professionals. Branigan and Domjancic go on to say there will be “a tremendous impact on the labour market for Canada’s electricity sector”:
This transformation will require workers with different skill sets and new knowledge—many more than are employed currently—as new priorities on clean growth and electrification change the human resources landscape.
And that’s where apprentices come in.
We need apprentices
57% of the occupations in EHRC’s report are considered “core” to the sector (the other 43% involve occupations like accounting, human resources, etc.):
• Skilled trades (27%)
• Engineers, technicians and technologists (15%)
• Managers and supervisors (9%)
• Information & communications technology workers (6%)
At 29,600, the skilled trades category accounts for the largest number of core occupations, and it includes everything from powerline and cable workers to electricians, industrial electricians, power system electricians, and more. With perhaps a few exceptions, every occupation under skilled trades requires a worker candidate to undertake an apprenticeship.
And that’s where you come in.
Apprentices need employers
“One in five employers train apprentices,” said Stephen Sell (then-president of the Ontario Electrical League) during a roundtable discussion convened by Electrical Business Magazine to discuss government consultations on youth and skilled trades.
“How do we get the other four involved in the training system? Remember, employers are training organizations, as well, and that gets lost in the narrative. It’s 80% to 85% of your training program,” Sell added.
Indeed, how do we get the other four involved in the training system?
“Employers in the electricity sector face a number of barriers when taking on more apprentices,” says Yoana Turnin, program manager with EHRC, who works
“If more employers were to take on apprentices and become an active part of the training system, some of the electricity sector’s labour market challenges will be alleviated.”
with both employers and apprentices. “The primary barriers include time constraints and a lack of financial resources.” No surprises there. We know apprentices cost time and money, and the payback is measured in years. So perhaps one solution is to help with the financial aspect of taking on a first-year apprentice.
“EHRC’s Empowering Futures Program—a first-year apprentice work placement initiative for the electricity sector—provides financial incentives of up to $10,000 to Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who hire first-year apprentices or create new Work-Integrated Learning [WIL] opportunities,” Turnin says.
Here’s how it works...
For employers who take on a new first-year apprentice in one of the construction or manufacturing Red Seal Trades involved in the program (e.g. construction electrician, industrial electrician, instrumentation and control technician), the standard hiring incentive is $5000 per placement.
However, the financial incentive doubles to $10,000 per placement when the first-year apprentice stems from an “equity-deserving group”, which includes women, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and/or members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
“We developed our own custom platform—Funding For Futures—to help employers navigate the process, with an eye toward keeping things as simple as possible,” says Turnin. “The platform allows employers to easily manage their placements—from application through claim submission to evaluation. Just visit EHRC.ca and click Get Funding!”
It is important to mention that this funding is not available retroactively. Employers should apply for these incentives before hiring and registering a first-year apprentice. Each SME is
eligible to (potentially) receive funding for a maximum of two first-year apprentices, per year, up to $20,000.
“We also offer resources and training on how to retain these apprentices and create inclusive workplaces,” Turnin says. “For example, with women still seeing participation in the single digits, we need to actively focus on how to attract and retain them in these well-paying careers—a win-win for employer and employee.”
Employers need apprentices
To build the long-term, future-readiness of our electricity supply, it is critical that we recruit and train thousands of Canadians to enter the skilled trades, thereby developing the pool of trained and experienced workers we need.
According to EHRC’s report, the number of new apprenticeship registrations in the electricity sector trades is actually declining.
“While there have been fluctuations over time, recent years have seen a decline in the number of new registrations of apprentices in the skilled trades relevant to the electricity sector,” Turnin points out, noting that the number of registrations fell 29% compared to the previous year when the pandemic first hit in 2020.
“If more employers were to take on apprentices and become an active part of the training system, some of the electricity sector’s labour market challenges will be alleviated,” Turnin concludes.
Even now, according to EHRC research, employers in the sector report “elevated degrees of difficulty” recruiting for skilled trades occupations, with 29% reporting High/Extreme difficulty, and an additional 58% indicating they are having Some/Moderate difficulty.
So it’s not just the industry in general that needs people, but individual employers like you. The time to invest in first-year apprentices is now, especially as programs like “Empowering Futures” come with a deadline.
“The Apprenticeship Service program—which funds these incentives— ends in March 2024,” Turnin warns, “so I encourage all eligible employers to take advantage of this opportunity!”
“After all, there can be no next generation of electrical professionals unless industry invests in creating it.”
DIG HOLES, SET POLES AND MORE... SAFELY
Successful digger derrick operations start with the load chart / BY
SCOTT BITTLER
Just like when operating cranes, understanding how to read load charts—and applying that information—is critical in the operation of a digger derrick.
In many ways, digger derricks are similar to cranes... telescoping and rotating booms, jibs and other attachments, and winches with load lines that can be configured with multiple parts of line. Applying load knowledge will help with
the safe operation of this equipment (not to mention help one become a certified digger derrick operator).
(As a national service trainer with Terex Utilities, my examples will involve Terex equipment, but you can just as easily transfer these same examples to whichever equipment is found in your fleet.)
Digger derrick load charts are designed specifically for the serial number
of the unit being used. So just because your fleet may involve more than one Commander C4042, the same load chart may not be used for all units. The nature of the industry is that digger derrick capacities are directly affected by the chassis upon which the equipment is mounted, plus its mounting configuration, not to mention any additional options and accessories with which the digger derrick came equipped.
While load charts are affixed to the device in view of the operator near the controls, it is critical to always verify that the serial number on the load chart matches the serial number of the unit. The load chart for that unit takes into consideration all of the options installed on the boom when the digger derrick was built.
When additional options are added to the digger derrick, it naturally increases the weight of the booms. The digger derrick must be re-stability tested, and a new load chart must be created to account for this extra weight.
Important terminology
The rated capacity of the digger derrick is the maximum working load permitted by the manufacturer for the boom configuration and boom position. Such boom position factors include load radius, boom length, boom angle, and other parameters of use. The rated capacity will be different, depending on where in the load chart you are working, how many parts of line are used, and other factors (e.g. type of rope installed).
To begin, here are some important terms that every digger derrick operator must understand:
Load radius: The distance from the centre of rotation of the digger derrick to the centre of gravity of the load.
Gross capacity: The maximum weight that a machine is designed to lift, which includes the load, attachments, and all rigging. This value is found on the load chart.
Net capacity: The maximum weight that can be lifted. Net capacity is calculated by subtracting the weight of the rigging and added attachments from the gross capacity found on the load chart. The maximum weight of the allowable load to be lifted cannot exceed net capacity.
Determining the load
When teaching this concept to students, I compare it to their paycheck. Each paycheck starts with gross pay. After all deductions (e.g. taxes, insurance), they are left with their net pay; just as net pay is what they get to spend, net capacity is the weight that is left over... the weight that they can actually lift.
Now, let’s talk about the load. You have to consider more than just the weight of the transformer, pole, or cable reel, which is the net load. Gross load is the total weight of the transformer, pole, or cable reel plus the weight of the rigging.
You must consider everything that is suspended on the load line as part of the gross load—shackles, slings, etc. So, while
net capacity is key, gross load is extremely important. The total weight of the load, attachments, and rigging must stay within the capacity shown on the load chart.
The Terex load chart (next page) displays the gross lifting capacity which, in this case, is based on the options at the boom tip, and the auger being stored on the main boom. The auger size is listed as an option on the chart, so operators know what was included when the chart was created. Should they increase the auger size, they need to deduct the weight difference from their gross capacities. If they do not want to make the deduction each time, a new load chart would be required.
Literally, a moving target
Load charts show information about the gross capacity the digger derrick can lift given various criteria; for example, whether the boom sections are extended or retracted, the boom angle, as well as in which zone you are working. Terex digger derricks offer two zones representative of lifting: over the side of the
truck or the rear. It is not recommended to lift over the cab.
Figure 1 shows a Commander C4042 that has been set up with the 3rd boom section extended and the 2nd boom section retracted, with the boom at 45 degrees. The digger derrick load capacities are 5,050 lb in Zone A (rear of truck) and 4,020 lb in Zone B (left or right sides of truck).
However, when both boom sections are extended—and the load radius goes from 17.7 feet to 23.4 feet—the load capacity drops to 3,150 lb in Zone A and 2,510 lb in Zone B.
Because the allowable load may change based on path of lift, it is important that operators plan out the intended load movement from picking to setting. Maybe you are picking up a transformer off the trailer parked behind your digger derrick, intending to rotate to the side and lift it to the top of a pole.
Your lifting zone, load radius, boom angle, and number of boom sections that are extended will change through
the full lift as the load moves from picking to setting.
Always make sure your capacity is sufficient through the entire range of motion and various boom positions. It is important to remember that if any boom section is extended—even by an inch—it must be considered fully extended when reading the load chart. Additionally, some companies may have policies that require digger derricks to operate within a certain percentage of maximum capacity. Make sure you account for those percentages when planning your net capacity and gross load weights.
Load lines
Different types of load line have different capacities, and the load chart provides information about the line working load limit required. When replacing ropes, follow the information on the load chart for rope strength and elongation. Always replace the rope with equivalent
THINGS YOU MUST KNOW
Know the boom angle.
Know the boom configurations (the extensions).
Know the load line single part capacity, and when multipart is required.
Know the weight of the rigging and load for the gross load as stated on the load chart.
Know the path from pick to set, and remain within load chart capacity.
type—synthetic or wire—and capacity. The rope length must be long enough to reach the ground in the intended single or multipart configuration.
The number of parts of line is critical to the capacity of the line itself. Digger derricks are frequently used with a single part of line. But loads that weigh more than the amount shown on the load chart for single part capacity require that the load line is set up for multiple parts of line, as needed.
There is a mechanical advantage to having multiple parts of line; while multi-parting does not increase the capacity of the load line, it does allow higher loads for the digger derrick up to the load chart capacity.
In Figure 2, the single part load line capacity is 8,052 lb. If you are lifting a load greater than this—but are still within unit gross capacity—you will need to multi-part the load line. Two parting will give you 16,104 lb, whereas three parting will allow 24,156 lb—
again, so long as you remain under the digger derrick’s gross capacity.
Final reminders
All of this is well and good, but if you don’t know the weight of the load to be lifted, the planning is worthless! Some digger derricks are equipped with load line indicators; if not, it is an easy and good practice to use a dynamometer to measure the weight of unknown loads. One last reminder. While digger derricks and cranes have a lot of commonalities when it comes to understanding load charts, there is one critical difference: digger derricks require that the outriggers are correctly deployed. The actual setup and outrigger adjustment can only be performed by the person at the worksite. Make sure to properly position the digger derrick on firm, level ground and set the outriggers as per the Operator’s Manual on outrigger pads before beginning operations. If the digger derrick is not level, your capacity is reduced.
Everyone wants the satisfaction of doing the job efficiently and safely. One of the best ways to achieve this is to plan every lift carefully, remembering that successful digger derrick operations start with the load chart.
Scott Bittler has been with Terex for 30 years in a variety of service tech roles and, for the last 17 years, has served as a national service trainer and technician with Terex Utilities. He is a Terex Utilities accredited instructor and a certified mobile hydraulic mechanic and accredited instructor.
FIGURE 2
LIGHTING FOR LEARNING AND GATHERING
The Eskasoni First Nation’s lighting retrofit / BY
SUSAN BLOOM
Nestled within the rugged and beautiful terrain of Eastern Cape Breton Island in the Province of Nova Scotia, alongside Bras d’Or Lake, is the Eskasoni First Nation—the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world.
A community with a rich culture and history, the Eskasoni FN— which translates to “where the fir trees are plentiful” in Mi’kmaq— is nearly 5000 members-strong, and operates everything from a bustling K-12 school system and robust network of private-sector businesses to a supermarket, radio station, community ice rink, and cultural centre.
The Eskasoni community feels connected to, and is respectful of, its environment—a value reflected in its 1999 launch of The Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR), which is a non-profit organization that promotes stewardship of local waterways, forests, native species, protected areas, and other natural resources in Cape Breton. Having driven everything from solar installations to water conservation projects and more throughout the community, it came as no surprise that the Eskasoni FN turned its attention to upgrading the outdated fluorescent lighting within several important community buildings.
Arenas create climatic challenges for fixtures, so vapour-tight, IP65-rated LED high-bays were retrofitted into this space.
Source: Ledvance.
The need for retrofit is clear
The community’s two school buildings and ice hockey arena/community centre were lit with outdated T12 and T8 fluorescent fixtures.
According to Jeffrey Paul, supervisor, Maintenance & Transportation for the Eskasoni School Board, the high costs and upkeep of outdated lighting in the community’s two school buildings—a 50-year-old elementary/ middle school building housing 700 students, and a 25-year-old high school building housing 270 students—were adding up.
“From a maintenance perspective, we were paying quite a bit of money to replace our fluorescent lamps as they reached their endof-life,” shared Paul. “At the same time, lamps in a few of our classrooms flickered and caused some students to experience seizures and other health problems.”
Prior to the lighting retrofit, the lamps in a few of the classrooms flickered and caused some students to experience seizures and other health problems. Source: Ledvance.
“In addition to issues in our classrooms, the lighting fixtures in our gym had a strange greenish-yellow cast to them, which ruined pictures that we took of our Christmas concerts there,” noted Elizabeth Cremo, director, Education, for the school board. “As a result of the flickering and odd colouring from some of the older lamps in both schools, teachers or students often opted not to replace failed lamps and/or to shut off half of the lights.”
Not surprisingly, Cremo continued, this situation created challenges for students with low visual acuity, “which concerned us because we didn’t want to make the learning environment more challenging than it naturally is for students”.
Thankfully, there was a change in the air.
“We were informed that current product rebates made it more
attractive to pursue an LED upgrade than it had been a few years earlier, so we were motivated to go to the school board with a proposal,” Paul said happily. “We explained to them that it would be financially beneficial for us to undertake the upgrade now, and they wholeheartedly agreed.”
Partnering for success
Paul and his colleagues at the school board turned to their partners at electrical distributor Rexel Atlantic, who had informed them of the upgrade opportunity in the first place.
“We started this project with the Eskasoni School Board several years ago,” said Michael Orychock, outside sales specialist, Rexel Atlantic in Cape Breton. “I made them aware of incentives available through Efficiency Nova Scotia and thought
it would be a great opportunity for the schools because, based on their use of outdated T12 and T8 fluorescent lighting—and the fact that several fixtures were out in each classroom—they definitely needed a lighting upgrade.”
In 2020, Orychock and his colleagues—including Rexel Atlantic lighting specialist Phil Deal—got to work assessing the existing lighting configuration in the Eskasoni schools, and designed a high-performing, energy-efficient new system featuring LED fixtures.
The solution takes form
Following approval from the board, electrical installers from Rexel kicked off the upgrade in 2021 by replacing the system of 3-lamp, 32W fluorescents in the elementary/middle school with 1200 2x4 LED lay-in panels.
The new LED system cut the school’s lighting energy bill in half.
Thanks to product rebates of $27,000 on the LEDs, the project paid itself back in just 1.25 years.
“The previous cost of the energy to run the school’s lighting was $114,500 annually, which the new LEDs reduced to less than $57,000 annually after the upgrade,” said Deal, adding that “Thanks to product rebates of $27,000 on the LEDs, the project paid itself back in just 1.25 years” and successfully reduced the school’s energy consumption by 512,000 kWh.
In 2022, the retrofit team proceeded to upgrade the outdated T5 high-output fluorescent lights in the hockey arena.
“The hot lights, crowds, and sub-zero temperatures in this facility create climate challenges for fixtures, which can suffer from the effects of humidity, condensation, and rust if water penetrates their housing,” said Orychock, who added that the facility’s high ceilings make lighting maintenance difficult—and costly, as well.
As such, vapour-tight LED high-bays were selected for the arena retrofit. Their IP65 rating means that not only are they dusttight, but that water projected in
After the retrofit, the lighting fixtures in the gym no longer had “a strange greenish-yellow cast to them”. Source: Ledvance.
jets against the fixtures will have no harmful effect.
Add to that a durable polycarbonate housing, long maintenance-free life and powerful light output, Orychock says the fixtures “addressed all of those concerns”.
In late 2022, the contracting team kicked off the lighting upgrade in the community’s high school, where they replaced outdated 28W fluorescent lamps with LED panels, strip fixtures, and linear high-bays. Once completed, said Deal, “this upgrade will reduce the school’s $42,000 annual power bill for lighting to just $21,000 each year and, thanks to the additional availability of a $25,000 rebate on the LEDs, will pay itself back in just 1.25 years”.
Lighting for learning
“The teachers like the new lighting, and say that it brightens
“We’re very proud of where we live and want to do the best we can for the land that we live on and leave to our kids.”
everything and makes the schools’ classrooms and common areas look clean, comfortable, fresh, and inviting,” Orychock said.
Eskasoni School Board members Jeffrey Paul and Elizabeth Cremo agree—they couldn’t be happier with the results.
“We have a small maintenance crew for two schools, and replacing lamps was time-consuming for them but, since we upgraded our schools’ lighting, we haven’t had to change one fixture,” Paul said.
“Our faculty and students have been amazed at the difference in the brightness compared to the old lighting and it’s enhanced their ability to learn. And with our students no longer complaining of headaches from flickering lamps, the new lighting also promotes their well-being,” he added.
Cremo added that the lamps’ sustainability is another important benefit.
“We’re very proud of where we live and want to do the best we can for the land that we live on and leave to our kids,” Cremo explained. “As a result, we’re very focused on our carbon footprint and always try to make the best choices from an environmental perspective. The fact that LEDs consume less energy, are mercury-free, and are very long-lasting—which reduces waste in landfills—made this upgrade a no-brainer for us.”
“The Eskasoni First Nation has an amazing track record of achievements in sustainability, and we’re delighted to have been part of such a prominent and successful project and to help support their lighting and sustainability goals,” said Ed Evans, national account manager with Ledvance, whose products were used in the retrofits.
“I’ve been working with the Eskasoni First Nation for 30 years and have many good friends there,” Orychock added. “It’s an honour to have helped bring about this accomplishment, which will benefit their community for years to come.”
Members within the Eskasoni First Nation are enjoying the high-performing, energy-efficient, and long-lasting benefits of LED lighting, and the community’s schools and ice rink now present a more welcoming environment than ever in which to learn and and gather.
For his part, Paul hopes that others will be inspired by his community’s achievements.
“I’d absolutely encourage other communities and school systems to undertake an LED upgrade because the savings speak for themselves,” he said. “These upgrades reduce costs, support the environment, and promote the well-being of building occupants. Ultimately, they’re a win-win for everyone.”
AD CELEBRATES ITS FINEST AT 2023 NORTH AMERICAN MEETING
BY ANTHONY CAPKUN
AD’s North American Meeting of the Electrical division brings together independent member electrical distributors and suppliers from all over Canada, the United States and Mexico for a few days of business meetings and camaraderie.
The theme of this year’s gathering was “Be different”. During his keynote address, AD CEO Bill Weisberg asked Member distributors and suppliers to “lean into their differences”. Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two companies are exactly alike. We should all capitalize on our uniqueness to find success.
Weisberg noted 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of AD Canada and, in 2024, it will be the 10th anniversary of AD Mexico. Congratulations to both! Networking opportunities abounded at the meeting. For me, it started with the AD Women’s Community Network Reception, where everyone was welcomed to “foster community and connection with women of the electrical industry”.
Signify’s Christy Tilton— vice-president, U.S. Professional Trade Sales—was asked to speak and share advice with attendees. Because it aligns with the theme of “Be different”, one piece of advice Tilton shared is for women to build relationships outside of their comfort zone. Sit with someone new, or strike up a conversation with someone you’ve never seen before, as you never know where it will lead.
That same evening, after the formal Welcome Reception, meeting delegates were invited to stop by AD Canada’s “Canada Night”. (The next day, AD
Speaking
Just as no two people are exactly alike, no two companies are exactly alike.
Canada’s president Rob Dewar, noted with a grin:
There are 270 Canadians at [this meeting], but over 400 showed up to Canada Night!
But the highlight of the North American Meeting is, of course, the Spirit of Independence awards, which celebrate the year’s crème de la crème in categories such as annual sales, marketing, and community service.
The awards format was a little different than in past years; distributor Members of the Year were announced earlier this
year, at AD’s Spring Network Meeting (although they were recognized again at the North American Meeting).
• Member of the Year – Tier 1 (Canada): Robinson
• Member of the Year – Tier 2 (Canada): Franklin Empire
• All-In Member of the Year (Canada): E.B. Horsman & Son
Congratulations to them, and to the following suppliers (with a focus, as usual, on Canadian organizations and those doing business in Canada).
of being different, Scott Major with Source Atlantic was helping me to be different by showing me how to use this augmented reality headset. Photo: L. Osborne
OUT AND ABOUT
CANADA SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – TIER 1
• Ideal Industries (Canada) Corp.
• Rittal
• Stelpro
• Northern Cables – WINNER (in photo)
CANADA SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – TIER 2
• IPEX
• Siemens
• Priority Wire & Cable
• Southwire Canada – WINNER (in photo)
U.S. SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – TIER 1
• Hammond Power Solutions
• Legrand Cablofil – WINNER (in photo)
• Ouellet
U.S. SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – TIER 2
• 3M
• ABB Industrial Solutions –WINNER (in photo)
• Panduit
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR, MARKETING EXCELLENCE
• Encore Wire
• OmniCable
• Signify – WINNER (in photo)
Photos: A. Capkun
Finally, Southwire ended the night on a high note by also receiving the Giving Back Award. Mark your calendars: the next North American Meeting will be held October 2024 in Chicago.
Class
0
2
4 802.3at PoE+ 30 W
5 802.3bt PoE++ 45 W
6 802.3bt PoE++ 60 W
7 802.3bt 4PPoE 75 W
8 802.3bt 4PPoE 95 W
There are industrial PoE switches in the market that do not conform to IEEE standards. These non-standard PoE switches (“passive PoE switches”) will constantly supply power over Ethernet lines at a specific voltage, regardless of whether the connected device supports PoE or not.
But when poorly matched, a passive switch will burn out a terminal device. Conversely, an IEEE-compliant PoE switch will detect and classify a connected PD to verify whether it is within capacity before it powers On the PD, thereby preventing damage. To ensure safety and interoperability, only choose products that comply with the IEEE PoE standards.
The amount of power used by a PoE device can range from just a few watts to 30 watts, depending on the device and the PoE standard used. It is important to check the powered device’s specs to determine its power requirements and ensure the network switch or midspan injector can provide enough power.
Maximum power consumption
Just because a powered device supports a PoE standard type, it doesn’t necessarily mean that PD will draw that type’s full power capacity. For instance, a wireless access point (WAP) that supports IEEE 802.3af doesn’t necessarily require the full 15.4 watts; in fact, it may only need 5 watts.
To know the WAP’s power requirements (or any powered device’s actual power requirements), you check the manufacturer’s specs for “maximum power consumption”. When the maximum power consumption for a
device is far less than a port’s full power capacity, the system administrator may choose to configure the “port limit”, thereby putting a ceiling on how much power it supplies to any given PD.
Maximum power consumption is a vital parameter, as you will use it when calculating your PoE budget requirements. Thankfully, the math is simple: the maximum power consumption of all the powered devices that will populate a PoE switch is added up. (Where possible, round up the total wattage to give yourself a little buffer.)
For example, let’s say your application calls for a PoE switch to supply power to four 9-megapixel 360-deg outdoor cameras. Each camera has a maximum power consumption of 12.5 W. Therefore, the requirement side on the PoE ledger is 12.5 W x 4 devices = 50 W.
What is the total power budget?
A total power budget refers to the maximum amount of power that is available for use in a given system or application. This budget is typically defined by the power supply or energy source that is used to provide power to the system.
The total power budget is the sum of the power consumption of all the components or devices within the system, including processor, memory, storage, display, network interface, and other peripherals.
In electronic systems, the total power budget is an important consideration because exceeding the available power supply can cause the system to malfunction or fail. Designers of electronic systems must carefully balance the power requirements of each component to ensure that the total power budget is not exceeded.
Calculating the PoE budget
So, how do I know my PoE budget? How much power does PoE consume?
Let’s assume you plan on using an 802.3af Ethernet 4-port switch that supplies 15.4 watts per port. Would this switch be appropriate for the camera application?
The switch’s PoE budget is calculated by multiplying the number of ports by the wattage supplied per port. In this case, 15.4 W x 4 ports = 61.6 W. So, yes, the switch will work.
That said, it’s cutting it close in the real world of industrial networks. For one, the actual wattage delivered to the camera over copper lines will be less than 15.4 W (but not less than 12.95 W). So you’re still in the clear. However, network administrators often find it convenient to have at least one spare port for diagnostics, or several open ports to add more edge devices in the future.
Additionally, PoE’s “golden rule” is that the more power your power-sourcing equipment has, the more power you can deliver per port. Therefore, choosing a higher-power switch that can deliver total higher wattage reduces the chances of needing an upgrade later.
Another caveat: it is rare for a powered device to require its maximum power consumption, since this amount of power is only needed when the device is operated at full capacity. Yet, when a PD needs less than the maximum wattage to operate (as is often the case), the PoE switch may still reserve the maximum amount of wattage based on the PoE class, as shown in the chart. (A PD that supports PoE, but without classification, is assumed to be Class 0.)
Another concern: a powered device can accidentally be overloaded by increasing its draw after the PoE Budget has been established and an application installed. Consider what would happen were a heater to be added to the outdoor cameras mentioned above. A single camera heater can require up to 35 W to operate, bringing the camera’s power requirements to 47.5 W. This would badly deplete the 15.4 W maximum power per port of your IEEE 802.3af 4-port switch.
Finally, when planning PoE projects, remember to consider the environmental conditions to which your power-sourcing equipment and powered devices will be subjected. In an extremely hot or cold environment, power delivery can be diminished by as much as 40% of its rating. In those situations, seek out environmentally hardened PoE equipment to ensure the highest power delivery.
Henry Martel’s career began as an interior communication electrician aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln—a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy—where he served as operator/administrator of shipboard communication system. He currently serves as field application engineer with Antaira Technologies, a developer and manufacturer of industrial networking and communication product solutions.
DAN LEDUC
Scissor lifts and wooden ladders
The construction sector is among the slowest-paid industries which, over the last 30 years, has fostered the mindset that it is somehow shameful to ask for an overdue payment.
Prompt payment regimes that have been introduced as law mandate specific dates for payment. When those dates are breached, recourse is to be initiated by you—the party who has not been paid in a timely manner (or at all).
If you want recourse from
slow or nonpayment,
you must initiate that recourse.
You won’t get paid any quicker waiting for someone else to do
it.
The recourse of adjudication was designed for you, specifically to allow for an inexpensive and quick resolution of non- or slow payment issues between debtors and creditors.
Moreover, in Ontario, the notion of a Notice for Non-Payment— which comes 14 days after the transmittal of a Proper Invoice— also allows for further enforcement of timely payments. Again, this recourse must be initiated by you, the entity who is owed.
(In my opinion, failure to provide that 14-day Notice of Non-Payment or Notice of Partial Payment suggests that the full amount of the earlier-transmitted Proper Invoice becomes due, payable and owing 28 days from transmittal.)
Hopefully you see a trend in this column: namely, if you want recourse from slow or non-payment, you must initiate that recourse. You won’t get paid any quicker waiting for someone else to do it.
It is almost exclusively incumbent on you to pursue the monies you are owed; to make demand for payment; and, if that fails, to seek recourse under amendments to legislation in most provinces, and those coming soon for federal undertakings.
As I’ve said time and again at numerous contractor engagements: you have been given a veritable scissor lift of rights and privileges under prompt payment and adjudication regimes, but you’re still climbing a wooden ladder!
You need to change the prevailing mindset from begrudgingly waiting for payment to actively claiming what you are owed.
This column is not legal advice, nor should it be taken as such
Dan Leduc is a partner at Soloway Wright LLP, and specializes in construction law. He is always happy to take on new clients from anywhere in Canada, and can be reached at dleduc@solowaywright.com.
RAY YOUSEF
Ray is a code engineer with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority
TACKLE THE CODE CONUNDRUM... IF YOU DARE! Welcome to the newest round of questions that test your knowledge of the CE Code-Part I. Answers will appear in the February 2024 edition of Electrical Business Magazine, and online at EBMag.com under Features.
QUESTION 1
For the identification of intrinsically safe wiring, which of the following methods is acceptable:
a) Cables are labelled
b) Cables are identified Blue
c) Cables are identified Light Blue, where Light Blue is not used for any other cabling
d) a and b
e) a and c
QUESTION 2
When only 4 conductors of an 8-conductor cable (not marked LP) are used for power, the ampacities obtained from Table 60 must be multiplied by:
a) 0.5 d) 2
b) 1 e) None of the above
c) 1.4
QUESTION 3
TC-ER cables may transition exposed between cable trays when supported at intervals not exceeding 1.5 m, and mechanically protected by acceptable means or by location.
a) True b) False
ANSWERS
Electrical Business, October 2023 ed.
Question 1
In dwelling units, the CE Code requires no point along the floor line of any usable wall space to be more than ___ horizontally from a receptacle in that space.
c) 1.8 metres. Rule 26-722(a).
Question 2
The CE Code allows the use of non-metallic sheathed cable in a building of combustible construction.
a) True. Rule 12-504.
Question 3
The minimum size conduit (rigid PVC) required to contain six #6 AWG T90 nylon, twelve (12) #14 AWG TWU75, and seven #12 AWG TW75 is:
c) 53 mm. Rule 12-910.
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3 • Seasoned journeyman 1 • Apprentice 2 • Need refresher training 0 • Just here for fun!
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Source: Hubbell Canada
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Source: Emerson Automation Solutions
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Caterpillar Cat Compact mobile energy storage system
Source: Caterpillar Inc.
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NX Lighthawk multifunction wall switch
Source: Current
NX Lighting Controls’ dual-tech digital Lighthawk from Current is a wall switch that combines occupancy sensing technology and multi-functional photocell capabilities into a single package. The Lighthawk is available in two sensor technology options: the NXSMIR-LH sensor includes passive infrared (PIR) technology for occupancy detection as well as photocontrol for daylight harvesting, while the NXSMDT-LH adds to these capabilities with ultrasonic sensing (currentlighting.com).
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Source: Greenlee
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Rittal
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Source: Rittal
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Code file
NANSY HANNA, P.ENG
Correct wiring of different meter bases
Electrical contractors have been installing various models of meter bases for residential services, based on what is available at their distributor. But these meter bases may have different neutral assembly configurations from one another; failing to recognize this difference may result in a non-compliant installation and a potential safety hazard.
Neutral assemblies may be installed at the factory, or may be provided as a field-installable kit. There are three kinds:
1. Neutral permanently bonded to the enclosure.
2. Neutral permanently isolated from the enclosure.
3. Neutral supplied with means to bond or isolate from the enclosure, complete with marking on a temporary tag, instruction sheet (or equivalent) indicating how the bond is to be removed or installed.
CE Code-Part I, Rule 10-210, requires the grounding connection of the supply authority system’s grounded conductor (neutral) to be made at one point only at the consumer’s service, and have no other connection to metal parts of the electrical equipment on the supply or load side from where the grounding connection is made.
Where the consumer’s service has a single meter base and service box, the code permits the grounding connection at the meter base or service box, as per Diagrams A and B. The type of meter base used needs to be aligned with the
DIAGRAM A: Grounding at service box
Grounding at single-gang meter base or service box.
Example of marking to indicate the neutral is permanently isolated.
location of the grounding connection. Therefore, it is important to verify the appropriate wiring configuration based on the neutral assembly configuration.
As per Diagram A, when a grounding conductor is connected at a service box,
DIAGRAM B: Grounding at meter base
Grounding at single-gang meter base or service box.
the service neutral conductor has to be isolated from any metal enclosure, including the meter base. A bonding conductor, connected between the meter base and service box, is required per Rule 10-604, and sized per 10-616 (Table 16). Using a meter base with a bonded neutral for this installation would breach CE Code requirements.
Where the consumer’s service is subdivided in a multi-gang meter base, the grounding connection must be made only at the meter base to achieve “single-point grounding”. It is not permitted at each service box, since each is located on the supply side of the others.
The CSA standard for meter bases (C22.2 No. 115 “Meter-mounting devices”) requires a combination meter base (i.e. meter base with a load-side circuit breaker) to be marked so as to indicate when the meter base is permanently bonded, or has an isolated neutral assembly. All other types are not required to be marked. In all cases, we want to end up with an installation that is correctly grounded and bonded, compliant and safe.
Consult your Authority Having Jurisdiction for more specific interpretations
Nansy Hanna, P.Eng., is senior director, Engineering & Regulations, at Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). She is also chair of the Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety (CACES) and a member of the ULC Advisory Council and CSA Technical Committee on CE Code-Part I. She can be reached at nansy.hanna@electricalsafety.on.ca.
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