Jim Dollard has an extensive background in codes and standards. If you have a query about the National Electrical Code (NEC), Jim will help you solve it. Questions can be sent to [email protected]. Answers are based on the 2014 NEC.


Pull-through angle connectors?


On a recent job, we used a combination of ¾-inch liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) and ¾-inch electrical metallic tubing (EMT) to supply several lighting controllers. The installation consisted of approximately 3-foot lengths of LFMC run horizontally for ease of installation into 90-degree fittings and vertical 4-foot lengths of EMT into a junction box. The electrical inspector says this is a Code violation because the fittings do not meet the minimum bend radius for a raceway per Table 2, Chapter 9. We have used this method on many installations and never had a problem. We removed the 90-degree fittings and installed EMT with 90-degree bends. Is the inspector correct?


The installation as described is a violation of how bends are to be made using raceways. Both Section 350.24 for LFMC and 358.24 for EMT require bends to be made in accordance with Table 2, Chapter 9 using the other bends column for LFMC and the one-shot/full shoe bender column for EMT. The minimum bend-radius requirement, together with the number of bends requirement in 350.26 and 358.26, ensure that conductors can be installed and removed without damage. The 90-degree fittings installed in the middle of the raceway will not permit the installation or removal of conductors unless the raceway installation is disassembled. The NEC recognizes the 90-degree fittings as “angle connectors,” which allow for termination in tight spaces where a straight connector is infeasible. Section 350.42 prohibits angle connectors from being concealed because the installation or removal of conductors requires that the angle connector be removed.


GFCI for temporary receptacle outlets


At a Code change seminar I attended, the instructor explained that the 2014 NEC would now permit a contractor to install temporary wiring for power without ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection of receptacles, provided listed cord sets with GFCI protection were used. I am both confused and concerned about this revision. If we install temporary wiring without GFCI protection of receptacles, are we required to provide these listed GFCI cord sets?


This NEC revision has been modified through a tentative interim amendment (TIA) and subsequent action by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Council. A little background information is necessary to provide clarity. Section 590.6(A) contains requirements for receptacle outlets used during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, etc. Section 590.6(A)(1) contains requirements for receptacle outlets that are not part of permanent wiring, and Section 590.6(A)(2) contains requirements for receptacle outlets that are existing or are permanently installed. Where receptacle outlets are permanently installed or existing, they can be used during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, etc., if GFCI protection is provided. Section specifically permits listed cord sets/devices that incorporate GFCI protection and are identified for portable use to be plugged into receptacle outlets that are existing or are permanently installed. This means that a permanently installed receptacle can be used for temporary power if one of these devices is used to provide GFCI protection and is plugged in at the receptacle outlet so that the extension cords and tools being used are all protected. The intent of the technical committee for this revision was to permit the use of listed cord sets/devices that incorporate GFCI protection and are identified for portable use in addition to the GFCI protection required for receptacle outlets that are not part of permanent wiring in 590.6(A)(1). The intent of the revision was not to provide an option of protecting the temporary receptacle outlets with GFCI protection or the use of listed GFCI cord sets. Unfortunately, there was not sufficient clarity provided for the code user.


NFPA Standards Council issued TIA No. 1133 in its decision D#14-6 in August 2014, which modifies in the 2014 NEC. The text of the second sentence now clarifies the intent: “In addition to this required GFCI protection, listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed GFCI protection for personnel identified for portable use shall be permitted.”


Where temporary receptacle outlets are installed, 590.6(A)(1) requires that GFCI protection be provided. This is typically achieved through the use of GFCI type receptacles or circuit breakers. The revision, as modified by the TIA, simply permits listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed GFCI protection for personnel identified for portable use in addition to the GFCI protection already installed.


Type PVC conduit, Schedule 40 or 80?


I installed Schedule 40 rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit on the exterior of a client’s structure as a feeder to a disconnecting means for heating and cooling units. This client now claims that I should have run Schedule 80 PVC and that I should change it. My understanding of the NEC requirements is that Schedule 80 PVC is only required where the conduit is subject to physical damage. As this conduit is under a deck for the majority of the installation and not in an area where any vehicles, carts or employees walk or work; it is, in my opinion, not subject to physical damage. The inspector agrees with me that the use of Schedule 40 PVC is in accordance with the NEC requirements. This is a good client, and I want to give them a detailed explanation. Can you help?


The NEC contains numerous requirements for protection from physical damage. However, the installer and the electrical inspector must make the determination of exposure to “physical damage” on a case-by-case basis. The NEC does not provide examples or a guideline to assist in the determination. Section 352.10(E) contains requirements for exposed installations of PVC conduit and permits Schedule 40 PVC to be installed exposed where it is not subject to physical damage. Where PVC conduit is installed exposed in areas of physical damage, 352.10(E) requires the conduit to be identified for that use. An informational note explains that Schedule 80 PVC conduit is identified for areas of physical damage. I would suggest that you walk through the entire installation with your client and discuss the potential for physical damage.


Face-up receptacles in seating areas


We are bidding a project that includes dozens of receptacle outlets to be installed face up in between seats in library/reading areas on small table-like surfaces. This is not an eating area, so liquids should not be an issue here. We cannot find anything that would require GFCI protection. Is it permissible to install standard receptacle outlets and faceplates face-up in the custom­-built furniture?


No, it is not permissible to install standard receptacle outlets and faceplates face-up on small table-like surfaces in custom-built seating areas. The NEC addresses the installation of receptacles installed face-up in seating areas in 406.5(F). The permitted methods for face-up receptacles in seating areas are listed cord-and-plug-connected furniture power distribution units, listed household/­commercial furnishings, listed countertop assemblies, or in a listed floor box. While standard receptacle outlets are not permitted, there are many listed countertop assemblies or listed floor boxes available that can be installed in compliance with the NEC.


Critical operations power systems


We had a lively debate within our company on a complete renovation of a police station. In the rough-in stage of the job, the foreman questioned the wiring methods being installed with respect to the requirements for protection from physical damage in 708.10(C)(1). Is a police station or fire station required to have the electrical system installed in accordance with Article 708 for critical operations power systems.


The scope of Article 708 clarifies that it applies to “designated critical operations areas.” Police and/or fire stations do serve a critical function because they are our first responders in emergencies. However, the NEC does not require the application of Article 708 in a police/fire station or any other venue unless there are “designated critical operations areas” identified and so classed by municipal, state, federal or other codes by any governmental agency having jurisdiction or by facility engineering documentation establishing the necessity for such systems. This means that the job specifications or drawings will clearly identify the designated critical operations areas that must comply with NEC Article 708.