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

 
Branch Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations, Motors and Their Circuits and More

CODE CITATIONS: Article 110-Requirements for Electrical Installations; Article 210-Branch Circuits; Article 220-Branch Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations; Article 230-Services; Article 250-Grounding; Article 310--Conductors for General Wiring; Article 430-Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controlle

READ MORE
 
Using a Two-Pole Breaker to Feed Split-Wired Receptacles with Break-off Tabs

It seemed like a simple run-of-the-mill question when first presented. So, let's run it again. QUESTION: "If I split-wire a receptacle by breaking off the tab provided on the receptacle, do I have to use a two-pole breaker to feed this receptacle?" The answer is a qualified yes.

READ MORE
 
Requirements for Electrical Installations

110-26 Spaces Surrounding Electrical Equipment

READ MORE
 
Motor Starter Protection, Copper Conductor Ampacity, and more

CODE CITATIONS: Article 100-Definitions Article 210-Branch Circuits; Article 240-Overcurrent Protection; Article 250-Grounding; Article 310-Conductors for General Wiring; and Article 700-Emergency Systems Type "2" Motor Starter Protection

READ MORE
 
Conduit Fill and Amapacity Calculations for Low-voltage Systems

Where installing Class 2 or Class 3 remote control, signaling, or power limited circuits in a raceway or where installing power-limited fire alarm circuits in a raceway, is it necessary to figure conduit fill?

READ MORE
 
Up in the Air Over Mounting Transformers

A proposed location for a 112-kVa 480Y/277 dry transformer suspended above the working space for a switchboard raises several questions.

READ MORE
 
Installing Lights in Clothes Closets

One of the most confusing aspects of residential wiring is installing lighting fixtures in clothes closets. Therefore, the National Electrical Code (NEC) devotes one of its relatively few diagrams (Figure 410-8) to the subject of where lighting fixtures can be located in clothes closets.

READ MORE

Pages