DesignX
Engineering

DesignX

Electrical

1) Who introduced Electrical Planning Reports?

Electrical planning reports first appeared in “Bill 22-2023: The Strata Property Amendment Act” in May, 2023. Changes came into effect on December, 2023, by regulation in Order in Council 671-23.

 

2) What is its purpose?

CleanBC sets out a road map to expand and accelerate to reach BC’s goal to be a net zero emissions province by 2050.

  • This road map aims to shift the province away from fossil fuels after 2030 by setting up rules such as all new space & water heating equipment sold, and new installs are to be at least 100% efficient.
  • This means that you won’t be able to replace a gas boiler with another gas boiler.
  • This roadmap also aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, among other things.
  • The electrical planning report guides strata managers and owners on how to navigate these upcoming changes.

 

3) Who does it apply to?

  • All strata are required to obtain an electrical planning report.
  • Those with less than 5 strata lots/units are not required to obtain an Electrical Planning Report.
  • That does not mean that you should not get one or you can’t get one.
  • It is not just residential strata that need Electrical Planning Report. This report must also be obtained by Commercial Strata, Hotels/Motels, Industrial Strata, Apartment Strata, Townhomes Strata, Bare land Strata, RV Lots, etc.

 

4) When does it have to be done?

  • It depends on the area of the province in which your strata lot is located.
  • When your strata corporation was created.
  • When you reach out to us, we will assist you in determining your specific deadline.

 

5) Who is qualified to make the report?

  • An electrical engineer or applied science technologist is typically responsible for drafting your electrical planning report.
  • However, for strata, corporations where all buildings fall under “Part-9,” a licensed electrician is also qualified to prepare it.
  • We are licensed and equipped to handle reports for all types of buildings, eliminating any issues you might face.

1) When should I start the application for BC Hydro?

We highly recommend starting your application process with BC Hydro as early as possible for electrical connections or power upgrades. For new connections, initiate the process during the Development Permit (DP) stage. This allows any necessary changes to your project design, such as architectural modifications, to be made early on, saving you time during the building permit stage.

 

2) What documents do I need to submit for a BC Hydro application?

The documents required for a BC Hydro application depend on your specific project. Typically, you will need to submit the following:

  • Land Survey
  • Land Title
  • Civil Plans
  • Architectural Plans
  • Site Plan
  • Civil Plans On and Off-Site (PDF & CAD)
  • Electrical Duct Profiles
  • Single Line Diagrams
  • Electrical Room/Closet Layouts
  • PMT Grounding Design
  • Electrical Load Calculations
  • ESI Form
  • Authorization for Design and Construction Payment Account form

Once BC Hydro receives the necessary documents, your application will be transferred from the Design Intake stage to the design Stage.

 

3) Will I need a transformer for my project site?

The need for a transformer depends on BC Hydro’s assessment. If their existing system can accommodate the new load of your project, you may not need a new PMT. However, if additional capacity is required, BC Hydro may ask you to install a PMT on-site or pay for an upgrade to the existing PMT. This determination is made during the BC Hydro design stage, and BC Hydro will inform you accordingly.

 

4) Can DesignX help with the BC Hydro application for your project?

Yes, DesignX can assist with your BC Hydro application. Our team is experienced in managing BC Hydro applications for both new connections and existing power upgrades. We will:

  1. Create an electrical design package for your project, which is to be submitted to BC Hydro. It includes items such as (Electrical duct profiles, Single line diagrams, Load calculations, PMT grounding design, electrical room/closet layouts, etc.).
  2. Help you gather all necessary information and documentation for the application.
  3. Fill up technical forms.
  4. Submit your application and track its progress.
  5. Manage any queries from BC Hydro regarding your project.
  6. Provide guidance on any modifications required by BC Hydro to ensure your project’s design meets its standards.

With our assistance, you can focus on more critical project tasks while we handle the BC Hydro application process for you. Rest assured; you can be worry-free knowing that we have it covered.

With the rise in electric vehicle (EV) ownership, the demand for high-level charging systems is increasing. Many older buildings lack the infrastructure to accommodate residents’ EVs, posing a challenge for strata organizations. As the mandate to ban sales of new fully gas-powered cars approaches in 2035, all strata organizations must be prepared for EV infrastructure. Here are steps to get started:

  1. Get an EV Assessment Report for your building:his report assesses your building’s current electrical system capacity, indicates how much can be allocated for EV charging, and identifies if an upgrade is necessary.
  2. Determine Charging Needs:Decide how many parking stalls (private, guest, and commercial) you require EV chargers for and what level of charging, typically Level 2 or DC fast charging, is needed.
  3. Engage Experts:Hire an experienced engineering company to design the EV charging network, select suitable chargers, and implement an EV management system that best meets your needs.
  4. Pricing and Approval:Obtain pricing based on the design and secure strata council approval.
  5. BC Hydro and Permits: Initiate the application with BC Hydro if needed, and have your electrical contractor secure the necessary city permits for the work.
  6. Plan Execution:Coordinate with the electrical contractor to minimize disruption to residents’ daily routines, schedule work timings, phase the project if necessary, and keep residents informed.
  7. Installation:Begin the installation process.
  8. Testing and Inspections:Test the system and pass inspections from city authorities and other relevant bodies.
  9. Resident Use:Once the system is approved and safe to use, residents can start using the EV charging system.

Can DesignX Help in your EV Planning and Execution Process?

Yes, DesignX can significantly assist in EV infrastructure planning and execution. With our extensive experience in this field, we manage the entire process, from design to product selection to project completion. This ensures a seamless and efficient implementation for your building, allowing you to transition to EV infrastructure with confidence and with ease.

HVAC

Common options for heating and cooling buildings include traditional systems like forced-air furnaces and central air conditioning, which offer reliable climate control. Modern solutions include heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling with high energy efficiency, and radiant floor heating that delivers warmth directly through the floor. Geothermal systems use the earth’s stable temperature for efficient climate regulation, while smart thermostats optimize energy use based on occupancy and preferences.

Gas-powered systems, such as gas furnaces and boiler systems, are also widely used, though their availability may be subject to local regulations. Electrical systems, including electric heat pumps and baseboard heaters, offer an alternative to gas systems. The choice of equipment often depends on city regulations, as some cities may mandate the use of electrical systems only for new projects. Each option has distinct benefits and considerations, influenced by climate, building size, energy efficiency goals, and local codes.

Heat pumps can be an excellent choice for your project, offering several advantages, such as enhanced comfort and lower heating costs. They provide consistent indoor temperatures and are highly efficient, as they move heat rather than generate it, which can reduce your energy bills. Additionally, heat pumps offer the benefit of cooling functionality in the summer, providing year-round climate control with a single system.

However, heat pumps may be less efficient in very low temperatures and can produce more noise than traditional systems. In extremely cold climates, their efficiency can drop, requiring a backup heating source like electric resistance or a dual-fuel system.

It’s also worth noting that governments sometimes offer rebates for heat pump installations, which can help offset the initial investment. Checking for available rebates in your area might make a heat pump an even more attractive option for your project.

Plumbing

When choosing a hot water system, it’s important to consider the various options and how they fit your needs. Some common types include:

  1. Conventional Storage Water Heaters: These provide a ready reservoir of hot water. They are suitable for everyday use but may run out if multiple hot water sources are used simultaneously.
  2. Tankless or Demand-Type Water Heaters: These heat water on demand without a storage tank, ensuring you never run out of hot water if properly sized, though they tend to have higher electricity or gas consumption.
  3. Heat Pump Water Heaters: These are highly efficient, moving heat from one place to another rather than generating it directly, which can lead to significant cost savings.
  4. Solar Water Heaters: Utilize solar energy to heat water, offering substantial savings on energy bills. They are most effective in sunny regions.
  5. Tankless Coil and Indirect Water Heaters: These use your home’s space heating system to heat water.

When selecting a water heater, consider the fuel type (electricity, natural gas, propane, or solar), availability, and costs. The fuel type affects not only the operation costs but also the heater’s efficiency and size. Ensure the heater is appropriately sized for your household to provide sufficient hot water and maximize energy efficiency. Remember to check if any government rebates are available for installing energy-efficient systems like heat pumps or solar heaters, as this can significantly reduce your initial investment. Additionally, if you are building a new home, consult with your energy advisor, as your energy goals may limit your options for hot water systems.

Energy efficiency is crucial for hot water systems for several reasons:

  1. Reduction in Energy Consumption: Household water heaters account for about 25% of a typical home’s energy use. By choosing an energy-efficient system, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. For example, traditional electric heaters can generate as much greenhouse gas annually as a medium-sized car, highlighting the environmental impact of less efficient systems.
  2. Environmental Benefits: More efficient water heaters produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a reduction in your household’s overall carbon footprint. This helps mitigate the environmental impact associated with energy use.

Choosing an energy-efficient hot water system not only helps you enjoy the comfort of hot showers but also aligns with environmental goals and reduces long-term energy expenses. For new construction, consult with your energy advisor before finalizing your choice.

Sprinkler

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are a critical component of a building’s safety infrastructure for several reasons:

  1. Life Safety: The primary function of fire sprinklers is to protect occupants by controlling or extinguishing fires before they spread. This helps ensure safe egress and provides occupants with more time to evacuate in the event of a fire. By suppressing the flames early, sprinklers significantly reduce the risk of injury or loss of life.
  2. Property Protection: Sprinkler systems help minimize property damage by containing fires to the area of origin. This can prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building, thereby saving valuable assets and reducing the overall damage.
  3. Compliance with Regulations: Building codes and bylaws often dictate the installation of fire sprinkler systems based on the building’s type, size, and occupancy. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial for safety and legal reasons.
  4. Reduction of Fire Department Response Time: While fire sprinklers are not a substitute for fire departments, they can significantly reduce the severity of fires by controlling them until firefighters arrive, potentially leading to a faster response and less overall damage.
  5. Insurance Benefits: The installation of automatic fire sprinklers can lead to significant cost savings for property owners. Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for buildings equipped with these systems due to the reduced risk of significant fire damage. This financial benefit not only offsets the initial investment but also provides ongoing savings, making installing fire sprinklers a sound financial choice.
  6. Integration with Fire Alarm Systems: Sprinkler systems are often integrated with electrical fire alarm systems, providing comprehensive fire protection. This integration ensures that alarms are triggered simultaneously with the activation of sprinklers, alerting occupants and emergency services promptly.

Overall, automatic fire sprinkler systems play a vital role in enhancing building safety, protecting lives, and safeguarding property. Consulting with your local building authority or fire safety expert can help determine the specific requirements for your project.