How to Use the Canadian Electrical Code Book- 7 Tips

Navigating the Canadian Electrical Code Book for those with little experience using it can be a scary proposition. These fears can be put to rest once you learn the strategies of how to effectively navigate and use the resources the code book provides.  

The strategies, along with some experience putting them into use, will increase your confidence going into the exam.   The best time to figure this out is now, before challenging the exam and this post will get you on your way with 5 tips on using the book to your advantage. 

Both the industrial and construction and maintenance red seal trade exams have many code related questions and it is for this reason we must become code book ninjas to ensure our success come exam time. 

As a personal example, before I started studying for my industrial exam I had very little experience using the code book, I had literally only opened it few times.  I was successful in obtaining my industrial electrician C of Q in large part by learning the structure of the code book, how to navigate/search effectively and answering questions that forced me to put the knowledge into use.  I become comfortable with the code book and so will you!  So let’s begin…

Tip # 1 Code Structure

The code book is divided into numbered sections, each section covering a main component of electrical work.  The GENERAL SECTIONS of the code book are 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,10,12,14,16 and 26.  All other sections supplement or amend the general sections, rules found in the supplementary sections overrule general section rules.

Even numbers have been used to identify sections and rules throughout the code with one exception being section 38 which has odd numbered rules within it.  This format was used to allow room for further expansion of new rules, as odd numbers.   

You can find the code structure laid out in the preface under the heading general arrangement in the front of the Canadian Electrical Code Book.

Tip # 2 Rule Layout

RULE 00-000 (first two digits of the rule number before the hyphen (in red) represents the section number, after the hyphen you will find the remainder of the rule number which consists of a 3 or 4 digit number (in blue).

SUBRULE (1)

ITEM (a)

ITEM (i)

ITEM   (A)

Refer to rule 8-204 in the CEC as a good example of how rules are subdivided by this convention.

For further details refer to the preface at the front of the code book under general arrangement.

Tip # 3  Symbols and Conversion Factors For SI Units

After the preface another valuable item to be aware of is the symbols and conversion factors for SI units (page xxix).  This chart helps you with conversions from Imperial (previously used unit) to metric (si units). Make sure to familiarize yourself with this chart as it may come in handy.

Want to convert celsius to fahrenheit, or maybe millilitres to cubic inches, you can do that and a lot more with this chart.

Tip #4 Changes to Rules

When a change in a rule has occurred from the previous version of the code book to the existing version of the code book it will be identified by the delta symbol ‘Δ’ in the margin. Remember Delta ‘Δ’ means change.

Tip #5 Conduit Trade Sizes

In the front part of the code book on page xxx you have a table that lists the metric trade designator for conduit and it’s equivalent conduit size in inches. So let’s take a look at the table. Metric designator 155 is a 6-inch conduit.

Tip # 6 Motor Calculation Example

Well I was going to stop at 5 tips but this one is too good to leave out.  Are you worrying about being asked a motor conductor and protection calculation question on the exam?  Well, now that you have read this far, worry no more, the answer was right under your fingertips the whole time.

In Appendix ‘B’ section 28, you will find an example question that goes through step by step how to calculate conductor sizes, overcurrent sizes, and overload settings for motor calculation questions.  Have your book close by?  Go check it out now..

Tip # 7 Print vs Digital Code Book

Some learners swear by the print edition because it’s easier to flip, tab, and scan. Others prefer a digital copy with search. If your exam allows only a printed book, practice with it. If you use digital for study, still spend time with the physical layout so you do not lose time relearning the map when it counts. The key is consistency. Use the same edition and format for practice that you will use on test day or on site.

Navigating the Code Book Like a Pro

Speed comes from a repeatable process. Use this on every practice question until it becomes muscle memory.

Read the entire question, then circle the nouns and conditions that matter. Identify the system, environment, and any special occupancies.

Go to the Index. Look up the exact term the question uses. If the Index gives you multiple entries, scan the Scope of each candidate section to see which one covers your situation.

Read the rule that seems to apply. Do not stop at the first sentence. Read all subrules and exceptions. If a rule points you to another rule or a table, follow the trail before making a decision.

Apply the correct table or formula. Watch the conditions. If there are correction or adjustment factors, apply them in the order the rule describes.

Sanity check in an appendix example if you’re unsure. Then return to the rule to confirm the final selection or value.

A few small habits save a lot of time. Mark the start of major sections with tabs if your exam rules allow it. Flag the definitions section, the ampacity tables, the conductor and cable selection material, and your most-used wiring methods. Keep your bookmark on the Index when you’re working through practice sets. And when a rule references a table or another rule, place a finger or a second bookmark on the original rule so you can bounce back without losing the thread.

 

This post is a small excerpt from the tutorial, USING THE CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE BOOK which is available within all paid memberships, click here.

Enjoy