In 1996, when the National Electrical Contractors Association was developing National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS) for the electrical construction industry, the initial effort included the development of NECA 1...

Recently, I was asked to explain the reason for the ferrous metal raceway bonding requirements in 250.64(E). Although the National Electrical Code never uses the term “choke effect,” many in the business understand its...

To understand the purpose of ground-detection equipment installed for ungrounded systems, it is best to have a fundamental understanding of ungrounded system performance and the rules that apply to them. Section 250.4(B)...

Communications systems and equipment installed in buildings must comply with the specific rules provided in Article 770 and Chapter 8 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) . Even though these systems typically operate at...

Installing and operating an ungrounded system is typically a combined effort, including the design or engineering team, the owner, the operators and sometimes the authority having jurisdiction. In addition to the Code...

The NEC Correlating Committee is responsible for the NEC and multiple other electrical codes and standards published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The committee has a critical obligation to ensure that...

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...

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...

Part 3 of this series focuses on revisions in Article 110 of the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). Article 110 of the NEC, “General Requirements for Electrical Installations,” comprises three parts. Part I contains general...

Last month, Part 1 of this series focused on general revisions in the introduction and provided a look at some new articles added in the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) . As this series continues, it will provide the NEC...

Every three years, the National Electrical Code (NEC) is revised and often expanded. As the 2020 NEC development cycle comes to a close, the process’ final stages unfold. This article is the first in a series that examines...

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...