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Pending Code
Change
Item for 2011 NEC
What's Wrong
Here?
Code Q&A
Code Quiz
2008 Michigan
Electrical Code
2008 NEC Adoption
Process Update in Florida
State Electrical
Regulations
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About this Newsletter
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Change Proposals
Pending Code Change Item for 2011
NEC
As noted in the NEC Committee Report on
Proposals, 2010 Annual Revision Cycle, Code-Making Panel 8 has
voted
to accept a Code change submitted by David A. Williams, Delta Township,
(Log #3622 NEC-P08). Williams recommended adding a second sentence to
392.7(A) that would read as follows: "Metal cable tray containing
non-power conductors (communication, data, signal, etc.) shall be
electrically continuous, through listed connections or the use of an
insulated stranded bonding jumper not smaller than a 10 AWG." He notes,
"The NEC presently does not require cable trays with non-power
conductors to be properly bonded. The NECA/NEMA 105-2007 Standard for
Installing Metal Cable Tray Systems provides bonding requirements in
Section 4.7.3.2 for installations of only non-power conductors. This
needs to be covered in the NEC." He adds, "Most contractors do not have
access to the NEIS standards."
The document is open for public review and comment through October
23, 2009. You can download
an electronic version of the report via the NFPA Web site.
All interested parties are urged to read this report and submit
their
comments on the forms provided in the report. Each comment received on
or before the closing date of the comment period will be considered and
acted upon by the NEC Code Committee. The results of the committee
action will be published in the NEC Committee Report on
Comments,
which will be made available to all who request it. The Report on
Comments mail date is scheduled for March 29, 2010.
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Code Challenge
What's Wrong Here?
By Brian J. McPartland
Think you know how this installation violates the
NEC? Visit EC&M's
Web site to see the answer.
Hint: Wiring methods permitted with plastic
boxes
Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. We do a lot of generators for residences, and
only recently have been getting written up on our transfer switches.
The
inspectors are saying that if I use the transfer switch to transfer the
entire house — and I put it between the meter and the service
disconnect — then the transfer switch must be "service rated." Can
you
help me understand the rules, please?
Visit EC&M's Web
site to see the answer.
Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
A question has arisen related to whether a storage
battery installation has the required working space in accordance with
the 2008 National Electrical Code. The depth of the battery rack
supporting the batteries is 12 in. It's installed tight against a
concrete wall. Directly across from the battery rack is electrical
switchgear rated at 600V, with a nominal operating voltage of 480V.
Based on these facts, what is the required minimum depth of the
working space in the direction of live parts?
- 36 in. from the back edge of the battery rack to the front edge of
the electrical switchgear.
- 42 in. from the front edge of the battery rack to the front edge of
the electrical switchgear.
- 48 in. from the front edge of the battery rack to the terminals
inside of the electrical switchgear.
- 48 in. from the front edge of the battery rack to the front edge of
the electrical switchgear.
Visit EC&M's
Web site for the answer and explanation.
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Code News Update
2008 Michigan Electrical Code
The 2008 Michigan Electrical Code will take effect on
Dec. 2, 2009. The new Code is based on the 2008 National Electrical
Code, with some additions, deletions, and amendments. The changes to
the
2008 NEC are outlined in this PDF,
which is posted on the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic
Growth Web site.
2008 NEC Adoption Process Update in
Florida
According to a recent Code Alert issued on Sept. 28,
2009 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the
state of Florida began implementation of the 2008 NEC on Oct. 1, 2009,
with one amendment to safety. As noted in an amendment to Chapter 27 of
the 2007 Florida Building Code, Section 2705 will now read as follows:
Section 2705 Equipotential Bonding GFCI Protection
2705.1 NFPA 70 - 08: National Electric Code, Article 680 (Swimming
Pools, Fountains, and Similar Installation), Section 680.22(B), GFCI
Protection, is amended to read as follows:
(B) GFCI Protection. Outlets supplying pool pump motors from branch
circuits with short circuit and ground-fault protection rated 15A or
20A, 125V or 240V, single-phase, whether by receptacle or direct
connection, shall be provided with ground-fault circuit interrupter
protection for personnel.
Exception: One- and two-family dwellings.
Click
here to read NEMA's analysis on how this change came about.
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Electrical Resources
State Electrical
Regulations
Looking for a guide to state electrical codes,
enforcement agencies, and contractor/electrician licensing
requirements?
Then check out the State Codes
and Licenses page on the NECA Web site. This reference can come in
handy when venturing out into a new geographic work area or taking up
residence in a new state. But that's not all. The site also offers
detailed information on low-voltage
licensing requirements and contact information for enforcement
agencies overseeing the installation of these types of systems (i.e.,
fire alarm and security).
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