July 8, 2005 A PRIMEDIA Property Vol. III No. 13

CONTENTS
406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations

Hot Tub Turmoil

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

NFPA Solicits Proposals for 2005 NEC

Change is in the Air

Grounding vs Bonding Seminar


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    Top 2005 Code Changes
    406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations
    By Mike Holt
     The word "outdoors" was deleted from this rule. As a result, all 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles installed in a wet location (indoor or outdoor) must be within an enclosure that's weatherproof when an attachment plug is inserted. (Note: Code text has been paraphrased.)

    What the Code says:
    (B) Receptacles in Wet Locations.
    (1) 15A and 20A Outdoor Receptacles. All 15A and 20A, 125V and 250V receptacles installed outdoors in a wet location must be within an enclosure that's weatherproof even when an attachment plug is inserted.     (Text deleted from the Code is struck out.)

    Behind the change: As previously written, the requirements in 406.8(B)(1) were limited to only outdoor wet locations. By deleting the word "outdoor," enclosures must be weatherproof, whether or not the attachment plug is inserted, in any wet location, rather than just in an outdoor location. Indoor locations, such as food processing areas in supermarkets, vehicle washing areas inside car washes, and other similar areas, often require hose-down or water exposure for the walls in these areas with electrical appliances still plugged into the receptacle.

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    Nightmare Installations
    Hot Tub Turmoil
    A customer recently called me and reported that the 50A breaker for their hot tub was tripping. Usually, this means that the ground-fault breaker in the disconnect located next to the hot tub has picked up some leakage in the heating element, and as such, won't stay closed. But to my surprise, it was the feeder breaker in the house panel that was tripping out. I disconnected everything in the outside disconnect box, and tried to restore power again. The breaker stayed on for about 5 seconds, then POP!! My first instinct said that there was a problem in the underground wiring from the panel out to the tub. Upon inspection, it appeared that it was run in 1-inch PVC conduit, buried from the house to the tub. I disconnected all conductors from both ends and attempted to pull them out to replace them. I could only get about a foot of wire out of the conduit before it would get stuck and refuse to pull any farther. At this point I noticed the equipment grounding conductor was a 10 AWG THHN green wire at the panel end, but it was an 8 AWG THHN black wire, with green tape applied at the tub end. I figured there was an underground splice box somewhere along the conduit run. When I questioned the homeowner, they indicated that the hot tub had been replaced a year ago, and subsequently relocated to its present position. This just about confirmed my suspicions, but I needed to do a little more looking.
    Ken Twining
    Salisbury, Md.

    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: Is this a permitted wiring method in a motor fuel dispensing facility?
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. What are the minimum and maximum heights for electrical equipment that contains circuit breakers or switches?
    See the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Starting Jan. 1, 2008, a local disconnecting means (i.e., switch) is required for which of the following luminaires?

    1. A fluorescent luminaire that uses double-ended lamps and is direct-wired using RELOC or an equivalent manufactured flexible wiring system
    2. Ballasted luminaires fed from multi-wire branch circuits, and fluorescent luminaires utilizing double-ended lamps, installed in the production areas of an industrial facility
    3. An open bottom, high-bay luminaire with a metal halide lamp that's cord-and-plug connected per 410.30(C)
    4. A 2-in. x 4-in. fluorescent lay-in troffer, which is used as an emergency luminaire in an emergency lighting system

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

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    Code News Updates
    NFPA Solicits Proposals for 2005 NEC
    Seems like just yesterday that you received your copy of the 2005 NEC, doesn't it...so what better time than now to start thinking about making changes? Code-making panels are soliciting change proposals for the 2008 NEC, so now's your chance to voice your concerns about that requirement that's been bugging you. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. A copy of the proposal form is available in the back of the 2005 NEC or at NFPA's Web site.

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    Speak Out
    Change is in the Air
    The 2005 NEC is only a few months old, but it's already time to start thinking about the next version. Do you plan to submit a change proposal? Visit EC&M's Web site to tell us.

    Much has been made of the Code's distinction between the terms "grounding" and "bonding" in recent years, and CodeWatch readers are split on whether the standard's definitions are clear.
    Shows and Events
    Grounding vs Bonding Seminar
    Grounding and bonding of electrical systems, sensitive electronic, and communications equipment is the most important and least understood activity in the electrical, data processing, and communications industry. At four two-day seminars, Code expert Mike Holt will explain the basics as well as the advanced concepts necessary to understand the practical grounding and bonding rules in the NEC for systems not over 600V. Download the conference brochure for specific dates and locations.

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