Building Envelope and Electrical Code Compliance

SAFE Engineering Inc. can partner with your organization to ensure electrical safety compliance and full electrical code compliance. Whether it be new equipment, a plant expansion or your existing equipment. There are 2 key areas of electrical safety. These are the compliance to the Canadian Electrical Safety Code (CSA C22.1-18) and Arc Flash compliance (Workplace Electrical Safety, CSA Z462-18).

Canadian Electrical Code Compliance

Compliance to the Canadian Electrical Safety code is typically a requirement for all new incoming equipment or constructed buildings. SAFE Engineering Inc. will ensure that equipment and electrical panels are compliant with the applicable safety standards, and that the recognized field evaluation stickers (ESA or similar) are applied.

Arc Flash Risk Assessment and Compliance

Arc Flash is a recognized category of electrical hazard that poses a significant risk. SAFE Engineering Inc. conducts detailed Arc Flash analysis to evaluate the plant’s power system, examining the effectiveness of current-limiting devices (fuses and breakers) and assessing the potential incident energy levels.

Our hazard analysis modeling determines:

Arc flash boundaries
Appropriate labeling for equipment and panels
Minimum PPE requirements
Safe work practices for exposed workers

This is a critical part of any plant’s overall electrical safety and compliance strategy.

Hazardous Location Classification

Hazardous Location Classifications (sometimes abbreviated to HazLoc) are defined as places where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases, flammable liquid–produced vapors, combustible liquid–produced vapors, combustible dusts, or ignitable fibers/flyings present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.

Electrical equipment that must be installed in such classified locations should be specially designed and tested to ensure it does not initiate an explosion, due to arcing contacts or high surface temperature of the equipment. The HazLoc is a drawing stamped by an Ontario Professional Engineer, showing the extent of Hazardous Zones.

These Hazardous Location Classification drawings are foundational documents that demonstrate due diligence and form the basis of electrical code compliance in high-risk zones.

SAFE Engineering Inc. will create the required drawings and work with you to correct any compliance deficiencies.

Fire Code, Explosion Safety, and Electrical Code Compliance

Fire Code and Explosion Safety compliance is critical, especially when processes involve combustible dust or flammable gases, vapors, or liquids. These safety concerns directly affect:

Building occupancy classification
Fire separation ratings
Explosion relief system design
Electrical Code Compliance in hazardous areas
Sprinkler capacity and design
Spill containment measures
Ventilation systems
Municipal and provincial permitting

By incorporating Fire Code and electrical code compliance at the design stage, SAFE Engineering Inc. ensures your project proceeds without costly last-minute changes.

Building Electrical Code compliance and Building permits

Building code compliance is closely tied to understanding your facility’s equipment, processes, and associated safety risks. SAFE Engineering Inc. combines technical expertise with an understanding of operational needs to ensure architectural, structural, and mechanical design drawings meet all necessary codes and safety standards.

As your owner’s engineer, we integrate electrical code compliance into every phase of your project and handle all permitting requirements—whether for new construction, retrofits, or expansions.

SAFE Engineering Inc. will represent you in obtaining building and occupancy permits, ensuring your plant is compliant, safe, and ready for operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does electrical code compliance involve?

Electrical Code Compliance involves ensuring that all electrical systems, wiring, components, and installations meet the standards outlined in the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1). This includes proper equipment labeling, adherence to installation requirements, and use of approved materials.

Why is electrical code compliance important for industrial facilities?

For industrial operations, compliance ensures safety, reduces the risk of electrical fires or shock, and is legally required to pass inspections and obtain operating permits. It also protects workers and minimizes insurance liabilities.

What is hazardous location classification?

Hazardous location classification is the process of identifying and mapping areas in a facility where flammable gases, vapors, or dusts may be present in concentrations that could ignite. It defines the level of protection required for any electrical equipment installed in those areas.

Who determines hazardous location classification in Ontario?

A licensed professional engineer typically performs this classification. At SAFE Engineering Inc., our engineers prepare stamped drawings that define hazardous zones, which are essential for compliance with electrical and fire codes.

How does hazardous location classification impact electrical code compliance?

Electrical code compliance in hazardous locations requires the use of explosion-proof or intrinsically safe equipment. The classification defines what safety standards apply, guiding how equipment is selected, installed, and maintained.

When should a facility conduct a Hazardous Location Classification assessment?

You should conduct an assessment when installing or modifying equipment in areas where flammable substances are used or stored—such as paint booths, chemical storage, or food processing zones with dust. It should also be part of technical due diligence in expansions or retrofits.

Can SAFE Engineering Inc. assist with both electrical code compliance and hazardous location classification?

Yes. SAFE Engineering Inc. provides integrated engineering services that include electrical code compliance, hazardous location classification, and supporting documentation. We work with your team to ensure your facility is safe, compliant, and ready for inspection.