Codes & Standards

Nov 2019

Premises-Powered Broadband, Conductor ID and More

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. Send questions to codefaqs@gmail.com . Answers are based on the 2017...

Nov 2019

Prevailing Requirements

Mark Earley

The National Electrical Code is a complete collection of rules for electrical installation requirements suitable for adoption into law. It contains no guidelines or recommendations. It does not contain “best practices,” nor...

Nov 2019

Cable Power

Mark C. Ode

With the addition of new Section 725.144 and the accompanying Table 725.144 in the 2017 NEC covering transmission of power and data to a powered device comes the requirement for a special marking of the cable used for these...

Nov 2019

Revisions in Chapter 4

Michael Johnston

This Article focuses on revisions in Chapter 4 of the 2020 NEC , “Equipment for General Use,” and it includes the requirements for equipment such as switches, luminaires, panelboards, switchboards, transformers, appliances...

Oct 2019

Word on the Wires

Mark C. Ode

at the 2019 NFPA Conference and Expo in San Antonio in June, we had a 17-hour marathon dealing with various code and standards that were up for adoption. I was most interested in the last NFPA document and the adoption of the...

shutterstock / inked pixels. An illustration of wires.

Oct 2019

Lightning Conversation: Lightening protection systems and surge protection in NFPA 780 and NEC

Mark Earley

Since moving south in June, I have paid a lot more attention to thunderstorms. Thunderstorms in the Southeast are more powerful and frequent than I experienced in the Northeast. The most severe thunderstorms generate...

Oct 2019

Wiring Methods and Materials

Michael Johnston

Part 5 of this series focuses on revisions in Chapter 3 of the 2020 NEC, “Wiring Methods and Materials,” which covers the general requirements for wiring and the requirements specific to each wiring method, such as electrical...

Sep 2019

Wire and Protection Changes: Significant Changes in the 2020 NEC, Part 4

Michael Johnston

Part 4 of this series focuses on revisions in Chapter 2 of the 2020 NEC, “Wiring and Protection.” This article looks at some significant changes in Articles 210, 215, 230, 240 and 250. Section 210.8 GFCI Protection for...

Two construction workers working together.

Sep 2019

A California Change-Up

Stephen Carr

As it does every three years, California has updated its energy code, called Title 24, Part 6. The new code was adopted on May 9, 2018, and goes into effect Jan. 1, 2020. Many parts of the code changed, affecting residential...

A California License Plate Listed for Jan 2020

Sep 2019

Objectionable Current, New NEC Requirements and Existing Installations and More

Jim Dollard

Jim Dollard has an extensive background in codes and standards. If you have a query about the National Electrical Code, Jim will help you solve it. Send questions to codefaqs@gmail.com . Answers are based on the 2017 NEC ....