Michael Johnston

In last month’s column, “Dedicated IT Rooms,” I explored the code rules for IT equipment facilities, where isolated grounding circuits and receptacles are often installed to reduce electromagnetic interference in grounding...

In large facilities, it is common for IT equipment to be arranged in a single room or data center. Depending on the extent of the business’ IT needs, an entire building may be constructed for this purpose and designed to meet...

The National Electrical Safety Code and National Electrical Code are similar in their overall purpose and safe electrical installations. They also overlap in some respects as applied to properties and premises wiring systems...

The NEC rules often determine which electrical systems must be grounded, which are permitted to be grounded and which are not permitted to be grounded. The provisions are broken down for each system application. Part II of...

Electrical vehicle use is on the rise, and so is the need for charging infrastructure at residential, commercial and industrial applications. One of the most essential steps for installing electric vehicle supply equipment...

Section 250.53 of the National Electrical Code provides grounding electrode installation rules that apply to grounding electrodes that must be installed and are not typically inherent in construction. The grounding electrodes...

To provide mobility in the licensure process, the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) offers three separate open-book electrical trade examinations through the NASCLA Accredited Electrical...

At a grounding class, someone asked how to determine if a standby generator is required to be grounded as a separately derived system. The key to determining this is to verify the type of transfer equipment installed...

In the construction industry, one of the important objectives, aside from completing the project within set timelines, is attaining code compliance and final approval(s). In the electrical field, there are some key factors...

NEC Chapter 5 provides requirements for special occupancies and specific rules for electrical equipment installed and operated in hazardous (classified) locations, such as fuel dispensing facilities, chemical plants and bulk...

With so many alternate (standby) power systems being installed in premises wiring systems today, it is appropriate to visit a few National Electrical Code requirements regarding signage for emergency systems, legally required...

If a large quantity of current-carrying conductors is installed in a raceway outside in an ambient temperature that can reach 125°F, what are the Code requirements regarding applied ampacities? These conductors supply...