Electical Contractor

New Article 399 in the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) covers requirements for outdoor overhead conductors rated over 600 volts (V) that are used for the installation of feeders or branch circuits located on the load side of the service point.

Sizing conductors is not a difficult task, but more is involved than referencing just one section, one article or even one chapter in the National Electrical Code (NEC). To select the correct conductor size, it is necessary to reference several sections throughout the Code.

I am writing this article in my hotel room in Anchorage, Alaska, where I just finished a two-day workshop on the changes to the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC). A number of engineers at the seminar were very interested in the fire-pump requirements as outlined in 695.3 and 695.4.

As part of the development of the low-voltage lighting power-grid system, coverage and acceptance of the new system within the standards community becomes paramount, since this product is new and innovative.

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.

There is a new technology using low-voltage lighting power distribution at 30 volts (V) or less where the suspended ceiling grid is a lighting power distribution system.

This article continues outlining the procedures for means of providing safe access, pathways and areas considered appropriate for egress to and from photovoltaic (PV) systems. The cell, module, panel and array generally make up a PV system.

In the past few years, hundreds of thousands of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed for residential (dwelling) units, commercial buildings, industrial facilities and utility companies.

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.