Code Watch: EC&M's CodeWatch - June 13, 2007 Issue

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Top 50 NEC Rules

250.146 Connecting Receptacle Grounding Terminal to Box
By Mike Holt
Receptacles must have their grounding contacts connected to an effective ground-fault current path by bonding the receptacle's grounding terminal to a metal box, unless the receptacle's grounding terminal is grounded (bonded) to an effective ground-fault current path by one of the methods provided in (A) through (D). See 406.3 for additional details.

The NEC doesn't restrict the position of the receptacle grounding terminal; it can be up, down, or sideways. All proposals to specify the mounting position of receptacles have been rejected.

(A) Surface-Mounted Box. Where the box is mounted on the surface, direct metal-to-metal contact between the device yoke and the box can serve as the effective ground-fault current path. To ensure an effective ground-fault current path between the receptacle and metal box, at least one of the insulating retaining washers on the yoke screw must be removed.

Receptacles secured to a metal cover [406.4(C)] must have the receptacle's grounding terminal bonded to the box, unless the box and cover are listed as providing continuity between the box and the receptacle.

(B) Self-Grounding Receptacles. Receptacle yokes designed and listed as self-grounding can be used to establish the effective ground-fault current path between the device yoke and a metal outlet box. Note: Outlet boxes cannot be set back more than 1/4-inch from the finished mounting surface [314.20].

(C) Floor Boxes. Listed floor boxes are permitted to establish the bonding path between the device yoke and a grounded (bonded) outlet box.

(D) Isolated Ground Receptacles. Isolated ground receptacles have the grounding terminal insulated from its metal mounting yoke. Therefore, the grounding terminal of an isolated ground receptacle must be connected to an equipment grounding (bonding) conductor that provides the effective ground-fault current path to the power source.

Isolated ground receptacles must be identified by an orange triangle located on the face of the receptacle [406.2(D)]. Sometimes the entire receptacle is orange, with the triangle molded into the plastic face in a color other than orange.

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: Don't overlook the obvious on this one

Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. When a lighting and appliance panelboard is fed from the secondary of a 3-phase transformer, is the panelboard required to have a main breaker installed in it?

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

Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
Q. When installing a high-impedance grounded neutral system for a 480V, 3-phase electrical system, the following question arises. Where is the proper location for the grounding impedance (resistor)?

Between the equipment bonding jumper and the system neutral.

Between the main bonding jumper and the system neutral.

Between the transformer secondary and the first disconnecting means.

Between the grounding electrode conductor and the system neutral.

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

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EC&M Code Change Conferences
Where do you turn when you need accurate information on changes to the National Electrical Code? Acknowledged as the leaders in providing information on the NEC, EC&M magazine and EC&M Seminars have been the preferred sources of this information for more than 60 years. Seven Code change conferences have been scheduled in the fall of 2007. Host cities include: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Seattle.

As an approved provider with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), through its Registered Continuing Education provider Program (RCEPP), professional engineers attending any of our 2008 Code change conferences will receive Professional Development Hours (PDHs), a requirement for re-licensing in many states. The conferences are also approved by every state that has a continuing education requirement for contractors and electricians.

For additional information on the dates and locations of these events, click here.

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