Electrical Industry News Week
Published by Kerrwil Publications Limited with the support of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)
Cooper Industries

Message From The Editor

The main changes to the Code, Part 1 — the journey begins

In this issue we present the main changes to Part 1 of the CE Code. These changes will be adopted according to an established timetable, but I would like to point out here the importance of ensuring these changes are understood and absorbed by electricity workers because the changes respond to the technological changes sweeping our industry. Training is essential, and we will talk about this in the next issue. Just as with the code, training, sponsorship, and mentoring on all other aspects of our changing industry is also essential. Our contributor Michelle Branigan makes a strong case for renewing the industry's workforce, and says it's not enough to talk about it, but to look for ways in which employers can meet their responsibilities in training and retaining existing employees, and recruiting new employees. She offers solutions. Good reading!

Line Goyette
Managing Editor
linegoyette@kerrwil.com  

Changing Scene

GE Ottawa GE UWave Technology Provides Compact Solution for Hydroelectric Production within the City of Ottawa
Small things can make a huge impact. When it comes to GE Power's solutions, a small converter can sometimes help power a considerable part of a city. Successfully commissioned in July at the hydroelectric project on the Ottawa River, GE's MV7-5L Series Ultimate Waveform (UWave) high-power converter is now helping enable clean hydropower to power residents' homes…
CEA Canadian Electricity Association Honours Industry Leaders in Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) has honoured industry leaders in sustainable development and corporate responsibility at an awards ceremony in Toronto. "Sustainable practices and responsible corporate policies are mandatory requirements by all CEA members," said Sergio Marchi, President and CEO of CEA…
CSA Group Significant Changes Webinar: 2018 Canadian Electrical Code Update Brought to You by CSA Group
The 2018 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I features a number of significant changes, additions and updates that all users of the CE Code across Canada should be aware of. Date and time: Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 1:00pm…
  • Westburne Quebec Announces the Retirement of Rachel Caron and Appointment of Nicholas Zigayer
    After 31 years of service with Rexel Canada, Rachelle Caron, General Manager, Westburne Quebec has decided to retire, effective January 31, 2018. Rachelle began her career in the Distribution industry in 1985 as a Controller and Assistant to the General Manager at Refac, which was acquired and became a division of Westburne in 1987…

  • Electra Meccanica Announces $4 Billion Order Book for SOLO and Tofino Models
    With a growing demand for non-polluting, energy efficient vehicles, ElectraMeccanica Vehicles Corp. (OTCQB: ECCTF), a leading Canadian-based designer and manufacturer of electric vehicles, announced today combined corporate and retail orders amounting to 120,880 of its SOLO models and 39,642 Tofino models, totalling $4.38 billion (CAD) in anticipated purchase price value…

  • ECAO Welcomes New Executive Director
    Mark Lloyd and the Board of Directors of the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) have announced that Graeme Aitken will be assuming the role of Executive Director on December 11, 2017. For the past five and a half years, Graeme has been with EPTCON Ltd., a Cambridge-based high-voltage EPC contractor overseeing labour relations and contracts…

  • Standard Announces New Lighting Specialist Frank Garcia Has Joined Its Ontario Sales Team
    Standard welcomes Frank Garcia who has joined Sales Team in Ontario as a Lighting Specialist. Frank boasts more than 30 years of sales experience in the Electrical industry, notably in an Engineering designer firm. Frank will certainly be a great asset to Standard. He will be covering South Western Ontario…

  • NSi Industries Appoints Bill Sigler as VP of Retail and e-Commerce
    NSi Industries, LLC recently hired Bill Sigler as the Vice-President of Retail and eCommerce. Sigler comes to NSi Industries with over 17 years of sales and marketing experience with an accomplished background in retail and e-commerce. Sigler has led sales efforts in positions ranging from District Manager to his most recent position as Vice-President of Sales with a company that specializes…

  • Convectair Introduces New Technology for Home Connectivity: Connectair
    On October 2, Convectair officially launched Connectair, a new innovative product employing an open, evolving and secure ecosystem enabling the simple control of connected devices within households. Convectair goes above and beyond in presenting Watchful Home by Connectair…

  • Fortis Inc. President and CEO Barry Perry on the Passing of Michael Mulcahy, President and CEO of FortisBC
    It is with great sadness that Fortis acknowledges the passing of Michael Mulcahy, President and CEO of FortisBC. Michael has been a long-time leader in the Fortis Group of Companies. Having served the company for a quarter of a century at Maritime Electric, Fortis Properties, Newfoundland Power and FortisBC…

  • Diverse Group of Electricity Stakeholders Soon to Make Announcement on Future Energy Plans for Ontario
    A diverse group of 19 major energy consumers, producers and distributors from across the province have taken the unprecedented step of coming together in support of an announcement on the future of energy planning in Ontario. Called the Ontario Electricity Stakeholders Alliance, the group includes industry associations, consumer groups, boards of trade and leaders…

  • Hudson's Hope, BC Goes Solar as Town Faces Site C's Biggest Impacts
    Solar-powered curling, anyone? Or what about solar-powered sewage treatment? Hudson's Hope, the municipality that would be most affected by the Site C dam, is going solar with a blast. "It's starting to look like a real, honest to goodness twenty-first century solar community," said Don Pettit of the Peace Energy Renewable Energy Cooperative, the business that recently installed 1,580 photovoltaic panels…

  • Wind Energy Bringing Economic Benefits in Saskatchewan
    SaskPower's plan to add 1,900 MW of wind energy to the province's power grid by 2030 promises more than long-term opportunity for the wind energy industry. It will also bring significant economic and environmental benefits to the province and its residents…

  • The Invisible Injuries of Electrical Shock and Getting Patients 'Back on Track'
    It takes seconds for a bolt of electricity to course through your body and months, even years, to fully recover. "You can't tell just by looking at a patient what some of the complex, life-altering effects of electrical injuries are," says John Cho, Occupational Therapist and clinical coordinator for the outpatient Back on Track rehab program at St. John's Rehab Hospital…
Tools For The Trade

Codes & Standards

2018 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I: Top 15 changes

CSA Group Now in its 24th edition, the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I includes a number of significant updates and changes to better help electrical workers in the safe maintenance of electrical equipment and create safer electrical installations. This edition features important revisions to many sections. For example, Section 26 now mandates the use of tamper-resistant receptacles in additional areas where children may be present. Section 62 now requires ground fault circuit interrupter protection for heating devices and controls in proximity to tubs, sinks, and shower stalls. Section 10 has been updated, reorganized, and significantly reduced in length. Read more about the top 15 changes to the code. Read More

Human Resources

Transformation of the Grid — and Preparing the Next Generation

By Michelle Branigan
Michelle Branigan The energy industry is now in the midst of transformative change. Many Canadian electrical assets are approaching the end of life, and there is a need to refurbish or replace much of the system. Countries around the world, including Canada, are looking to decarbonize existing energy systems. Smart homes, smart cities, renewable generation, the integration of electrical vehicles, energy efficiency, energy storage — these will all have an impact on the industry and how we deliver electricity within a changing environment. So what does this mean for the workforce? Read More

Legalization of Marijuana

The Dope on Marijuana at Work

By Claire E. Milton
Marijuana Legalization On July 1, 2018, the possession of marijuana, referred to as cannabis in the legislation, will become legal in Canada. Not a day goes by without a news story about how the provinces are scrambling to decide how to best implement a distribution system for the lawful sale and use of cannabis products. Employers should fully understand laws applicable to both medical and recreational cannabis, and should more than likely be reviewing and modifying internal policies to address the changing landscape. If you do not already have an internal policy in place that addresses the use of both prescribed and recreational drugs in the workplace, then the legalization of recreational cannabis is an opportunity for you to put something in place. Read More

Q & A Brought to You by Britech

Britech Responds to Frequently Asked Questions on Electric Floor Heating

Britech Q. Where do I find the information I need on heating cables to ensure my installation is correct and safe?

A. Section 62 of the Canadian Electrical Code is packed with dos and don'ts for heating cable installations. Considering how many different applications, types of installations and uses for heating cable there are the code is invaluable in making sure your installation is safe and performs well.

For more Q & A and to ask your question, Read More

Survey Says

Survey Says

Average Salaries in Power Distribution by Years of Experience

The longer you stay in the industry, the more you'll make.

Read More

Survey Says From Recent Issues

New Products and Solutions

Schneider iDisplay

Schneider Electric Industrial PC and iDisplay

Schneider has a wide array of Industrial PC and iDisplay applications for a variety of automation needs. Read More
Liteline 24V Extension

Liteline 24V Extension Leads and Link Cables

This single colour LED strip light connector, available in 6" (152.4mm) and 12" (304.8mm) lengths, makes it easy to connect two Liteline strip lights at any angle. Connectors on both ends extend the connection between single colour LED strip lights. With a built-in joiner, the LED extension leads offer extended linking between two LED strip lights for up to 12 feet. Read More
Rittal

Rittal Network/Server Enclosures

Rittal's network/server enclosures TS IT are pre-configured with standard accessories. Enclosures are complete with depth variable 482.6mm (19") profile rails, casters, cable management, PDU brackets, and locking front and rear vented doors. Available in a range of size variants with optional sidewalls and baying kits. Read More
LED Lights Canada

LED Lights Canada Lotus Directional 2-Inch LED Pot Lights

No need for a pot can to install this 2-inch directional LED pot light. Use these petite "eyeball" lights to create interest in alcoves, bookshelves, built-in shelving units or areas where more light is desired. Imagine having a light above the kitchen sink that is inconspicuous and aimed exactly where your customer wants it. A dimmable driver included with each light connects directly to line voltage. Read More
Fluke Tester

Fluke 438-11 Power Quality and Motor Analyzer

The Fluke 438-II power quality and motor analyzer adds key mechanical measurement capabilities for electric motors to the advanced power quality analysis functions of the Fluke 430 Series II power quality analyzers. Quickly and easily measure and analyze key electrical and mechanical performance parameters such as power, harmonics, unbalance, motor speed, torque, and mechanical power without the need of mechanical sensors. Read More
Philips Dynadimmer

Philips Dynadimmer

The Dynadimmer is a luminaire solution control that enables high energy savings with low installation efforts. Its dimming schedule is flexible up to five dimming levels and five-time periods. The small, stand-alone, luminaire-based device can drive a 0-10V electronic ballast to functional-demand light levels and does not require an additional switching wire. Ideal for urban, roadway, parking and garage applications. Read More

Current Copper Prices

Monitor daily and 6-month $US prices for copper — the preferred electrical conductor for most categories of electrical wiring.

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The Electrical Stock Market

Track the stock market performance of 25 publicly traded electrical equipment suppliers and electrical wholesalers. Updated weekly.

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Published by Kerrwil Publications Limited with the support of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)
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