website. The Director of Operations will work on something to be included on the SCC website. [Baron] F AEUC Variance Expired April 15, 2013 It was noted that the variance expired on April 15, Rene Leduc / Ron Derworiz moved to reaffirm the variance VAR-EUC-Scope for an additional three years; CARRIED MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 8

9 F Smaller/Municipal Utility Replacement It was reported that a replacement for Garfield Lee is still being worked on. [Porth] G. Technical Coordinating Committee Report The Chair provided an overview of items discussed at the last TCC meeting: SCA change relative to limitations Levy increase consultation underway SCO continuing education SCO training cost reductions being looked into Jurisdictional issues relative to medical gas, hydronic heating and composting toilets Penhorwood Condominium investigation SCC Conference Approval of the recommendation of the AEUC AMA staff update H. Next Meeting It was reported that the Acting Chief Electrical Administrator is taking on a new role with the SCC in the fall. The Director of Codes and Standards recognized Dan Niven s long standing service and expertise. Relative to the recruitment of the Chief Electrical Administrator, it was reported that the job posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Some of the recruitment challenges were explained and it is hoped that the position will be filled by the end of the summer. The 2013 meeting schedule was reconfirmed as follows: Monday, September 9, 2013 Calgary Monday, November 18, 2013 Edmonton The meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 9

10 -- ACTION ITEMS -- F ULC Approvals on Fire-rated Cables Draft STANDATA Consensus was reached that the Acting Chief Electrical Administrator will draft a STANDATA similar to the BC Information Bulletin for review at the next meeting. [Niven] F Draft STANDATA: Acceptability of the old farm service economizer equipment The Acting Chief Electrical Administrator will draft a STANDATA for review at the next meeting. [Niven] F Oil & Gas Code Committee update The Director of Operations will pass this request along to the Manager of Stakeholder Relations. [Baron / Stroud] Roy Etwaroo volunteered to work on the drawings. The OGCC minutes will be circulated to all ETC members. [Leduc / Etwaroo] F AEICTC Task Force Report The Director of Operations will discuss this with the Manager of Stakeholder Relations to develop a transition plan. [Baron / Stroud] E OBIEC Conditional Grant Final Report Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda until such time as it is brought forward in the future. E Update on Risk-based Inspections Project Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. F Master Electrician Advisory Group Update The March meeting minutes will be circulated to all ETC members. [Harrison / Paches] F Continuing Education for Safety Codes Officers Members were asked to provide feedback to the Administrator of Certification by June 1, [All] F Single Family Service Calculations Consensus was reached that there is awareness of the issue and that no further action was required. This item will be removed from the agenda. MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 10

11 F OBIEC Status This item was discussed under E and will be removed from the agenda. F Communication / Subject Submission The Director of Operations will work on something to be included on the SCC website. [Baron] F Smaller/Municipal Utility Replacement It was reported that a replacement for Garfield Lee is still being worked on. [Porth] MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 11

12 -- MOTIONS -- B. Adoption of Agenda Larry DeWald / Bill McAllister moved to adopt the agenda, as amended; CARRIED C. (a) Adoption of Minutes of the February 11, 2013 Meeting Allan Nagel / Jim Porth moved to adopt the minutes of the February 11, 2013 meeting, as circulated; CARRIED F Electrical Group B Code Update Training Jim Porth / Ron Derworiz moved that all Electrical Group B SCOs be required to take the Group B Code Update Training within 1 year of the course being available in order to maintain their certification; CARRIED F Electrical Utility Code Committee update Jim Porth / Bill McAllister moved to appoint Allan Nagel as the Vice Chair of the EUCC; CARRIED E Electrical Code Regulation and the Amendment to the CEC with the addition of Table 5E discussion Kevin Harrison / Shane Hoogenboom moved to adopt the addition of Table 5E with the 22nd edition of the CEC; CARRIED E Recommendation to the Coordinating Committee Adoption of the 2012 Canadian Electrical Code with one amendment being the Addition of Table 5E Kevin Harrison / Shane Hoogenboom moved to recommend to the Minister through the Technical Coordinating Committee the adoption the 22 nd edition of the Canadian Electrical Code with one amendment being the addition of Table 5E; CARRIED F AEUC Variance Expired April 15, 2013 Rene Leduc / Ron Derworiz moved to reaffirm the variance VAR-EUC-Scope for an additional three years; CARRIED MINUTES: Electrical Technical Council May 13, 2013 Page 12