Wiring Methods Quick Reference Guide

Based on the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I (24th edition, published 2018)
In planning or installing an electrical installation, the most important Rules in the Code relate to
where and under what conditions particular wiring methods are allowed to be used. These Rules
are in Section 12.

Section 12, Wiring methods Your Notes

Requirements
Scope – Subsection 12-000
General requirements – Subsection 12-010
Conductors – Subsection 12-100
Flexible Cables – Subsection 12-400
Raceways – Subsection 12-900
High Density Polyethylene Conduit type HDPE conduit HDPE
conductors-in-conduit – Subsection 12-1250
Cablebus – Subsection 12-2250
Manufactured wiring systems – Subsection 12-2500
Installations of boxes, cabinets, outlets, and terminal fittings – Subsection
12-3000

A few important terms for this Section

Busbar — a non-insulated conductor electrically connected to the
source of supply and physically supported on an insulator providing a
power rail for connection to utilization equipment.
Extra-Low Voltage Suspended Ceiling Power Distribution
System — An extra-low voltage system that serves as a support for
a finished ceiling surface and consists of a busbar and busbar
support system to distribute power to utilization equipment supplied
by a Class 2 power supply.

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Section 12, Wiring methods Your Notes

Rule 12-000 Scope

Three general conditions determine the type of wiring method to use:
Conditions of building construction;
Conditions of location; and
Conditions of use.
Consult the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) or the local
building authority regarding the electrical installation and use of non-
metallic electrical equipment (e.g., raceways, boxes, and conductors) due
to the possibility of fire hazard, flame spread and smoke development.
Subrule 1) states that Section 12 covers all types of wiring methods
required for electrical installations operating at a voltage level of 750 V or
less, except for:
Class 2 circuits unless otherwise specified in Rules 12-2300 to 12-2320
and Section 16;
Community antenna distribution and radio and television circuits unless
otherwise specified in Section 54;
Optical fiber cables unless otherwise specified in Section 56;
Communication circuit conductors unless otherwise specified in Section
60; and
Conductors that form an integral part of factory-built equipment field
evaluated under SPE 1000.
Subrule 2) allows installations operating at more than 750 V to use the
Section 12 requirements except where Section 36 amends them.

Subsection 12-010 – General requirements

Rule 12-012 Underground installations

Underground installation methods

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Section 12, Wiring methods Your Notes

Subsection 12-100 – Conductors

Rule 12-102 Insulated Conductors
When determining conditions of use for insulated conductors and cable
use Table 19 and the following characteristics:
• Moisture
• Temperature
• Degree of enclosure
• Exposure to mechanical damage

Subsection 12-400 – Flexible Cables

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Section 12, Wiring methods Your Notes

Subsection 12-1250 – High Density Polyethylene Conduit type HDPE

conduit HDPE conductors-in-conduit
Rule 12-1250 Use permitted
HDPE conduit, HDPE conductors-in-conduit, and fittings are allowed to
be used in either situation:
For installation underground in accordance with Rule 12-930; or
Where encased or embedded in at least 50 mm of masonry or poured
concrete.
Rule 12-1252 Restrictions on use
Since HDPE conduit, HDPE conductors-in-conduit, and fittings can be
damage easily when installed above grade, Rule 12-1252 does not allow
them to be used above ground unless it is encased or enclosed by 50
mm of masonry or poured concrete for mechanical protection.

Rules 12-2200-2208 Cable Trays

Conform with tray load and span rating
Conductors approved for use in cable trays
Joints permitted if accessible and insulated
Not required to be bonded if in good electrical contact with grounded
metal building structure
Subrule 3 and 4) Provisions for bonding
Metal cable tray does not have to be bonded to ground if:
The cables have interlocking metal armour; or
A continuous metal sheath permitted to be used for bonding
When cable tray is not bonded, warning notices must be installed at 10m
intervals
Subrule 7) Clearances of Cable Trays

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Section 12, Wiring methods Your Notes

Subsection 12-2250 – Cablebus

Section of typical cablebus

Section of typical cablebus

Subsection 12-3000 – Installations of boxes, cabinets, outlets, and

terminal fittings
Ganged outlet box support

Section of typical cablebus

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Raceway Types
Overview
The following types of raceways will be reviewed in this document. Specifically, Restrictions on use, bonding requirements, support
requirements, splices, and other special considerations.

Rigid Types EB1 Liquid-tight flexible

Flexible metal
Rigid metal conduit Rigid PVC conduit and DB2/ES2 PVC metal and non-
conduit
conduit metallic conduit

Electrical non-
Electrical Metallic
metallic tubing Surface raceways Auxiliary gutters Wireways
Tubing (EMT)
(ENT)

Extra-low voltage
suspended ceiling
Cable trays Cablebus
power distribution
systems

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Raceway/Cable Comparison Chart

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Rigid Metal In damp or wet locations, When installed 16 and 21 — 1.5 m No None
Conduit the conduits are to be underground
27 to 35 — 2 m Rule 12-
threaded, and the threaded
Rules 12-1000 to When subject to 912
joints and fittings are to be 41 and larger — 3 m
12-1014 mechanical damage
made watertight.
Rule 12-1010 1)
When exposed to material
Table 40 gives threading
having a deteriorating
requirements for external
effect
threads of rigid metal
conduit When made of stainless
steel sized by Table 16
Minimum trade size 16
Rule 10-610
Rule 12-1004

Flexible metal Trade size 12 is used only Always in flexible conduit Flexible conduit within 300 No None
conduit for connection to sized by Table 16 mm of box and every 1.5
Rule 12-
equipment in m of length
Rules 12-1000 to Rule 10-610 912
lengths not exceeding 1.5 Exception for supports:
12-1014
m.
– when it is fished; and
Rules 12-1002 and 12-
– in lengths 900 mm or
1004
less when flexibility is
necessary
Rule 12-1010 3)

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Rigid PVC Not where subject to Bonding conductor sized 16 to 27 — 750 mm No Requirements to use a split
conduit temperatures in excess of by Table 16 straight conduit to repair a
35 and 41 — 1.2 m Rule 12-
75 ºC damaged conduit:
Rules 12-1100 to Rule 12-1122 912
53 — 1.5 m
Must have an FT4 rating in Both halves of the split conduit
12-1122
buildings of non- 63 and 78 — 1.8 m length are made with notches or
combustible construction groves
91 to 129 — 2.1 m When one end is not equipped
Not enclosed in thermal
155 — 2.5 m with an integral ball adapter, it is
insulation
fixed with split couplings which
Rule 12-1114 are applied with PVC solvent
Rules 2-132, 12-1100 to
12-1104 cement
Each length of split straight and
each split coupling is tightly
clamped at both ends. Additional
clamps are not more than 500
mm apart.
Non-removable band clamps are
made of stainless steel
The insulation of conductors in
the raceway is not damaged.

Ridge Types EB- Used for underground Must use a bonding N/A No splices Rigid RTRC conduit Types AG,
installations following Rule conductor unless it is a are BG and XW are used
12-1150
12-930 part of a service, which permitted. underground, and in walls, floors
Laid embedded at least would make the grounded and ceilings where it is encased
50mm in mason or conductor act as the or embedded in at least 50
concrete. bonding conductor. millimetres of masonry or poured
concrete.
Rule 12-1166

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Liquid-tight Not where subject to Bonding conductor sized Within 300 mm of every No Is allowed to be used as general
flexible metal and mechanical damage by Table 16 outlet box, junction box, purpose raceways.
Rule 12-
non-metallic cabinet, or fitting
Not where exposed to gas 912
conduit
or other light petroleum With spacing between
Rule 12-1306
Rules 12-1300 to solvents, corrosive liquids, supports of not more than
or vapours 1.5 m
12-1308
Not with temperatures Rule 12-1308
above 60 ºC
Not where flexing at low
temperatures might cause
injury
Runs of not more than 1.5
m of 12 trade size are
allowed for the connection
of equipment. Rules 2-132
and 12-1302

Electrical metallic Not where subject to In concrete slabs in Same as rigid metal No Concrete-tight required when
tubing (EMT) mechanical damage contact with the earth, wet conduit (Rule 12-1010): installed in poured concrete or
Rule 12-
locations, or outdoor filled block walls
Rules 12-1400 to Not where exposed to 16 and 21 — 1.5 m 912
locations with a bonding Wet location fittings if exposed to
12-1410 corrosive vapours
conductor sized by Table 27 to 35 — 2 m 41 and the weather
Not for direct earth burial 16 larger — 3 m Standard permissible for ordinary
locations
Not in concrete slabs in Used as a consumer’s Within 1 m of outlet boxes, Rules 10-606(1)(b) and10-804(d)
contact with the earth service raceway between junction boxes, cabinet, or requires that fitting be made tight
unless of the steel type the service head and a fitting to ensure bonding continuity
meter-mounting device or
Rules 12-1402 and 12- Rule 12-1406
service box in accordance
1404
with Rule 10-606, unless
a separate bonding
conductor is specifically
mandated in other
sections of this Code.
Rule 12-1414

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Electrical non- Not unless provided with Bonding conductor sized Within 1 m of outlet box, No Electrical non metallic tubing
metallic tubing mechanical protection by Table 16 junction box, cabinet, shall not be used where the
Rule 12-
(ENT) where subject to damage coupling, or fitting normal temperature will be in
Rule 12-1514 912
either during excess of 75 C
Rules 12-1500 to No more than 1 m
12-1514 or after construction between supports
Buildings of non- Rule 12-1504
combustible construction
are to have an FT4 rating.
Rules 12-1500 and 12-
1502

Surface Only in dry locations Bonding conductor sized In accordance with Yes (if the None
raceways by Table 16 required in manufacturer’s raceway
Not where subject to
non-metallic raceways requirements has
Rules 12-1600 to mechanical damage
removable
12-1614 Rule 12-1612
Non-metallic raceways are covers)
to have the appropriate FT
Rule 12-
rating.
1610
Not extending through
walls, partitions, and floors
Exceptions:
Unbroken lengths
Removing caps or covers
from exposed sections is
allowed.
Rules 2-132 and 12-1602

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Auxiliary gutters Made of sheet metal and None At intervals not exceeding Yes None
must not be longer than 1.5 m
Rules 12-1900 to Rule 12-
6m
12-1904 Rule 12-1902 2018
Not permitted to enclose or
contain:
Busbars
Switches
Overcurrent devices
Or other equipment
Gutters more than 6m are
considered a wireway and
must conform to those
requirements.

Wireways Not where exposed to 1.5 m unless approved for Yes None
corrosive vapours greater lengths
Rules 12-2100 to Rule 12-
12-2112 Not in hoistways Rule 12-2102 2) 2106
Not in storage battery
rooms
Not where subject to
mechanical damage
Rule 12-2100 2)

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable
Load rating of the cable
Cable trays Cables must be listed as Bonding conductor sized Yes It is important that cable trays:
tray
approved for us in cable by Table 16 bonded at
Rules 12-2200 to Conductors and cables Rule 12- Be accessible from at least one
trays intervals not exceeding 15
installed in cable tray are 2204 side
12-2208 and 4- In order to use a TC (tray m or bonded by metal
to be fastened to the tray Have sufficient clearance above
004 cable) in a cable tray it supports in contact with
at intervals of not more to ensure that cables can be
must be in industrial areas grounded structural metal
than 1.5 m throughout the installed without sustaining injury
that are not accessible to of the building
run. Securely fastened in place after
the public. Additionally, the
Bonding conductor sized Type TC-ER or extended installation in order to maintain
cable must:
by Table 16 using the run tray cable is permitted required spacing.
Be installed in a conduit, ampacity of the largest to transition from cable Reduced clearances area
suitable raceway or direct ungrounded conductor of trays and between cable allowed through chases, under
buried when not in a cable the circuits in the tray trays and utilization gratings and process pipes.
tray. equipment for up to 1.5
Rule 12-2208 metres without support
Have mechanical
protection if it is subject to Metal Cable Tray and up to 7.5 metres with
damage during or after support.
installation A metal cable tray does Conductors and cables
Be no smaller than not need to be bonded to inside of cable trays need
the ground when all the to be fastened at intervals
Number 1/0 AWG when a
cables in the tray: of no more than 1.5
single conductor is used
Be installed only where a Have interlocking metal metres.
qualified person can armour or, This is due to movement
service the installation Have continuous metal that occurs due to
See code for more sheath that is permitted to magnetic forces during a
information on restrictions be used as bonding fault.
of use. method. Additional consistent
That is not bonded must spacing between
have the following written conductors and cables is
warning “interlocking required to maintain
metal armour cables or ampacity values.
continuous metal sheath
cables only” Rule 12-2202
Message must be placed
in an obvious place with
more warnings spaced no
at least 10 metres away.

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Cablebus Use cablebus when there Bonding conductor sized Intervals not exceeding No When cablebus is installed as a
is protection from contact by Table 16 bonded at 3.7 m complete system it is an
Rules 12-2250 to Rule 12-
with conductors intervals not exceeding 15 assembly of insulated conductors
2258 and 4-004 Where spans longer than 912
Class A cablebus is m or bonded by metal with fittings and conductor
3.7 m are required, the
permitted in areas supports in contact with terminations in a completely
structure is to be
accessible to the public; or grounded structural metal enclosed, ventilated or non-
specifically designed for
where Class B cablebus is ventilated protective housing.
Bonding conductor sized the required span length.
used.
by Table 16 using the Cablebus is usually assembled
Class B cablebus is Rule 12-2254 6) and 7)
ampacity of the largest where it will be installed. This
permitted only where
ungrounded conductor of includes components provided or
accessible only to
the circuits in the specified by the manufacturer for
authorized persons;
cablebus that job. This assembly is meant
isolated by elevation or by
to carry fault current and to
barriers; and where Rule 12-2258
withstand the magnetic forces of
qualified electrical
this type of current.
maintenance personnel
service the installation.
Rule 12-2252

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Wiring Methods QRG 2018 CE Code, Part I – Section 12

Type of Restrictions on use Bonding Requirements Support Requirements Splices Other Special Considerations
Raceway/Cable

Extra-low voltage Not to be installed Class 2 load side circuits Be secured to the Class 2
suspended for suspended ceiling mounting surface of the load side
a) in damp or wet
ceiling power extra-low voltage power building structure in circuits for
locations;
distribution grid distribution systems accordance with the suspended
systems b) where subject to are not to be grounded. installation and operation ceiling
corrosive fumes or instructions extra-low
Rules 12-2300 to
vapours, such as storage voltage
12-2320
battery rooms; Rule 12-2320 power grid
Individual power grid rails distribution
c) where subject to
are to be mechanically systems
physical damage;
secured to the overall are not
d) in concealed locations; suspended ceiling grid required to
assembly. be
e) in patient care areas as grounded.
defined in Section 24;
f) in hazardous locations; Rule 12-2314
or Rule 12-
2320
g) as part of a fire-rated
assembly, unless designed
for use as part of the
assembly
Rule 12-2308

Canadian Electrical Code Handbook

Seeking more explanation of Section 12 in plain, easy-to-understand language?
The Canadian Electrical Code Handbook provides background information on the reasons behind the requirements in the Canadian
Electrical Code, Part I.
The Handbook is intended to provide a clearer understanding of the safety requirements of the Code.
Purchase on the CSA Store at https://store.csagroup.org.

© 2018 Canadian Standards Association 14