In response to your question I posted some information above to point you in the direction of where you will find this type of information. I used the Ontario code because I happen to have a copy of this, as someone else pointed out earlier you have to pay $ for a copy of the code. This should not be a big issue for a theatre. I will scan and email the Ontario pages for you as an example if you PM me.
The various codes do define what constitutes a temporary instalation and what is a permament installation. An inspector will approve items on a temporary instalation that they will not approve on a permament install. Dimmer racks have soca outputs to accomodate temporary requirements for a show that is in the theatre for one or two weeks. You can also get a temporary inspection to cover a SOCA instal that is in the theatre for a show that extends beyond the normal temporary permit limits, but it is for a defined time measured in weeks, not years. In this case the inspector will expect to see a "Field evaluation Approval sticker" on the soca, the break ins and the break outs. I have this on mine, this is why AC Lighting in Toronto offers this as an option when you buy the stuff.
Just a note Canada also requires "Extra hard Usage" grade cable and a minimum of 12 gauge for fixed and portable stage equipment. Ontario allows for "miscellaneous portable equipment operated under conditions where the conductors are not exposed to severe mechanical injury, flexible cord types suitable for other than hard usage, as shown in Table 11, may be used" You need to check the BC code.
The rule for Wiring Methods prescribes the use of EMT, armoured cable etc. with an exception that allows "(a) other wiring methods shall be permitted for temporary work and (b) flexible cord or cable shall be permitted in accordance with other rules in this section." Again you need to read the BC code.
Re the electrician saying the facility was non-compliant, did you not ask him to provide the appropriate sections of the BC electrical code? He can do this can't he/she?
The next push back you have costs some dollars but not as much as rewiring a theatre. An electrician is only allowed to comment on what they personally see. If you want to get into interpretation of code and an opinion of if what you have is acceptable then here in Canada there are a couple of approaches you can take:
Approach 1: you want to know if what you have meets code you pull an inspection permit and have the Inspector do their visit they will either give you an inspection certificate or a report saying where you do not comply. Some risks to this because in an absolutly worst case situation you may find they stop you doing anything until the defects are corrected. But at least you know and everyone is safe.
Approach 2: you hire a professional engineer who knows theatre installations and get them to do an inspection and provide a report detailing any corrective action required, if any. You then have this available for insurer's etc. Also the engineer will then explain to the electrician their report on your behalf - should this be required.
Here in Canada every province has legislation that defines the work that can be done by licenced trades (includes electricians) and what work can only be performed by a licenced engineer, the design of electrical installations within a theatre falls under the definition of professional engineering. This is not the same as hanging a show.
