
Episode 13 - Hot Topics (June 2024) Transcript
Trevor Tremblay: With Section 10 changing to only require the neutral to be grounded or the grounded conductor at one spot, it puts the meter base standard in conflict with the code. Traditionally, meter bases have primarily had the neutral bolted to the case, so you didn't require a bond. The neutral was bonding the case for you. Now there is quite a variety of meter based models for residential use and depending on what you order and from where and what the utility requires, there may be different neutral assembly configurations from one model to another. So recognizing the difference is important to ensure a compliance installation and reduce the risk of potential safety hazards.
Karen Ras: In this episode, we're talking hot topics, trends we're seeing in the field, and questions we're getting from you about emerging challenges. Grounded in Ontario is a podcast for you, the province's licensed electrical contractors, master and certified electricians, and offers safety tips, tech and best practices. Now let's get grounded.
We're back for season three of Grounded in Ontario. I'm Karen Ras and I work for the Electrical Safety Authority. We've got a lot in store for you this season and I'm looking forward to turning up the heat today. We're going to chat today about a variety of topics, issues that we're seeing on the ground through questions to our call center, conversations with ESA inspectors, and questions from our listeners. I'm joined by Trevor Tremblay, a Technical Advisor at ESA. Trevor's been with ESA for over 15 years and he started out as an inspector. Trevor, thank you so much for being here today. What are some of the hot issues that we're seeing out there?
Trevor Tremblay: Alright, thanks for having me back, Karen. I'm excited to get into this with you. We're going to talk about four areas that I want to chat about today. First off, we're going to talk about Section 10 changes and how they're affecting meter bases. Secondly, we're going to talk about ventilated type 3R transformers that are being exposed to blowing rain and snow. The third is low voltage holiday lights that are all the rage we can talk about who can install 'em and permit requirements. Finally, there are new designer receptacles on the market creating quite the stir.
Karen Ras: Well, that sounds like we have a lot to cover. So let's jump into the first topic. Talk to me about Section 10. What changes could impact meter bases?
Trevor Tremblay: With Section 10 changing to only require the neutral to be grounded or the grounded conductor at one spot, it puts the meter base standard in conflict with the code. Traditionally, meter bases have primarily had the neutral bolted to the case, so you didn't require a bond. The neutral was bonding the case for you. Now there is quite a variety of meter based models for residential use and depending on what you order and from where and what the utility requires, there may be different neutral assembly configurations from one model to another. So recognizing the difference is important to ensure a compliance installation and reduce the risk of potential safety hazards.
Karen Ras: Now with Section 10 changing to only permit the neutral to be grounded in one spot, it puts the meter base standard in a conflict. And how is this conflict being addressed and was there anything proposed to the meter based standard?
Trevor Tremblay: Proposals were submitted to have the meter mounting device standard changed to reflect new code requirements. There are now multiple types of meter bases that have permanently bonded neutral assemblies or permanently isolated neutral assemblies. Each type will have instructions and a kit on how to either bond the neutral or isolate it.
Karen Ras: Now is that good news for contractors installing them?
Trevor Tremblay: It is good news moving towards a more code compliant installation since we've historically allowed the old way of doing things with the neutral to bond the meter base. So moving forward, if we're going to try and get to a code compliant installation, it's really good news. The only trouble is, is when I'm on site and someone brings me a cardboard box with a meter base in it, these new products look exactly the same as the old meter bases. So I install it the exact same way and then we're finding out later that the neutral assembly kit was actually floating. So then we're seeing neighborhoods getting energized from the utility with no bonding for the meter base, which could potentially cause shock hazards.
Karen Ras: Are you seeing this in particular geographic areas? How can this be avoided and what advice do you have on what to look for?
Trevor Tremblay: It's typically happening more everywhere in the province. It's not isolated to one area. It's more prevalent in larger neighborhoods where there's say 40 houses being built at one time, it's pretty challenging. You can't really tell by looking at it. Some of 'em are clearly labeled, but they're still hard to see. They're just like a little white label under one lug. You might have to check the model number before ordering your meter bases, make sure you check the cut sheet and make sure that you know what you're getting. One easy way is to just always float your neutral and bond it. That's one way to always make sure it is properly done.
Karen Ras: And what if an LEC installed one of these meter bases in the last few years on a customer's home? Should they reach out to notify them or the developer?
Trevor Tremblay: Yes, you should definitely call the homeowner or the builder and let the Electrical Safety Authority know as well to make sure that we get this rectified as soon as we can. If you know for sure that you've installed one of these meter bases that are not properly bonded, it is definitely a shock hazard. From looking at it, it would be impossible to know if the metal enclosure isn't bonded. Hopefully you know the part number and you can find out to check the specs. You can use a proximity tester that will ring because of the new voltage on the enclosure if it wasn't properly bonded. Talk to your distributor and make sure you know what meter base they provided for you and you can go from there.
Karen Ras: Okay, good information. Thanks, Trevor. Let's turn to the second topic, ventilated 3R transformers. What is happening there?
Trevor Tremblay: Across the province, as you know, we get typical winter weather where there's blowing snow in the summer. We get blowing rain and we've installed across the province forever ventilated 3R equipment, specifically transformers. We're also seeing it in generator enclosures and we're seeing this equipment fail frequently because of water getting into the enclosure from blowing rain and snow.
Karen Ras: And can failures create any hazards?
Trevor Tremblay: So far we are seeing the damage contained to the enclosure, but that doesn't mean it will never happen. I've seen a large hotel lose its transformer from blowing snow. Certainly not good for business. Replacement times on transformers are not a stock item. When I always stop at a local coffee shop, I always check for one EV charger. They have an NEMA 3R transformer outside and in the winter I always check to see how it's doing. It's typically never energized in the winter because the whole transformer is just caked with snow. They even bent the louvers over to try and actually stop the snow from going in. But essentially the snow was caked in the bottom and the top. It's not the safest thing, let's just assume it was out of service.
Karen Ras: And what does the LEC need to know to prevent water and snow from entering the enclosure and something we should definitely be aware of given our Ontario climate?
Trevor Tremblay: Going forward, we'll be asking for a letter from the manufacturer of the equipment stating that the 3R ventilated equipment is good for blowing snow. Some manufacturers actually have kits that they'll sell you to prevent snow from going in and rain. There's like a filter material. This can be costly so we'd also accept some mitigating methods like a snow fence or something like that to stop the snow from blowing directly in and that'll be assessed on a case by case basis. We understand this is a change in practice and has been overlooked for years and that's why we're kind of giving a few different options. But there also is a national task force that was created to address this issue at the Canadian electrical code level because other AHJs are all actually seeing issues with these enclosures as well.
Karen Ras: And AHJs are authorities having jurisdiction who oversee things like the electrical code. And I'm glad to hear that this is being focused on so we can find a good solution. Let's turn our attention to the third topic. Tell me more about the rising interest in permanent holiday lighting. I know around the holidays we encourage people to take down their lighting as it's not manufactured for long-term use and in my neighborhood, several houses have this new feature and light it up depending on the change of season or their favorite sports teams.
Trevor Tremblay: There is definitely a shift in what we're seeing homeowners choosing for their outdoor lighting. Christmas lights used to be really popular, but you got to hang them up, take 'em down, hang 'em up, take 'em down, replace 'em, they're not as smart. You can get some now, but these things are actually really nice. They're permanent and a lot safer and fully customizable. The lighting is built for long-term use versus hanging it up and leaving it for a few weeks once a year. They're typically installed close to your traditional areas where you hang Christmas lights or something like that, and sometimes the edges of windows in the trim of your home. During non-holiday seasons, they can actually function as pleasant outdoor lighting.
Karen Ras: And do you have to be an LEC to install them?
Trevor Tremblay: No. They can be installed by the equipment installer, so whoever sells 'em can do the work. The wiring from the controller to the lights does fall under Section 16 of the code. The controllers are usually plugged into a receptacle, but if any 120 feeds are required or new receptacles, it must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor.
Karen Ras: Now does the installation of the lights require a notification?
Trevor Tremblay: Yes. The equipment installer definitely has to take out a permit from the electrical safety authority to install the lights as it is part of section 16 and part of the code. And if their job requires 120 volts, extra receptacles, that sort of thing, then an LEC also requires a separate notification to do their work.
Karen Ras: Okay. Now let's turn to our last topic. New designer receptacles that are creating a bit of a stir.
Trevor Tremblay: Function is important, but so is style. We're seeing more unique architecturally designed receptacles. This is also creating more complicated situations for the installation.
Karen Ras: Now, what makes the installation unique?
Trevor Tremblay: The design requires only an opening for the receptacle and the box is completely covered by the wall covering. We're seeing marble and other high-end finishes and the only thing you can see is a single round receptacle.
Karen Ras: Now, while there's so many cool ways that people are merging form and function, we can't dismiss the safety elements. Now does this change the way you have to wire the area where these are being installed?
Trevor Tremblay: Oh, definitely. Due to the wall coverings covering the box, you'll have to use a dedicated two wire for every single receptacle. This will be more challenging where the code requires a duplex receptacle to be installed, you have to run two separate feeds, one for each receptacle. You can't go from one box to the other, like a typical receptacle and daisy chain them because you can't make the joints in the box.
Karen Ras: Okay. Certainly a case where what the homeowner sees is sleek and beautiful, but behind the walls it's a little bit more complex and potentially hazardous. Are there any other requirements to be considered when these are being installed?
Trevor Tremblay: The one thing you have to make sure of is that the bond terminations are completed to the box before the wall coverings are installed. You must use the push and style connectors that come with the product and the conductors that in the box have to be long enough to be pulled through the opening to make the connection to the leads on the receptacle. This would also require a label at the panel as to where the removal insertion tool is located.
Karen Ras: Okay, thank you, Trevor. Before we close, we have a hot topic question from one of our listeners, Doug from Kitchener. When installing a hundred amp circuit for an EV charger is a breaker lockout device an acceptable method for disconnect provided that the breaker is visible from the charger?
Trevor Tremblay: Great question. Thanks, Doug. In this circumstance, the EV charger will be located outside the garage. But the service panel, which includes the breaker for the circuit, is located in the garage. It is visible from the charger station when the garage door is open, but unfortunately, the code rule only applies to the disconnect has to be lockable in the open position. It doesn't really specify where the disconnect has to be, but it can be the breaker if it is lockable and you can get lockable breakers, but the kit has to be from the manufacturer. It can't be one of those little plastic breaker handles that you just screw on and if you walk by too quick, it falls off. So it has be built in from the breaker manufacturer.
Karen Ras: Alright, very good to know. That is the hot topics that we have for today. Great to be back in studio. Trevor, I want to thank you so much for all of these important tips and advice. It was great to have you on the show.
Trevor Tremblay: Thank you very much. I'd love to dig into new challenges that we're facing as an industry to find good resolutions.
Karen Ras: And thank you to listeners for sending in these questions. We want to hear from you, so please email us at podcast@esasafe.com. We're open to topic suggestions, questions and comments. Make sure you subscribe on any platform where you get your podcasts so that you'll get notified about our next episode. Until next time, be safe, work safe and stay grounded.