CSA C22.1:21 PDF (Not Available)

The Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, titled "Safety Standard for Electrical Installations," is a comprehensive standard that governs all electrical work and equipment operating or intended to operate at all voltages in electrical installations for buildings, structures, and premises. This includes factory-built relocatable and non-relocatable structures, as well as self-propelled marine vessels connected to a shore supply of electricity. However, there are some exceptions, such as installations or equipment used by utilities, electric railways, and railway signaling and communication systems. Additionally, aircraft and electrical systems in ships regulated by Transport Canada are also exempted.

The twenty-fifth edition of the standard, published in 2021, incorporates important revisions and updates. These include a new subsection on energy storage systems and rules for functionally-grounded renewable energy systems in Section 64. Section 26 now requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection for all 15 A and 20 A receptacles located outdoors close to the ground. Climate change adaptation is addressed with new requirements introduced in various sections of the code, and Section 22 includes a new subsection specifically for farm buildings housing livestock.

Other significant revisions in this edition involve removing redundant or out-of-date requirements, revising the definition for low voltage, providing clarification on impedance grounded system operation under fault conditions, adding requirements for electrical equipment near roof decking systems, updating load calculations and equipment layout for recreational vehicle lots, and reorganizing and simplifying Table 19. Appendices and the index have been deleted, while annexes A.1 and A.2 have been moved online.

This standard has been developed in compliance with the requirements for National Standards of Canada set by the Standards Council of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. It is important to note that this code and any referenced standards do not guarantee or assure the life expectancy, durability, or operating performance of the equipment and materials mentioned.