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September 4, 2008 A Penton Media Publication Vol. VI No. 17


CONTENTS
General Requirements for Grounding and Bonding

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

Minnesota Ready to Adopt 2008 NEC

Learn About the Changes in the 2008 National Electrical Code

Call for Papers


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    Top 2008 Code Changes















    General Requirements for Grounding and Bonding
    By Mike Holt
     A new Fine Print Note alerts Code users to the advantage of reducing the length of the grounding electrode conductor.

    "250.4(A) Grounded Systems, (1) Electrical Systems Grounding. Electrical power systems, such as the secondary winding of a transformer, are grounded to the earth to limit the voltage caused by lightning, line surges, or unintentional contact by higher-voltage lines."

    "FPN: An important consideration for limiting the imposed voltage is the routing of bonding and grounding conductors so that they are not any longer than necessary to complete the connection without disturbing the permanent parts of the installation and so that unnecessary bends and loops are avoided."

    System grounding helps reduce fires in buildings as well as voltage stress on electrical insulation, thereby ensuring longer insulation life for motors, transformers, and other system components. This new Fine Print Note is intended to call attention to the instructions contained in Sections 800.100(A)(5), 810.21(E), and 820.100(A)(5) that grounding conductors be run as short as possible and as straight as possible. This provides an effective path to earth for line surges caused by lightning events.

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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: Politics in the electrical system

    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. Is a disconnect required to be within sight of electric space-heating equipment if the unit has a factory-installed circuit breaker?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Q. According to the 2008 National Electrical Code, electric drinking fountains installed in public buildings, such as schools, must meet which of the following requirements:

      1. Offer GFCI protection for personnel -- Class A, 5mA (nominal) trip
      2. Can't be supplied with a hermetic compressor
      3. Offer GFCI protection only if it is located within 6 feet of a 15A or 20A, 125V single-phase receptacle outlet
      4. Offer GFPE protection -- Class C, 30mA trip
      5. none of the above

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

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     Code News Update
    Minnesota Ready to Adopt 2008 NEC
    According to information posted on the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Web site, the effective date of the 2008 National Electrical Code in the state of Minnesota will be Sept.15, 2008. All installations where the Request for Electrical Inspection is filed with the department on or after Sept. 15, 2008 will be required to be in compliance with the 2008 National Electrical Code. In addition, all electrical licensing examinations administered on or after Sept. 15, 2008 will be based on the 2008 National Electrical Code. Other information related to the adoption of the 2008 National Electrical Code can be accessed at www.oah.state.mn.us/cases/190019553-electric/index.html.

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    Shows and Events

    Learn About the Changes in the 2008 National Electrical Code
    In two informative and interest-filled days with Mike Holt, you'll learn about major NEC changes that will impact your work, whether you're an electrician, contractor, engineer, designer, or plant/facility maintenance person. You'll also earn continuing education hours and professional development hours.

    There's still one more conference to be held this year:
    --September 8-9 in San Antonio

    For more information and to register online, go to http://CodeChangeConferences.com




    Call for Papers
    The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is accepting proposals for educational presentations at its 2009 Conference & Expo to be held June 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The deadline is fast approaching (September 19, 2008), but you still have time to submit your proposal online or download a proposal form.

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