Mark C. Ode

Chapter 7 of the National Electrical Code includes many articles, such as Emergency Systems (Article 700); Legally Required Standby Systems (Article 701); Optional Standby Systems (Article 701); Class 1, 2, and 3 Remote...

I recently had a home security system installed. It was vastly different from the systems I have had in my other homes over the years. It is certainly much different than the residential and commercial systems I installed as...

Knob-and-tube wiring was used in buildings as a source of electrical energy from the 1880s. From the late 1930s–1950s, nonmetallic sheathed cable (type NM cable) and armored cable (type AC cable) were installed without an...

Requirements for the number and location of receptacles for dwelling unit kitchen countertops, islands and peninsulas changes with every National Electrical Code cycle. Many of these changes stem from architects’ and custom...

New and existing residences can benefit from the proper installation of outside lighting for security and adequate illumination. Although security is the primary requirement, the lighting must also be fashionable and...

Following up on my November 2020 article, here is further information on the ramifications of the change to the long-standing six disconnect rule in Section 230.71 of the National Electrical Code . Remember that this rule was...

More documentation is being required in the National Electrical Code and NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. The words “documented” or “documentation” appear in the 2017 NEC approximately 104 times...

Everyone is acquainted with toggle or rocker-style lighting switches, but many installers are not as familiar with the dimmers on the market now. Everyone should become knowledgeable with updates to the design and...

Arc energy reduction is critical for working on high-energy electrical equipment. However, many electrical designers, contractors and inspectors don’t understand the issues surrounding energy reduction. Arc energy reduction...

Sometime between the 1925 and 1933 National Electrical Codes , the maximum number of service disconnects changed from one or two disconnects to a maximum of six. I cannot verify the exact edition where the change occurred. I...

Take care when replacing circuit breakers and fuses in existing services and panelboards at single-, two- and multifamily homes. Older single- and two-family homes with 100A to 200A, 120/240V single-phase services were...

New Section 680.4 in Article 680 in the 2020 National Electrical Code enables the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to require periodic inspection and testing of swimming pools, fountains and similar installations such as...