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February 21, 2008 A Penton Media Publication Vol. VI No. 4


CONTENTS
430.52 Branch-Circuit Short-Circuit and Ground-Fault Protection

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

State-by-State Electrical Regulations

Don't Miss The Upcoming Electric West Show!


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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
    430.52 Branch-Circuit Short-Circuit and Ground-Fault Protection
    By Mike Holt
     The motor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device must comply with 430.52(B) and 430.52(C). This device must be capable of carrying the motor's starting current.

    Each motor branch circuit must be protected against short-circuit and ground faults by a protection device sized no greater than the following percentages listed in Table 430.52.

    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: Strange supports
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. What are the NEC requirements for the installation of smoke detectors in dwelling units?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Q. On a 3-phase, 4-wire, 277V multi-wire lighting circuit, which is protected at 20A, there is debate as to the proper application of 210.4(B) and 240.15(B). The question is whether or not three single-pole circuit breakers with an identified handle tie are permitted to serve as both the disconnecting means and the overcurrent protective device for this circuit, or whether a multi-pole circuit breaker is required. What is the correct answer?

    1. Circuit breakers installed with identified handle ties are permitted to serve as both the disconnecting means and overcurrent protection as stated in this example.
    2. Circuit breakers may be installed with or without identified handle ties to serve as the overcurrent protective device only (not as the disconnecting means).
    3. A multi-pole circuit breaker may serve as both the disconnecting means and overcurrent protective device.
    4. All the above are correct answers.

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

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    Code News Update
    State-by-State Electrical Regulations
    Looking for the latest electrical code, enforcement, and contractor/electrician licensing requirements for each state in the United States? Here's a good starting point. Check out this National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) state-by-state source listing maintained by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Chapters. This valuable list also includes agency contact information, which offers you the opportunity to make contact with key members of local enforcement authorities.

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    Shows and Events

    Don't Miss The Upcoming Electric West Show!
    Mark February 27 - 29 on your calendar to attend this leading electrical construction industry event in Las Vegas. Here's your chance to visit suppliers offering cost-effective solutions and to learn from experts presenting an array of topics meeting your needs. Visit the Renewable Energy, Home Automation, and Power Quality Pavilions. Don't miss the FREE Power Quality and Electric West keynote Sessions, "Where Do We Go From Here? - Trends in the Power Quality Monitoring Industry," presented by Joseph Gonzalez-Rivas, CEO, Dranetz-BMI, and "Down With Conservation - Forget Efficiency - and Other Provocations," presented by Walt Patterson, Author and Energy Specialist.

    For more detailed information and to register online, visit http://www.electricshow.com.

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