Business Sections brochure available here
EFC’s Business Sections provide a platform for member companies in similar product verticals to collaborate on issues that are of common interest, including matters related to Codes and Standards. With advancements in globalization, the need for harmonized codes and standards has become paramount to the Canadian electrical industry. This standardization helps open the door for companies to explore new market opportunities while also reducing a business’ overall operational costs.
EFC members are strongly encouraged to participate in a Business Section to ensure their company’s views are represented on codes and standards development and other important industry issues. Without your company’s representation in section meetings, positions are being crafted by your competitors and others who may not necessarily share your organization’s point of view.
EFC’s Business Section members discuss matters related to:
- Codes & standards
- Changes in regulations, such as those that apply to energy efficiency, electrical safety or product recycling
- Proposed trade laws
- New technology and market trends
- End user concerns and requirements
- Marketing and communications concerns, resulting in public and/or industry education campaigns
- Any other topics affecting the business environment in Canada or globally
Important Note: The Business Sections adhere to a strict code of conduct. These guidelines are addressed at the beginning of every meeting to ensure compliance. Review EFC’s Meetings Guidelines.
Codes & Standards
Each Business Section works collectively to support the advancement of codes and standards in Canada. Visit Codes & Standards for details on all open, pending and closed activities that EFC and Business Section members are involved in.
Harmonization: North American harmonization has been identified by EFC members as key to advancing market opportunities, while also streamlining processes and reducing manufacturing costs. A summary of the harmonization projects that EFC and its section members have undertaken available soon.
View Standards & Sections Acronyms List
The EFC Technical Advisory Council (ETAC) is represented by the top technical EFC committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs of all EFC’s Business Sections, as well as other Technical advisors from EFC’s member groups.
Thank you to all our members for their active participation in our product section committees, it is your collective voice that helps power our changing world.
EFC members are represented in one or more of the following business sections:
-
Add content
-
Purpose: to identify issues faced by different sectors of the industry; share best practices; and represent EFC membership on CIO-SC’s Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.
Target Participation: EFC Manufacturers and Distributor members
Get Involved and Help Influence Change
EFC seeks active representation from your organization to participate in this committee. Involvement from the electrical community is highly important. Contact Cherith Sinasac at csinasac@electrofed.com to learn how your company can get involved.
-
Purpose: to identify issues faced in the development of connected devices; share best practices; create a strategy to address new and existing standards; and represent EFC membership on CIO-SC’s Committee.
Target Participation: EFC Manufacturers’ Product Managers and/or IT Specialists within each product division (EFC Business Sections).
Get Involved and Help Influence Change
EFC seeks active representation from your organization to participate in this committee. Involvement from the electrical community is highly important. Contact Cherith Sinasac at csinasac@electrofed.com to learn how your company can get involved.
-
Purpose: to identify existing gaps in standardization that represent barriers to digitization, and design and implement appropriate standards development strategies.
Target Participation: EFC Manufacturers involved in technological developments around digitization of the electro-technical manufacturing sector.
Get Involved and Help Influence Change
EFC seeks active representation from your organization to participate in this committee. Involvement from the electrical community is highly important. Contact Cherith Sinasac at csinasac@electrofed.com to learn how your company can get involved.
-
Chair: Komal Kingrani, Eaton
Vice Chair: Eric Demers, Schneider ElectricOverview: Electric power distribution carries electricity from the transmission system to individual consumers. This Section represents manufacturers of electrical equipment that distributes electricity to Industrial, Commercial and Residential consumers.
Main focus within this section:
- AFCI technology
- Standards Harmonization
- CE Code, updates – CSA, ESA
- Utilities Metering Compartment Design approval
- Metering mounting Device – Rule 10 CEC
Latest Updates
- T0115 Arc Energy Reduction Proposal Win
On June 16, 2022 the second day of its annual meeting, the Technical Committee on the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I voted in favour of adding a new subrule 3) in Rule 2-306 Shock and arc flash protection, to be published in the 2024 CE Code. The proposal for the amendment was submitted in June 2020 by Gurvinder Chopra, on behalf of Electrofed’s Distribution Equipment Business Section which prepared it. The new subrule mandates that when overcurrent protective devices rated 1200 amps and higher are used, means are to be provided for reducing the arcing fault duration.These new requirements represent a ‘quantum leap’ for workers’ electrical safety in Canada, since it is for a first time that elements of the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard are being mandated in Canada’s National Safety Standard for Electrical Installations.
Considering that ‘arc flash protection’ was already in the title of the Rule, and that the existing two subrules only address warning markings on ‘potential electric shock and arc flash hazards’, one could say that this newly added subrule was the ‘missing piece’ for the intent of the Rule to be entirely met. - Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) Information Portal
EFC has been working with an AFCI task group, which includes representatives from the Wiring Supplies section and Distribution Equipment section, to educate the public on the safety benefits of AFCI technology. - Grey Market Awareness Campaign
EFC has worked with a task group to create a grey market awareness poster that highlights the importance of purchasing products from an authorized distributor. Download this poster and share it with your customer network.
Member Companies
-
Chair: TBD
Vice Chair: TBDOverview: An electrical enclosure is a cabinet for electrical or electronic equipment to mount switches, knobs, and displays and to prevent electrical shock to equipment users and protect the contents from the environment. This Section represents manufacturers of empty enclosures for Industrial and commercial use. Due to the infancy of this section, the scope is under review and may also include specifics such as enclosures for Hazardous Location and Networking/Data Communication.
Latest Updates
- Positive Action on T0251 Enclosure IP Ratings – Canadian Electrical Code
A proposal to amend the Canadian Electrical Code Part I for Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings for enclosures treated as equal in acceptance to CSA Type ratings has been voted down with the support of EFC members as well as CE Code committee members and sent back to the Sub-committee for further discussion and review.
The proposal started at a sub-committee level, proceeded to the next level committee, then finally to the Electrical Code committee. The ultimate vote on the proposal ultimately failed and was not accepted. So, it has not been formally eliminated, and further work may be needed in future iterations of this plan.
A special thanks to Sheldon Butts, Hammond Manufacturing, the CE Code voting members from EFC, Pierre Desilets, Leviton Canada, Guy Benjamin, ABB Canada, Richard De Lhorbe, formerly at Schneider Canada, Mike Smith, Alumni member, Vladimir Gagachev, Eaton Canada, and John Johnson, Electro-Cables, and supported by many other distinguished members of the committee, who have realized the safety concern in the original proposal.
Member Companies
-
Chair: Ivan Filipic, Schneider Electric
Vice Chair: Kevin Chung, EatonOverview: Companies that provide proximity service, power system studies, lifecycle maintenance, and modernization of new and existing electrical and automation infrastructure.
Latest Updates:
- T0115 Arc Energy Reduction Proposal Win
On June 16, 2022 the second day of its annual meeting, the Technical Committee on the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I voted in favour of adding a new subrule 3) in Rule 2-306 Shock and arc flash protection, to be published in the 2024 CE Code. The proposal for the amendment was submitted in June 2020 by Gurvinder Chopra, on behalf of Electrofed’s Distribution Equipment Business Section which prepared it. The new subrule mandates that when overcurrent protective devices rated 1200 amps and higher are used, means are to be provided for reducing the arcing fault duration.These new requirements represent a ‘quantum leap’ for workers’ electrical safety in Canada, since it is for a first time that elements of the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard are being mandated in Canada’s National Safety Standard for Electrical Installations.
Considering that ‘arc flash protection’ was already in the title of the Rule, and that the existing two subrules only address warning markings on ‘potential electric shock and arc flash hazards’, one could say that this newly added subrule was the ‘missing piece’ for the intent of the Rule to be entirely met.
Member Companies:
- T0115 Arc Energy Reduction Proposal Win
-
Chair: Michael Frayne, Hammond Power Solutions
Vice-Chair: Mario Mongrain, Delta TransformersOverview: This Section represents manufacturers of Dry type transformers that are voltage changing or isolation device that is air cooled rather than liquid cooled. The transformer case is ventilated to allow air to flow and cool the coil (coils).
Main focus within this section:
- Energy Efficiency- Ontario Regulation 404/12 – Green Energy Act
- Energy Efficiency – Federal / NRCan Regulation and Amendments
- CE Code, updates – CSA, ESA
- Deletion of Rule 26
Member Companies
-
Chair: Pierre Desilets, Leviton Canada
Vice Chair: Vladimir Gagachev, EatonOverview: EFC Technical Advisory Council represents the top technical EFC council, mainly bringing together the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the Sections, as well as other Technical advisors from EFC’s members.
Main focus within this section:
- CACES (Canadian Advisory Council on Electrical Safety) – on issues pertaining to On-Line Sales and Effective Dates for Electrical Standards
- Codes and Standards
- Canadian Regulations – Federal, Provincial and Territorial
- Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) – Part I, Part II, Part III
- Canadian National Building Code (CNBC)
- International Harmonization – IEC, CANENA
- Climate Change, Energy Efficiency
- Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN)
Latest Updates:
- 2023 CSA Standard Development Process Training
T0186 Technical Committee on Industrial Products (TCIP) 90°C Task Force Proposal a win for CE Code Part II Amendment 2
CSA had few product standards with test criteria for conductors with an insulation temperature rating higher than 75⁰C, limiting the types of equipment that could be identified. Stakeholders had recommended introducing requirements into CSA C22.2 No. 0, which would have mandated including optional requirements for testing above 75⁰C in all product Standards. That would have negatively impacted how many test standards were written, affecting many products. It could also have created unharmonized standards within North America and globally.
Electro-Federation Manufacturer members rejected this proposal. A new proposal was submitted requesting the optional test criteria for testing above 75⁰C to be included only in CSA C22.2 No. 0, thus allowing for testing of equipment with terminations & conductors rated to 90⁰C, with the appropriate markings applied. This proposal was accepted and passed. Many thanks to Vladimir Gagachev of Eaton Canada for leading the Task group members from ABB, Schneider, and Siemens Canada.
For more information on these projects, please contact Gurvinder Chopra, VP of Standards and Regulation.
-
Chair: Tom Kartmazov, Leviton
Vice Chair: Les Heidrich, Hubbell CanadaOverview: The section focuses on electric vehicle chargers. The scope of the EV Charging Section includes Level 1/2/3 chargers.
Vehicle connectors, the gun or the connector part of the charger, does not include the inlet on the vehicle.
Latest Updates:
- Election of Electric Vehicle Chargers Business Section officers. Members were updated on the numerous CSA Group, UL, SAE and IEC standards under development and other upcoming Business Section initiatives and goals.
Member Companies:
-
Chair: Rami Ghanem, Siemens Canada Ltd
Vice Chair: Paul Bastel, Phoenix ContactOverview: This Section represents manufacturers of products or assemblies of several types of control systems and associated instrumentation used for industrial process control.
Main focus within this section:
- IEC activity and participation
- Standards Harmonization
- Ce Code updates – CSA, ESA
- Arc Energy Reduction
Latest Updates:
- T0115 Arc Energy Reduction Proposal Win
On June 16, 2022 the second day of its annual meeting, the Technical Committee on the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I voted in favour of adding a new subrule 3) in Rule 2-306 Shock and arc flash protection, to be published in the 2024 CE Code. The proposal for the amendment was submitted in June 2020 by Gurvinder Chopra, on behalf of Electrofed’s Distribution Equipment Business Section which prepared it. The new subrule mandates that when overcurrent protective devices rated 1200 amps and higher are used, means are to be provided for reducing the arcing fault duration.These new requirements represent a ‘quantum leap’ for workers’ electrical safety in Canada, since it is for a first time that elements of the CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard are being mandated in Canada’s National Safety Standard for Electrical Installations.
Considering that ‘arc flash protection’ was already in the title of the Rule, and that the existing two subrules only address warning markings on ‘potential electric shock and arc flash hazards’, one could say that this newly added subrule was the ‘missing piece’ for the intent of the Rule to be entirely met.
Member Companies
-
Chair: George Partyka Jr., PTI Transformers
Vice Chair: Colin Mark, Pioneer TransformersOverview: This Section represents manufacturers of products called Power Transformers and Distribution Transformers. A power transformer is a device commonly used to change both the voltage and the current of the electricity flowing through it. A distribution transformer is a device developed to lower the voltage to the utilization voltage used by lighting, industrial equipment or household appliances.
Main focus within this section:
- Energy Efficiency- Ontario Regulation 404/12 – Green Energy Act
- Energy Efficiency – Federal / NRCan Regulation and Amendments
- CE Code, updates – CSA, ESA
Latest Updates
- T0043: Proposed amendment to O.Reg 509/18
On August 10, 2022, the proposal to amend O.Reg. 509/18 was posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) and Regulatory Registry (RR) for a 45-day public review period (see Proposal to amend O.Reg. 509/18 under the Electricity Act, 1998 (“Efficiency Regulation”) | Environmental Registry of Ontario).
Member Companies
-
Chair: Marjorie Dionne, Standard Products Inc (Stanpro)
Vice-Chair: Guy Benjamin, ABBOverview: This Section represents manufacturers of products or assemblies of lighting products, indoor and outdoor.
Main focus within this section:
- Recycling Programs
- Standards Harmonization
- Federal/ NRCan Regulations
- Provincial Regulations
- Energy Star
- Lighting Rebate Programs
Latest Updates
- Product Care Association Registration System is open for the Ontario lighting recycling program. As of January 1, 2023, producers of lighting products will have new EPR obligations in Ontario under Ontario Regulation 522/20. Producers have the option of complying individually with the regulatory requirements outlined in the Regulation or appointing a Producer Responsibility Organization (“PRO”). Product Care Association’s registration link and Registration guide are now available. For details on how to register, please visit this link: Product Care Recycling opens Producer Registration for Ontario Lighting Program – Product Care Recycling
- Energy Efficiency – Amendment 14
Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act and Energy Efficiency Regulations - Counting the Blues of Street Lighting (IES)
- Outdoor Lighting and Human/Animal Factors: An Industry Evaluation
As a result of a report released by the American Medical Association, several outdoor lighting projects were placed on hold in Quebec until an opinion was issued by the Montreal Health Bureau concerning the health effects of blue light. After conducting an analysis of the scientific literature on the health effects of blue light and assessed the actual exposure levels of the population to the blue light emitted by the LED street luminaires 4000 ° K, EFC considers street lighting to LED conversion project presents no risk to the health of Montrealers. - Quebec Energy Efficiency Reg. 434
Applies to general service lamps – was published in the Gazette May 16, 2018. Implementation date for all product types, January 1, 2019. - Proposed Amendment to Products Containing Mercury Regulations
Environment & Climate Change Canada has released a consultation document on the Proposed Amendment to Products Containing Mercury Regulations. Written comments were submitted by EFC as they relate to mercury-filled lamps.
Member Companies
-
Chair: Marjorie Dionne, Standard Products Inc (Stanpro)
Vice Chair:Overview: This Section represents manufacturers of products or assemblies of lighting products, indoor and outdoor.
Main focus within this section:
- Recycling Programs
- Standards Harmonization
- Federal/ NRCan Regulations
- Provincial Regulations
- Energy Star
- Lighting Rebate Programs
Latest Updates
- Ontario Regulation 522/20 on Electrical and Electronic Equipment
As of January 1, 2023, if you import from a supplier outside Canada, or if you are a manufacturer with an address in Canada, you are a producer under the regulation if you supply products into Ontario. Manufacturers, Distributors and Retailers should verify their obligation. For more information, please refer to Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority’s (RPRA’s) website .
RPRA Webinar PresentationThe following document was created by EFC and Lighting business section members to assist channel partners with navigating the implementation of Ontario Reg 522/20.
Channel Partners_Understanding O.Reg 522/20
- RPRA’s 2022 RRCEA Program Fee Reduction is a “Win” for Lighting in Ontario
This year, lighting producers must report and pay fees to Resource Productivity & Recovery Authority (RPRA) https://rpra.ca/ to ensure compliance with Ontario Regulation 522-20. RPRA operates on a cost-recovery basis and sets fees required to support the compliance and oversight of its legislative mandate. The proposed fee pricing set by RPRA was not consistent with its fee methodology set out for other programs and regulations. Therefore, Electro-Federation Canada members and supporting partners (Product Care Recycling) challenged the inequitable fee structure. After the consultation period, the RPRA published its revised fees and dropped the fee for lighting producers from 33 cents/kg to 22 cents/kg. This fee reduction is a “win” for lighting producers representing a cost savings of over $530,000 per year.
A special thanks to Product Care Recycling and the EPR Task Group for their efforts in this successful outcome.
For questions and details, please contact Cherith Sinasac, Business Section Manager, at csinasac@electrofed.com. Visit EFC’s Business Sections, click here.
- Germicidal UV in Canada
As requirements for clean, hygienic spaces become more critical to our health and wellbeing, leading manufacturers have developed Germicidal UV (GUV) devices to help prevent the spread of infectious bacteria and viruses. There is an urgent need for GUV devices to be registered and certified before they can be sold in the Canadian market.
- Counting the Blues of Street Lighting (IES)
- Proposed Amendment to Products Containing Mercury Regulations
Environment and Climate Change Canada have published Regulations amending the products containing mercury on December 24, 2022, with 75 days of consultation period. EFC Lighting section members have prepared comments that will be submitted to the Ministry. Proposed regulation can be read at The Canada Gazette .
.
Member Companies
-
Chair: Pawandeep Litt, ABB
Vice Chair: Jomo Green, Teco-WestinghouseOverview: This Section represents manufacturers of products or assemblies of motors and generators.
A motor is a machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for some other device with moving parts.
A generator is a dynamo or similar machine for converting mechanical energy into electricity.Main focus within this section:
- Recycling Programs
- Standards Harmonization
- Federal/ NRCan Regulations
- Provincial Regulations
Latest Updates
- T0264: Tri-National Harmonization of CSA C22.2 No. 145-11 a win for EFC.
A proposal was submitted to CANENA, the facilitator to harmonize standards between Canada, US & Mexico. EFC members sought harmonization of CSA C22.2 No. 145-11 Electric motors and generators for use in hazardous (classified) locations standard, with Mexico’s NMX-J-652-ANCE, and the US’ UL674. We are pleased to announce that the harmonized tri-national standard has been published and so this project has been closed successfully.
Member Companies
-
Chair: Jag Singh, Domtech Inc.
Vice Chair: John Johnson, Electro Cables Inc.Overview: This Section represents manufacturers of products or assemblies that represent and involve wires (single electrical conductor) and cables (a group of wires swathed in sheathing). Cables (like wires) are used to carry electrical currents.
Main focus within this section:
- Reel Programs
- Aluminum Tariffs
- Cathodic Protection Cables Standards
- Sun Resistance Requirements
- CSA process
Visit the Reel Returns Resource Library
Member Companies
-
Visit the Reel Returns Resource Library
Latest Updates
In December 2017, section members requested EFC to facilitate discussions regarding returnable reel program. The two sections continue to meet and work together towards common goals.
Member Companies
-
Chair: Pierre Desilets, Leviton Canada
Vice-Chair: Guy Benjamin, ABBOverview: This Section represents manufacturers of electrical connector products, such as an electromechanical device used to join electrical terminations and create an electrical circuit.
Main focus within this section:
- AFCI Technology
- IEC activity and participation
- Standards Harmonization
- NEMA Application Guide for Isolated Ground Wiring Devices
Latest Updates
- Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) Information Portal
EFC has been working with an AFCI task group, which includes representatives from the Wiring Supplies section and Distribution Equipment section, to educate the public on the safety benefits of AFCI technology.
Member Companies
