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October 23, 2008 A Penton Media Publication Vol. VI No. 20

CONTENTS
250.94 Intersystem Bonding Terminal

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

State-by-State Electrical Regulations

Electric West 2009


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    Top 2008 Code Changes















    250.94 Intersystem Bonding Terminal
    By Mike Holt
     A new rule requires an intersystem bonding terminal for communications systems. According to Art. 100, an intersystem bonding terminal is a device that provides a means to connect communications systems grounding and bonding conductors to the building grounding electrode system.

    An external accessible intersystem bonding terminal for the grounding and bonding of communications systems shall be provided at service equipment and disconnecting means for buildings or structures supplied by a feeder. The intersystem bonding terminal shall not interfere with the opening of any equipment enclosure and be one of the following:

    1. Terminals listed for grounding and bonding attached to a meter socket enclosure.
    2. Bonding bar connected to the equipment grounding conductor with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor.
    3. Bonding bar connected to the grounding electrode conductor with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor.
    An Exception to this requirement notes that at existing buildings or structures, an external accessible means for bonding communications systems together can be:
    1. Nonflexible metallic raceway,
    2. Grounding electrode conductor, or
    3. Connection approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
    A second Fine Print Note states communications systems shall be bonded to the intersystem bonding terminal in accordance with the following:
    • Antennas/Satellite Dishes [810.15 and 810.21]
    • CATV [820.100]
    • Telephone Circuits [800.100]
    It's important to note that all external communications systems must be bonded to the intersystem bonding terminal to minimize the damage to communications systems from induced potential (voltage) differences between the systems from a lightning event.

    This new requirement is one of several correlated proposals to improve the requirements related to the intersystem bonding and grounding of communications systems. This provides a more accessible, safer means of bonding all systems, such as power and communications, together.

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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: Floppy, droopy and lazy!
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. How do you size the ground wire when running conductors in parallel?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Q. According to the 2008 NEC, one of the reasons why flame-resistant clothing and equipment is required is to protect qualified persons from the hazard of ______________?

      1. A gas discharge from an interrupting device.
      2. A non-insulated tool being dropped onto energized parts.
      3. The additional hazard of circuits operating at over 600 volts.
      4. Older equipment that is not properly maintained.

    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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    www.exair.com/15/540_10b.htm

    Shows and Events



    Electric West 2009
    The Electric West Show, to be held March 18-20, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with the Power Quality Reliability Conference, is the perfect place to brush up on the latest NEC topics -- and earn continuing education credits in the process. Geared toward electrical contractors, consulting & specifying engineers, electricians, and plant facility personnel, there's something for everyone at the Electric Show. The biggest electrical marketplace in the western United States, this event attracts 250 exhibiting companies and more than 6,000 attendees every year. Here's a preview of some of the NEC seminars planned for next year's event:
    • One- and Two-Family Dwelling Unit Electrical Systems
    • Changes to the 2008 NEC
    • Swimming Pools and Similar Installations (NEC Article 680)
    • Introduction to the 2009 NFPA 70E
    For more information, visit our Web site.

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    Click here today to find up-to-date UL Listed products at the UL Code Correlation Database.

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