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Top Document: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2) Previous Document: What is CSA approval? Next Document: Are there any cheaper, easier to read books on wiring? See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge
The North America Free Trade Agreement came into effect on
January 1st, 1994. NAFTA attempts to bring down trade barriers
between Mexico, Canada and the USA. One of the "barriers" has
been that of approval of material. As of January first, CSA
approval of a device is legally considered equivalent to UL
approval in the USA. Conversely, UL is now accepted as
equivalent to CSA approval in Canada. Theoretically, this
means that devices marked only with UL approval are acceptable
in the CEC, and conversely CSA approval by itself of a device
is accepted by the NEC. This allows much freer trade in
electrical materials between the two countries.
This doesn't affect the electrical codes themselves, so the
differences in practice between the NEC and CEC will remain.
It is also my understanding that bilateral acceptance of
"approval" will only apply when the standards applied are
reasonably the same. As an example, a cable approved by the
NEC for a given purpose may not be acceptable by the CEC for
the same purpose if the standards requirements are different.
Eg: "NMD" ("non-metallic, damp") cable is usually required for
residences in Canada. "NM" cable ("non-metallic, not damp
locations) which is used in the same situations in the US,
would probably not be acceptable in Canada. Also,
municipalities can add additional requirements on top of the
CEC, as they can in the US over the NEC.
Thus, Canadians will probably start seeing UL-only approved
materials in stores, and Americans the same regarding
CSA-only. But some differences will remain. When in doubt on
major items, consult an inspector. At least in Canada, the
fact that the material is available in a store usually means
that it's okay to install.
User Contributions:Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic:Top Document: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2) Previous Document: What is CSA approval? Next Document: Are there any cheaper, easier to read books on wiring? Part1 - Part2 - Single Page [ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ] Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer: clewis@ferret.ocunix.on.ca (Chris Lewis)
Last Update March 27 2014 @ 02:11 PM
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I bought a new receptacle and installed the same. I still have no power I suspect there could be a bigger problem,this is aluminum wiring.
I've killed the breaker and call an electrician but am curious as to what happened.P.s. there is a dimmer switch on the same circuit.
I have multiple switches to lights. Ran 12/2 and 14/3 into switch box and inspector wrote correction needed.
What should I have done instead?
thank you
dennis
Ex: 15 amp-14awg. 12awg-20amp only rule for thumb other factors such as continuous load,heating and others if you do not know the safe NEC rules then please call a qualified journeyman Electrician better be safe