Let’s finish up with the changes in Chapter 5 and move on to Chapter 6.

551.72 Distribution System. This section was revised to recognize 208Y/120 three-phase distribution systems in RV parks. The prohibition against reducing the size of the neutral conductor was moved from 551.72(C) to (D). An informational note was added indicating that RV loads are line-to-neutral and nonpermanently connected loads. The prohibition on the use of cord-and-plug-connected autotransformers on RV park distribution systems was deleted.

552.4 General Requirements. A new sentence was added to make it clear that units for certain commercial uses are classified as “relocatable structures,” which are covered by the new Part II of Article 545. A new definition of relocatable structures was added to Article 100 as follows: “A factory-assembled structure or structures transportable in one or more sections that are built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as other than a dwelling unit without a permanent foundation.“ 

An informational note to the definition provides examples of relocatable structures, which include on-site offices, banks and clinics.

555.4 Location of Service Equipment. This section was revised to make it clear that service equipment for a floating building, dock or marina must be no closer than 5 feet horizontally from and adjacent to the structure. Service equipment must also be located a minimum of 12 inches above the datum plane.

555.14 Equipotential Planes and Bonding of the Planes. Articles 555 and 682 have overlaps in coverage. To improve the correlation, a new 555.14 was added to correlate requirements for equipotential planes and bonding of equipotential planes with Article 682. This section is intended to reduce step and touch potentials and the hazards that have resulted in electric shock drownings.

555.15 Replacement of Equipment. A new requirement, “Replacement of Equipment,” was added to address equipment modification and repair. This new requirement recognizes the harsh environment that exists at marinas. The intent is to ensure the installation remains in compliance with the edition of the Code in effect when the equipment was installed.

555.30 Electrical Equipment and Connections. The term “pier” has been replaced with “structure” to apply to all fixed and floating structures. The separate section on fixed piers was deleted, as the requirements apply to fixed and floating. Electrical components within electrical equipment and connections that are not intended for use while submerged are required to be located at least 12 inches above the deck of the structure.

555.35 GFPE and GFCI. The requirements for GFPE of feeder-supplied installations were rewritten. Coordination with downstream GFPE is permitted. Requirements for GFCI protection of boat hoist receptacles has been relocated from 555.9 to 555.35(C). The requirements for GFCI protection have been expanded to include all docking facilities, not just those at dwelling unit docks. A new requirement was added in 555.35(B)(2) for GFCI protection of outlets for other than shore power not exceeding 150V and 60A single-phase and 100A or less, three-phase.

555.36(C) Disconnecting Means for Shore Power Connection(s). A new requirement has been added for an emergency disconnect for each power outlet or enclosure that provides shore power to boats. The emergency disconnect must be a listed emergency shutoff device or disconnect that is clearly marked “emergency shutoff.” The emergency shutoff must be located within sight of the marina power outlet or other device that provides shore power.

555.37 Equipment Grounding Conductor. Sections 555.37(B) and (C) were consolidated to require that the equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) be insulated wire-type, sized in accordance with 250.122, but not smaller than 12 AWG. Section 555.37(E) has been added to provide requirements for EGCs for equipment not double-insulated. An exception was added to (E) that permits the EGC to be uninsulated if it is part of a listed cable assembly identified for the environment.

555.38 Luminaires. New requirements were added for luminaires in marinas, boatyards and docking facilities. Luminaires and retrofit kits are required to be listed and identified for use in the environment. Luminaires and their supply connectors must be secured to the structural elements of the marina in a manner that limits damage from watercraft impacts and marine life.

590.8 Overcurrent Protective Devices. A new requirement has been added for wye-connected temporary service installations of more than 150V to ground, but not more than 1,000V phase-to-phase. If the available fault current exceeds 10,000A, the overcurrent protection is required to be current-limiting. Where available fault current is less than 10 kA, conventional overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) will operate quickly enough to clear a fault before damage occurs.

600.5 Branch Circuits. Each commercial occupancy accessible to pedestrians is required to have at least one outlet for a sign or outline lighting in an accessible location at each entrance to tenant spaces.

A new second exception was added that permits the required branch circuit to supply loads that are directly related to the sign’s control, such as electronic or electromechanical controllers. Section 600.5(D)(2) was revised to allow listed and labeled enclosures that are integral to the sign to be used as pull or junction boxes.

600.6 Disconnects. Section 404.7 requires disconnects to indicate whether they are open or closed. The disconnecting means is required to be accessible and located at the point of entry to the sign, within sight of the sign or within sight of the controller. If the disconnecting means is remote from the sign, it must be mounted at an accessible location available to first responders and service personnel.

620.12(A) Traveling Cables. The requirements for the minimum size of conductors of traveling cables have been updated. Class 2 and communications cables used on Class 2 circuits, including power over ethernet, are now permitted in traveling cables. The minimum size of Class 2 and communications circuit conductors is 24 AWG. Parallel conductors of traveling cables are now required to be no smaller than 20 AWG.

620.22 Branch Circuits for Car Lighting, Receptacles, HVAC. Section 620.22(A) permits car lighting branch circuits to supply additional loads, such as emergency responder radio coverage circuits, car ventilation purification systems, car emergency signaling and communications devices, including charging circuits. The permitted location of the OCPD for the circuit for the air conditioning and heating source has been revised to correlate with the OCPD locations permitted for other branch circuits in 620.22(A).

620.23 Branch Circuits for Machine Room, Control Room. The title of 620.23 was revised to include truss interior lighting. Truss interiors are the structure of moving walkways and escalators. At least one 125V, single-phase, 15A or 20A duplex receptacle is now required for truss interiors.

625.1 Scope. Two new informational notes were added to 625.1 to provide additional information for installation of electric vehicle infrastructure. UL 2750 provides information on wireless power transfer equipment. NECA 413 provides information on installation and maintenance of AC Level 1 and 2 and fast-charging DC electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

625.17 Cords and Cables. Several changes were made to 625.17 on requirements for cords and cables. 625.17(A) was revised to make it clear that this section relates to the power supply cord for EVSE. The term “stationary equipment” was replaced with the term “fastened-in-place equipment” for consistency with 625.44(B). If inconsistent terminology is used, users may assume the two applications are different.

625.40 Electric Vehicle Circuit. Section 625.40 requires each outlet installed for supplying EVSE to be supplied by an individual branch circuit, if the outlet is greater than 16A or 120V. A new exception has been added that permits branch circuits to supply multiple EVSEs in accordance with 625.42(A) for energy management systems or (B) for EVSE with adjustable settings.

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