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CSA C22.2 No. 152-M1984 (2016): Grounding and Bonding of Electrical Equipment
Comprehensive Requirements for Safe Electrical Installations in Canada
Scope and Application
CSA C22.2 No. 152-M1984 (2016), titled Grounding and Bonding of Electrical Equipment, sets forth the minimum requirements for the bonding and grounding of electrical equipment to ensure safety from electrical shock and fire. It is part of the Canadian Electrical Code Part II series (C22.2) and is intended for use with CSA C22.1, the Canadian Electrical Code Part I.
The standard covers all electrical equipment that requires bonding or grounding for safety, including but not limited to switchboards, panelboards, motor controllers, transformers, and utilization equipment. It specifies requirements for bonding conductors, grounding electrode conductors, bonding jumpers, and the connection means used to establish an effective ground-fault current path. The standard applies to equipment rated up to 750 V, unless otherwise specified.
Originally published in 1984, CSA C22.2 No. 152 was reaffirmed in 2016 without significant technical changes, confirming that the requirements remain current with industry practice. Equipment certified to this standard must meet the bonding and grounding provisions as part of product listing.
Technical Requirements
Conductor Materials and Sizing
The standard permits the use of copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum for bonding conductors. The minimum permissible sizes are based on the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the circuit. Table 1 provides the minimum copper conductor sizes for typical overcurrent ratings, as required by the standard.
| Overcurrent Device Rating (A) | Minimum Copper Conductor Size (AWG) | Minimum Cross-Sectional Area (mm²) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 14 | 2.5 |
| 20 | 12 | 4.0 |
| 30 | 10 | 6.0 |
| 60 | 8 | 10.0 |
| 100 | 6 | 16.0 |
| 200 | 4 | 25.0 |
| 400 | 2 | 35.0 |
For aluminum conductors, the sizes are typically one AWG size larger than copper for the same overcurrent rating to compensate for increased resistivity. All bonding conductors must have insulation rated for the system voltage and suitable for the environment.
Connection Methods
The standard requires that bonding connections be made using listed pressure connectors, exothermic welds, or other approved methods. Mechanical connectors must be of the self-tightening type or installed with due regard to thermal expansion and contraction. Connections must be protected against corrosion; in damp or corrosive locations, bonding compounds or protective coatings are necessary.
Continuity and Impedance
Bonding paths must have sufficiently low impedance to allow the overcurrent device to operate under fault conditions. The standard specifies that the resistance of bonding conductors should not exceed 0.1 Ω for most installations. Table 2 lists maximum permissible resistance values based on the fault current rating.
| Fault Current Rating (kA) | Maximum Bonding Path Resistance (Ω) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 0.1 |
| 10 | 0.05 |
| 22 | 0.025 |
| 42 | 0.012 |
Continuity testing must be performed using a low-resistance ohmmeter capable of measuring milliohms. All joints and connections must be verified to meet the requirements.
Implementation Highlights
Implementing CSA C22.2 No. 152-M1984 (2016) requires careful integration with the Canadian Electrical Code Part I. Engineers and installers should ensure that the bonding conductor sizes are selected in accordance with the overcurrent device and that all metal enclosures are bonded together to maintain equipotential.
The standard emphasizes the following good practices:
- Use only CSA-certified bonding components to ensure traceability and compliance.
- Apply anti-oxidation compounds when connecting aluminum conductors to copper or steel.
- Torque connections to the manufacturer’s specified value to prevent loosening from thermal cycling.
- Bond all service equipment, metal raceways, and cable trays to the grounding electrode system.
Tip: When bonding multiple enclosures, install a bonding jumper sized per the largest overcurrent device in the group to ensure adequate fault current capacity.
Caution: In empty raceways or where expansion is expected, use bonding jumpers with a flexible strand to maintain continuity across joints.
Compliance Notes
Compliance with CSA C22.2 No. 152-M1984 (2016) is mandatory in all Canadian jurisdictions adopting the Canadian Electrical Code. The standard is used in product certification where equipment must be shown to meet bonding and grounding requirements. Equipment bearing the CSA mark has been verified by an accredited third party.
Authorities having jurisdiction may require field verification of bonding continuity during inspections. Records of test results should be maintained as part of the electrical installation documentation. Reaffirmation in 2016 confirms the standard’s continued applicability; however, users should monitor for newer editions.
Compliance Benefit: Following this standard reduces the risk of electrical accidents, minimizes downtime due to ground faults, and ensures those affected are using the latest safety practices.
Warning: Non-compliance can result in failure to clear ground faults, leading to arc flash hazards, equipment damage, and potential electrocution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between bonding and grounding as defined in this standard?
A: Bonding refers to the connection of metal parts to establish electrical continuity and a low-impedance fault current path, while grounding is the connection to the earth. The standard covers both aspects to ensure overall safety.
A: Bonding refers to the connection of metal parts to establish electrical continuity and a low-impedance fault current path, while grounding is the connection to the earth. The standard covers both aspects to ensure overall safety.
Q: Does this standard apply to equipment installed in hazardous locations?
A: Yes, but additional requirements may be found in CSA C22.2 No. 130 or other standards specific to hazardous locations. The bonding requirements of No. 152 are a minimum baseline.
A: Yes, but additional requirements may be found in CSA C22.2 No. 130 or other standards specific to hazardous locations. The bonding requirements of No. 152 are a minimum baseline.
Q: Can existing installations use the 2016 reaffirmation for retrofits?
A: Yes, the 2016 version is the current edition as of this writing. However, always verify local adoption dates, as some provinces may have amendments.
A: Yes, the 2016 version is the current edition as of this writing. However, always verify local adoption dates, as some provinces may have amendments.
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