Message From The Editor
Preparing for future lighting systems with the tools available today
Any time we hear talk about new lighting technologies and smart homes, automation, the Industrial Revolution 4.0, or smart cities, lighting systems are always part of the discussion. These systems are also a market segment that is developing quickly, even very quickly according to several studies. Electrical contractors are increasingly expected to integrate this offer into their services, as distributors are doing. In this issue we talk about technical aspects of lighting, photometry, presence detectors, and how to future-proof lighting systems. They are important investments, and must be profitable. Also, our columnist on the CE Code continues his journey with us. Good reading!
Line Goyette
Managing Editor
linegoyette@kerrwil.com
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Changing Scene
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Codes & Standards
Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I — Instalment 38
By William (Bill) Burr
Section 76 — Temporary Wiring. Sometimes it is impracticable to follow the rules for permanent installations when installing temporary wiring for construction or demolition projects. In many instances the wiring needs to be portable, flexible, and easily modified. In addition to this section, Appendix G references Section 5.6.1.9. (3) of the National Fire Code of Canada, 2015, Temporary Electrical Installations on Construction and Demolition Sites. Rule 76-000 notes that this is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and applies to temporary wiring installations for buildings or projects under construction or demolition and experimental or testing facilities of a temporary nature.
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Lighting Controls
Best Practices for Using PIR Sensors, Part 2
This is the second of a 2-part introductory series on passive infrared (PIR) sensors. Part 1 highlighted how PIR sensors detect motion, discussed the importance of the sensor lens, and the different types of motion that can be detected. Here in Part 2: proper sensor placement and setting accurate sensitivity levels, as well as how to reduce false triggers and sensor time-outs.
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Lighting Systems
A Business Case for Future-proofing Building Lighting Systems, Part 1
This business case lays out a rationale for future-proofing buildings and provides tools that will enable building owners to think more strategically about how they are looking at their building management systems and make initial investments upfront for long-term benefit. Here in Part 1: four arguments to make in your business case, starting with why do it now.
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Arc Flash Safety
A Revolution in Arc Quenching Technology
Sponsored by Eaton
The danger associated with arc flash is well known to those working in the electrical industry, however knowledge of the potential danger does not remove it, although it certainly does help limit the potential for an incident. While awareness, engineering and administrative controls have increased, it is still estimated that there are between 5 and 10 arc flash incidents a day in North America. Arc flash events occur when insulation or isolation distance between energized conductors is compromised, allowing the current to travel through the air between the conductors. Major causes of arc flash events include tools left inside equipment after maintenance, loose electrical connections, animals entering the equipment to stay warm or ingression of water or other conductive material. To reduce the risk of arc flash, there are many standards in North America that identify incident energy reduction methods for example, CSA Z462 – 2018 and NFPA 70E - 2018.
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Economy
Q1 2018 Investment in Residential Construction Up 8% YOY
Investment in residential construction increased by 8.0% to $30.5 billion in the first quarter of 2018 compared with the same quarter in 2017. All components, with the exception of mobile homes, contributed to the quarterly year-over-year increase in spending on residential construction. The growth was led by spending on apartment buildings, which accounted for 39.5% of the total increase (+$890.8 million or +21.5%), followed by investment in renovations (+$677.9 million or +5.5%). British Columbia posted the biggest gains (+$859.8 million or +16.2%), followed by Quebec (+$691.4 million or +14.9%). Saskatchewan was the only province to post a quarterly year-over-year decline (-$19.6 million or -2.7%), mainly due to reduced spending on single home construction, down $34.3 million compared with the previous year.
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Q & A Brought to You by Britech
We are involved in a high-profile project where the architect is demanding that the roof de-icing cables be hidden under the roofing material. What's your opinion?
I asked two highly regarded consultants about this one and consulted Section 62 of the electrical code. Both consultants agree that hiding heating cables under combustible materials was a very bad idea. They could overheat or be damaged by personnel traffic or equipment being rolled over the roof. Section 62 of the code says, "The heating portion of heating cable sets and heating panel sets shall not penetrate or pass through walls, partitions, floors or similar structures."
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Survey Says
Electrical Engineering Hourly Rates by Job
See how the rates for electricians working in electrical engineering compare to technicians, engineers and others.
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Survey Says From Recent Issues
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New Products and Solutions
Honeywell New Intelligent Wearables for Industrial Field Workers
Honeywell's hands-free, wearable connected plant technology allows industrial workers to more safely, reliably and efficiently complete tasks in the plant or the field. Honeywell's Skills Insight Intelligent Wearables feature a head-mounted visual display that responds to voice and brings live data, documents, work procedures, as well as health and safety information into view. The new wearable technology also connects field workers with remote experts in real time and allows them to assimilate valuable skills and knowledge while working. Honeywell's new technology combines the RealWear HMT-1Z1 handsfree wearable computer with Honeywell's Movilizer platform, a cloud-based workflow solution, to support field service operations, specifically in hazardous locations.
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Conductive 8-inch Rovak Boot
The 8-inch Rovak boot is fully CSA approved, providing electrical resistance between 0 and 10,000 Ohms. Among its feature the boot has a puncture-resistant steel plate, Chevron vulcanized rubber sole, Rovak padded ankle protector to improve climber comfort, double conductive calf strap, steel protective toecap, and dual-rib steel shank.
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Arlington Larger, Aluminum Grounding Connectors
Arlington's grounding electrode connectors offer flexibility, convenience, and cost savings. These two connectors accommodate a wider range of grounding electrodes, from #8 to 3/0 conductors. They install from outside or inside a metal panel or metal enclosure, through one of the existing knockouts. There's no need to modify the box or enclosure to accommodate the connector. They also provide excellent strain relief for grounding conductors. The connectors are listed for use with stranded and solid copper and aluminum wire, and feature an extra-wide cable range, meaning fewer items to stock and inventory.
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ANSI Lockout Tags — Danger Electrocution Hazard Do Not Start
Advise workers to lock out and tag out hazardous machinery with brightly coloured lockout tags that bear clear hazard statements and widely-recognized ANSI Z535 pictograms. The tags are made of polyethylene plastic to resist oil and grease and withstand all weather conditions. A reinforced brass grommet and free nylon ties come with each tag for easy yet secure attachment. Front wording reads, "Danger Electrocution Hazard. Do Not Start. Work on Machine in Progress. Avoid Serious Injury. This Lock/Tag May Only Be Removed By: Name: __ Date: __ Dept. __ Expected Completion Date: __" with graphic. Back wording reads, "Danger Do Not Remove This Unless You Are the Person Who Put It On. To Do So Without Authorization Will Lead To Disciplinary Action. Remarks: __ See Other Side."
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Brady's Predictive Maintenance Irreversible Temperature Indicating Label
Brady's irreversible TIL series provides a permanent record of the highest temperature reached on a piece of equipment. When the equipment reaches a certain temperature, the white area on the label turns irreversibly black, giving clear proof of the highest temperature attained — a cost-effective solution for temperature checks during maintenance or for troublespotting during research and development, especially where other measuring systems fail to record an external temperature of a machine or system.
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From Our Last Issue
- Installation of Identified Conductor at Control Locations
2015 Code — Two wire simple switch loop acceptable. 2018 Code — Identified conductor required at every control location. Control devices are increasingly used as an essential part of energy management systems. Many of these devices require power to operate, and where used in a simple switch loop create a small current through the bonding conductor. As the number of devices increases, the cumulative current through the bonding system will become unacceptable. New Subrule 4-028(2) now mandates that an identified conductor be installed at each manual or automatic control location. This requirement applies to all occupancy types. The term "neutral" has been replaced with the more accurate term "identified conductor".
- Shock Risk Assessment and the Detailed Warning Label "Electrical Safety Zone"
Does this detailed warning label look familiar? Perhaps you have seen one, or at least one that resembles this in a commercial or industrial facility. With all of the hype and conversation in recent years revolving around "arc flash," it is likely due-time that we all start talking about shock, shock hazard and shock risk assessment. Depending on how you break it down, there are about seven steps in the Canadian Electrical Code for completing a good shock risk assessment. Specific details are in the standard (2015 edition) but in Clause 4.3.4.1 "Shock risk assessment," you will find three basic determinations.
- Six Everyday Excuses that Bruise Your Brand
Working with organizations for over 25 years to transform customer service culture, I've discovered that some employees — who would describe themselves as solid performers — actually have a habit of delivering more excuses than results. Unfortunately, your customers don't buy excuses — literally. The more your team members rationalize poor service, the more they'll cost your organization in trust equity. See if your employees use any of these six common customer service excuses. We'll start with the worst offenders.
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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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