8 MAJOR CHANGES TO THE QUEBEC CONSTRUCTION CODE

Since October 1st 2018, major modifications were made to the Quebec construction code. After a six months transition period in which ongoing construction work could be completed according to the previous norms, it is now mandatory to comply to the changes. To make sure you are compliant, here is a summary of the eight most important changes that should affect you or your employees.

#1 CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY IN WIRES AND CABLES

The current carrying capacity in cables and wires has been increased. The selection is now limited by three levels of temperature (60 °C, 75 °C, 90 °C) that vary depending on the minimum temperatures of the device. These modifications should be in place for every jobs, regardless of the sector.

This new regulation brings a major change in the conductors’ size selection methodology based on their current carrying capacity. We must now consider the minimal temperature of the equipment we hook them up to, rather than simply trust the insulation’s maximum allowed temperature.

#2 ARC-FAULT BREAKERS

Shunts powering 120V of 15 or 20 A sockets in residential buildings must now be protected by arc-fault breakers. There are still a few exceptions such as lighting circuits, bathroom sockets, kitchen counters sockets, refrigerators, and bilge pumps.

This change aims to reduce the potential dangers of electric arcs and the residential fires they can cause. In 2014, 15.6% of residential fires were caused by electrical fires. It is quite probable that you already used arc-fault breakers for your jobs, but if you weren’t, now is the perfect time to make the switch.

#3 ELECTRIC CARS CHARGING STATIONS

Every new constructions that include a garage, a parking area or carport must now have the required infrastructure (cable or conduit) installed for an eventual electric car charging station installation.

This major change is part of the 2015 Quebec government's plan to electrify transports in the province. You can expect to see an increase of stricter regulations in the coming years regarding these type of devices.

#4 SOCKETS EQUIPPED WITH SHUTTERS

CSA 5-15R and CSA 5-20R sockets equipped with shutters are now mandatory in new residential buildings and daycares. Furthermore, they must also be used whenever you are replacing an existing sockets.

The price difference between a socket equipped with shutters and a shutterless socket is relatively minimal. It is very common for children to insert conductive objects in sockets, which can result in harmful or deadly electrical discharges. This regulation mostly aims at reducing these types of accidents.

#5 320 A METER SOCKET

A new type of meter socket with a nominal capacity of 320 A is now accepted. However, it must have a circumvention countermeasure that allows the installation and extraction of the meter without any danger.

This new type of meter socket was designed to avoid incurring fees when trying to increase the connected capacity by installing a 400 A socket (if a 200 A meter socket was not sufficient). At least you avoid using the measuring box since measurements are being calculated directly inside the power circuit. This gain of space will likely be appreciated.

#6 WEATHER EXPOSED OUTDOOR SOCKETS

Regular 15 A or 20 A sockets rated at 120 V or 240 V exposed to weather conditions now require a protective cap (whether there is a plugged-in device or not) and a mandatory “Extra Duty” or “Wet Location” marking on the socket itself.

In many cases (extensions or others), a plugged-in device remains inserted in the socket which keeps the protective cap from closing and in turn exposes it to weather conditions. When sockets remain exposed that way, they are exposed to humidity which can corrode the internal components of the socket. If this socket is equipped with a DDFT protection, it could become faulty and create a risk of fire or electrocution.

#7 GROUND FAULT CURRENT INTERRUPTER (GFCI) MATERIALS

Authorized materials for GFCI are copper and aluminum, as well as other materials as long as they are strictly controlled. Copper clad is not authorized as ground fault material.

Despite methods to dissuade it, copper theft is still very common. For this reason, changes to paragraph 1) regarding the use of copper as being the exclusive material for GFCI have been put in place. Multiple other articles of the code have also been adjusted. Aluminum and other materials are now authorized for GFCI.

#8 SOCKETS USED FOR APPLIANCES MAINTENANCE ON ROOFS

Roof sockets placed to facilitate the maintenance of A/C units, heating, ventilation, or any similar appliances on buildings other than residential must be configured as 5-20R.

Mandatory sockets from this section must be independent from any electrical installation on the roof. The socket must remain operational even during maintenance or replacement of the appliances installed on the roof.