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January 26, 2007 A Prism Business Media Publication Vol. V No. 2

CONTENTS
250.64 Grounding Electrode Conductor Installation

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

Code Committee Call-Up

It's Time to Hit the Beach


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    250.64 Grounding Electrode Conductor Installation
    By Mike Holt
     Aluminum grounding conductors cannot be in contact with earth, masonry, or subjected to corrosive conditions. When used outdoors, the termination to the electrode must not be within 18 inches of earth.

    Where exposed, grounding electrode conductors sized 8 AWG and smaller must be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing. Ferrous metal raceways containing the grounding electrode conductors must be made electrically continuous by bonding each end of the ferrous metal raceway to the grounding electrode conductor [250.64(E)]. Grounding electrode conductors 6 AWG copper and larger can be run exposed along the surface if securely fastened to the construction and not subject to physical damage.

    The grounding electrode conductor, which runs to any convenient grounding electrode [250.64(F)], must not be spliced, except as permitted in (1) through (3):

    1. Splicing is permitted by irreversible compression-type connectors listed for grounding or by exothermic welding.
    2. Sections of busbars can be connected together to form a grounding electrode conductor.
    3. Bonding and grounding electrode conductors are permitted to terminate to a busbar that is sized not smaller than 1/4 x 2 inches, and the busbar must be securely fastened in place at an accessible location. Connections must be made by a listed connector or by the exothermic welding process.

    Click here to read the rest of this article.
    Editor's note: This information was extracted from Mike Holt's textbook, Understanding the National Electrical Code.

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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: Is this tube blowing or sucking air?
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. How do I size the circuit conductors and protection device for a 25-hp, 208V, 3-phase fire pump design letter B motor if not supplied by an on-site generator?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Q. What is the required working space for an installation of an electric sign transformer, ballast, or power supply located above a suspended ceiling? The location is such that it is considered to be accessible. The equipment is securely fastened in place, independent of the suspended ceiling grid.
    A) Three feet in the direction of access, 2 feet -- 6 inches wide, and 6 feet -- 6 inches high.
    B) Three feet in the direction of access, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high.
    C) 3 feet -- 6 inches in the direction of access, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet -- 6 inches high.
    D) Sufficient access and working space is all that is required for this installation.

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

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    Code News Update
    Code Committee Call-Up
    Got some extra time on your hands? Looking to put some of your vast knowledge of the electrical field to use? NFPA is looking for new members for several of its committees, including the following:
    • Committee on Electrical Equipment in Chemical Atmospheres. This committee is responsible for NFPA 496, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment; NFPA 497, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas; and NFPA 499, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Combustible Dusts and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas
    • Committee on Electrical Equipment of Industrial Machinery (seeking members in all categories except end users or manufacturers). This committee is responsible for NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery.
    • Committee on Electrical Systems Maintenance (special experts excluded). This committee is responsible for NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings.
    • Committee on Health Care Facilities -- Electrical Systems. This committee is responsible for chapters within NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities
    Anyone interested in serving can download the application form at NFPA's Web site.

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    It's Time to Hit the Beach
    If it's your job to make sure all systems are "go," you need to go to Electric West. This show and conference offers the right information and product mix to meet all of your information needs. Do you maintain and operate electrical systems in a facility? If so, you have to make plans to attend the Electric West conference program in Long Beach, Calif. Check out this event's 40+ seminars in the areas of power quality, safety, Code changes, and industrial applications, and make plans to meet 200+ leading suppliers. Or register now.
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