UNIT 6

General Wiring Methods and CEC Rules

Rationale
Why is it important to learn about basic Canadian Electrical Code?

The purpose of this to help you to understand the general wiring

methods used for signs and outline lighting. Interpretations of the Canadian
Electrical Code (CEC) that apply to the sign industry will also be discussed.
This unit will provide essential information on how to correctly install
electrical equipment so that all CEC requirements are considered.

Outcome
When you have completed this module you will be able to:

State the proper lock-out procedures that must be followed before working
on a circuit.
Identify the correct equipment bonding methods.
Describe installation methods for sign related electrical equipment.
Describe the installation methods that apply specifically to signs.
List the safe limit of approach distances from power lines.
Describe conductor stress

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 117

6-1 DEFINITIONS.

Section "0" in the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) contains definitions

relating to the installation of electrical equipment. An understanding of
electrical terminology is necessary to avoid confusion of any kind. A few
example definitions from Section 0 are given below along with the intent of
the definition.

Outline Lighting means an arrangement of incandescent lamps or electric

discharge tubing to outline or call attention to certain features such as the
shape of a building or the decoration of a window.

Incandescent lamps are used quite often to call attention to the

decoration of a window, by outlining the window and then being flashed on
and off. The flashing of the lamps catches a person's eye, causing the person
to look at the window thereby noticing the decoration of the window. Neon
tubing is effective as well.

Alive or Live means electrically connected to a source of voltage

difference, or electrically charged as to have a voltage different from that of
the earth; and the term may be used in place of the term "current carrying",
where the intent is clear, to avoid repetition of the longer term.

Quite often the live conductor is called the "hot".

Dead, when applied to electrical equipment means that the current-

carrying parts of electrical equipment are free from any electrical connection
to a source of voltage and from electrical charge and does not have a voltage
different from that of earth;

A clear understanding of the term dead is very important. During

maintenance, technicians must shut off a sign for service or repairs. All the
technicians working on the sign must be aware that the sign is de-energized
(dead) and therefore safe to work on.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 118

 Branch Circuit means that portion of the wiring installation between the
final overcurrent device protecting the circuits and the outlet(s).

In the sign industry we often refer to a circuit that supplies the power to
the sign only. By definition the correct terminology for that part of the
electrical system that supplies the sign is called a branch circuit. The
definition clearly states that a branch circuit is the part of the circuit that starts
at the last breaker or fuse and goes to the load.

6-2 SAFETY LOCKOUT PROCEDURES

Electrical safety can only be ensured by constant and careful attention by

all individuals involved with the electrical installation. All workers must learn
to think safety and must not take unnecessary chances. All employees must
share the responsibility of maintaining a safe workplace.

Safety Procedures

The following is a list of general safety rules that apply to individuals

performing electrical maintenance.

1. Never work on live equipment.

2. Equipment that is being worked on should be locked out.

These five steps should always be taken.

i. Test for a voltage!!

ii. Turn off the circuit!!

iii. Lock it out!!

iv. Tag the circuit!!

v. Test again for a voltage!!

In the sign industry all signs must be equipped with a disconnecting

means so there should never be a need to work on live equipment. There is a
device that can be placed on the handle of a circuit breaker to lock it in the off
position as well as a device to lock a standard switch in the off position.

6-3 GROUNDING AND BONDING

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 119

 The Canadian Electrical Code distinguishes between the terms
grounding and bonding. Grounding is when there is a conductor (grounding
conductor) from service equipment to the ground electrode (ground rod).
Bonding is accomplished by providing a continuously conductive path from
any metal parts of equipment to the grounding conductor.

There are several terms used with reference to grounding that have
similar meanings and are sometimes used interchangeably. These include the
following terms: ground, bond, and equipment bond. For example, when
describing a circuit that is properly wired we could use this terminology;

The circuit is properly grounded.

The metallic portions of a sign must be bonded to ground.

The equipment grounding conductor provides a safety net for a

circuit.

The ground wire or "equipment ground" in any sign installation plays an

important role by providing a low impedance path to ground should a fault of
some type occur. An equipment ground is required in electric sign
installations by Rules 10-402(f) and 34-110 of the CEC. These rules state that
exposed non-current carrying metal parts of electric signs and associated
equipment shall be bonded to ground.

Proper grounding of electrical equipment plays a key role with regard to

safety and prevention of electrical shock. Improper grounding can lead to
equipment damage or worse yet death. The equipment ground provides a
safety net; it encloses all of the current carrying conductors so that if a fault
condition arises, such as damaged insulation, the current will flow to ground
and trip the overcurrent device protecting the circuit. Proper grounding
techniques are critical on any type of installation in the electrical industry.
To demonstrate the importance of an equipment ground, consider the
potential hazard that could exist if an installation did not have one. Figure 6-1
shows a sign installation where there is no equipment ground (green or bare
wire): only two conductors are used to feed the sign, a hot (black wire) and an
identified (white wire). A 15 ampere branch circuit is feeding a fluorescent
light located inside the metal frame of a sign. The metal frame is mounted on
a wood pole isolating the sign from ground.

The current path under normal conditions would be; through the breaker
at the electrical panel, into the sign through the live conductor, through the
ballast, and back to the panel through the identified conductor.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 120

 Figure 6-1

The sign would operate fine with no apparent danger unless a fault
occurred in the wiring system. This potentially hazardous situation could take
place if the connection to the ballast, shown in Figure 6-2, was to come loose
and make contact with any of the metal portions of the sign. Now the entire
sign would be energized and at a potential of 120 volts.

fluorescent fixture

identified conductor

hot conductor with

damaged insulation
causing it to short
to metal enclosure
120 V
2 wire power supply (no equipment ground)

Figure 6-2

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 121

A possible shock hazard now exists. Remember that current wants to take
the lowest impedance path to ground. This path could be through you if that
is the easiest path. A person who comes between any metal part of the sign
and the earth or ground will provide a path for current. The sign voltage of
120 volts will be dropped across the person. Figure 6-3 shows the path of
current through the individual. How the person is connected into the circuit
will dictate how the current will travel through the body.

metal enclosure of
the sign is now
"hot"

current path to ground

Figure 6-3

Correct installation of an equipment ground will change the previous

sign installation from an electrical safety hazard, to one that is much safer. A
ground wire is installed along with the live and identified conductor and
directly connected to the metal case of the sign and to the metal case of the
distribution panel which is connected to earth ground. A low impedance path
to ground now exists. When the equipment ground is in place and a live
conductor touches a metal frame, the current rushes to travel down the low
impedance path of the equipment ground. The circuit breaker senses a large
amount of current and trips because of the short circuit.

The equipment ground is essential with respect to electrical safety.

Equipment Ground Wiring Methods

The CEC outlines the proper method for installing the equipment
ground. In many cases, the ground wire for a circuit is already part of the
cable assembly. For example, #14 armored cable (i.e. BX) has a bare #14
ground conductor included in its construction. Should an equipment ground
be used that is not included in a cable assembly, the conductor insulation must
be green or a green/yellow combination.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 122

 Metallic raceways can also be used as an equipment ground. These
include rigid metal conduit and electrical metallic tubing (EMT). Remember
that the purpose of the equipment ground is to provide a low impedance path
to ground should any faults occur in the circuit; therefore, it is most important
that all raceway couplings and connectors are made up tight. A loose
connection could jeopardize the ground.

Some metal raceways are only used to provide mechanical protection for
the conductors (flexible metal conduit and liquid-tight flexible metal conduit
for example). For the purpose of equipment grounding, these raceways do not
meet the requirements of a bonding conductor. There is an exception to this
rule. When flexible metal conduit or liquid-tight flexible metal conduit is used
to protect high-voltage cables between a neon electrode and a neon supply or
between neon electrodes, the flexible conduit is considered to be an adequate
bonding means if it is secured properly into a connector and all locknuts are
tight.

Whenever an equipment-bonding conductor is installed we must ensure

that it will not become disconnected under any circumstances. The bonding
conductor can be spliced. Whenever more than one bonding conductor enters
a box, care must be taken to ensure that all bonding conductors are in solid
contact with each other. This can be done with a solderless connector or by
connecting them under bonding screws. The continuity of the bonding path to
all metal parts of the sign installation must not be jeopardized by the removal
of any device. It is the installer’s responsibility to make sure there is a
continuous conductive path connecting all metal parts of the sign to ground.

Figure 6-4 is a diagram of a skeleton neon installation. All the high-

voltage cables are run in flexible-metal conduit and are terminated in
connectors that ensure a positive bonding connection. Where are green
bonding conductors required?

SKELETON NEON

METAL TRANSFORMER
ENCLOSURE

120 V HIGH VOLTAGE

neon
CONNECTORS
GTO IN METAL FLEX supply

WIRE
CONNECTOR

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 BUILDING WALL

THRU WALL HOUSING

NEON TUBING

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 123

 Figure 6-4

To answer that question one must follow the bonding path. The neon
supply enclosure is bonded to ground. The flex can be used to bond through-
wall housings number 1 and 8. That is where the bonding path stops. A
bonding conductor must be run to housings 2 or 3 to bond these through-wall
housings. The same is true for numbers 4 and 5, and numbers 6 and 7. These
groups (2 and 3, 4 and 5, and 6 and 7) are isolated from the bonding path. The
minimum number of bonding conductors required here would be three. A
sign installer can install a separate green bonding conductor to all eight
housings, but only three are required. The flex can be used as a bonding path.
If metal channel letters were used to enclose the neon, the metal letter can be
used to continue the bonding path from housing 1 to housing 2. This would
eliminate the need for a green wire to be run to housing 2 (the same could be
said for groups 4 and 5, and 6 and 7). To make a good connection between
the housing and the letter, the housing must be fastened with a screw, bolt,
rivet, or similar device, and paint must be removed to allow bare metal-to-
metal contact.

Special care must be taken when using a convenience receptacle on a

portable generator set to test sign installations.

Figure 6-5 shows how a potential hazard can occur. In this case, the
metal enclosure of the sign is connected to ground through the ground
conductor that originates in the electrical distribution panel inside a building.
The metal parts of the generator and the truck are isolated from ground by the
truck tires. It is not uncommon for a difference in potential to exist between
the sign ground and the generator ground. If you come between the sign and
the casing of the generator there could be a voltage dropped across you,
resulting in electrocution.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 124

 In order to make any installation safe while using a portable generator,
connect a heavy gauge (#6 AWG) wire between the case of the generator and
the metal parts of the sign. A #6 AWG is suggested for mechanical strength of
the wire, but the minimum size of wire would be the same gauge as the live
conductor. This connection will ensure that both equipment grounds are at the
same potential. It will also provide a low impedance path for any fault
currents to travel along in the event that the hot conductor from the generator
should accidentally come in contact with the metal parts of the sign. Make
sure that the connection is solid. Paint or rust may make an otherwise secure
connection not secure. Remember that this connection could save your life.

Selection of Equipment Ground

The CEC uses Table 16 to size the equipment ground for electrical
installations. The size of equipment ground chosen is determined by the rating
of breaker or fuse protecting the load. According to Table 16, any circuit that
is supplied by an overcurrent device which does not exceed 20 A, requires:

- a #14 copper bonding conductor; or

- a #12 aluminum bonding conductor.

In each of these cases, the equipment is considered to be bonded to

ground.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Devices

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI), used to protect against electric

shock, are now very common in the electrical industry. These devices are
commonly found protecting bathroom receptacles and circuits that supply the
outside outlets on houses. A GFCI is a device that measures the amount of
current going out to a load and the amount of current coming back from the
load to the source. In a situation where the current leaving the source is
greater than that coming back, the GFCI will trip and shut the circuit off.
These devices are often used in areas where there is water present and they are
definite lifesavers. A GFCI could replace the standard receptacle in a portable
generator set and would make testing of signs a much safer job.

6-3 INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 125

Conductors

Whenever conductors exit a raceway they must be protected from

damage. This protection is accomplished in different ways depending on the
raceway or cable used. When using armoured cable or flexible metal conduit
an anti-short is used. Teck cable and liquid-tight flexible conduit have sleeves
that fit between the conductors and the metal armour. EMT connectors have a
ridge inside that butts up against the metal edge of the EMT. It is the
responsibility of the installer to make sure the conductors are protected where
they exit the raceway. Table 19 in the CEC lists the locations of wires and
cables. Some examples that may be relevant to the installation of signs include
the following.

Conductors must be supported so that there is not a strain on the splices

or the connections. Mechanical stresses placed on splices could result in
connections becoming loose, resulting in an electrical fault. This situation
couldresult in unwanted maintenance.

Armoured cable is a cable with metal armour around the wires to

provide mechanical protection for the wires. There are many types of
armoured cable. One type is commonly referred to as "BX". Armored
cable is often used in installations because of its versatility in providing
mechanical protection and flexibility. When removing the armour from
the cable sharp and jagged edges can be left on the remaining armour.
The cable is not ready to be installed until some means of protection
(usually an antishort) is inserted where the metal sheath of the cable
stops and the conductors emerge from the cable. If the cable is located in
a wet location, then the armour must be covered with a weatherproof
material.

Armored cables that are run between boxes and fittings must be strapped
in intervals of not more than 300 mm of every box or fitting and at intervals of
not more than 1.5 meters. Armored cable shall not be bent to a radius that
puts undo stress on the cable assembly (the inner edge of the bend shall be at
least 6 times the external diameter of the cable) as this could damage the
conductors inside the cable. The integrity of the outer shell of the cable
should not be jeopardized.

Teck-90 armored cable is designed for exposure to weather. This

type of cable could be used for sign or outline lighting where conductors
are required to join two junction boxes that are exposed to snow or rain.
Armoured cable is not used to wire the neon letters of neon signs.
The insulation of most armoured cables is not rated for the high voltages
of a neon supply.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 126

 Neutral supported cable is often used to supply overhead power
to signs. It is able to handle conductor temperatures up to 75 ˚C and
wind velocities of 0.6 m/s. The supporting of neutral supported cable
depends on the AWG size. This cable can be used to connect signs by
spanning overhead distances (i.e. between buildings, between power
poles and signs, etc.).

Neutral supported cable is not used to wire the neon letters of neon
signs. The insulation of most neutral supported cable is not rated for the
high voltages of a neon supply.

Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable is the cable usually used in house

wiring. It is often referred to as "loomex". Nonmetallic sheathed cable
is available for three locations: NMD for dry locations, NMW for wet
locations and NMWU for underground. Wiring a sign with nonmetallic
sheathed cable is not common because of the installation restrictions.
Since this cable does not have metal armour, it must be protected from
physical damage. Nonmetallic cables that are run between boxes and
fittings must be strapped in intervals of not more than 300 mm of every
box or fitting and at intervals of not more than 1.5 meters.

Nonmetallic sheathed cable is not used to wire the neon letters of

neon signs. The insulation of most nonmetallic sheathed cable is not
rated for the high voltages of a neon supply.

Raceways

The CEC dictates the maximum number of wires that can be pulled into
a raceway. Table 6 lists different wire types and the number of each wire that
can be drawn into a conduit. The key factors in determining conduit fill are
AWG wire size and type (thickness) of the insulation on the conductor. Table
6 has been designed so that when wires are pulled into a raceway, the wires
will not be damaged or overheat.

As an example, checking with Table 6, we find that eight #14 RW-90

conductors can be pulled into a 1/2 inch conduit. As the AWG size of the wire
changes or if the type of insulation changes the number of wires allowed in
the conduit will also change. For example, only two #8 RW-90 conductors
can be drawn into a 1/2 inch conduit.

The CEC also states that not more than 360 degrees of bends are to be
allowed between junction boxes. The intent of this rule is to make sure that
high mechanical stresses are not placed on the conductors when they are being
installed.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 127

 When conductors are placed in metal raceways, splices or taps are not
allowed in conduit: the connection must be accessible. Metal raceways shall
be electrically continuous throughout (all fittings made tight and attached to
ground).

Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is acceptable as a wiring method in

sign installations. All runs of electrical metallic tubing must be mechanically
continuous and should never come loose under normal use. Rain-tight
connectors and couplings shall be used when EMT is exposed to weather.

Electrical metallic tubing must also have adequate supports. All runs
must be strapped within 1 meter of any junction boxes, couplings or fitting
and spacing of supports shall not be more than one meter for 1/2 inch and 3/4
inch conduits. Equipment should not be installed so that the EMT provides the
support for that device.

Flexible metal conduit is quite often referred to as flex. Flexible metal

conduit of 1/2 trade size or larger may be used for runs of not more than 6 m
when high-voltage cables are installed from neon supply. Flex that is run
between boxes and fittings must be strapped in intervals of not more than 300
mm of every box or fitting and at intervals of not more than 1.5 meters except
where it is fished and except for lengths of not over 900 mm at terminals
where flexibility is necessary.

Liquid-tight flexible conduit can be used but only where flexible

connections are necessary. Runs of not more than 1.5 m of 3/8 trade size shall
be permitted for the connection of equipment. When larger trade sizes are
used, the length must not be greater than what is needed for the required
degree of flexibility. A bonding conductor must be installed when using
liquid-tight flexible conduit. The exception to these rules is explained in
Section 34. Liquid-tight flexible conduit can be used to protect the high-
voltage cables in neon signs.

Wiring methods used for sign installations should be in

accordance with Sections 12 and 34 of the CEC.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 128

 6-5 WIRING METHODS IN SIGNS

In addition to the general wiring methods listed above, there are several
wiring methods that apply specifically to the installation of electrical signs.
Detailed information on sign wiring methods can be found in the Canadian
Standards Association Booklet # 207 and relevant sections in the CEC. Some
of the more significant rules are discussed below.

Enclosures.

Enclosures used in sign installations must be able to:

- prevent any accidental contact with live parts operating at more than
30 V; and
- contain any flame caused by a fault condition; and
- provide mechanical protection for conductors installed in the enclosure.

In many cases, installations include factory connections that do not have

to be accessible for inspection, however field connections must be accessible
for inspection.

Openings In Enclosures.

Enclosures of signs shall not create a hazard to personnel when cleaning

or relamping of fixtures takes place. Flexible panels shall be secured so that
no damage from weather will result.

Bushings

A hole made in the sheet metal of a sign that is to be used for conductors
to pass through must be fitted with a bushing to protect the conductor
insulation from the sharp edges. However, if the hole edges are rolled over
smoothly to at least 180 degrees, a bushing is not required. Holes for
conductors in materials other than sheet metal such as cast metal, extruded
metal, wood or thermoplastic shall be free of sharp edges, burrs or fins. Where
bushings are used, they must be installed so that they are securely held in
place.

High-Voltage Conductors

High-voltage cables run between neon tubing and the secondary of the
neon transformer, or between sections or letters must be installed to ensure
personal safety and proper operation of the equipment. All conductors shall
be the type specified by Table 19 in the CEC (i.e. GTO, GTOL, or an
equivalent) and must not be smaller than stranded #14 AWG.
If the GTO cable is run inside of rigid or flexible metallic conduit, or
electrical metallic tubing, the cable must be of the type that is resistant to the

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 129

effects of corona. GTO cable with a
polyethylene insulation and an outer
thermoplastic (polyvinyl chloride) jacket is High-voltage Cable
considered to be resistant to the effects of
Grounded Metal Flex
corona. If the cable is not of this type then the
cable must be sleeved inside of the flex or
Areas of High Stress
EMT.

Since GTO wire is not shielded, the high voltage Figure 6-6
will put stress on the conductor insulation when it is
installed near grounded metal. See Figure 6-6. If the GTO cable is installed in
metal flex, one side of the cable will be closer to ground. This side will have
more stress put on it. Stress will lead to insulation breakdown. There is no
way of eliminating this stress unless shielded cable is used; however, the
effect of the stress can be reduced if the length of the cable can be reduced.

The highest voltage-to-ground stress occurs on the cable run from the
transformer to the first unit of glass. This cable should be as short as possible.
The cable run between subsequent units of glass will have lower voltage-to-
ground stress. The cables with a lower voltage-to-ground stress could be
longer if necessary, as long as the total length of cable does not exceed the
maximum allowed. When deciding on the location of the transformer, the
length of the cable runs must be considered. Again, to reduce the stress on the
GTO cable, keep the cable run from the transformer to the first neon unit as
short as possible.

Conductors that pass through metal walls shall be fitted with an

appropriate bushing and be spaced according to the CSA Standard # 207.

Connections made to transformers must extend at least 90 mm from the

end of a metal raceway when entering a transformer box. See Figure 6-7
below.

metal raceway transformer

power supply enclosure
GTO cable

neon transformer

90 mm minimum 90 mm minimum

Figure 6-7

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 130

Spacing of High-Voltage Conductors

In CSA Standard 207 there is a Table 4 that lists the required spacing for
high-voltage conductors. Some of the distances listed are:

-insulated conductors and ground must be spaced at least 25 mm apart,

when the open-circuit voltage is between 10000 and 15000 volts, and;

- high voltage insulated conductors must be spaced at least 25 mm from

low voltage conductors if the high voltage conductor has an open-circuit
voltage between 10000 and 15000 volts.

For a complete list of distances refer to Table 4.

Supports for high-voltage conductors shall be, of insulating material,

attached to the sign body and maintain the distances required in Table 4.

The installer should also ensure that there are no sharp bends in the
conductor and that no part of any conductor is connected to a door or a cover
of a sign.

Connection Requirements for Portable Signs.

Enclosures for portable signs may have the power cord come directly
from the sign body as long as the body of the sign acts as an enclosure for the
power connection.

All outdoor signs that are mounted on trailers must be so designed so

that they are completely weatherproof and must be able to prevent any type of
moisture, dust or dirt from entering the sign during transportation.

Overhead Clearances For Sign Service Conductors.

Rule 12-310 in the CEC outlines the wiring method required when
overhead conductors are used to supply power to a sign. These conductors
must be installed so that no person can reach them while standing on a fire
escape or flat roof. They also must be at least 2.5 meters above a flat roof or a
roof that can be readily walked on. Conductors crossing peaked roofs must
have a clearance of at least 1 meter. By special permission conductors
crossing flat roofs may be less than 2.5 meters but never less than 2 meters.

6-6 APPROACH DISTANCES FROM POWER LINES

Outdoor signs are often installed close to electrical utility distribution

lines. The distribution lines may be installed overhead or underground, but in
either case it is the responsibility of the sign technician to ensure that

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 131

accidental contact is not made with these lines. The sign technician must be
aware of the Electrical and Communication Utility Regulations which state
the procedures for safely performing activities in the vicinity of power lines.

The following is a summary of the Regulations that apply specifically to

the installation of and maintenance on signs located near power lines. A
complete excerpt from the Electrical and Communication Utility Regulation is
included in the Appendix of this manual.

Activities Performed Near Overhead Power Lines.

1. A person in charge of equipment or objects shall not approach, not

permit the equipment or objects to approach overhead power lines closer
than the safe limit of approach distances specified in Table 2-1 of the
Electrical and Communication Utility Systems Regulation (shown in
Figure 6-8).

Table 2-1

Safe Limit of Approach Distances from Overhead Power Lines for

Persons and Equipment

0-750 V
Insulated or Polyethylene 300 mm
Covered Conductors (1)
Above 750 V
Insulated Conductors (1)(2) 1.0 m
0 - 40 kV 3.0 m
69 kV, 72 kV 3.5 m
138 kV, 144 kV 4.0 m
230 kV, 240 kV 5.0 m
500 kV 7.0 m
NOTES: (1) Conductors must be insulated or covered throughout
their entire length to comply with these groups.
(2) Conductors must be manufactured to rated and
tested insulation levels.

Figure 6-8

2. A person in charge of work or other activity to be done in the vicinity of

an overhead power line shall contact the operator of the overhead power
line to ascertain the operating voltage of the line.

As an example, if the operator of the overhead lines is EPCOR, then

contact a Safety Consultant at EPCOR.
Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 132
3. The person in charge of the work or activity shall assign a person to act
as an observer to ensure that the safe limit of approach distances will be
maintained.

Excavation Work in the Vicinity of Underground Power Cables

Before an excavation is started the person responsible for the excavation

shall contact the operator of electrical utility systems in the area to
ascertain whether underground power cables are present at the
excavation site.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 133

UNIT 6 SUMMARY

• Section 0 in the CEC covers definitions relating to the electrical

industry.

• Always follow the five steps for locking out electrical equipment.

• Equipment grounding is critical on any type of installation in the sign

industry.

• An equipment ground that is not part of a cable assembly must be green

or a green/yellow combination colour.

• The outer covering of flexible metallic conduit does not provide an

adequate equipment ground, unless it is on the load side of a neon
transformer and terminates in appropriate connectors.

• Equipment grounds must be installed so that they will never become

disconnected by removing a device such as a light fixture or a
receptacle.

• Portable generators must be grounded so that there is not a difference of

potential across the generated power supply and the ground potential of
the sign.

• Table 19 of the CEC outlines the types of wires suitable for certain
installations.

• The key factors involved in determining conduit fill are the AWG size of
the conductors and the type of wire insulation.

• Bushings must be used when conductors pass through a metallic portion

of a sign.

• High voltage cables must be installed in such a manner as to always

ensure safety.

• High voltage cables shall be the type specified by Table 19 in the CEC.

• High voltage cable must not be smaller than #14 stranded. (GTO type)

• High voltage conductors must have a space between them and other
conductors as dictated by the CSA manual #207

• Splicing of conductors is not allowed in conduit runs.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 134

• Portable signs must be weatherproof.

• Overhead connections to signs must be in accordance with Rule 12-310 of the CEC.

Unit 6: General Wiring Methods Page 135