Jim Dollard has an extensive background in codes and standards. Send questions about the National Electrical Code (NEC) to Jim at [email protected]. Answers are based on the 2026 NEC.

Commercial bathrooms

Can an existing panelboard remain in a commercial bathroom being renovated? Can we add new circuits? I know the receptacles at the sink area must be GFCI-protected. We are adding hand dryers and receptacles for the floor stripping machines near the door some distance from the sinks. Do they need GFCI protection?

In general, overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) are not permitted in bathrooms, showering facilities or locker rooms with showering facilities. See 240.24(E). However, the exception following that section recognizes that previous editions of the code permitted OCPDs in bathrooms, and the panelboard is permitted to remain. The NEC does not prohibit installing new circuits from that panelboard.

General GFCI requirements are in Section 210.8(B), and list item (1) includes all receptacles in the bathroom, not just those in the vicinity of the sink. Hand dryers are not listed in 210.8(B). It is important to always reference Section 422.5(A) for additional GFCI requirements when installing appliances that are cord-and-plug-connected or hard-wired. Seven types of appliances are listed there, but not hand dryers.

Identifying conductors

Where a junction box is installed in the middle of an installation of six ¾-inch conduits, with each conduit containing multiple 20A, 208/120V multiwire branch circuits, do we need to tie-wrap each circuit inside the box?

The requirement you are referencing is in Section 200.6(B) for identifying neutral conductors where multiple circuits are installed. This requirement’s intent is to associate a neutral conductor with the ungrounded conductors of each branch circuit for future modification, etc. In general, where more than one neutral conductor associated with different branch circuits is in an enclosure (junction box, panelboard cabinet and more), grounded circuit conductors of each circuit are required to be identified or grouped to correspond with the associated ungrounded branch circuit conductors. This can be achieved using wire markers, cable ties or similar means in at least one location within the enclosure. If the conductors are pulled directly through the junction box without a loop and are not spliced or terminated, the general rule does not apply, and there is no requirement to identify each branch circuit group. See Section 200.6(B) Exception No. 2.

Disconnect location

Where condensing units for mini-splits are mounted 10 feet above grade due to flooding, can we place the disconnect immediately next to the condensing unit? There is an exception that allows a motor controller disconnect requirement to be used. Can we just provide a means to lock that open instead?

The general rule in Section 440.11 requires all air conditioning and refrigerating equipment, including motor-compressors and controllers, be provided with a disconnecting means. The disconnect must be located within sight from and readily accessible from the air conditioning or refrigerating equipment and is permitted to be installed on the equipment. Section 440.14 Exception No. 1 permits the motor controller disconnect [see 430.102(A)] where it complies with Section 110.25 with the means for locking remaining in place with or without the lock installed. However, this exception requires written safety procedures and conditions of maintenance and supervision that ensure only qualified people service the equipment. See Section 404.8(A) Exception No. 2, which permits switches and circuit breakers installed adjacent to motors, appliances or other equipment (motor-compressors, etc.) that they supply to be located higher than 6 feet, 7 inches. Where this exception is applied, the switch or circuit breaker must be accessible by portable means. It is important to note that Section 440.15 requires the outdoor disconnecting means for a split-system HVAC (mini-split system) in other than one- and two-family dwellings to be marked with the location of all the indoor units it supplies.

Weather-resistant required?

During a rough inspection, the electrical inspector reminded us about requirements for outdoor receptacles to be weather-resistant and said the same for switches. We have never heard of a weather-resistant switch. Are they required?

Section 406.9 contains requirements for wiring devices in damp or wet locations, with specific rules for receptacles and switches. Switches in damp and wet locations that are surface-mounted are required to be installed with weatherproof enclosures that comply with 312.4, and flush-mounted switches must be equipped with weatherproof covers. Weather-resistant switches are readily available and are required in some contract specifications. They are more robust than standard devices as they are manufactured with corrosion-resistant components and internal mechanisms specifically designed to tolerate wide temperature swings and condensation without failing.

Perimeter surface bonding

We supply and install portable pools for homeowners. After hundreds of these installations, a township inspector is telling us that bonding around the pool is required because a small deck was installed for a seating area and ladder to get in the pool. Is that right?

In general, the installation of a storable pool must comply with parts I and III of Article 680. Requirements for perimeter surface bonding are in Part II of Article 680, which covers permanently installed pools and generally do not apply to storable ones. See Part III of Article 680, which covers storable pools. Section 680.30(B) requires perimeter bonding where a storable pool is next to a permanent deck that encloses all or a portion of the pool’s perimeter and is intended to provide access to the pool.

Overloaded wiring

A fire occurred in a commercial occupancy several years after we installed a service. At that time, it was just a vanilla box, and the only work we performed was the service, general lighting, etc. A recent occupant installed a significant refrigeration load and food processing equipment that exceeded the service capacity and overloaded the service, which started the fire. We are being sued. Are we liable?

This column is all about NEC questions and not legal advice. However, the introduction of the NEC, Article 90, Section 90.2(C) addresses adequacy of electrical installations. This section very clearly states that compliance with all NEC requirements and proper maintenance results in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use. Remember, the NEC provides minimum requirements; it is the least you could do. The NEC does not mandate that an owner include the capability for future expansion with additional loads. It is possible that the expansion of the electrical system supplying additional loads in this space was in violation of the NEC. Hazards such as overloading, which could cause a fire, often occur because additional loads were added in violation of the minimum NEC requirements.

Covers required?

Are boxes and covers required for all temporary splices installed in new construction?

In general, the answer is yes; see Section 590.6(F). A box, conduit body or other enclosure with a cover installed is required for all splices. However, there are exceptions. The most common is the use of Type NM cable (Romex) or any other nonmetallic multiconductor cord or cable assemblies, provided that the equipment grounding conductor continuity is maintained with or without the box. Metal-sheathed cable assemblies are permitted to be terminated in listed fittings (such as a listed duplex connector) that mechanically secures the cable sheaths to maintain effective electrical continuity. This would allow, in some cases, the use of permanent wiring for temporary lighting.

The second exception permits GFCI protected branch circuits in junction boxes without a cover. This is for new construction in framed walls and ceilings. Listed pigtail-type lampholders are permitted to be installed in ceiling-mounted junction boxes, outlet boxes or device boxes. Finger­-safe devices, such as those that plug in to the back of a receptacle, are permitted for supplying and connection of devices without a cover.

stock.adobe.com/galkinkirill