These days, multiple power sources can be present in a single building or structure. Many of these are what the National Electrical Code (NEC) calls separately derived systems. Transformers, batteries, fuel cells and generators can supply these systems. An electrical system produced by a generator is either required to be grounded as a separately derived system or it is not, and the key to this is the transfer equipment.

As they say, the devil is in the details. Knowing the little things that count can help get the job done, and save time and money. Let’s look at some little things that matter for fiber optics.

This month, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR is profiling the electrical contractor, so let’s look at a few of the components in an electrical contractor’s safety program.

Now that the 2015 edition of NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing, has been adopted in the 2018 codes, let’s see what you know about integrated systems testing requirements.

Per the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical equipment must be rated for voltage and ampacity, and it is required to carry normal current and the amount of available fault current during ground-fault or short-circuit conditions. Warnings also must be on equipment that is likely to need examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized.

Nothing makes a job easier than having the right tools. The Fiber Optic Association is updating its recommended tool list for trainers. In the process, I have learned about “old reliable” tools and the new tools available to help the fiber technician.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and in honor of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which is May 7–11, here are some fall protection questions to consider.

Check your knowledge of audible and visible notification appliance requirements of the 2016 NFPA 72.

Conductors and equipment covered by the National Electrical Code (NEC)—including prefabricated systems and installations—are required to be approved. NEC tables help Code users accurately apply the requirements. Rules that appear in tabular form and without exceptions provide precise values and information. Use of the tables requires gathering required information and determining the corresponding value within the applicable table.

In fiber optics, color codes relay a lot of vital information. They help electrical contractors determine which fiber, cable or connector they are working with and ensure the installation is correct. How well do you know fiber optic color codes?

To comply with OSHA regulations and other standards such as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, and NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, lighting installed in temporary and permanent locations has to meet specific safety requirements.

Many new requirements have been added in the codes and standards for carbon monoxide (CO) detection in the last few years. Test your knowledge of CO gas and detection requirements.

August is the middle of hurricane season, and many communities face dangerous weather with excessive winds, torrential rains and flooding. So, take time to ensure you have emergency supplies available and travel plans in the event there is a hurricane or a declaration of evacuation. In case of an evacuation order, remember the six P’s: people, prescriptions, papers, pets, personal needs and priceless items.

Test your knowledge of the latest pathway survivability requirements from NFPA 72-2002.

Electrical wiring in hazardous (classified) locations is significantly more restrictive than wiring in general unclassified locations. Good design ingenuity for systems in these environments is to locate as much of the electrical wiring and equipment outside the classified location. The basic approach of addressing the hazardous (classified) location is to remove one or more components of the fire triangle—oxygen, fuel and an ignition source—to reduce the possibility of an explosion. Electrical installations present significant ignition sources for these environments.

How well do you know the requirements for duct smoke detectors? Requirements come from a number of different codes and standards. Take this quiz and test your knowledge.

Chapter 4 of the NEC, Equipment for General Use, includes the minimum requirements for equipment such as motors, transformers, appliances, heating equipment and more. According to Section 90.3, these rules are general in nature but could be amended by the specific requirements in chapters 5–7. Properly applying the NEC requires steady use and accurate navigation, so students of the Code are always learning.

Article 100 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) contains definitions that are used in more than two articles of the Code. Several revisions in the 2017 version of the NEC include both new and revised definitions. Check your Code proficiency using defined terms. All answers are based on the 2017 NEC.

According to OSHA, falls are the leading cause of death in construction. During the first week of Electrical Safety Month, OSHA held its National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls. Test your fall-protection knowledge here.

Some safety issues are unique to working with fiber optics, while others are common to all aspects of cable installation. How well do you know the safety concerns for fiber optics?