Code Watch: EC&M's CodeWatch - March 27, 2006 Issue

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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 50 NEC Rules
The List of Lists
Everyone likes to see lists of the top items in a particular subject area, right? For instance, David Letterman's humorous top 10 lists, the Fortune 500 listing, or People magazine's top celebrity listing. Heck, we even publish our own Top 40 Design Firms and Top 50 Contractors lists in EC&M.

In speaking with NEC expert Mike Holt, I recently learned that Mike Holt Enterprises has a Top 50 NEC Rules listing. We view this list as sort of a "NEC basics must know rules" listing. We also thought it would be worthwhile to share this list with you, one rule at a time, over the next 50 issues of CodeWatch. Consider this a great way to remind yourself and others of the key rules noted in our most important industry standard.

Note: We'll present the rules to you in the numerical order in which they appear in the NEC.

90.1 Purpose of the NEC
By Mike Holt
The NEC is meant to safeguard persons and property from the hazards that arise from the use of electricity. The Code is not meant to serve as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons. Compliance with the rules of the Code and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is free from hazard.

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Code Challenge

What's Wrong Here?
By Joe Tedesco
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.

Hint: Are these conduits properly installed?

Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. What is the minimum burial depth requirement for residential service lateral conductors installed in rigid nonmetallic conduit?

Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.

Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
Q. Disregarding the Exceptions in 225.32, when are you not required to install a disconnecting means for a building or structure at the building or structure? Hint: A structure is defined as "that which is built or constructed." A structure could include (but not be limited to) a generator, a communications tower, or possibly a piece of plywood attached to a 4-inch by 4-inch wooden post inserted into the ground (supporting electrical equipment).
A) Never
B) When the disconnecting means is capable of being remotely controlled
C) Where a generator housed outdoors is equipped with a readily accessible disconnecting means located within sight of the building or structure
D) When the disconnecting means has ground-fault protection integral to it

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

Code Quiz Correction
By Steven Owen
The answer to the question in the last issue was incorrectly shown as: A) fire alarm systems. In retrospect, I should have added a fifth option, which read as follows: E) none of the above. This would be the correct answer in this case.

All of the items listed in the question require secure support in hollow spaces above suspended ceilings. The fire alarm circuits are already installed exposed on the surface of the ceiling. Therefore, the issue of support for 300.11 is not an issue in this example. Sorry for the error.

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Speak Out
NFPA 70E Standard: Speak Now, or Forever Hold Your Complaints
In accordance with the Regulations Governing Committee Projects, the NFPA committee for the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E-2004) is now accepting proposals for recommendations on content. So if you've got a beef with the current wording in this document, or feel some additional information needs to be added, then speak up now and let your voice be heard. The committee will act on proposals received by 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 15, 2006, and that action will be published in the committee's report. All proposals must be submitted to Codes and Standards Administration on proposal forms available in the back of all NFPA documents or from NFPA headquarters.

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Shows and Events
2006 World Safety Conference & Exposition
The 12 sessions that make up the necforumTM are designed to help you consider new electrical design issues, analyze maintenance programs, review best practices in the electrical contracting arena, learn effective inspection techniques, and implement practical safety programs. If these topics interest you, then make plans to fly to Orlando in early June and take part in this year's event, which will be held from June 2-8, 2006. Visit the NFPA World Safety Web site for additional details.

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