The alteration of electrical power systems and motors in commercial buildings is not very common. However, during the alteration process, the opportunity to make energy-efficiency improvements is often not well leveraged. If taken, this opportunity could significantly reduce the energy use of the buildings.

There are good opportunities to upgrade the electrical power systems and motors to the current minimum requirements of the Code, in terms of low voltage drops in the replacement of electrical feeders to acceptable levels, replacing old inefficient motors and building transformers with more efficient ones.

Not upgrading electrical power systems and motors to a reasonable energy-efficiency performance level may be a missed opportunity to benefit from energy and cost savings over time through lower energy bills.

Although the alteration of existing electrical power systems and motors is not very common, their replacement would need to meet the minimum requirements for energy efficiency of the current Code, where warranted.

However, existing electrical power systems and motors could be re-used, provided the operating efficiency of the equipment remains similar to the level obtained before the alteration took place.

By referring to the existing provisions in Part 7 of the Code, the proposed Code requirements for new or replacement transformers and motors reference CSA standards that have not been significantly changed in several years. All equipment available on the market is expected to meet the requirements of the CSA standards. Therefore, this proposed change would not impose an additional burden.

The requirements for electrical power systems in existing buildings subjected to alteration could be enforced by existing means and resources involved in the enforcement of the Part 7 requirements of the NECB.

Designers, specification writers, manufacturers, contractors, building owners and building officials.