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The designations "National Electrical Code” and “NEC” refer to the National Electrical Code®, which is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association.

Top 2005 Code Changes
314.16 -- Number of 6 AWG and Smaller Conductors in Boxes and Conduit Bodies
By Mike Holt
A new sentence requires conductor volume calculations to be increased in size when conductors are looped or run unbroken through the box. However, this only applies when the length of the conductors outside the outlet box complies with 300.14. (Note: Code text has been paraphrased.)

What the Code says:
Boxes containing 6 AWG and smaller conductors must be sized to provide sufficient free space for all conductors, devices and fittings.
(B) Box Fill Calculations. The calculated conductor volume determined by (1) through (5) and Table 314.16(B) are added together to determine the total volume of the conductors, devices, and fittings. Wire connectors, cable connectors and raceway fittings, such as locknuts or bushings, aren't counted.
(1) Conductor Fill. Each conductor that runs through a box and does not have sufficient free conductor for splices or termination in accordance 300.14, and each conductor that terminates in a box is counted as a single conductor volume in accordance with Table 314.16(B). Conductors that originate and terminate within the box, such as pigtails, aren't counted at all. (Text new to the Code is underlined.)

Behind the change: Conductor loops occupy space and a box can be excessively filled if you don't take into consideration the increased conductor volume. This can create a serious fire hazard, especially when an electronic device is installed in an outlet box without adequate room for heat dissipation.

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Nightmare Installations

Reflections of Relief
While testing the emergency lighting system during a renovation at a theater in Knoxville, Tenn., I noticed that certain emergency fixtures weren't operating correctly. I also noticed that general lights and numerous receptacles were still operating during the test. Since the generator was operating correctly, I assumed the electrical contractor connected the general light fixtures and receptacles to the emergency system by mistake. We started our search for the cause by shutting down the generator. The emergency lighting went out, but some of the standard light fixtures and receptacles still had power. I then noticed the "B" Phase power indicator light was still lit on the TVSS device. At that point the electrical contractor opened the cover on the main switchgear and we found a misplaced truck mirror was shunting the "B" phase of the main breaker. It was touching the "A" Phase, but the small amount of rubber around its edge had provided enough insulation to prevent an arc blast. But finding the mirror was only the beginning of the problem.
David Woytek, Jr.
Cleveland

Visit EC&M's Web site to read the rest of the story.

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Code Challenge

What's Wrong Here?
By Joe Tedesco
How does this installation violate the NEC?

Hint: You better think skinny if you want to work in here.

Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. Can I terminate two wires on a single-pole circuit breaker?
See the answer.

Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
Is it permissible for a qualified person who services and maintains the facility to "peel out" a power cable from a cable tray and run it down the inside portion of an H beam to a piece equipment? The cable is properly supported as it runs down the column to the equipment, and it's protected by the inside portion of the H beam. Keep in mind that although the cable is unsupported for 5 feet at both ends of the installation, it's properly supported.

Yes, but only if the power cable is installed in RMC

Yes, if the power cable is TC-ER rated, properly protected from physical damage, and meets all of the requirements of 336.10(7)

Yes, but only if the cable is installed in a channel or tray

Either A or C

Visit EC&M's Web site for the answer and explanation.

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Code News Updates
NFPA Requests Comments
on 2005 NEC TIA
It's the start of swimming season, and the NFPA is celebrating by requesting comments on a tentative interim amendment to NEC requirements for pool bonding systems. Thanks to a misinterpreted change to 680.26(B), some Code-conscious pool designers have been under the impression they had to build equipotential bonding grids under and around vinyl-lined and fiberglass composite pools. The proposed amendment would add an exception to clear up the confusion. It would also clarify bonding requirements for concrete pool decks or other walking surfaces adjacent to the pool. The deadline for comments is June 15. For the full amendment, visit the NFPA News page and click on the May 2005 issue.

Speak Out
Lost and Found
As David Woytek found out, you never know what you're going to find when you open switchgear. Have you ever found a similar surprise waiting for you when opening a cabinet? Visit EC&M's Web site to tell us.

Contractors have to do everything they can to remain competitive in the still-recovering economy, but some may be doing too much. More than half of CodeWatch readers say they've witnessed someone skirt the Code at least occasionally to stay in the game. You don't have to be an inspector to know there are safer ways to save a buck.

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