Electical Contractor

The beginning of 2013 is a good time to review what is happening with codes and standards that affect fire protection.

In the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) process, proposals were submitted to change the phrase “equipment grounding conductor” to “equipment bonding conductor” wherever the phrase existed throughout the NEC.

OSHA issued a final standard updating the requirements for cranes and derricks.

Although the 2013 edition of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code contains 15 chapters and nine annexes, I find many contractors, designers and authorities having jurisdiction reference only one or two chapters when deciding what requirements will affect their fire alarm system design, install

Recently, the question arose about using cords for temporary wiring. It was interesting to watch the reaction and response. It seems there are considerable inconsistencies relative to this subject.

Recently, while attending a lunch-and-learn presentation from one of the better local distributors of fire alarm systems, we wound up discussing the quality of fire alarm system submissions from contractors.

Many electrical designs incorporate parallel arrangements. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires parallel conductors when supplying large switchboards and other large electrical equipment because large single conductors are not practical, economical or even available in many cases.