Codes & Standards

 

Essential to the work of the electrical contractor is knowledge of the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Installation Standards and additional standards and codes administered by the National Fire Protection Association, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and others. Here is a list of all our articles on codes and standards listed chronologically by issue date. 

Article 240 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides general requirements for overcurrent protection and overcurrent protective devices.

Article 424 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses fixed electric space heating equipment, stating, “for the purpose of the article, heating equipment shall include heating cable, unit heaters, boilers, central systems, or other approved fixed electric space-heating equipment.” Since the sc

At a recent seminar, one of the attendees asked, “What is a ‘Ufer’ ground?” This is a common question. A “Ufer” ground is slang for what the National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses as a concrete-encased grounding electrode.

If you have a problem related to the National Electrical Code (NEC), are experiencing difficulty in understanding a Code requirement, or are wondering why or if such a requirement exists, ask Charlie, and he will let the Code decide. Questions can be sent to codefaqs@earthlink.net.

More on Codes & Standards

 
How Effective Is Overcurrent Protection in the Tap Rules?

The location in the circuit of the overcurrent protection permitted in the tap rules of Sec. 240-21 raises some questions regarding the effectiveness of the overcurrent protection.

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Classification of a Hazardous Location

The hazardous locations covered by Chapter 5 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) are classified in accordance with the properties of flammable liquids, gases, vapors, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers or flyings that may be present in the area where electrical equipment may be installed.

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Why Does the NEC Prohibit Overcurrent Device Installation in Clothes Closets?

February’s “Code Question of the Month” column addressed overcurrent device installation in clothes closets. The questions were: (1) May service equipment (overcurrent devices in a panelboard) be installed in a walk-in clothes closet?

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Motor Control Circuits: To Ground or Not to Ground?

Should motor control circuits be grounded? Here are some guidelines: If a motor control circuit is tapped from the motor circuit and does not leave the controller enclosure (the push buttons are in the cover), then it need not be grounded. [90-7 ¶ 2, 300-1(b), 450-1 Exc.No.2]

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Taming the Fire-Breathing Dragon

If you thought industry standards had pretty much solved the problem of electrical injuries and fatalities in the workplace, then you should know that is not the case.

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