2006 Denver Seminar PDF

ROCKY MOUNTAIN IAEI MARCH 2006
Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI

Annual Meeting
March 16-17, 2006
These are the questions and panel member answers from the annual meeting.
Debate on answers is not included.
Panel Members and Assignments:
Rob Forister, Moderator
Michael Fisher 1,11,21,31,41,51,61,71,81,91
Mike Forister 2,12,22,32,42,52,62,72,82,92
Steve Conrad 3,13,23,33,43,53,63,73,83,93
Grant Hammett 4,14,24,34,44,54,64,74,84,94
Tom Lichtenstein 5,15,25,35,45,55,65,75,85,95
Alan Manche 6,16,26,36,46,56,66,76,86,96
Larry Bobo 7,17,27,37,47,57,67,77,87,97
Joe Sheehan 8,18,28,38,48,58,68,78,88,98
Phil Simmons 9,19,29,39,49,59,69,79,89,99
Bob Wolney 10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100
1. How is the maximum number of #12-NM-B that can be installed within a 24 long by 2
diameter PVC conduit calculated?
Panel Response: Start with Chapter 9 Tables, p 625 of NEC 2005 Note 4, length of nipples
not to exceed 24, shall be permitted to be filled to 60% of total cross-sectional area and
310.15(B)(2)(a) adjustment factor need not apply to this condition.
Then Note 9- multi-conductor cable of two or more conductors shall be treated as a single
conductor for calculating percentage conduit fill area.
For cables that have elliptical cross section-shall be based on using the major diameter of the
ellipse as a circle. I have a piece of #12-2 NM-B cable that is 5/16 wide.
Using pi*r*r. I will be able to calculate the cross section area as.08 square inches.
2. Table 4, Percentage Area of Conduit, check PVC (RNC) Schedule 80 p.628 of NEC
2 at 60% = 1.725 square inches, Divide that by .08 square inches. That will give you
approximately 21 cables that may be installed in a 2 PVC conduit.
2. The clothes washer is within five feet of a utility sink. The receptacle for the washer is
installed 6 from the sink, does it need to be protected by a GFCI circuit?
Panel Response: No, the receptacle does not have to have GFCI protection if installed over 6
from the outside edge of the sink. NEC 210.8(A)(7)
3. Is LFMC or LFNC allowed as the wiring method to connect the branch circuit conductors
from an outdoor hot tub disconnect to its controller? Does the 6 maximum length apply?
Panel Response: Yes, per 680.42(A)(1) both types of flexible conduits are allowed. They are
limited to six feet maximum lengths.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER IAEI MARCH 2006 2
4. Why do receptacles have to be located at least 5 feet from the inside walls of a spa or hot tub,
but a bathroom receptacle can be located within 1 inch of the rim of a regular or Jacuzzi type
of bathtub?
Panel Response: Just because! Article 680.43(A)(1) requires it. Part IV applies to Spas and Hot
Tubs. Part VII applies to Hydromassage Bath Tubs and has NO such spacing requirement.
Article 406.8(C) does not permit receptacles to be located within the tub space but does not
specify how far away they are to be placed.
5. What does a 15-minute finish rating mean when applied to 518.4(C)? Does the 15-minute
finish rating only apply to wood construction? Do the walls, floors and ceilings all have to
have the 15-minute finish rating before ENT or RNC can be used?
Panel Response: The heat rise on the wood stud framing members can rise in the range from
250 F as an average of all thermocouples or 325 F on any individual thermocouple. Does the
15-minute finish rating only apply to wood construction? YES, by UL and building code
definitions. Do the walls, floors and ceilings all have to have the 15-minute finish rating before
ENT or RNC can be used? YES.
6. Is it acceptable to terminate two circuits on a single circuit breaker?
Panel Response: Yes, Article 110.14 addresses multiple wires in a single termination.
Consider a 20A branch circuit breaker a Square D QO breaker accepts two wires and it is noted
on the side of the breaker.
Also these are not two separate circuits it is one branch circuit. This is no different than
running a home run across the house and then pulling lighting and receptacles at the end of the
home run.
7. . Do the non-labeled signs need to be replaced or re-evaluated and relabeled? A shopping
complex is receiving a facelift with new sheetrock and stucco for the front surfaces
supporting the existing signs, some of which do not have listing tags. The signs are removed
and re-installed
Panel Response: This is up to the AHJ. My opinion is that they need to be labeled. Article 600.3
requires signs to be listed and installed in conformance with that listing, unless otherwise
approved by special permission.
8. Is a closet located within a bedroom considered a separate room or does it need to be
protected by the bedroom AFCI device? Would a door separating the closet from the
bedroom make any difference in the ruling?
Panel Response: The NEC really does not answer that question. Really the jurisdiction should
decide what to call the closet within a bedroom. Generally the answer is the closet is part of the
room it is in, i.e. hallway closet; bedroom closet, kitchen closet. Where the electrical inspector
may not understand the extent of the bedroom proper, the building dept should be consulted.
9. Can a standard non-coated re-bar that is turned up out of the footing in a below grade
location be used as the concrete encased electrode?
Panel Response: The description of concrete encased electrodes is in 250.52(A)(3). Connection
rules are in 250.70.
The connection needs to be made where there is little chance of deterioration from corrosion.
(See 300.6) It is much better if the connection is made inside the concrete with proper
connectors or in a dry location such as out the top of the foundation wall. The electrical inspector
has the final word, as the installation must be Approved. NEC 110.2.
10. Are HVAC rooftop units considered electrical equipment? Would they require 3 feet of
clearance on all sides of the unit? Where in the code would I find this?
Panel Response: According to Article 100, definitions, Equipment is a general term including
material, fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires (fixtures), apparatus, and the like used as a part
of, or in connection with, an electrical installation, so yes, HVAC roof top units are considered
electrical equipment.
Clearances for electrical equipment operating at 600V or less are found in Section 110.26. The
basic rule is sufficient access and working space must be provided. Section 110.26(F)(2) deals
with outdoor electrical equipment. In part, it states the working clearance space shall include the
zone described in 110.26(A). That section says clearances must comply with the dimensions of
110.26(A)(1), (A)(2), & (A)(3). Depending on the nominal voltage to ground, i.e., 0-150V, and
151-600V, and three conditions listed in Table 110.26(A)(1), clearances could be 3, 3 , or 4
feet, but those clearances are only stipulated as necessary when equipment is likely to require
examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. For safetys sake, many
AHJs always consider equipment might be worked on while energized, and always require the
clearances of the table. Some may not, in this instance having a fall back position that theres a
disconnect required at the unit, so it can be shut off to be worked on. As far as requiring 3 feet
on all sides of the equipment, those distances would only be required if there was accessible
electrical equipment on all sides, which is not likely.
11. Are there any exceptions for the elimination of the required receptacle on a kitchen island
whose top has a 12 overhang on three sides and all drawers and doors on the other side with
no good location for the receptacle?
Panel Response: NO
210-52(B)(2) Island Counter Spaces. At least one receptacle shall be installed at each island
counter space with a long dimension of 600 mm (24 in.) or greater and a short dimension of 300
mm (12 in.) or greater. Where a range top or sink is installed in an island counter and the width
of the counter behind the range top or sink is less than 300 mm (12 in.), the range top or sink is
considered to divide the island into two separate countertop spaces as defined in 210.52(C)(4).
Exception to (5): To comply with the conditions specified in (1) or (2), receptacle outlets shall be
permitted to be mounted not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the countertop. Receptacles
mounted below a countertop in accordance with this exception shall not be located where the
countertop extends more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond its support base.
This is a design issue that needs to be resolved when you start the job. Also plug mold can be
used.
12. Is it acceptable to use a dedicated single 125-volt, 20-amp receptacle for the clothes washer
within 6 of the laundry sink and not have it GFCI protected?
Panel Response: No, if the receptacle is within 6 of the outside of the sink, it must be GFCI
protected. There are no exceptions for a single receptacle. NEC 210.8(A)(7)
13. Is the supply cord of a pendant mount light fixture allowed to pass through the ceiling tile to
connect to the circuit j-box above the ceiling?
Panel Response: No, per 400.8(2) "Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings,
suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors."
14. Can switched luminaires be considered emergency lighting? What if the luminaires are
installed in an area that does not require emergency egress illumination?
Panel Response: No. Required egress illumination must operate continuously. NFPA 101,
Section 7.8.1.2, Section 7.9.2.5 requires continuous operation of any luminaires providing
required egress lighting.
15. A NEMA 3R panelboard is used for a temporary service. There are open knockouts on the
side. Can a standard knockout closure be used to close this opening?
Panel Response: I would say no, Section 408.37 refers you to Section 312.2(A) for panelboards
in damp or wet locations. Section 312.2(A) States that for Cabinets in damp or wet locations,
surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article shall be placed or equipped so as to
prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet or cutout box.
Enclosures installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations,
raceways or cables entering above the level of un-insulated live parts shall use fittings listed for
wet locations.
This requirement has provisions for raceways or cables entering the enclosure above live parts
being suitable for wet locations, and a 3R has drain holes, it states that the enclosure should be
weatherproof and once you punch holes in the enclosure without appropriate closures then that
rating is lost.
16. Can a single pole double throw switch be used as a transfer switch for a small generator and a
circuit in a residence?
Panel Response: Possibly NEC 702 application and appropriate grounding would need to be
considered.
Consider a single-phase load (such as a furnace fan) and the neutral does not need to be
switched based on the generator not having the neutral bonded to ground.
17. Are all of the metal piping systems in a lube/oil change facility required to be bonded? They
normally have a motorized compressed air system with a grounding conductor to the motor,
which would serve to bond the piping.
Panel Response: All metal piping systems must be bonded. Article 250.104(B) specifies that all
systems if likely to become energized must be bonded.
18. Does the fire suppression water pump installed in a residence need to meet the requirements
of NEC Article 695?
Panel Response: No, pumps used for sprinklers within one and two family dwellings are not fire
pumps as described within Article 695. They have to be wired in accordance with Article 430.
And, NFPA 20, Standard for Fire pumps, does not apply to occupancies such as one and two
family dwellings. But, NFPA 13R, Residential Sprinklers for apartment complexes greater than 1
and 2 family dwellings does require fire pumps
19. A new exterior service main is installed at a residence and the interior now becomes a sub-
panel. Does the existing washer and dryer 3-wire branch circuits need to be changed to the
now required 4-wire circuits?
Panel Response: Not so long as the branch circuit remains in the existing mode. See 250.140.
It is important that 4 wires are run to the existing panel that becomes a feeder panel. The neutral
must be electrically isolated from the enclosure (remove the main bonding jumper). See
250.24(A)(5). Be sure the neutral conductor in the feeder panel is an insulated conductor. It is
still a neutral and connects to the neutral terminal bar. If the wiring method for the branch circuit
is Type SE cable with a bare neutral, the neutral conductor needs to be insulated so it wont
accidentally bridge between the neutral and panelboard enclosure.
20. Is each pedestal (containing a 30 and 20 amp receptacle) in a RV facility required to have a
ground rod installed? Are these pedestals classified as structures?
Panel Response: Ah, a question you love to hate. On the surface, it looks benign, just like the
Missouri river. Underneath there are dead cows, trees, fence posts, and old refrigerators
tumbling unseen toward the gulf. The question about whether pedestals are considered as
structures is a key. Section 551.76 is titled, Grounding-Recreational Vehicle Site Supply
Equipment Part A of that section in part, paraphrased, says, Exposed non current carrying
metal parts of fixed equipment that are not electrically connected to grounded equipment shall be
grounded (and shall is a mandatory rule, of course) by a continuous equipment grounding
conductor run with the circuit conductors from the service equipment.. Part C goes on to say
the neutral conductor SHALL NOT be used as an equipment ground for recreational vehicles OR
equipment within the recreational vehicle park. It would be nice to stop at that point, but Part D
continues on: No connection to a grounding electrode shall be made to the neutral conductor on
the load side of the service disconnecting means except as covered in 250.30(A) for separately
derived systems, and 250.32(B)(2) for separate buildings. Note there is no mention of structures
there. However, the title of 250.32 is Buildings or Structures supplied by Feeders or Branch
Circuits, and specifically, 250.32(B)(2) is the section where if an equipment grounding
conductor is NOT run with the supply conductors, and there are no continuous metallic paths
bonded to the grounding system in each building or structure involved, and ground fault
protection of equipment has not been installed on the supply side of the feeder, then the
grounded conductor SHALL be connected to the disconnecting means and to the grounding
electrodes, and shall be used for grounding or bonding of equipment. In other words, if the
pedestal is considered a structure, even though the main thrust of 551.76 is to run a separate
equipment ground and not bond and ground the neutral conductor downstream of the service,
permission is given to run the circuit without an equipment ground, and bond and ground the
neutral at each pedestal.
Personally, in this instance, even though I could easily justify calling a pedestal a structure,
which is defined in Article 100 as That which is built or constructed, I would not. I would
require the separate equipment ground.
21. Why does NMC in sizes #14 through # 10 require more support than MC Cable when they
seem to have the same flexibility?
Panel Response: Type NMC. Insulated conductors enclosed within an overall, corrosion
resistant, nonmetallic jacket.
334.30 Securing and Supporting
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers,
or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding
1.4 m (4 1/ 2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting.
Metal Clad Cable, Type MC. A factory assembly of one or more insulated circuit conductors
enclosed in an armor of interlocking metal tape, or a smooth or corrugated metallic sheath.
330.30 Securing and Supporting
(B) Securing unless otherwise provided, cables shall be secured at intervals not exceeding 1.8 m
(6 ft). Cables containing four or fewer conductors sized no larger than 10 AWG shall be secured
within 300 mm (12 in.) of every box, cabinet, fitting, or other cable termination.
We have two different materials with different standards.
MC cable also comes in larger manufactured sizes.
22. Does articles 225-18 require that you have 18 feet of ground clearance for a commercial
drive through if there is signage that limits the heights of vehicles.
Panel Response: Yes, there is no exception that allows such an installation.
23. Does the metal faucet on a hydro-tub need to be bonded the same as the circulation pump
motor when the tub is supplied with plastic water pipes?
Panel Response: 680.74 requires metal piping systems and grounded metal parts in contact
with the circulating water to be bonded. A water faucet attached to non-metallic piping does not
have to be bonded.
24. Can you connect 120v receptacles in a store to the same branch circuit that supplies the
lighting?
Panel Response: Yes, but the two are often separated as many stores use the circuit breaker as
the means of controlling the lighting, meaning the receptacles would be switched off daily as
well.
25. Why does listed and labeled electrical equipment come from the manufacturer with
grounding lugs installed on painted surfaces which must be removed and cleaned to meet
NEC compliance?
Panel Response: When Listed and labeled equipment comes already with lugs installed on a
painted enclosure they have been tested to determine if there is adequate grounding continuity,
where they are installed into the factory tapped or punched holes under controlled conditions. So
the lugs dont have to be removed and the paint cleaned off.
If the lugs are added in the field where the enclosure is drilled and the lug installed, they must
comply with 250.12 that would require the removing of the paint. An exception to that would be
a Listed kit for the specific piece of equipment, such as a grounding lug kit referenced on a
panelboard installed in the punched holes provided for it in the board, that kit was evaluated in
that panelboard in those holes and removing the paint would not be necessary.
26. When you have several separately derived systems entering a premise at different locations
around that premise, do you have to identify each disconnect as it enters that premise, and
post notification of the presence and location of all service entrances?
Panel Response: Yes 230.2(E) Identification. Where a building or structure is supplied by more
than one service, or any combination of branch circuits, feeders, and services, a permanent
plaque or directory shall be installed at each service disconnect location denoting all other
services, feeders, and branch circuits supplying that building or structure and the area served by
each. See 225.37
27. If the size of the service feeder conductors to a rural dwelling is increased to compensate for
voltage drop due to distance, must the grounding electrode conductor at the dwelling still be
sized per 250.66 based on the increased conductor size? For instance, the dwelling is 400 feet
from the 200-amp breaker in the meter pedestal and the contractor chooses to install a 300
kcmil AL feeder to compensate for voltage drop. Were the house only 120 ft. away, 4/0 AL
would be sufficient and a # 4 CU GEC would be required. Now, due to the increased
conductor size a # 2 GEC is required for the same size service. Is this correct?
Panel Response: Yes, the grounding electrode conductor is based on the size of the un-grounded
conductors according to Article 250.66.
28. Please explain a method of ceiling area ventilation that will make the entire ceiling area
unclassified according to 511.3(A)(7).
Panel Response: For a flat roof, and flat ceiling area, use the uppermost 18 inches of ceiling
cavity times the area of that ceiling cavity 25 ft by 40 ft. 25 ft x 40 ft x 1.5 ft = 1500 cubic feet
per minute roof exhaust fan, or use two fans, each 750 cubic feet per minute. Allowing
appropriate intake air vents will eliminate the possibility negative air pressure.
29. In a home where the water service is PVC and PVC plumbing is primarily used throughout
the house, with the exception of the furnace room, the well system, hot water heater, boiler
and pumps for zone heating being all copper. Is this copper system required to be bonded to
the grounding electrode system?
Panel Response: The general rule in 250.104(A) is that the metal water piping system shall be
bonded A judgment must be made on how much of the PVC piping system is metallic and if
it must be bonded (is it likely to become energized?). If it is required to be bonded, size the
bonding conductor in accordance with 250.66 (250.104(A)(1).
30. Can a 20-ampere single receptacle be installed on a 15-ampere circuit?
Panel Response: A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit shall have an
ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit, according to 210.21(B)(1). Twenty is not
less than 15, so if the circuit is an individual branch circuit, the answer is yes. However, the
question doesnt stipulate the 15 ampere circuit is an individual branch circuit. If it isnt,
210.21(B)(3) says that receptacles connected to branch circuits that supply two or more
receptacles shall have ratings complying with table 210.21(B)(3). According to that table,
receptacles connected to a 15 ampere circuit cant have a rating of more than 15 amperes, so the
answer is no.
31. Can ROMEX be installed in outdoor conduit when its ambient is not exceeded? Does it
comply with 334.10(A) when it is normally dry 95% of the time in most geographic
locations?
Panel Response: This question will depend on your AHJ. Some additional thoughts,
334.10 Uses Permitted
Type NM, Type NMC, and Type NMS cables shall be permitted to be used in the
following:
(1) One- and two-family dwellings.
(2) Multifamily dwellings permitted to be of Types III, IV, and V construction except
as prohibited in 334.12.
334.10(A) Type NM Type NM cable shall be permitted as follows:
(1) For both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations except as
prohibited in 334.10(3)
334.116 Sheath
(A) Type NM The overall covering shall be flame retardant and moisture resistant.
. 334.15 Exposed Work
(B) Protection from Physical Damage Cable shall be protected from physical
damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit,
electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC rigid nonmetallic conduit, or other
approved means.
334.12 Uses Not Permitted
(4)Where exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness.
ARTICLE 310 Conductors for General Wiring
310.8 Locations
(B) Dry and Damp Locations Insulated conductors and cables used in dry and
damp locations shall be Types FEP, FEPB, MTW, PFA, RHH, RHW, RHW-2,
SA, THHN, THW, THW-2, THHW, THHW-2, THWN, THWN-2, TW, XHH,
XHHW, XHHW-2, Z, or ZW.
UL White Book, states that the conductors rated at 90 C, which are Type
THHN.
Location, Damp. Locations protected from weather and not subject to saturation
with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Examples
of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees,
roofed open porches, and like locations, and interior locations subject to moderate
degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns, and some cold-storage
warehouses.
ARTICLE 352 Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit: Type RNC
352.10 Uses Permitted
(D) Wet Locations RNC shall be permitted in portions of dairies, laundries,
canneries, or other wet locations and in locations where walls are frequently
washed, the entire conduit system including boxes and fittings used therewith
shall be installed and equipped so as to prevent water from entering the conduit.
All supports, bolts, straps, screws, and so forth, shall be of corrosion-resistant
materials or be protected against corrosion by approved corrosion-resistant
materials.
(E) Dry and Damp Locations RNC shall be permitted for use in dry and damp
locations not prohibited by 352.12
Assumptions are that NM-B cable is installed in RNC outdoors for physical
protection of the cable and RNC is approved for a dry and wet locations and
is installed as listed and labeled. To create a possible moisture-resistance
environment, where there is not excessive moisture and the NM-B cable has a
moisture jacket.
Check with you AHJ. OR CHECK WITH MIKE FORISTER AT WWW.nema.org
32. Section 410-8(d) (3) allows recessed incandescent fixtures to be installed in clothes closets,
provided the lamp is completely enclosed and a minimum clearance of 6 inches between the
fixtures and the nearest point of a storage space. Can a recessed incandescent fixture be
installed without being completely enclosed in a clothes closet, such as a large closet where
the clothes are at least 8 feet away from the fixture?
Panel Response: No, Article 410.8(B) requires lamps to be enclosed in recessed luminaires.
33. Why is sealtite limited to a 6 length for hot tub installations?
Panel Response: I don't know. The requirement of 6' or less was changed in the 1999 NEC from
3' or less in earlier editions of the NEC.
34. What are the differences in the terms space, area and zone in 406.8(C) and 410.4(D)?
Panel Response: These are 3 different terms basically meaning the same thing.
Definitions:
Area-a distinct space or surface having a special function.
Space-an area provided for a specific purpose.
Zone-an area, region, or division distinguished from adjacent parts by a distinctive feature or
character.
Space refers to the area within vertical planes drawn off the tub walls.
Zone refers to the area surrounding the tub space.
35. The garage door opener says 1/2 hp on the side of the frame, but the nameplate says 3.4
amperes. How do I size the circuit or can it be placed on the 15-ampere branch circuit
feeding the garage lights?
Panel Response: Garage door openers are Listed under the category Door, Drapery, Gate and
Louver Operators (FDDR), this category is located on page 218 in the White Book. The garage
door opener is Listed utilization equipment not a motor as anticipated by Article 430. The scope
of 430 states in 430.1 This article covers motors, motor branch-circuit and feeder conductors and
their protection, motor overload protection, motor control circuits, motor controllers, and motor
control centers. The nameplate rating of opener of 3.6 Amps is all you have to worry about to
size the protection. The branch circuit protection provides all the protection that is needed,
follow the installation and user instructions per NEC 110.3(B).
36. Are transfer switches required for all standby systems?
Panel Response: NO
1) A transfer switch is a specific solution for transfer equipment
2) Transfer equipment may be a kirk-key interlock system of two different switches
3) Transfer equipment is required unless you meet the exception in 702.6
702.6 Transfer Equipment.
Transfer equipment shall be suitable for the intended use and designed and installed so as to
prevent the inadvertent interconnection of normal and alternate sources of supply in any
operation of the transfer equipment. Transfer equipment and electric power production systems
installed to permit operation in parallel with the normal source shall meet the requirements of
Article 705.
Transfer equipment, located on the load side of branch circuit protection, shall be permitted to
contain supplementary overcurrent protection having an interrupting rating sufficient for the
available fault current that the generator can deliver. The supplementary overcurrent protection
devices shall be part of a Listed transfer equipment.
Transfer equipment shall be required for all standby systems subject to the provisions of this
article and for which an electric-utility supply is either the normal or standby source.
Exception: Temporary connection of a portable generator without transfer equipment shall be
permitted where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons
service the installation and where the normal supply is physically isolated by a lockable
disconnect means or by disconnection of the normal supply conductors.
37. Can intrinsically safe conductors be installed in the same raceway with non-intrinsically safe
wiring?
Panel Response: No, Article 504.30(A)(1) prohibits installation of intrinsically safe circuits in
any raceway with conductors of any non-intrinsically safe circuit.
38. Why is a #8 solid cu conductor required from the wet-niche fixture to the deck j-box when a
stranded cu conductor could be installed much easier?
Panel Response: Solid copper is more resistant to corrosion than solid.
39. If you have several separately derived systems (generator, solar, wind, etc.) AC or DC:
a. Are each of these systems metal frame, tower or support required to be grounded at
the source?
b. If they do, does each system have to be bonded to a common grid system?
Panel Response:
a. I dont know of any NEC rule that requires the metal frames to be grounded. The frames
are probably grounded (connected to earth) by the manner they are installed such as connections
to the concrete support base. To be sure, check if the support base is electrically connected to the
reinforcing steel in the foundation.
b. No doubt, the steel structure is required to be grounded for lightning protection reasons.
See NFPA 780 for those rules.
40. Using table 310.15(B) (6), could two parallel runs of #350kcmil al THHN conductors be
used for a 600-ampere service lateral when table 310.16 lists the value at 500 amperes?
Panel Response: Table 310.15(B)(6) is only for 120/240V single-phase three wire services for
dwelling units, and it only goes to a service rating of 400A. The rest of 310.15(B)(6) says
conductors as listed in the table are allowed. The answer is no.
41. Can a cord, plug and receptacle be used for a water heaters disconnection means?
Panel Response: No, in most cases.
ARTICLE 422 Appliances
III. Disconnecting Means
422.30 General
Check with you AHJ,
A means shall be provided to disconnect each appliance from all ungrounded
conductors in accordance with the following sections of Part III. If an appliance is
supplied by more than one source, the disconnecting means shall be grouped and
identified.
422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances
(B) Appliances Rated Over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1/8 Horsepower For
permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes or 1/8 hp, the
branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the
disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the
appliance or is capable of being locked in the open position. The provision for
locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the
switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain in
place with or without the lock installed.
422.33 Disconnection of Cord-and-Plug-Connected Appliances
(A) Separable Connector or an Attachment Plug and Receptacle For cord-and-
plug-connected appliances, an accessible separable connector or an accessible
plug and receptacle shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means. Where
the separable connector or plug and receptacle are not accessible, cord-and-plug-
connected appliances shall be provided with disconnecting means in accordance
with 422.31.
You need to check with the manufacture of the water heater to see if cord
connection is approved. Some of the installation states that a suitable
disconnecting means must be provided by a qualified electrician.
42. Can a receptacle for a towel warmer be installed in a tub or shower space?
Panel Response: No, Article 406.8(C) does not allow receptacles to be installed within or
directly over a bathtub or shower stall.
43. Why is NM cable limited to 60 degrees C when its conductors are rated at 90 degrees C?
Panel Response: NM cable is effectively de-rated to protect the conductor insulation due to
the wide variety of conditions found in typical installations such as insulated walls, ceilings,
and attic spaces. Article 334.80 limits OCPD to the 60-degree rating in 310.15.
44. Does the wiremold with receptacles 12 on center have to comply with NEC 220.14(H)(2)
when used in a health club for the electric exercise equipment?
Panel Response: Yes
45. What is the difference between a Non-incendive circuit and an Intrinsically Safe circuit?
Panel Response: The NEC defines these two terms as follows:
500.2 Nonincendive Circuit. A circuit, other than field wiring, in which any arc or thermal effect
produced under intended operating conditions of the equipment is not capable, under specified
test conditions, of igniting the flammable gasair, vaporair, or dustair mixture.
504.2 Intrinsically Safe Circuit. A circuit in which any spark or thermal effect is incapable of
causing ignition of a mixture of flammable or combustible material in air under prescribed
test conditions.
In a nutshell, intrinsically safe circuits are evaluated under fault conditions and
nonincendive circuits are evaluated under normal operating conditions. That is why IS is
good for Division 1 and nonincendive are only good for Division 2.
46. When the NEC requires headroom of six feet in front of a panel, does it mean for a distance
of 36 from the panel face? Some 400-amp panels have the clearance at the panel face but
the lock-in-place-hinges allow the cover to angle down into the required clearance.
Panel Response: The working space is defined with the enclosure closed. If you apply the
working space rules with the doors of equipment open then you would never be able to comply
with the 30 minimum in front of a panelboard since the door would be in the working space.
This would also mean that most UL listed power outlets for temporary power and RV parks
would not be compliant either, not to mention a number of UL Listed A/C disconnect disconnect
designs.
110.26(E) Headroom. The minimum headroom of working spaces about service equipment,
switchboards, panelboards, or motor control centers shall be 2.0 m (6 ft).
110.26(A)(1) Distances shall be measured from the exposed live parts or from the enclosure or
opening if the live parts are enclosed.
47. Is a non-fused service rated transfer switch allowed to be installed ahead of the over-current
protection of the building service? Is the service bonding required to be in the transfer
switch?
Panel Response: Article 230.91 requires the overcurrent device be an integral part of the service
disconnecting means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto. The grounding would be
accomplished at or ahead of the main disconnect, which in this case would be the transfer switch,
according to Article 250.24(A)(1).
48. Does the dedicated space in front of a panel need to be a flat surface. The grade sometimes
exceeds 45degrees and I cant find an article to enforce this problem.
Panel Response: The first paragraph of Section 110.26, says, Sufficient access and working
space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe
operation and maintenance of such equipment.
No, it doesnt need to be flat, but it has to meet the definition of readily accessible.
Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible) Capable of being reached quickly for operation,
renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over
or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
Why, because overcurrent devices need to be readily accessible according to Section 240.24(A)
on page 87 say so.
230.24(A) (page 73) exception actually could be used to define what an inaccessible roof is
It say an inaccessible roof has to have a slope of 4 inches in 12 inches or greater. So Id say if the
slope is greater than 4 in 12, it is not accessible to permit ready and safe operation and
maintenance of such equipment.
NEC Reference: Section 110.26, 1
st
paragraph
Article 100, definition of readily accessible
Section 240.24(A)
Section 230.24(A), Exception 2, slope
49. When a re-bar is protruding from a footing or a foundation to be used as a connection point
for the grounding electrode system, does that connecting point have to be accessible? For
instance: The re-bar being enclosed by a finished wall of the structure?
Panel Response: See 250.68(A). The connection to the grounding electrode is required to be
accessible unless the connection is encased or buried to a concrete-encased, driven or buried
grounding electrode or an exothermic or irreversible compression connection to fire-proofed
metal structural member.
50. Some rural utilities require the main disconnects on their poles. Are two ground rods required
when one has a resistance greater than 25 ohms? Does the service equipment at the house
also require ground rods?
Panel Response: Installation of the service disconnecting means on a pole is in accordance with
the location requirements of 230.70(A)(1), and according to 230.91, the service overcurrent
device shall be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or shall be located
immediately adjacent thereto. If the service has been established at the pole, then according to
250.56, if the resistance of one rod is greater than 25 ohms to ground, yes, two rods are required.
There probably are no other electrodes that would be present at a maypole type installation. The
panel in the house would be fed by a feeder. According to 250.32(A), a building fed by a feeder
shall have a grounding electrode or grounding electrode system installed in accordance with
250.50. That section says all grounding electrodes as described in 250.52(A)(1) through (A)(6)
that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the
grounding electrode system. Where none of these exist, one or more of the electrodes specified
in (A)(4) through (A)(7) shall be used.
1. Metal u/g water pipe 2. Metal frame of building 3. Concrete encased electrode 4. Ground
ring 20 #2 5. Rod and pipe 6. Plate 7. Other local metal u/g systems
So, if a rod is present (i.e., #5), yes, it is required to be bonded. If there are no electrodes
present, then it could be required if that was the choice made of the items in 4 through 7, so the
answer to whether they are required or not at the house is maybe, depending on choice,
because 250.50 says one or more.
51. Are residential stairways required to contain lighting fixtures?
Panel Response: Yes
Lighting Outlet. An outlet intended for the direct connection of a lamp holder, a
luminaire (lighting fixture), or a pendant cord terminating in a lamp holder.
210.70 Lighting Outlets Required
(2) Additional Locations Additional lighting outlets shall be installed in accordance with
(A)(2)(a), (A)(2)(b), and (A)(2)(c).
(a) At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways,
stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power.
In the International Residential Code, article R303.6 Stairway Illumination.
All interior and exterior stairways shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs,
including the landings and treads. It also states that the illuminations levels not to be less
than 1 foot-candle measured at the center of the treads and landings.
So again check with your local AHJ.
52. When a hydromassage bathtub is installed in a hotel guestroom, do all the guestroom
receptacles outlets need to be GFCI protected? It not all the guestroom receptacles outlets are
required to be GFCI protected, then which ones are required to be GFCI protected?
Panel Response: Article 680.71 requires hydro-massage bathtubs and all receptacles within 5
of the inside wall of the tub be protected by a GFCI.
53. Are the receptacles above a lowered counter top used for a desk within a kitchen area
required to be GFCI protected?
Panel Response: The lowered area of a built-in desk is not intended for food preparation and
does not require GFCI protection as specified in 210.8 (A)(6).
54. Should an inspector also concern himself with ventilation of a hydro-massage motor as per
section 430.14?
Panel Response: Only if it is required by the manufacturer in their installation instructions. They
would be the only one to determine the meaning of adequate related to their product.
55. Is the smoke detector circuit in a residence considered a fire alarm system? Could Article 760
apply?
Panel Response: No the typical smoke alarms in a residence that are single or multi-station
alarms that may or may not be interconnected through the branch circuit are not Fire alarm
systems. In order to be considered a fire alarm system they would have to be connected to a fire
alarm control panel to be considered under article 760. The scope of Article 760 detailed in
760.1 states: This article covers the installation of wiring and equipment of fire alarm systems
including all circuits controlled and powered by the fire alarm system.
FPN No. 1: Fire alarm systems include fire detection and alarm notification, guard's tour,
sprinkler water flow, and sprinkler supervisory systems. Circuits controlled and powered by the
fire alarm system include circuits for the control of building systems safety functions, elevator
capture, elevator shutdown, door release, smoke doors and damper control, fire doors and
damper control and fan shutdown, but only where these circuits are powered by and controlled
by the fire alarm system. For further information on the installation and monitoring for integrity
requirements for fire alarm systems, refer to the NFPA 72-2002, National Fire Alarm Code.
56. Why are the sums of the over-current protective devices for branch circuit panel boards not
allowed to exceed its rating when the same panel board used as a power panel board can if it
does not exceed the calculated load?
Panel Response: NEC 408.36 requires that not more than two overcurrent devices have a
combined rating that exceeds the panel rating. The lighting panel is required to be protected.
The power panelboard application is not required to be protected by a single main when a neutral
is not involved. This limits the application of power panels. The lighting and appliance branch
circuit panelboard dates back to around 1925 and is believe to have been placed in the NEC
based on a fire at a hotel in NY. The 2008 NEC is presently slated to remove the lighting panel
requirement that limits panels to 42 circuits, however, it must still be at its ampacity.
57. Can the UFER connection to a re-bar stubbed out above a foundation wall be concealed
within the framed wall?
Panel Response: No, Article 250.68 requires such a connection be accessible.
58. Who determines the requirements for a qualified person as referenced in NEC 110.6 and
110.31?
Panel Response:
1. 110.2 Approval
2. AHJ
3. Various requirements within the NEC
4. New FPN following the definition
5. Read it from NFPA 70E
The AHJ has the responsibility for making interpretations of the rules,
NEC Reference: Section 90.4, beginning of the second sentence.
First question: Have you ever been trained in whatever
Second question, do you have any paperwork to prove your training?
Third question have you ever done work like this before
Assumptions: NFPA 70E-2004 says what training is. Section 110.6, page 16
110.26 Training Requirements.
(A) Safety Training. The training requirements contained in this section shall
apply to employees who face a risk of electrical hazard that is not reduced to
a safe level by the electrical installation requirements of Chapter 4. Such
employees shall be trained to understand the specific hazards associated
with electrical energy. They shall be trained in safety-related work practices
and procedural requirements as necessary to provide protection from the
electrical hazards associated with their respective job or task assignments.
Employees shall be trained to identify and understand the relationship
between electrical hazards and possible injury.
(B) (B) Type of Training. The training require by this section shall be classroom
or on the job type, or a combination of the two. The degree of training
provided shall be determined by the risk to the employee.
59. Where a grounding electrode conductor is connected to a concrete-encased electrode, what is
the minimum size conductor that may be used?
Panel Response: No. 8 copper from Table 250.66. This size is based on a service or separately
derived system conductor sized 2 AWG or smaller. The grounding electrode conductor does not
have to be larger than 4 AWG in accordance with 250.66(B).
60. Is the steel beam supporting the wooden floor joists in a residence required to be bonded?
Panel Response: Its an isolated piece of conductive material, and as such, section 250.4(A)(4)
addresses the issue of electrically conductive materials likely to become energized being
required to be connected together to establish an effective ground fault current path. Many
AHJs consider anything conductive as likely to become energized, to be on the safe side. Some
do not. If the AHJ requires bonding, the answer is yes. If he does not, the answer is no.
61. May romex be used as a fixture whip in an auditorium, which has been wired with conduit?
Panel Response: No
334.12 Uses Not Permitted
(2) Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one-and two-family and
multifamily dwellings
(5) In theaters and similar locations, except where permitted in 518.4(B)
518.2 General Classification
(A) Examples Assembly occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
Auditoriums
518.4 Wiring Methods
(A) General The fixed wiring methods shall be metal raceways, flexible metal
raceways, nonmetallic raceways encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of
concrete, Type MI, MC, or AC cable containing an insulated equipment
grounding conductor sized in accordance with Table 250.122.
62. Is a number 4 copper conductor acceptable for a 100-amp temporary pole installation? This is
not a dwelling service.
Panel Response: No, #3 copper conductors are rated 100-amp according to Article 310.16.
63. To prevent the accumulation of explosives gases, how many air changes per hour is required
by NEC 480.9(A)?
Panel Response: The NEC does not specify.
64. Can you install a switch in a tub enclosure that has no shower?
Panel Response: Yes, but only if it is installed as part of a listed tub or shower assembly. NEC
404.4
65. Can expanding spray foam be used as a temperature seal within the nipple between the
outside meter and the interior panel?
Panel Response: Section 300.7(A) requires raceways between areas of different temperatures to
be sealed using an approved method to prevent condensation in the raceways and the equipment.
Will that foam do the job? Probably, however, you do not know how that foam will chemically
react with the conductor insulation because it has never been evaluated for use with conductor
insulation. I would say no you cannot use it for that reason. Some of those foams may be UL
Classified for Surface burning Characteristics, however, to my knowledge there havent been any
sealants that have been Listed or Classified for this purpose.
66. Is it really an important issue to have only one service to a building when there are so many
exceptions to this rule?
Panel Response: This sounds like a philosophy question. So would you want to permit a service
drop for each apartment in a 46-unit complex?
A balance must the struck between having a reasonable means / capability to isolate the building
from electrical source(s) for various reasons and providing the necessary power for different
utilization needs and maximizing available power up time.
67. What is the minimum size of a daisy-chained, cu equipment bonding jumper on the supply
side of a 1200 ampere service disconnect switch supplied by four parallel #350kcmil THHN
cu conductors?
Panel Response: This conductor is sized according to Article 250.102(C). It is based on the sum
of all the un-grounded conductors. The total is 1400 kcmil. 12-% of 1400 equals 175-kcmil or
4/0 copper.
68. Can listed fire alarm systems be installed in standard EMT now that red colored EMT is
available?
Panel Response: Neither the NEC, Article 760, or NFPA 72 require the use of red EMT. Use
of Red EMT is OK and certainly not prohibited.
69. What are the grounding requirements for impedance heating?
Panel Response: Impedance heating systems are covered in Articles 426 for cables embedded in
driveways, walks, steps and other areas and Article 427 covers installations on pipelines and
vessels.
Grounding requirements for Article 426 is in 426.34. An impedance heating system that is
operating at a voltage greater than 30 but not more than 80 shall be grounded at a designated
point(s). An isolation transformer is installed as indicated in 426.31.
Grounding requirements for Article 427 is in 427.29. An impedance heating system that is
operating at a voltage greater than 30 but not more than 80 shall be grounded at a designated
point(s). An isolation transformer is installed as indicated in 427.27.
70. Can the size of the service grounded conductor be reduced from the meter to the main
breaker?
Panel Response: Im not sure what this question is asking. Neither were others I queried. For
instance, when I asked Mike Forister what this meant, his response was, I dont know, I didnt
write the question, I only assigned it. Does that tell you anything about the vindictive, mean
spirited nature of Mike?
What keeps coming to mind and stymies me is, reduced from what. To answer the question,
Im going to have to assume whats really meant is does the service grounded conductor have to
be the same size as the phase conductors, or can its size be reduced? If thats the question, the
answer is to be found in 220.61. A generic answer is the neutral size is allowed to be reduced in
size per 220.61 Part A provides for basic calculations, Part B for permitted reductions, and Part
C of that section lists prohibitions of reductions. The examples of Annex D will be helpful in
determining what reductions are allowed to be made.
71. Why is it required to secure NM cable run across ceiling joists, which support the NM cable?
a. 334.30 Securing and Supporting
Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties,
straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the
cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (4 1/ 2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of
every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting. Flat cables shall not be stapled
on edge.
Definition; Support is to hold in position or to bear the weight.
Secure is to make firm or tight, fasten.
NM-B needs to be supported and secured in place.
72. Can type USE-2, dual rated cable be run into a building?
Panel Response: If the cable is manufactured with a dual rated cable, such as RHW it may be
run into a building. The 2 means that it is 90 rated wet or dry. If the cable is just rated USE-2 it
cannot enter a building.
73. If an existing sump pump receptacle is now located within a remodeled bedroom, is it
required be AFCI protected?
Panel Response: Yes, the usage of the area has changed and the requirements of 210.12(B)
would apply.
74. What are the requirements for fluorescent fixtures in a commercial woodworking shop?
Panel Response: Requirements are found in Article 503.130(A).
Fixed-1. Designed to minimize entrance of fibers or flyings and to prevent escape of hot
particles.
2. Marked with maximum lamp wattage permitted without exceeding surface temperature
of 165 degrees centigrade (329 Fahrenheit).
75. Are underground splice kits with set-screw type connections allowed for splicing service
entrance conductors?
Panel Response: Section 230.33, Permits underground service lateral conductors to be spliced.
UL Lists underground splice kits under the product category Wire Connectors Insulated for Use
With Underground Conductors (ZMWQ) located on page 147 in the 2005 White Book. If the
connector complies with the standards with the set-screws then they would be permitted.
76. What is the minimum size THHN cu wire that can feed an existing 100-ampere main breaker
panel which has no terminal ratings listed on the breaker?
Panel Response: NEC 110.14(C)(1) (a) 100A or less 60C size ----- 1 AWG = 110A -- typically
would use a #3
77. A UFER re-bar is installed, inspected and later cut off because it was installed below a
windowsill. Is it now considered unavailable for connection?
Panel Response: Up to AHJ
78. A range branch circuit is calculated and installed at 40 amps. The range installed is rated at
13KW. Does the wiring need to be changed?
Panel Response: No, it is OK and complies with 210.19.
NEC Reference: 220.55, Notes 1 and 4
1 range at 12 kW=8kW
Our range is 13 kW so subtract (13-12), obtaining 1
Then we add a single 5% factor to the load of an 8kW range load.
100% + 5% = 1.05 x 8 = 8.4 kW
8,400 240 = 35 amps
79. Does the code allow a service supplied ac system to be grounded at more than 1 accessible
point on the line side of the service disconnect using separate grounding electrode conductors
and rods? An example would be a connection at the meter base and the service disconnect.
Code reference is 250.24 (a) (1)
Panel Response: A better description would be Does the Code allow the metallic equipment on
the supply side of the service equipment to be bonded to the grounded service conductor
(neutral). The answer is Yes. See 250.142(A)(1).
80. Can a split-bolt be used to connect the grounding electrode to a concrete encased re-bar?
Panel Response: No, split bolt connectors are not listed for this use. See Grounding and
Bonding Equipment (KDER) in the UL white book. It states that clamps intended for use with
re-bar are marked with the size of rebar with which the clamp is intended to be used. Section
250.8 requires the following for connection of grounding and bonding equipment: Grounding
conductors and bonding jumpers shall be connected by exothermic welding, listed pressure
connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means. Yes, there are listed split bolts. No, there are
none listed to connect a grounding electrode conductor to a concrete encased re-bar.
81. Can a 4500-watt, 240 volt water heater be fed with 12/2 NMB and protected by a 2-pole 20
breaker?
Panel Response: No
422.13 Storage-Type Water Heaters
A fixed storage-type water heater that has a capacity of 450 L (120 gal) or less shall be
considered a continuous load.
210.19 Conductors Minimum Ampacity and Size
(A) Branch Circuits Not More Than 600 Volts
(1) General Branch-circuit conductors shall have an ampacity not less than the maximum
load to be served. Where a branch circuit supplies continuous loads or any combination of
continuous and noncontinuous loads, the minimum branch-circuit conductor size, before
the application of any adjustment or correction factors, shall have an allowable ampacity
not less than the noncontinuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load.
Example: 4500-watt heater = 18.75 VA plus 125% = 23 amps
334.80 Ampacity
The ampacity of Types NM, NMC, and NMS cable shall be determined in accordance with
310.15. The ampacity shall be in accordance with the 60C (140F) conductor temperature
rating. The 90C (194F) rating shall be permitted to be used for ampacity derating
purposes, provided the final derated ampacity does not exceed that for a 60C (140F) rated
conductor.
240.4 Protection of Conductors
(D) Small Conductors Unless specifically permitted in 240.4(E) or 240.4(G), the
overcurrent protection shall not exceed 15 amperes for 14 AWG, 20 amperes for 12 AWG,
and 30 amperes for 10 AWG copper
Table 310.16 # 12 = 20 amps
You will need # 10-2 NM-B with a 2 pole 30 amp breaker.
82. Why does the computed load of fluorescent fixtures have to be based on the ampere rating of
the fixtures rather than the total watts of the lamps?
Panel Response: Because there is line loss in the ballast. You have to use the rating of the
ballast or fixture.
83. Can a direct buried service lateral be installed in a schedule 80 PVC conduit sleeve within
and through the concrete foundation and into a meter/main service panel mounted in the wall
above the foundation?
Panel Response: Yes, 230.70(A)(1) allows the conductors to enter the building and terminate at
the panel, even though the length of the conductors is not specified.
84. Can an air conditioner be supplied from the panel board in a mobile home?
Panel Response: Only if factory installed. Accessory air conditioners would be best supplied
from the mobile home service equipment per 550.32(D). (Additional branch circuits for window
units might be permissible within the capacity limits of the mobile home panelboard.)
85. What is the difference between a surge arrestor and a transient voltage surge suppressor?
What are the applications for each device?
Panel Response: A surge arrestor is intended to afford protection against surge related damage
to secondary distribution wirings systems and equipment connected to it and are intended for
installation in accordance with Article 280. Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (TVSS) are
intended to limit the maximum amplitude of the transient voltage surges on power lines to
specified values. TVSS must be installed on the load side of the Service Disconnect and are
intended for installation in accordance with Article 285. UL Lists surge arrestors under the
category Surge Arrestors (OWHX) located on page 75 in the 2005 White book and TVSS are
Listed under the category Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (XUHT) located on page 137 in
the white book.
86. What is the minimum size for the grounded conductor of a 277/480 volt, 800-ampere service
with two parallel #500kcmil cu THHN conductors with no line to line neutral loads?
Panel Response: The grounded conductor get sized using table 250.66. Assuming the 500s are
run in separate conduits, the grounded conductor in each conduit must be sized based on the
ungrounded conductor in that conduit so you would have a 1/0 Copper or 3/0 Aluminum
250.24 C) Grounded Conductor Brought to Service Equipment. Where an ac system operating at
less than 1000 volts is grounded at any point, the grounded conductor(s) shall be run to each
service disconnecting means and shall be bonded to each disconnecting means enclosure. The
grounded conductor(s) shall be installed in accordance with 250.24(C)(1) through (C)(3).
Exception: Where more than one service disconnecting means are located in an assembly listed
for use as service equipment, it shall be permitted to run the grounded conductor(s) to the
assembly, and the conductor(s) shall be bonded to the assembly enclosure.
(1) Routing and Sizing. This conductor shall be routed with the phase conductors and shall not
be smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor specified in Table 250.66 but shall
not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded service-entrance phase conductor. In
addition, for service-entrance phase conductors larger than 1100 kcmil copper or 1750 kcmil
aluminum, the grounded conductor shall not be smaller than 12 percent of the area of the
largest service-entrance phase conductor. The grounded conductor of a 3-phase, 3-wire delta
service shall have an ampacity not less than that of the ungrounded conductors.
(2) Parallel Conductors. Where the service-entrance phase conductors are installed in parallel,
the size of the grounded conductor shall be based on the total circular mil area of the parallel
conductors as indicated in this section. Where installed in two or more raceways, the size of the
grounded conductor in each raceway shall be based on the size of the ungrounded service-
entrance conductor in the raceway but not smaller than 1/0 AWG.
87. How is the grounding of an electric livestock-watering trough accomplished?
Panel Response: With the equipment grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors.
88. Section 409 indicates that control panels are no longer needed to be listed if they comply
with the requirements of 409. If the control panel is used as service equipment, is it required
to be listed as service equipment and labeled by a nationally recognized testing agency or can
the markings be done by the installer?
Panel Response: Part VI of article 230 always applies to Service Equipment.
89. A service with parallel service conductors is in two raceways. Does the grounded conductor
need to be sized to the total area of the parallel conductors or sized to the single conductors in
each raceway?
Panel Response: Sized to the service-entrance conductors in each raceway. See 250.24(C)(2). If
all the service-entrance conductors are installed in a single raceway such as a wireway, size the
grounded conductor based on the total circular mill area of the service-entrance conductors. Of
course, the sizing rules of load calculation in 220.61 must also be applied with.
90. Can a concrete footer be chipped open to allow for the connection of a grounding electrode
conductor to the re-bar?
Panel Response: This is not an electrical code question, so there is no NEC reference.
However, model building codes all, as far as Im aware, prohibit this.
91. If the walls of a basement room are rocked and finished and the ceiling is left exposed, is the
room considered as finished habitable space?
Panel Response: I would say Yes
210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets
(G) Basements and Garages For a one-family dwelling, at least one receptacle outlet, in
addition to any provided for laundry equipment, shall be installed in each basement and in
each attached garage, and in each detached garage with electric power. See 210.8(A)(2)
and (A)(5). Where a portion of the basement is finished into one or more habitable rooms,
each separate unfinished portion shall have a receptacle outlet installed in accordance with
this section.
Since the walls are finished they establish separate spaces. Having an exposed ceilings
are becoming common they dont create the spaces.
92. When can you use a switch if it has no equipment grounding connection?
Panel Response: For replacement use only according to Article 404.9(B), exception.
93. Is a house panel required when an apartment or condo complex shares a common hallway?
Panel Response: It depends upon the construction and the method of providing lighting and
other circuits (if necessary) for the area, 210.25.
94. Is the reinforced concrete base of a light pole considered a structure?
Panel Response: Yes. Is it built? Article 100 NEC
95. Are recessed light fixtures allowed to be installed upside down (face up) for use as accent
lighting in a residence?
Panel Response: Typically a standard recessed luminaire is tested the orientation that it is
intended to be installed. That is facing down. If the installation instructions say that you can
install the luminaire upside down then I would say yes you can do it. If not I would say it is a
violation of Section 110.3(B).
96. Can handle ties be installed on single pole breakers protecting multi-wire branch circuits with
line to neutral loads only?
Panel Response: Yes - There are two items to consider overcurrent protection and
disconnection
A handle tie must be in place in accordance with 210.4(B) to disconnect all ungrounded
conductors of a multi-wire branch circuit.
240.20(B)(1) permits single pole protection where only line to neutral loads are served the
handle tie is not required here as the handle tie does not serve to create a common trip CB.
210.4((B) Devices or Equipment. Where a multiwire branch circuit supplies more than one
device or equipment on the same yoke, a means shall be provided to disconnect simultaneously
all ungrounded conductors supplying those devices or equipment at the point where the branch
circuit originates.
240.20(B) Circuit Breaker as Overcurrent Device. Circuit breakers shall open all ungrounded
conductors of the circuit both manually and automatically unless otherwise permitted in
240.20(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3).
(1) Multiwire Branch Circuit. Except where limited by 210.4(B), individual single-pole circuit
breakers, with or without identified handle ties, shall be permitted as the protection for each
ungrounded conductor of multiwire branch circuits that serve only single-phase line-to-neutral
loads.
(2) Grounded Single-Phase and 3-Wire dc Circuits. In grounded systems, individual single-pole
circuit breakers with identified handle ties shall be permitted as the protection for each
ungrounded conductor for line-to-line connected loads for single-phase circuits or 3-wire, direct-
current circuits.
(3) 3-Phase and 2-Phase Systems. For line-to-line loads in 4-wire, 3-phase systems or 5-wire, 2-
phase systems having a grounded neutral and no conductor operating at a voltage greater than
permitted in 210.6, individual single-pole circuit breakers with identified handle ties shall be
permitted as the protection for each ungrounded conductor.
97. What is the maximum distance from a building to its remote service equipment?
Panel Response: The NEC does not specify any distance. Most AHJs interpret the requirement
to mean on or in the structure.
98. Is the disconnecting means for fuel dispensing equipment required to be within sight of the
fuel dispenser?
Panel Response: No NEC 514.11
99. Why does a fire pump require a generator in addition to a tap ahead of the main switchgear?
Panel Response: Basically, a second source is only required if an individual source is not
reliable.
See 695.3(A) in which the rule states, (A) Individual Sources. Where reliable, and where
capable of carrying indefinitely the sum of the locked-rotor current of the fire pump motor(s) and
the pressure maintenance pump motor(s) and the full-load current of the associated fire pump
accessory equipment when connected to this power supply, the power source for an electric
motor-driven fire pump shall be one or more of the following.
(1) Electric Utility Service Connection
(2) On-Site Power Production Facility
(3) Multiple Sources
100. Are utility service entrance conductors required to conform to the NEC requirements
regarding conductor clearance from grade?
Panel Response: Section 90.2(B)(5)(a) specifically states service drops or laterals under the
exclusive control of an electric utility are not covered. However, utilities generally are governed
by the NESC, the National Electrical Safety Code, and its clearances are the same as, or more
strict than the NEC.

2006 Denver Seminar PDF

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN IAEI MARCH 2006

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI

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