
Enclosed building (not at lock-up stage) with roofing material installed:
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IB-EL-2016-03
Rev 2
This bulletin provides guidance on the application of rules in the 2018 BC Electrical Code Regulation. The requirements of local municipal authorities having jurisdiction may vary. Installers should consult with local authorities having jurisdiction before starting work to determine their requirements.
As outlined in rule 76-000 of the BC Electrical Code, section 76 applies to temporary wiring installations for buildings under construction or demolition. It is the nature of the installation, not the use of that installation, that determines whether the installation is temporary. Receptacles that are connected to the permanent wiring system and therefore not within the scope of section 76 are subject to other applicable rules of the BC Electrical Code. Temporary distribution panels are not considered permanent and are subject to the rules in section 76.
Construction sites using temporary wiring methods should be aware that this wiring is exposed to more severe duty and weather conditions than permanent installations. The use of extension cords may increase bonding conductor impedance. Additionally, site and environmental conditions may make grounding conditions unstable. These factors can result in a higher risk of electrical shock to workers. For this reason, rule 76-016 requires GFCI protection for 15 A (configuration 5-15R) and 20 A (configuration 5-20R) receptacles installed on temporary wiring installations.
A temporary operating permit is required for service installations that are temporary in nature and will be disconnected once the construction or demolition phase of work is completed. In many cases, the contractor installing the equipment may not be the same contractor or field safety representative who monitors ongoing safety for operation and maintenance of the equipment. The temporary operating permit authorizes installation of the equipment, and the permit holder is responsible for ensuring a field safety representative monitors the ongoing safe operation and maintenance of the equipment for the duration of its operation. The temporary operating permit must be obtained by the equipment owner. An “owner” may be the lessee as defined in the Safety Standards Act. In most cases, the site owner or builder should be the operating permit holder. The permit holder must name a field safety representative on the permit.
The temporary operating permit is valid for 12 months from date of issue. This permit is not renewable. A new, temporary construction operating permit must be obtained after 12 months if the temporary service is still required. To complete the temporary construction operating permit, the temporary construction service must be disconnected from the electrical supply before submitting a request for a Final – “All Work is Complete” inspection request.
Temporary construction service installations will be accepted if they have been constructed in accordance with attached diagrams 1-2 and have satisfied the following requirements.
DIAGRAM 1
![]() | Min. Class 6 treated pole or treated 6”X 6” post (Overhead Line Guideline B-E3 090312 1)(CSA C22.3 No. 1-15) Min. overhead clearance (6-112) Min. pole setting depth (Overhead Line Guideline B-E3 090312 1) (CSA C22.3 No. 1-15) Guy assembly requirement (Overhead Line Guideline B-E3 090312 1) (CSA C22.3 No. 1-15) Supply attachment (6-112) Weather proof, sealed, hinged, lockable ¾” (21mm) treated plywood enclosure (76-006) Branch circuits (76-012) GFCI protection (76-016) Receptacles (76-01626-708) Grounding + bonding (76-004) |
DIAGRAM 2
![]() | Min. Cl. 6 treated pole or treated 6”X6” post (Overhead Line Guideline B-E3 090312 1) (CSA C22.3 No. 1-15) Min. overhead clearance (6-112) Min. pole depth setting (Overhead Line Guideline B-E3 090312 1) (CSA C22.3 No. 1-15) Guy assembly requirement (Overhead Line Guideline B-E3 090312 1) (CSA C22.3 No. 1-15) Supply attachment (6-112) Type 3R lockable enclosure (2-400, 76-006) Branch circuits (76-012) GFCI protection (76-016) Receptacles (76-016) Grounding + bonding (76-004) |
DIAGRAM 3
Enclosed building (not at lock-up stage) with roofing material installed:
DIAGRAM 4
Enclosed building (not at lock-up stage) with roofing material not installed:
DIAGRAM 5
Open structure exposed to weather (front view):
DIAGRAM 6
Open structure exposed to weather (side view):
NOTE: Enclosure roof overhang to extend forward sufficiently to protect service equipment (when door open) from 45◦ driving rain
DIAGRAM 7
Permanent service pole and meter base – temporary distribution panel:
DIAGRAM 8
Permanent service pole and combination meter base / main service breaker – temporary distribution panel:
Provincial Safety Manager
References:
Safety Standards Act
Electrical Safety Regulation
Safety Standards General Regulation