2021 Canadian Electrical Code Changes Regarding Pump Cable for Submersible Pump Installation in Deep Well and Bodies of Water

There has been changes made to the Canadian Electrical Code CSA C22.1:21, Part I (25th Edition), Safety Standard for Electrical Installations which affect submersible pump installations in three ways:

1. The installation of submersible pumps in a body of water (meaning a lake or stream) is now allowed.
2. Poly pipe (PE) is no longer approved as a conduit from the power source to well head.
3. The approved list of electrical conduit materials has changed.

#1 - Installation in a Body of Water:

The Canadian Electrical Code Section 26-956 now allows the installation of a submersible pump in a body of water using jacketed pump cable without an electrical conduit. This is great news for areas in cottage country where a high percentage of their pump installations are pumping from a lake.

TWU-40C Submersible Pump Cable CSA Jacketed Flat Applications: For use with submersible water pumps installed in wells, lakes, rivers, and streams in accordance with CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code Part I, section 26, rules 26-954 and 26-956.

CAUTION: Twisted pump cable cannot be used to install a submersible pump in a body of water without the cable being inside an approved electrical conduit. Section 12 of the Canadian Electrical Code covers the allowable electrical conduit options.

#2 - Installation in a Well:

TWU Pump Cable CSA Applications: For use with submersible pumps installed in water wells in accordance with CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code Part I.

There is confusion around the use of TWU-40 Twisted Pump Cable. But the TWU-40 twisted (non-jacketed) pump cable remains well suited for installing submersible pumps in a well as per section 26-954.

The confusion is due to a change in the electrical conduit regulations covered in the CEC in section 12.

The use of Polyethylene (PE) water pipe as a conduit is no longer allowed for use as an electrical conduit from the power source to the well head.

#3 - Electrical Conduit:

The electrical conduit must be within the scope of products listed in Section 12 of the current Canadian Electrical Code CSA C22.1:21, Part I (25th Edition), Safety Standard for Electrical Installations.

IMPORTANT: Always refer to and install in accordance with all the applicable electrical and well construction codes in your area, and always make sure you are referencing the latest version of the code publications.