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November 20, 2008 A Penton Media Publication Vol. VI No. 22


CONTENTS
310.15 Ampacities for Conductors Rated 0V to 2,000V

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

Time to Submit Those Proposals

Electric West 2009


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    Top 2008 Code Changes
























    310.15 Ampacities for Conductors Rated 0V to 2,000V
    By Mike Holt
     A new subsection adds ambient temperature adjustments for conduits installed on rooftops.

    As per 310.15(B)(2)(c) Raceways Exposed to Sunlight on Rooftops, the ambient temperature adjustment contained in Table 310.15(B)(2)(c) is added to the outdoor ambient temperature for conductors or cables that are installed in raceways exposed to direct sunlight on or above rooftops when applying ampacity adjustment correction factors contained in Table 310.16.

    FPN No. 1: See ASHRAE Handbook – Fundamentals for the average ambient temperatures in various locations.

    FPN No. 2: The temperature adders in Table 310.15(B)(2)(c) are based on the results of averaging the ambient temperatures.

    When adjusting conductor ampacity, use the conductor ampacity as listed in Table 310.16, based on the conductor's insulation rating. In this case, it's 75A at 90°F. Conductor ampacity adjustment is not based on the temperature terminal rating as per 110.14(C).

    This new subsection requires the ambient temperature used for ampacity correction to be adjusted where conductors or cables are installed in conduit on or above a rooftop, and the conduit is exposed to direct sunlight. The reasoning behind this change is that the air inside conduits in direct sunlight is significantly hotter than the surrounding air, and appropriate ampacity corrections must be made in order to comply with 310.10.

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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: Hot tin roof
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. Can a 45 kVA transformer be installed in the ceiling space above the ceiling grid?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Q. What is the minimum ampacity and minimum size conductor required for a circuit that connects a capacitor to the terminals of a 25 hp, 460VAC, 3-phase, air conditioner induction motor? The rated current of the capacitor is 20A. The motor branch circuit conductors are 8 AWG THHN/THWN. The terminal ratings of the capacitor are 60°C. The motor terminals are rated at 75°C.

      1. 18.15A, 14 AWG THHN.
      2. 25A, 12 AWG THHN.
      3. 27A, 10 AWG THHN.
      4. 42.5A, 8 AWG THHN.

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

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    Code News Update
    Time to Submit Those Proposals
    The committee for NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings, is now accepting proposals for recommendations on content changes. Proposals received by 5:00 p.m. ET on December 1, 2008 will be acted on by the committee, and the action will be published in the committee's report.

    This code provides requirements for evaluating installed electrical systems within and associated with existing dwellings. Its focus is to identify safety, fire, and shock hazards, such as improper installations, overheating, physical deterioration, abuse, and similar conditions. It does not define installation requirements that might be desired for convenience or utilitarian purposes.

    Proposals must be submitted to Codes and Standards Administration on proposal forms available in the back of this document or from NFPA headquarters.

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    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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    Eliminate Red Tags
    It takes more than the UL Mark on a product to satisfy code requirements. Before your next installation, use UL’s Code Compliance Database to identify the correlation between model codes and UL Certified products, as well as find manufacturers of certified products.

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

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