W. Creighton Schwan

Former Code Columnist

W. Creighton Schwan was a long-time contributor to ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine and an important figure in the electrical code world. His first article written for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR was published in January 1980 issue. He wrote a total of 326 articles. On December 16, 2006, Creigton died of a form of leukemia. He was at home with his family. For more, see this article.

The Web of Code Requirements

W. Creighton Schwan

So I finished pulling a three-phrase feeder to a power panel, No. 2 250 Kcmil per leg, when the inspector said, “Where is your neutral?” “There is no neutral,” said I; “This is a feeder to a three-phase, three-wire Delta...

Codes & Standards

Jan 1, 2007

Electrician Malpractice

W. Creighton Schwan

Improvisation without Code violation: For multiwire branch circuits, the Code states, “All conductors shall originate from the same panelboard or similar distribution equipment;” where is a similar requirement for those other...

Codes & Standards

Nov 1, 2006

After All These Years

W. Creighton Schwan

Adequacy of reducing washers questioned When removing concentric or eccentric knockouts from a sheet-metal enclosure, it sometimes happens that a larger size than desired comes out or the only available knockout is larger...

Codes & Standards

Oct 1, 2006

Shelter from the Storm

W. Creighton Schwan

The gray area of electrical outlet installation Several problems arise when installing an outlet box on the exterior of a building. If the box is flush, then it is entirely within the building, is not in a wet location and...

Miscellaneous

Sep 1, 2006

Location Is Crucial

W. Creighton Schwan

The disconnect placement as required by the NEC VARYING REQUIREMENTS EXIST for the fire pump disconnect location, depending on the safety objective. Are we trying to locate the disconnect where it will not be affected by an...

Integrated Systems

Dec 1, 2004

Terminal Grounding

W. Creighton Schwan

Isolated ground receptacles are installed for the purpose of reducing electromagnetic interference on the grounded conductor. The insulated grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors and feeding the receptacle may...

Codes & Standards

Nov 1, 2004

Working in the Garage

W. Creighton Schwan

The required placement of receptacles in the wall above a kitchen countertop is uncertain where an appliance garage is present. The Code requirements are the following: “210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets. (C)...

Integrated Systems

Oct 1, 2004

A Colorful History

W. Creighton Schwan

NEC’s conditional requirements have evolved There are several conditions under which the National Electrical Code requires or permits conductors to be identified by the color of their insulation. These include the following:...

Codes & Standards

Sep 1, 2004

Grounding a Meter Socket

W. Creighton Schwan

Consider a typical 120/240V single-phase service with a separate cast meter socket and a rigid steel conduit nipple connecting the meter socket to the service equipment enclosure. The meter socket, the nipple and the service...

Integrated Systems

Aug 1, 2004

A Misleading Circuit

W. Creighton Schwan

Can a 20A receptacle be placed on a 15A circuit? A reader asks, “On a multioutlet circuit at 120V, I know that I can put a 15A receptacle on a 20A circuit, so why can I not put a 20A receptacle on a 15A circuit?” First, let’s...

Integrated Systems

Jul 1, 2004

Load-Side Grounding Connections

W. Creighton Schwan

Picture an electrician installing a load center (technically, a panelboard) on a 120/240V AC system at a location in the building remote from the service location. The electrician finds the bonding screw in an envelope, notes...

Codes & Standards

Jun 1, 2004

Identification of Disconnecting Means

W. Creighton Schwan

One of the most important NEC requirements (and yet one most often ignored) is 110.22: Identification of Disconnecting Means. It reads: “Each disconnecting means shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located...