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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.

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Top 2005 Code Changes
525.23 -- GFCI Protection
By Mike Holt
This section was extensively rewritten to clarify where GFCI protection is and isn't required, and where it isn't permitted. (Note: Code text has been paraphrased.)

What the Code says:
(A) Where GFCI Protection Is Required. Ground-fault protection can be an integral part of the attachment plug or located in the power-supply cord, within 12 in. of the attachment plug. Listed cord sets incorporating ground-fault circuit-interrupter for personnel can be used to meet this requirement.
(1) GFCI protection is required for all 15 and 20A, 125V nonlocking type receptacles used for disassembly and reassembly of amusement rides and attractions, or readily accessible to the general public.
(2) GFCI protection is required for all equipment that is readily accessible to the general public if it is supplied from a 15 or 20A, 125V branch circuit.
(B) GFCI Protection Not Required. GFCI protection is not required for receptacles of the locking type.
(C) GFCI Protection Not Permitted. GFCI protection is not permitted for egress lighting. (Text new to the Code is underlined.)

Behind the change: The purpose of not permitting egress lighting to be GFCI protected is to ensure that exit lighting is maintained.

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Nightmare Installations
Less Than the Sum of Its Parts
Some time ago we made a service call to an older residence that had lost one leg at the meter. When the power company service man checked his voltage at the mast, he had full voltage. I had him cut the service drop loose, and we pulled the wiring out of the riser. Three blue wire nuts were connecting four approximately 2-foot pieces of 6 AWG TW wire together on the same phase. The two middle pieces of wire were black and white while the end pieces were both red. Needless to say, we upgraded the service, and I saved the wire for some time just to show others that times could be a lot worse than they are.
Mark Clairday
Searcy, Ark.

Send your 200-word story to us and it may appear in a future issue of CodeWatch. Authors of stories chosen will receive $25.

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Cool Electronic Cabinets
Stop electronic control downtime due to heat, dirt and moisture. UL Listed Cabinet Coolers produce 20 degree Fahrenheit air from an ordinary supply of compressed air to cool electrical controls. Thermostat control minimizes air usage. Maintains the NEMA 4, 4X (stainless steel) and 12 rating of the enclosure. Web site offers detailed information, downloadable drawings and PDF literature.
www.exair.com/15/540_08b.htm

Code Challenge

What's Wrong Here?
By Joe Tedesco
Got a guess for how this installation violates the NEC? Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.

Hint: We don't need no stinking permits!

Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. I'm working on an electric gate installation. Can I install control wiring in the same raceway with electrical power conductors?
Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.

Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
In Class II, Div. 1, hazardous (classified) locations, where provisions must be made for limited flexibility of wiring methods, which of the following wiring methods is not permitted?

Flexible cord listed for extra hard usage that has an additional conductor for grounding and is provided with listed bushed fittings

Liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit with listed fittings

Liquidtight flexible metal conduit with listed fittings

Flexible metal conduit with listed fittings

Interlocked armored Type MC cable with an overall jacket of suitable polymeric material and provided with termination fittings listed for Class II, Div. 1 locations

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

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Books, Code Quiz, DVDs, Graphics for PowerPoint, Newsletter, Online Training, Posters, Simulated Exams, Software, Video clips, and Videos
Visit www.NECcode.com and stay current with important industry issues.

Code News Updates
Wisconsin Adopts 2005 NEC
The 2005 NEC officially took effect in the state of Wisconsin on Sept. 1, but with a few notable omissions. In addition to deleting 210.12 on AFCIs, the state also opted to remove the NEC requirement for concealing nonmetallic sheathed cables in non-dwellings of Type III, IV, or V construction within walls, floors, or ceilings that provide a 15-minute finish rating. The state adopted the 2002 NEC in May 2003.

Speak Out
Finding AFCI Common Ground
Requirements for AFCIs continue to divide state electrical boards, as Wisconsin once again left 210.12 out of its version of the NEC. What could be done to make the requirements acceptable to everyone? Write to us at electrical_group@primediabusiness.com to give us your thoughts.

There are less than four months left in the year and less than 20 states have adopted the NEC so far, but nearly two-thirds of CodeWatch readers are still confident their state will make the move before the year turns over.

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 advance 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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