Overview
Introduction
For most farming and agriculture businesses along waterways, irrigation is a must. Irrigation systems must be maintained by licensed Electrical Contractors so they can identify and correct any potential safety hazards. Higher voltage equipment, such as irrigation pumps installed in or on public or private waterways are a potential safety hazard to the public.
Electrical Safety
All irrigation pumps where the voltage exceeds 150 volts to ground, and are installed in or on bodies of water, must follow the rules of the Canadian Electrical Code and the Saskatchewan Electrical Interpretations:
- Electrical installations must be maintained by qualified electrical maintenance staff.
- You must obtain a permit when installed, and every time it is put in the water.
- You must have a deviation granted by the Chief Electrical Inspector for every pump that exceeds 150 Volts to ground and is installed in a public body of water one time by each owner.
- All electrical equipment must be approved.
- Pumps installed in or on the water must be GFCI protected.
- Pumps installed in or on the water must be protected from public access by isolation, and marked with a buoy.
- Buoys must meet the Private Buoys Regulations and be installed as per the Canadian Navigable Waters Act.
- Pump controllers, cables, and other electrical equipment installed on shore must be protected by fencing, or other acceptable means, if they are susceptible to damage from people or animals.
- The cables on the shore attached to the pump must be protected by location, and must be maintained electrically and mechanically.
- There must be signage marked “Danger____________Volt Pump” that is visible from land and water, at the controller structure facing the water, and at any access point to platforms.