Several important updates are on the horizon regarding codes and regulations for electrical and boilers, pressure vessels, and refrigeration (BPVR) technologies in our province. The 2024 Canadian Electrical Code is set to be adopted by March 2025 while several key BPVR codes will be adopted by the end of December 2024. These include the 2024 CSA B51 and 2023 CSA B52 codes.
These code updates have several key impacts to BC’s transition to a low carbon future.
The new 2024 Code introduces specific demand factors for EVSE and EVEMS to load calculations for all buildings, excluding single family dwellings. This change aims to enhance safety by mitigating the potential of overloading a service. While these updates align with the previously published IB-2023-05, they bring greater clarity to the calculation of loads for EV equipment across various building types.
The 2024 Code now accommodates ESS with capacities greater than 1 kW and those using lithium-ion batteries within dwelling units and residential living spaces, with some conditions. This adjustment provides more flexibility in equipment placement while ensuring safety and compliance with the building code.
The addition of the A2L refrigerant category includes updated requirements that are generally less restrictive compared to those for A2 refrigerants. This move supports the broader transition to low global warming potential refrigerants, aligning with BC’s ongoing emission reduction goals.
For Canadian-certified refrigeration systems using A1 or A2L refrigerants with a total input power nameplate kW rating of all prime movers (compressors) connected to a single independent refrigeration system of up to 500 kW (refer to D-BP-2013-02 directive for further information), design registration will no longer be necessary. This simplifies the process and encourages the adoption of refrigerants with lower global warming potential.
For a deeper dive into these updates, please refer to the following bulletins:
Boiler Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Bulletin
These documents will provide comprehensive details on the specific changes to each code.
These regulatory and code updates are an important step toward enhancing safety while supporting BC’s low carbon transition.
Please contact us if you have any questions or need further clarification on these updates.