Code Watch: EC&M's CodeWatch - February 13, 2007 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.

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Top 50 NEC Rules

Sizing the Grounding Electrode Conductor
By Mike Holt
Except for a ground rod electrode [250.66(A)], a concrete-encased electrode [250.66(B)], or a ground ring electrode [250.66(C)], you must size the grounding electrode conductor based on the largest service-entrance conductor or equivalent area for parallel conductors in accordance with Table 250.66.

Where the grounding electrode conductor is connected to a ground rod, that portion of the grounding electrode conductor that is the sole connection to the ground rod isn't required to be larger than 6 AWG copper. See 250.52(A)(5) for the installation requirements of a ground rod electrode.

Where the grounding electrode conductor is connected to a concrete-encased electrode, that portion of the grounding electrode conductor that is the sole connection to the concrete-encased electrode isn't required to be larger than 4 AWG copper. See 250.52(A)(3) for the installation requirements of a concrete-encased electrode.

Where the grounding electrode conductor is connected to a ground ring, that portion of the conductor that is the sole connection to the ground ring isn't required to be larger than the conductor used for the ground ring. A ground ring encircling the building or structure in direct contact with earth must consist of not less than 20 feet of bare copper conductor not smaller than 2 AWG [250.52(A)(4)].

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: Attack of the terminations

Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. Does the Code require bonding around raceway knockouts for 120V, 208V, or 240V feeders and branch circuits?

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

Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
Q. Raceways or cable trays containing electric conductors shall not contain which of the following?
A) Pipe, tube or equal for steam, water, air or gas.
B) Pipe, tube or equal for drainage.
C) Any service other than electrical.
D) All of the items listed in answers A, B, and C.

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

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Code News Update
The Need for Tamper-Resistant Wiring Devices
Proposal 18-40 of the 2008 NEC Report on Proposals calls for the addition of a new section to Art. 406. The new section (406.11) would require the installation of tamper-resistant receptacles in dwelling units. More specifically, the proposed wording would read: “In all areas specified in 210.52, all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper resistant receptacles.”

According to a news item in the January 2007 issue of NEMA's Electroindustry, the submitter referenced a 10-year study by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System -- a recording system of the Consumer Products Safety Commission -- in support of this proposal. The study documented approximately 24,000 electrical injuries to children caused by inserting objects into unprotected electrical receptacles.

Members of Code-Making Panel No. 18 have voted 11 to 1 in favor of accepting this proposal.

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Shows and Events

Enter the "You Be the Electrical Inspector" Contest at the EC&M e-Tradeshow
Here's your chance to win a $100 American Express gift certificate and to prove your knowledge of the National Electrical Code by acting as an electrical inspector and citing every Code violation appearing in an actual electrical installation. Visit the EC&M e-Tradeshow, a virtual online exhibition and live conference center. Also available is a live conference scheduled for February 15th on "Ground-Fault Coordination" and a special presentation by Generac on "Sizing Commercial Generators." And take a look at the archive of various past conferences, such as "Claim Litigation" and "Harmonics: Causes, Symptoms, and Remediation Techniques."

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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