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May 1, 2008 A Penton Media Publication Vol. VI No. 9

CONTENTS
Cast Your Vote Now!

Article 100: Definition of “Neutral Conductor”

What's Wrong Here?

Code Q&A

Code Quiz

Wisconsin Advisory Council Tackles 2008 NEC

Visit the EC&M e-Tradeshow


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    Do you want the opportunity to win a $100 gift check? If you’re an EC&M subscriber, we invite you to help us select this year’s Product of the Year winner. The deadline for voting is June 22, 2008. To make your voice heard, visit the EC&M Home page anytime before now and then. Click on “vote now and become eligible for a $100 gift check,” located in the center of the page. You can click on a link for each of the 24 category winners to read a brief description of the product features and view a photo. Once you’re finished with your review, you can click on the "vote here for your favorite" link, which allows you to enter in your contact information, choose your favorite product, and click submit. As an added incentive to capture your vote, five lucky voters will be randomly selected to receive one of five $100 gift checks ― so don’t delay. Vote today!

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    Top 50 NEC Rules















    Article 100: Definition of “Neutral Conductor”
    By Mike Holt
     This new term was added to Art. 100. The definition reads as follows:

    "The conductor connected to the neutral point of a system that is intended to carry current under normal conditions."

    The neutral conductor of a solidly grounded system is required to be grounded to the earth; therefore, this conductor is also called a "grounded conductor." The 2005 version of the NEC did not feature a definition for neutral conductor, although it was used in many Articles. The lack of a definition caused confusion regarding the differences and similarities between the neutral conductor and the grounded conductor. Having a clear definition for the neutral conductor will help provide clarity in making this distinction.

    This definition differentiates between the neutral conductor and the equipment-grounding conductor, both of which are ultimately connected to the neutral point of a system. Under normal conditions, the neutral conductor is expected to be current carrying, whereas the equipment-grounding conductor is not.

    Where necessary, rules throughout the NEC were revised to use the term "neutral conductor" or "neutral point" of a supply system. The term “neutral conductor” is intended for use in conjunction with another new term, "neutral point."

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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: A danger sandwich
    Code Q&A
    By Mike Holt
     Q. Can a 2-pole snap switch be used to switch a 277V and 120V circuit?

    Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.
    Code Quiz
    By Steven Owen
     Q. A surge protective device (i.e., surge arrester or TVSS) shall be permitted for which of the following?

    1. On circuits exceeding 1kV.
    2. On ungrounded systems, impedance grounded systems, or corner grounded delta systems where not listed specifically for use on these systems.
    3. Where the rating of the surge protective device (SPD) is less than the maximum continuous phase-to-ground power frequency voltage available at the point of application.
    4. Where the rating of the SPD is equal to or greater than the maximum continuous phase-to-ground power frequency voltage available at the point of application.

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

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    Code News Update
    Wisconsin Advisory Council
    Tackles 2008 NEC
    According to the April 2008 issue of NEMA’s electroindustry, the Wisconsin Electrical Code Advisory Council will make several recommendations to the Wisconsin Department of Commerce with regard to the 2008 version of the NEC. The recommendations, when approved, will be incorporated into the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter Comm 16 Electrical. They are as follows:
    • Comm 16.20(2) ― Add the following: “In addition to the requirements of NEC 210.8, all 125-volt single phase 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in repair and storage areas in commercial garages where electrical diagnostic equipment, electrical hand tools, or portable lighting equipment is to be used, shall have ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.”
    • Comm 16.21 ― Add the following: “Where RMC, IMC, EMT, or steel-armored cable, Type AC or MC, meeting the requirements of 250.118 using metal outlet and junction boxes is installed for the portion of the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install a combination AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit.”
    • Comm 16.265 ― Add the following: “A single electrode consisting of a rod, pie, or plate shall be augmented by one additional electrode of any of the types specified in NEC 250.52(A)(4) through (A)(8).”
    • Comm 16.327 ― Add the following: “NEC 334.12(A)(2) does not apply in Wisconsin.”
    • Comm 16.392 ― Revise to read as follows: “511.3(C)(1)(a) and 511(C)(2)(a) do not apply in Wisconsin.”
    • Comm 16.45(1)(b)(1) ― “AC cable” will be added as an option for emergency circuit wiring.
    • Comm 16.45(1)(b)(2) ― Revise wording to read as follows: “Emergency lighting fixtures may use flexible cord connections in compliance with NEC 410.62(C) for electric discharge luminaries.”
    A public hearing will be scheduled in the near future so that members of the public can comment on the proposed changes.

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    Shows and Events

    Visit the EC&M e-Tradeshow
    Look for this free live conference, scheduled for Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Eastern and Pacific:

    Calculating Arc Flash Energy Levels by Benjamin Medich, P.E.

    This conference will detail how NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace,” and IEEE 1584, “Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations,” have varying — and sometimes overlapping — requirements for the development of an arc-flash analysis. It also will provide a survey of these methods, along with the basics to allow an integrated approach to arc-flash analysis, taking into account the requirements of both analysis methods. This conference is a must for electrical engineers and designers as well as plant/facility electrical maintenance personnel.

    Coming soon:
    "Understanding Electrical Safety and PPE Selection"
    "Implementing an Arc-Flash Safety Compliance Program"
    "Preparing an Arc-Flash Hazard Study"

    Visit the many exhibitors in this virtual tradeshow and take a look at the On-Demand Library, where you can view past online conferences 24/7/365. Visit the EC&M eTradeshow.
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