PLANNING, PROPERTY

AND DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT

Electrical Installations
A homeowner guide to the Winnipeg
Electrical By-law requirements for a
Single Family Dwelling, Detached
Garage or Shed.

October 2015
 General Information_________________________ 3
contents
Circuits and Receptacles_____________________ 5
Recreation Rooms and Additions etc.___________ 8
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms__________ 10
Garages and Sheds __________________________ 11
Electrical Service Changes____________________ 15
Specific Wiring Methods_____________________ 19

note
This booklet has been written to:
1. Provide an outline of some of the more common electrical
regulations applicable to electrical installations done by the home
owner; and
2. Provide information on the extent to which the electrical work
must be completed prior to requesting an inspection.

The applicable sections of this booklet should be reviewed prior to

commencing the project. Please note that this booklet is not intended
to cover all of the electrical regulations for wiring. For complete
electrical requirements please refer to the City of Winnipeg Electrical
By-law.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information

contained in this booklet. However, in the event of a discrepancy
between this booklet and the governing City of Winnipeg By-law,
the By-law will take precedence.

2
Work Requiring an Electrical Permit

general information
An electrical permit must be obtained from the City of Winnipeg
Planning, Property and Development Department at 31 - 30 Fort
Street, prior to the construction, alteration, repair, or extension of
any electrical installation.

Electrical Permit Applicant

An electrical permit may be issued to:
a) a person who holds an Electrical Contractor’s License from
the City of Winnipeg authorizing that person to carry out
business or trade in the City of Winnipeg; OR
b) the owner of a detached single family dwelling who is also
the occupant. The owner personally must do the work.
The permit would be issued to the owner provided the Man-
ager of Development and Inspections is confident the work
will be performed competently.

Information Required for an Electrical Permit Application

To obtain an electrical permit, the applicant must present a
wiring diagram for the proposed installation indicating the
location of receptacles, lights, switches and all other electrical
equipment to be installed. The wiring plan submitted should be
comparable to the typical wiring plans shown on pages 8 and 9.
It is not necessary to show any existing wiring that will not be
altered.

Permit Expiration
The permit will expire if active work is not commenced
within six (6) months from the date of issuance and completed
within three (3) years from the date of issuance. In addition,
the Manager of Development & Inspections may cancel any
electrical permit if, in his opinion, the privileges granted by that
permit are being misused.

Responsibility for Work Performed Under this Permit

The permit applicant assumes full responsibility for electrical
work indicated on the permit and must ensure that the work
conforms to all requirements of the Electrical By-Law.

Number of Inspections Required for Recreation Rooms,

Additions, and other Similar Applications
The wiring in areas such as recreation rooms, room additions,
and other similar installations, is normally allotted two inspections.
The first inspection is made prior to covering any of the electrical
installation with insulation or wall board.
3
 The second inspection is made on completion of the work.
general information
Where additional inspections are found to be necessary an
additional inspection fee may be levied.

First Inspection
Before calling for the first inspection, the following work is to
be completed:
1. All the wiring for lights, switches, and receptacles are to be
installed in the walls, secured to the structural members and
terminated in the outlet boxes.
2. All connections, joints, and bonding in the outlet boxes must
be completed, leaving unconnected only the conductors
required for the connection of the light, receptacle or switch
(see FIGURE 12 Typical Outlet Box Installation” on page 22).
3. At least one receptacle, light, and switch is to be connected to
the wiring.
4. The wiring and connection of the 3-way switches required for
the stairway lighting are to be completed.
5. If recessed lighting fixtures are to be installed, at least one
fixture is to be completed.
6. The conductors are to be run into the electrical panel with the
bonding (bare) conductor terminated under the bond screw and
the neutral wire connected to the neutral terminal. The wires
must not be connected to the circuit breaker or fuse until the
wiring is complete.
7. On completion of this work please call 204-986-5300 to
schedule an inspection.

Final Inspection
For the final inspection, the electrical installation is to be fully
completed in that all the light fixtures, receptacles, smoke/CO
alarms and switches are to be installed and connected to the normal
power supply. The electrical circuits in the panel must be clearly
identified on the panel directory and cover plates for receptacles,
and switches are to be installed. Please call 204-986-5300 again
when you are ready for the final inspection.

4
Electrical Installation Requirements for Finished Rooms

circuits and receptacles

See FIGURES 1 and 2 for typical electrical plans for main floors and rec-rooms.
1. A maximum of 12 outlets (lights and receptacles) may be connected to
each 15 Amp branch circuit.
2. The maximum number of conductors permitted in an outlet box is
shown in TABLE 1.

TABLE 1 - Maximum Number of Conductors Allowed in Outlet

Boxes
Maximum Number of
Box Dimensions Conductors Permitted
(inches) #14 #12 #10
Device 3 x 2 x 11/2 5 4 3
3 x 2 x 2 6 5 4
3 x 2 x 21/4 6 5 4
3 x 2 x 21/2 8 7 5
3 x 2 x 3 10 8 6
Octagonal 4 x 11/2 10 8 6
4 x 21/8 14 12 9
Notes to Table 1
1) The bare bonding conductors in cable assemblies are not counted.
2) 2 conductors must be deducted from the figure shown in the table for each switch
or receptacle that is to be installed in the outlet box.
3) One conductor must be deducted for each pair of wire connectors in the outlet box.
4) A “device” box typically contains a receptacle or switch.
EXAMPLE: A 3x2x2 in. box allows six #14 conductors. If a receptacle is to
be installed, 2 conductors must be deducted from the figure shown in the
Table (6 – 2 = 4). Note that now only 4 conductors are allowed in a 3x2x2
in. outlet box with a receptacle. Therefore, in this example, one 2-conduc-
tor cable may enter the outlet box and one 2-conductor cable may leave
the outlet box.
Receptacles (general)
1. Receptacles must be located so that no point on the wall is more than
1.8 m horizontally from a receptacle measured along the floor line.
This means that the distance between receptacles along a continuous
wall 900 mm long or more must not exceed 3.6 m. Do not count wall
space occupied by:
a) Doorways and the area occupied by doors when fully opened,
b) Windows that extend to the floor, and
c) Other permanent installations that would limit the use of the wall
space (fireplaces, clothes closets, etc.).
The above receptacles are normally installed 300-400 mm above
finished floor.
2. The receptacles required in Item 1 need not be installed in washrooms,
bathrooms, hallways, laundry rooms or closets but must be installed
in basement walls that are finished with drywall, paneling, etc. to 5
 within 450 mm of the floor.
circuits and receptacles
3. At least one receptacle, supplied by a separate branch circuit, must
be provided in each utility room and also in each unfinished
basement area.
4. Where a complete piped system for a cord-connected central
vacuum system is installed, a receptacle supplied by a separate
branch circuit must be provided.
5. One single receptacle, supplied by a separate branch circuit, must be
provided for a sump pump.
6. All 15 and 20 Amp receptacles must be the tamper-resistant type
unless they are dedicated for stationary appliances and rendered
inaccessible or located more than 2 m above the floor.
7. All 15 and 20 Amp receptacle circuits must be protected by a
combination arc fault circuit interrupter with the exception of
branch circuits supplying receptacles in bathrooms & washrooms, a
refrigerator, or kitchen counters and branch circuits provided solely
for:
a) Single receptacles for sump pumps, microwave ovens*, wash-
ing machines*, freezers*, gas ranges, central vacuum systems*,
HRV’s* and overhead garage door openers*
b) Receptacles in detached garages or other out-buildings*
c) Outdoor receptacles*
*Items marked with an asterisk are exempted from requiring AFCI
protection until August 1, 2016 at which time they will be re-reviewed.

Lighting (general)
1. A switch controlling a lighting fixture or a receptacle must be
installed for every room. If only one half of a duplex receptacle
is switched, it will also qualify as one of the receptacles required in
Receptacles Item 1.
2. The maximum rating of circuit breaker or fuse permitted for any
circuit supplying light fixtures is 15 Amps.
3. Every stairway must be lighted. A light fixture which illuminates a
stair having 4 or more risers must be controlled by 3-way switches
at the top and bottom of the stairs. If the basement is not finished,
the light fixture is permitted to be controlled by a single switch
located at the head of the stairs and provisions for 3-way switching
must be installed.

Bathrooms & Washrooms

1. A receptacle must be installed within 1 m of each wash basin
located in a bathroom or washroom.
2. Receptacles and switches installed in bathrooms must be located at
6 least 1 m from a bathtub or shower stall.
3. Receptacles installed within 1.5 m of a wash basin, bathtub or

circuits and receptacles

shower stall must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI).
4. If there is no central exhaust or HRV, bathrooms & washrooms must
have an electrically wired mechanical exhaust fan venting directly
to the outdoors.
5. Electrical equipment associated with “jetted” (ie: hydromassage)
bathtubs must be protected with a GFCI.

Kitchens
1. Kitchen counter receptacles must be located on the wall behind the
counter work surface so that no point along the wall is more than
900 mm from a receptacle. This generally requires that receptacles
be spaced 1.8 m apart.
2. Sinks, built-in equipment and isolated work surfaces less than
300 mm long at the wall, need not be included when calculating the
spacing of counter receptacles.
3. At least one receptacle must be provided at each permanently fixed
island counter and on each peninsular counter space that is 300
mm x 600 mm or larger. An island counter is considered to be
permanently fixed unless it is mounted on wheels.
4. Kitchen counter receptacles must be either 15 Amp split type as
illustrated in Figure 20 on page 26, or 20 Amp T-slot.
5. A receptacle, supplied by a separate branch circuit, must be installed
for a refrigerator. An outlet for a recessed clock may also be
connected to this circuit.
6. Receptacles installed within 1.5 m of sinks must be protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

Outdoor/Garage Receptacles
1. All receptacles located outdoors and within 2.5 m of ground or
grade level must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) of the Class A type.
2. At least one receptacle, supplied by a separate branch circuit, must
be provided outdoors for the use of electric appliances.
3. At least one receptacle, supplied by a separate branch circuit, must
be provided for each driveway.
4. At least one light fixture must be provided in a garage.
5. At least one receptacle must be provided for each car space in a
garage or carport. At least one separate branch circuit must be
provided for the receptacle(s) except that the garage/carport lighting
and garage door opener(s) may also be connected to this circuit.

7
recreation rooms & additions, etc. SYMBOL LEGEND (for Figures 1 and 2)
Lighting Outlet 15A split receptacle or 20A T-slot 120V Smoke Alarm
A
$ Single Pole Switch Single receptacle F Exhaust Fan
$3 3-Way Switch Dryer Receptacle Three Conductor

Duplex Receptacle Range Receptacle Two Conductor

FIGURE 1 - Wiring Plan For Typical Main Floor

Living Area

PERMANENT
1.8 m FIREPLACE 3.6 m MAX
1.8 m MAX
MAX AFCI
AFCI

RECEPTACLE
NOT REQ’D. DINING ROOM
1.8 m
MAX

AFCI

1.8 m MAX
AFCI
3.6 m MAX 1.8 m MAX

RECEPTACLE LIVING ROOM

NOT REQ’D. AT 1.8 m
WINDOW THAT max
EXTENDS TO THE AFCI GFCI GFCI
FLOOR
GFCI
AFCI FRIDGE

900 mm
max
1.8 m MAX

ISLAND

See
STOVE Note 1
RECEPTACLE
NOT REQ’D.
GFCI

IF LESS THAN
900 mm KITCHEN
See Note 2
3

and Note 3
3 m
N.
MI

TABLE
1.8 m AFCI 1.8 m
MAX MAX
AFCI
3

1.8 m MAX 1.8 m MAX

A
CLOSET
M

1m 1m
IN
.1

MAX GFCI MAX

m
1.8 m
MAX

MAX 4.5 m
HALLWAY

BEDROOM BATHROOM
See
Note 1
AFCI

See A
Note 2 AFCI

Note 1: Receptacles within 1.5 m of sinks must be GFCI protected.

Note 2: All smoke/CO alarms to be interconnected with each other
Note 3: If combination smoke/CO alarm is installed, it must be
8 withing 5 m of each bedroom door.
 recreation rooms & additions, etc.
FIGURE 2 - W iring Plan for Typical R­ec-Room

1.8 m MAX 3.6 m MAX

GFCI AFCI
SHOWER
CLOSET
See AFCI
F Note 1

1.8 m
MAX
BATHROOM STUDY
AFCI

3.6 m MAX
1.8 m
MAX
FURNACE
SUMP AFCI
FREEZER PIT
WASHER LAUNDRY
ROOM
HWT
4.5 m MAX

DRYER Note 1 AFCI

AFCI AFCI
1.8 m MAX 3.6 m MAX
SINK

1.8 m 3 DN
1.8 m MAX MAX AFCI
AFCI

Landing
3.6 m MAX

Top
Note 2
A

3
AFCI

AFCI
1.8 m MAX

3.6 m MAX

RECREATION ROOM
PEFIR
RMEP
ANLAC

1.8 m MAX AFCI 3.6 m MAX AFCI

EN E
T

Note 1: Receptacles within 1.5 m of sinks must be GFCI protected.

Note 2: All smoke/CO alarms to be interconnected with each other.

9
smoke and carbon monoxide alarms Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm detects smoke from a fire and warns the
occupants with an audible alarm.
Smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, “Smoke
Alarms” must be installed in each dwelling.
They must be installed on or near the ceiling. Sufficient
smoke alarms must be installed so that there is at least one
smoke alarm:
1. On each storey, including basements, and
2. Inside each sleeping room, and
3. In a location between sleeping rooms and the exit
but where there is a hallway that serves the sleeping
rooms, it should be installed there.
Smoke alarms shall not be located less than 1 m from the
centre of doorways to bathrooms or laundry rooms and not less
than 3 m from a fixed cooking appliance.
Installers should refer to the manufacturer’s installation
guidelines included with the smoke alarm.
Smoke alarms with battery backup must be permanently
connected to a 120V electric lighting circuit and must have no
disconnect switch between the overcurrent device (breaker or
fuse) and the smoke alarm. The circuit must not be protected by
a ground fault or an arc-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI or AFCI).
All smoke alarms must be wired so that the activation of
one alarm will cause all alarms within the dwelling to sound.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Where a dwelling contains a fuel burning appliance (eg.:
furnace, fireplace, wood stove, gas appliance, etc.) or has
an attached garage, a carbon monoxide alarm is required to
be installed so that each bedroom is protected by a carbon
monoxide alarm either inside the bedroom or, if outside, within
5 m of the bedroom door, measured following corridors and
doorways.
Carbon monoxide alarms that are supplied by a 120V circuit
must have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device
(breaker or fuse) and the carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be interconnected to the
smoke alarms.

10
 Detached Garages and Carports

garages & sheds

A light fixture must be provided for a garage and at least one
duplex receptacle, supplied by a separate 15 amp branch circuit,
must be provided for each car space in a garage. Garage light
fixtures and a garage door opener may also be connected to this
circuit. Also, at least one duplex receptacle, supplied by a sepa-
rate 15 amp branch circuit, must be provided for each driveway.
All conductors run between the house and any outbuildings
such as detached garages, must be run underground.
Panelboard in a Garage
A panelboard is not required in a garage however, if one is to
be installed, the ampacities (current rating) of the larger conduc-
tor sizes that may be required to supply this panelboard are listed
in TABLE 2.
Panelboards in garages must be surface mounted with 6 mil
poly vapour barrier installed behind it.
Concern for Overhead Power Supply Conductors
If you plan to build a garage, carport or storage shed beneath
overhead power supply conductors, you must first contact the
Hydro utility to ensure that 1 m clearance can be maintained
between the building roof and the overhead conductors.
Contact your local Manitoba Hydro District Operating Centre
at the phone number listed on your Manitoba Hydro bill.

TABLE 2 - Typical Copper Conductor Ampacities &

Over-Current Protection
NMWU Conductor Type NMD-90 Conductor Type
For direct earth burial. For indoor use only.
Ampacity Circuit Breaker Ampacity Circuit Breaker
Wire Size (60°C) or Fuse Wire Size (75°C) or Fuse

#14 AWG 15 Amp 15 Amp #14 AWG 20 Amp 15 Amp
#12 AWG 20 Amp 20 Amp #12 AWG 25 Amp 20 Amp
#10 AWG 30 Amp 30 Amp #10 AWG 35 Amp 30 Amp
# 8 AWG 40 Amp 40 Amp # 8 AWG 50 Amp 40 Amp
# 4 AWG 70 Amp 60 Amp # 6 AWG 65 Amp 60 Amp
# 1 AWG 110 Amp 100 Amp # 3 AWG 100 Amp 100 Amp
# 1/0 AWG 125 Amp 125 Amp

Note to TABLE 2: The ampacities shown in the table above are based on
NMWU and NMD-90 conductor types. For ampacities of other types of conduc-
tors, reference should be made to the City of Winnipeg Electrical By-law.
11
 Outdoor Receptacles
garages & sheds
Receptacles located outdoors must be protected with an
approved ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) of the class A
type and must have weather proof or wet location coverplates.

Readiness for Inspection

Underground wiring: For wiring to buildings, such as
detached garages and sheds, the underground conductors
between the house and the garage or shed must be installed
in the trench. If mechanical protection is used it must be in
position. The trench may be backfilled in the centre, provided
the ends of the trench are left open for inspection purposes.
Interior wiring: Before the walls or ceiling of the garage or
shed are insulated or covered with wallboard or other material,
an inspection of the rough wiring is required. (The tele­
phone number for inspection scheduling is indicated on your
electrical permit.)

Minimum Installation Depths for Underground Conductors

The required minimum installation depths for underground
wiring are listed in TABLE 3. For a typical underground wiring
plan please see FIGURE 3.

Shared Trench
The trench for direct buried power conductors can be used
for other conductors or services but, a minimum horizontal sepa-
ration of not less than 300 mm must be provided as follows:
a) between the direct buried power conductors and any gas line,
water line or sewer line, and
b) between the direct buried power conductors and any Cable
TV or communication cable not having a metal sheath.

12
 garages & sheds
TABLE 3 - Minimum Installation Depth for Underground
Wiring

Minimum Depth Minimum Depth

Non-vehicular Areas Vehicular Areas

No With No With
Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical Mechanical
Wiring Method Protection Protection(1) Protection Protection(1)
Conductors or
cable NOT 600 mm 450 mm 900 mm 750 mm
having a metal
sheath or armour.
e.g. NMWU
Conductor or
cables having 450 mm 300 mm 600 mm 450 mm
a metal sheath
or armour.
e.g. TECK 90
Raceway(2) 450 mm 300 mm(3) 600 mm 450 mm(3)
e.g. Rigid metal
conduit or Rigid
PVC conduit

Notes to TABLE 3:
1) Mechanical protection must consist of one of the following:
a) planking e.g. 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s with a wood preservative other than
creosote; or
b) polyethylene pipe.
2) Conductors or cables installed in underground conduits must be
approved for wet locations, e.g. TW, RW, NMW, OR NMWU.
3) Raceways installed at a depth of 300 mm in non-vehicular areas and
at 450 mm in vehicular areas must have mechanical protection such as
treated planking described in note 1 above.

NOTICE:
Precautions should be taken to avoid gas service lines from being
enclosed in or under buildings as per CSA Z184 Gas Pipelines
Systems Standards. Additionally, care should be taken when
excavating to avoid disturbing other underground service lines
including telephone cables and electrical power cables.

Before proceeding with construction or any underground

excavation, please contact:
• Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376 for gas and hydro lines,
• MTS at 1-800-837-6448 for telephone lines, and
• Shaw Cable at 1-866-344-7429,
13
garages & sheds
FIGURE 3 - Wiring Plan For Underground Cable to
Detached Garage or Shed

Outside Outside
wall of wall of
house garage

LB fitting Note: If necessary the

conduit sleeve may be
Extend conduit run on the outside of
sleeve to the garage wall instead
bottom of of through the concrete Conduit
trench slab. sleeve

Refer to TABLE 3 for minimum

depth requirements Concrete
slab
Mechanical protection
(treated planking)

Loop

Note to FIGURE 3:
This is a diagram of an acceptable installation of NMWU underground cable
between the house and a detached garage or shed. Note that the cable,
when installed at a depth of 450 mm, must be protected in the ground by
planking at least 50 mm nominal thickness which is treated with a wood
preservative other than creosote. As an alternative, the conductors may
be protected by running it in a length of polyethylene water pipe from the
house to the garage. Where the conductors emerge from the trench, they
must be protected against mechanical damage by a piece of rigid metal
conduit or rigid PVC conduit. The cable loops at each end of the trench
are to prevent damage from ground movement. These loops should be
installed whenever a cable emerges from a conduit into direct contact
with the earth.

14
Service Change

electrical service changes

Before proceeding with any electrical service change, it is
imperative that you check with Manitoba Hydro, to confirm
the acceptability of your proposed meter location and to ensure
that they will bring their conductors to the point where you
wish to locate your service conduit. Having determined the
“Service Point”, the installation of the service must comply
with the applicable requirements of the Winnipeg Electrical
By-law.
Manitoba Hydro will normally limit metering installations
to one meter of the same voltage and service characteristic per
residential customer/tenant area.

Arranging for Electrical Power Disconnect, Inspections and

Power Reconnect for a Service Change
Prior to commencing any work, contact Manitoba Hydro to
arrange to have the electrical power disconnected. It should,
however, be noted that they will not reconnect the new service
until it has been inspected by the City of Winnipeg electrical
inspector. Therefore, it is imperative that you schedule an
inspection for the time you expect to be finished. An electrical
service inspection can be pre-arranged by calling 204-986-
5300 between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Service Inspection
To be ready for an electrical service inspection, the following
work must be completed:
1. The service conduit must be completed, secured, and
adequately braced.
2. All service conductors must be installed and properly
terminated.
3. The ground conductor must ground all of the service
entrance equipment, the neutral bar in the service and the
service conduit (if metal), and continue to the street side of
the water meter or other acceptable grounding electrode.
4. At least one branch circuit from the old service must be
connected to the new panel so the inspector can determine
if this is being done in a proper manner.

15
 Minimum Electrical Installation Requirements for Electrical Service
electrical service changes
Changes and/or New Installations
1. The typical requirements for an overhead or underground residen-
tial service are:
a) 100 amps:
Copper: 27 mm (1”) EMT or PVC conduit containing:
– two #3 R90 copper conductors; and
– one #6 bare copper neutral
Aluminum: 27 mm (1”) EMT or 35 mm (1-1/4”) PVC conduit
containing:
– two #1 R90 aluminum conductors; and
– one #6 bare copper neutral
b) 200 amps:
Copper: 35 mm (1-1/4”) EMT or 41 mm (1-1/2”) PVC conduit
containing:
– two #3/0 R90 copper conductors; and
– one #4 bare copper neutral
Aluminum: 53 mm (2”) EMT or PVC conduit containing:
– two #250 kcmil R90 aluminum conductors; and
– one #4 bare copper neutral
2. Both 100A and 200A residential services require one
#6 copper grounding conductor connected to a suitable grounding
electrode, i.e. the street side of the water meter.
3. The service head height must not be less than 3.5 m nor more than
9 m above grade.
4. The meter base must be located not less than 1200 mm nor more
than 1800 mm to centre above finished grade or deck. See FIG-
URE 5.
NOTE:
1) The service conduit must not enter the top of the service box unless
drained outdoors.
2) Where the service conduit enters the building, the LB fitting must
be filled with a compound that does not absorb moisture to prevent
condensation.
3) To meet the minimum height requirements, a service mast may be
required on single storey buildings.
4) See FIGURES 4 & 5 for typical service mast and meter installation
methods.

16
 electrical service changes
FIGURE 4 - Typical Service Mast Installation

150 mm MIN. 150 mm MIN.

300 mm MAX. 300 mm MAX.

MAST
63 mm MAST
MINIMUM 63 mm
MINIMUM

1500 mm MAX. 1500 mm MAX.

(SEE NOTE) (SEE NOTE)
GUY AS GUY AS
REQUIRED 900 mm REQUIRED 900 mm
(SEE NOTE) MIN. (SEE NOTE) MIN.

900 mm
MIN.
SEE DETAIL 1 INSTALL
PLATE AND 900 mm
MIN.
CLAMP HERE,
AS REQUIRED
SEE DETAIL 2

TO METER TO METER
OR SERVICE OR SERVICE

38 X 89 mm BETWEEN STUDS STUDS

LAG
BOLTS

DETAIL 1 DETAIL 2 STEEL PLATE

6 X 50 mm
LENGTH TO SUIT

NEW DWELLING EXISTING DWELLING

Note: Maximum unguyed projection above top clamp not to

exceed 1.5 m where required.

17
electrical service changes
FIGURE 5 - Typical Service Meter Installation

SERVICE PANEL
(INSIDE DWELLING)

METER METER
SOCKET 1200 mm to 1800 mm SOCKET
above grade or deck
(as per utlity)
SERVICE PANEL
(INSIDE DWELLING)

SERVICE PANEL LOCATED SERVICE PANEL LOCATED

ABOVE METER BELOW METER

18
 specific wiring methods
NOTE: The following information is provided to assist
you in avoiding some of the more common errors which
are made in interior wiring. Please recognize that this
information is not intended to cover all of the applicable
electrical regulations of the City. More detail regarding
these regulations may be determined by referencing the City
of Winnipeg Electrical By-law.

Installation of Wiring in Structural Members such as Studs

in a Wall
Cable running through stud members must be kept at
least 32 mm from any face of the stud which can be nailed
upon. If this distance cannot be maintained, an approved
protection plate or cylindrical bushing is required in the area
where the wiring passes through the stud (See FIGURE 6).

FIGURE 6 - Cable Protection in Stud Walls

32 mm
MIN.

32 mm
MIN.

Provide at least 32 mm Use approved metal plate

or or Use approved cylindrical
distance from each face. for cable protection. bushing for cable
protection.

Cable Support
The cable must be secured within 300 mm of the outlet
box and approximately every 1.5 m throughout the run (See
FIGURE 7).
19
specific wiring methods
FIGURE 7 - Cable Support in Stud Walls

Drive staples
as shown,
1.5 m

within Suggested
300 mm of mounting height
connector in of outlet box is
box 300 - 400 mm or
greater

Requirements for Installing Outlet Boxes

Mounting nails or screws can pass through or project into
the interior of an outlet box only if the nails or screws are
located within 6.4 mm of the back or ends of the box. In
addition, the nails or screws must not interfere with conductors
or connectors (see FIGURE 12).
Openings placed through vapour barriers for the installation
of outlet boxes must be effectively sealed to maintain the
integrity of the vapour barrier. This can be done through the
use of an approved poly/vapour outlet box or with an ordinary
outlet box as shown in the following section.

Recommended Practice for Installing the Vapour Barrier

behind Outlet Boxes on Exterior Walls
For a proper installation of outlet boxes with vapour barrier
protection, the following steps should be followed.
STEP 1: Cut a 600 x 600 mm piece of 6 mil poly film and
place against framing prior to attaching the outlet box as
shown in FIGURE 8.
STEP 2: Attach the outlet box over the centre of the poly film
square allowing approximately 200 mm of film to extend past
the front of the framing.
20 STEP 3: Puncture the film below the box and install the electrical
 wire through the film and into the box.

specific wiring methods

STEP 4: Seal the puncture by taping the film to the wire (FIGURE 9).
STEP 5: Tuck the poly film into the box. This will completely
enclose the box in a poly film bag (FIGURE 10).
STEP 6: Apply poly film vapour barrier on the warm side of the
entire insulated area which will cover the outlet boxes.
STEP 7: Make a small hole in the covering vapour barrier
opposite the box and pull the poly film out of the box through
the hole, leaving the front of the box accessible for installation
of fittings, etc. Fold the film away from the box, on top of the
vapour barrier, and tape in place (FIGURE 11). If a lap of at
least 140 mm is not achieved on all sides, a vapour barrier tape
should be used to seal the joint.
STEP 8: Install inside wall finish.
CAUTION! This method is not recommended
where high temperature or ventilated, recessed
fixtures are to be used.

OUTLET BOX VAPOUR BARRIER INSTALLATION

FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9

Tape poly film to

electrical wire

FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11
Tape

Insula-
Poly film
tion
behind
box
Poly film
tucked in Poly film taped
box to electrical Vapour
wire Barrier

21
 FIGURE 12 - Typical Outlet Box Installation
specific wiring methods

Minimum 150 mm of
Outlet box secured conductor inside the
with screws or nails box for device con-
nection (typical)
Black conductor

Bonding (bare) White conductor

conductor

NMD - 90 Staple within

300 mm of
outlet box

Requirements for Connecting Light Fixtures and Switches

For fixtures with screw terminals, the black or “hot” wire
must be terminated under the brass coloured screw terminal and
the white or neutral conductor must be terminated under the
nickel plated screw terminal. For light fixtures in general, you
must ensure that the white conductor is connected to the fixture
screw shell (see FIGURES 13, and 14).
Controlling a Light from Two Different Locations (eg. Top and
Bottom of Stairs)
For this type of lighting control, it is necessary to install
“three-way” switches (See FIGURE 15). These switches are
easily identified by their three terminal screws. Note that in
FIGURE 15, the screw terminal on each three-way switch, to
which the black wire is connected, will have a different colour
than the other two screw terminals.
Installation Procedure for Recessed Light Fixtures
Recessed fixtures must NOT be installed in an insulated
ceiling unless specifically approved and marked for such use.
In addition, recessed fixtures marked as suitable for installation
on a non-combustible surface may only be installed on non-
combustible surfaces.
Refer to manufacturer’s installation recommendations
for minimum clearances to thermal insulation and combustible
materials.
22
 specific wiring methods
FIGURE 13 - Light Switch Control Method.
(120 V supply to light first)
120 Volt supply
(2 Conductor
cable)

Bonding
White conductor (bare)
conductor

Black conductor

Light being
controlled

FIGURE 14 - Light Switch Control Method.

(120 V supply to switch first)
Bonding (bare) conductor

White
conductor
Black
conductor

120 Volt supply

Light being (2 Conductor
controlled cable)

FIGURE 15 - “Three Way” Switch Wiring

120 volt supply 2 conductor cable
(2 conductor
Bonding
(Bare)
Black conductor conductor
Black conductor
White
conductor
White
Bonding conductor
(Bare)
conductor Red
conductor
Red conductor
Light being
controlled
3 conductor cable

Wiring Diagram
Three-way switch Three-way switch
Black Wire
Black Wire Black Wire

Red Wire

Light being
controlled

White Wire White Wire

23
 Recessed fixtures may also be required to be installed with
specific wiring methods
approved vapour barriers. For insulated ceilings in new construc-
tion, vapour barrier boxes must be supported on all 4 sides.
Recessed fixtures normally come in 2 different types:
The first type is the pre-wired fixture which comes complete
with the flexible cable from the fixture to a junction box
mounted on the side of the fixture frame. This type of fixture
is the most convenient fixture to use as it only requires the
branch circuit conductors to be brought into and terminated in
the side mounted junction box (See FIGURE 16).
The second type of recessed fixture is much less
expensive yet requires more work by the installer. The fixture
will come with high temperature conductors. These conductors
must not be cut off but run through a flexible metal conduit
(450 mm - 2 m in length) in their entirety and terminated in a
junction box located not less than 300 mm from the lighting
fixture. This junction box must be accessible for maintenance.
If access is through the opening for mounting the fixture, then
the opening must not be less than a circle of 180 cm2, with
no dimension less than 15 cm, and the outlet box must be
mounted within 350 mm of the opening. For fixtures having
lesser dimensions than that listed here, the junction box must
be made accessible through a ceiling opening not less than a
square or rectangle of 400 cm2, with no dimension less than 20
cm (see FIGURES 17 and 18).

FIGURE 16 - Pre-Wired Fixture

FLEXIBLE CABLE

JUNCTION BOX

POT LIGHT

NMD-90 ENTRANCE

24
 specific wiring methods
FIGURE 17 - Recessed Square Fixture

450 mm to 2 m of flexible metal conduit

300 mm min. junction

to fixture
box
350 mm max.
to access
opening

Ceiling

FIGURE 18 - Potlight Fixture

450 mm to 2 m of
flexible metal conduit

Minimum 300 mm
to fixture

Branch circuit wiring nmd-90

Note: Flexible metal conduit should not be confused with armoured cable (BX).
Armoured cable is not acceptable for wiring between the fixture and the junc-
tion box.

25
 Connecting Duplex Receptacles
specific wiring methods
When connecting duplex receptacles please note that all
receptacles are polarized (see FIGURE 19). That is, the black
or “hot wire” must be connected to the brass coloured screw
terminal. The white or neutral conductor must be connected to
the nickel plated screw terminal. The bonding conductor for
the circuit must terminate under the bonding screw in the outlet
box and then must be carried out and be terminated under the
green bonding screw on the receptacle.
Where existing receptacles in dwellings do not have a
bonding means, a bonding conductor must be provided or the
circuit must be protected by a GFCI.

Split Receptacles
A split receptacle is a duplex receptacle which is supplied
by a multi-wire branch circuit (See FIGURE 20). Split
receptacles are typically installed along the wall of kitchen
counter work surfaces, island counters, and peninsular counters
where ground fault protection is not required (ie. not within
1.5 m of sinks).
For a kitchen counter, not more than two split receptacles
may be connected to a multi-(three) wire circuit.

FIGURE 19 - Duplex Receptacle Connections

Connect white conductor Connect black

(neutral) to nickel plated conductor (“hot”) to
screw brass coloured screw

Connect bare bonding

conductor to green Also note the difference on the
coloured screw terminal face of the receptacle. The
neutral side has a larger slot than
the “hot” side of the receptacle.

26
 specific wiring methods
FIGURE 20 - Split Receptacle Wiring Diagram
Supply
WBR
Neutral
240 V
Receptacle
Grounding bonding
120 V terminal terminal
(green) Yoke
120 V Outlet
box
bonding Brass coloured
screw break-out plate
Remove link
120/240 volt
panel *

White

Neutral bar

Red
* 15 amp 2-pole breaker (shown)
tie bar, or fuse pullout
Black

240 Volt Electric Baseboard Heaters

TABLE 4 illustrates the maximum permitted electric heat-
ing load that may be connected to a single 240 volt circuit.

TABLE 4 - Maximum Permitted 240 Volt Electric

Baseboard Heating Load

Maximum Connected Minimum Wire Size

Heating Load, NMD-90 Copper Fuse or
not more than: Cable Breaker Size

2,880 Watts #14 AWG 15 Amp, 2 pole

3,840 Watts #14 AWG 20 Amp, 2 pole
4,800 Watts #14 AWG 25 Amp, 2 pole
5,760 Watts #12 AWG 30 Amp, 2 pole

27
 Fuses and Breakers Supplying 240 Volt Electric Heat
specific wiring methods
The maximum rating permitted for a fuse or breaker is
30 Amps. Where a breaker is used it must be of the two pole
type. The use of two single pole breakers with interlocked
handles is not permitted in this case. Where fuses are used,
they must be contained in a “dead front fused pull-out”. This
device consists of a removable block which holds both fuses
of the 240 Volt circuit.
Thermostats
Thermostats must be installed to control the baseboard
heater(s) in each heated area or room. Thermostats may
either be wall mounted or built into the baseboard heater.
Thermostats located in bathrooms must be at least 1 m from
a tub or shower. Thermostats can be located not less than 0.5
m from a tub or shower but must be GFCI protected.

FIGURE 21 - Typical 240 Volt Electric Heating

Wiring Diagrams
30 Amp
2 pole breaker

THERMOSTAT

T T T

#12/2 NMD-90 Copper

Bedroom Living Room Bathroom
1500 Watts 3000 Watts 1000 Watts

Diagram 1

15 Amp
2 pole breaker

THERMOSTAT

T T T

#14/2 NMD-90 Copper

Bedroom Hallway Kitchen
1000 Watts 500 Watts 750 Watts

Diagram 2

EXAMPLE: In diagram 1 of FIGURE 21, the connected heating load is

5,500 Watts. Referring to TABLE 4, a 30 Amp, 2 pole breaker and #12 AWG
conductors would be required. In diagram 2 of FIGURE 21, the load is
2,250 Watts therefore, the minimum wire size is #14 AWG connected to a 15
Amp, 2 pole breaker.

Note to FIGURE 21: Diagrams 1 and 2 above are examples only and should
28 not be used to determine heating requirements for any particular room.
 The circuit supplying electric baseboard heating must not be

specific wiring methods

used for any other purpose. This guide does not cover the installation
of other types of electric heat such as electric furnaces, radiant heat
panels, etc.
Location/Relocation of a Furnace Switch
The furnace switch must be labelled to indicate the equipment
it controls. The furnace switch must be located in such a place so
that a person does not have to pass the furnace to gain access to the
switch, as indicated in FIGURE 22.
Electric furnaces must be provided with a single disconnect
which opens all ungrounded conductors simultaneously, to be located
within sight of and within 9 m of the central unit and controller, or a
closet or alcove containing the central unit and controller.
The disconnect switch for a gas furnace must be within sight
of the furnace and readily accessible.
Note that the above switch location requirements must be main-
tained; existing compliant installations must not be compromised by
building renovations. JOIST

FIGURE 22 - Furnace Switch Location

LABELLED
JOIST FURNACE
SWITCH

ARMOURED
CABLE
LABELLED
PANEL FURNACE FURNACE
SWITCH

ARMOURED
CABLE

PANEL FURNACE

Furnace switch should be located between the furnace and the stairway

PANEL

FURNACE
PANEL

FURNACE

29
Where the panel board is located between the stairway and furnace, the furnace
circuit breaker or fuse can serve as the furnace disconnect
30
notes
 In-Person Customer Service Hours are:
Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm - All
Zoning and Permits services are available at
Unit 31 – 30 Fort Street.

Mondays 8:30 am to 4:30 pm are reserved for

telephone inquiries and completed application
drop-offs. This enables Zoning and Permits
staff to process building and development
applications received throughout the week.

CUSTOMER
PARKING

g
Parkin ce
n
Entra

* Register your license plate number at

the reception desk.

31
For more information on this booklet call or write:

Zoning and Permits Branch

PH: 204-986-5140
FAX: 204-986-6347

Housing Inspections Branch

PH: 204-986-5300
FAX: 204-942-2008

or

City of Winnipeg
Planning, Property and Development Department
31 - 30 Fort Street
WINNIPEG, Manitoba
R3C 4X7

www.winnipeg.ca/ppd