Michael Johnston

Requirements for electrical wiring in hazardous (classified) locations are more restrictive than for wiring in general occupancy types. Sealing is required for conduits and cables installed in Class I, Division 1 and 2...

A mentor’s purpose is to help you grow as a person and become the best version of yourself. This may involve helping you achieve personal or career goals, introducing you to new ways of thinking, challenging your limiting...

A review of protection techniques for hazardous (classified) locations reveals descriptive information about each under the “division” and “zone” classification systems. The type of protection technique permitted in a...

In agricultural facilities, voltage gradients can be present in the earth. Neutral-to-earth stray current can affect farm animals and cause significant behavior problems, loss of production and death. These stray currents, or...

Premises electrical distribution systems in outside buildings, structures or facilities are often delivered at high- or medium-voltage levels by the serving utility, depending on the area. The purpose of transformers is to...

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...