12v dc code

[bridge]

I am trying to find out what the code requirements are for installing a 12v dc system in a residence.

[electricguy]

Do you Have the canadian Electrical code?
plus really need to know what the loads are going to be.

[bridge]

No I don't have the code, that's why I am trying to find out the requirements. We are building our own home and want to do off grid power. We want to wire the home for 12v dc and use wind and solar as well as a genertor for back up. We are planning to have, a 12v fridge (approx 35 watt hours/hour),lights, we already have a submersible pump that is rated to draw 8 amps but we've only ever measured it as high as 6 amps.
We will need and inverter for some computer and tv/stero equiptment, but eventually plan to get that all over to dc as well.I don't know if you need more info than that. I can get more specifics from my partner if you need them. That's about it, we are planning relatively low consumption to make it worth while using 12v dc. My partner is the one doing the wiring and we are having trouble finding out the info we need. Is there somewhere we can get this part of the code from, we don't seem to be having any luck around this area. The hydro inspector had to look it up and wasn't even sure of the requirements. He told us yes we do have to have an inspection but hasn't given us the specifics yet. I'm just trying to so some homework. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Bridget

[twh]

Voltage drop will be a concern with 12 volt wiring and I think you already know finding suitable equipment to run on 12 volts is a problem. Seriously consider wiring to 120 volt standard and using an inverter for the entire load.

I can understand wanting to be 'green' or 'off the grid', whichever turns your crank. It seems odd, though, to be anti 120 volt.

[electricguy]

section 50 deals with solar photo voltaic systems,I really cannot think of any products that are CSA compliant for 12 volt circuits in a residence.would there be like a cigarette lighter socket to plug things into?.
Their is minimum standards that a house has to be wired for i thought.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 11, 2004 12:51 AM: Message edited by: electricguy ]</font>

[bridge]

I realize it's the alternative to alternative energy, but it's a simple route and we don't have large power needs. CSA approval doesn't apply to 12v dc because of the low voltage. Is there a way I can get hold of the code section 50 that you refer to?

[bridge]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 11, 2004 05:04 PM: Message edited by: bridge ]</font>

[electricguy]

try a libary maybe, the code is 100.00 at the bookstore and CD Rom is 300.00 plus not sure but yes low voltage is another section of the code its in sec16, and these are supplemtry sections they always will refer back to the main sections also. If this stucture was a motorhome your right csa does not really have strandreds from them [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ August 11, 2004 11:56 PM: Message edited by: electricguy ]</font>

[bigrockk]

If you provide me with an Email address I will send you info.It is too large to post here.

You do not have have to post your email address here, just send me a Email and I will reply.

[pilot]

IF A INSPECTION IS REQUIRED FOR A 12 V DC SYSTEM IN A RESIDENCE ?
THEN WOULD AN REPAIR REPLACEMENT TO AN THERMOSAT
WIRE (LTV 2 CONDUCTOR) REQUIRE A INSPECTION ALSO?
THEN EVEN THOUGH THE AIRCONDITIONING PEOPLE HAVE A ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR HOOK UP THE 240 AC SIDE OF THEIR UNIT THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE A PERMIT TO ALLOW THEM TO HOOK UP THEIR 24 V AC THERMOSTAT?
PLEASE LET ME KNOW ,AS MOST PEOPLE I TALK TO REGARD ANYTHING LESS THAN 120 VOLTS AS NOT REQUIRING INSPECTION