In a general context, a “qualified person” has a very broad definition. Outside of the codes and standards world, qualified means having the qualities, accomplishments, etc. that fit a person for a specific function, office...
Modern technologies and equipment have found their way into many electrical installations and systems. It seems like the biggest evolution is occurring in lighting, and it brings many benefits with it. Having installed a...
Grounding an electrical system means one system conductor is connected to ground (earth by definition) and a reference to ground from the system is established. Installing and operating an ungrounded system means no reference...
Around 2007, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) introduced a concept known as prevention through design (PtD), which addresses preventing and controlling occupational injuries, illnesses and...
“Installation approved!” It’s what those involved in construction strive for as they build their projects. Obtaining approvals involves multiple steps, many of which are related to the communication and relation with...
Ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) protects large equipment from devastating arcing events and destructive burn-downs. GFPE requirements are provided in sections 210.13, 215.10, 230.95, 240.13 and 517.17, to name a...
Emergency systems, legally required standby systems and optional standby systems are often supplied by generators as the standby source if the normal (utility) source is interrupted. Emergency and legally required standby...
The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) is well into its development process with issuance anticipated in 2019. During the first-draft stage, there were a few changes related to rules for surge arresters and surge-protective...
The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The latest edition is designated as ANSI C2 2017. This article examines the basics of the NESC relative...
Generators are commonly installed for buildings or structures requiring emergency systems, legally required standby systems or optional standby power systems. In many designs, the generator is located outside the building or...
Recently, a question came up about applying the National Electrical Code (NEC) to achieve minimum compliant overcurrent protection for a general motor circuit to protect both the motor and conductors. This column reviews the...
The National Electrical Code (NEC) has evolved in recent development cycles to address marking requirements for arc-flash hazard warnings and maximum available fault current. Lately, there have been questions regarding the...
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is primarily a prescriptive-based code, meaning it indicates requirements and not what must happen electrically. Performance rules, on the other hand, clarify what must be accomplished...
Construction methods have evolved from traditional ways of building and renovation to more efficient and cost-effective techniques. The construction industry now has the ability to model projects remotely and prefabricate...
What is a “UFER “ground? This common question is worthy of a detailed explanation. “UFER” ground is slang for what the National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses as a concrete-encased grounding electrode. While the term “UFER”...
Requirements for electrical wiring in hazardous (classified) locations are more restrictive than in the rules for wiring in general types of occupancies. Section 90.3 provides National Electrical Code (NEC) users with a road...
Multiple buildings or structures on the same property are supplied by a single, free-standing electric utility service, and the separate buildings on the property are supplied by feeders. The service could also directly...
Reducing differences of potential between conductive equipment or other objects and ground (earth) helps minimize shock hazards in normal circuit operation. In patient care spaces, it is even more important that overcurrent...
The North American Electrical Safety System is made up of four vital components, and they all must be applied together for the system to function successfully. The components are installation codes, enforcement and inspection...
During the mid-1990s, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) made a major effort to develop electrical installation standards for the electrical construction industry. The initial work included the creation of...
