Canadian Electrical Code guiding safe installations for more than 80 years

The Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, is an integral part of the Canadian Electrical Safety System — a system that works hard by design to keep installers, regulators, consumers and their families safe from harm.  

With a history dating back to the early 20th century, the CE Code, Part I, is the original, authentic Canadian-based safety standard developed to make electrical installations and equipment safer. One of CSA Group's oldest and most respected standards, the CE Code helps to protect people from shock and other electrical hazards in their homes and when using appliances.  

The CE Code is published in several parts. Within the Canadian Electrical Safety System, interoperability and co-ordination between standards is accomplished through integration between all parts. In particular, Part I, which provides for the safe installation of equipment and components, and Part II — a collection of individual standards for the evaluation of said equipment and components — work together to form the core of the Electrical Safety System in Canada.

Working together, in fact, is at the core of how the CE Code is developed. The dedication of CSA Group volunteer members and staff is critical to the timely updates of all parts of the code. Important standards work is guided by volunteer contributions and a consensus-based approach. From the first edition of the CE Code, which was published in 1927, all the way up to the 23rd edition just released in early 2015, the combined expertise of this growing body of volunteers — from industry, utilities, regulators, consumers and other relevant stakeholders — has been its backbone. The process helps deliver a level of consistency across Canada around electrical installations in a way that is unmatched by other documents and processes. The result is a detailed standard that serves as the basis for electrical installations across Canada, and is ready to be adopted into legislation within each province and territory with a minimum variation from coast to coast.

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