Jim Dollard has an extensive background in codes and standards. Send questions about the National Electrical Code (NEC) to Jim at codefaqs@gmail.com. Answers are based on the 2020 NEC. Closet LED fixtures Are surface-mounted...

When an area containing flammable or combustible material is properly classified and the electrical installation is appropriately designed and installed, these areas are no more dangerous than any other location. The key to...

NEC Chapter 5 provides requirements for special occupancies and specific rules for electrical equipment installed and operated in hazardous (classified) locations, such as fuel dispensing facilities, chemical plants and bulk...

One of the protection techniques recognized in 500.7(K) in Article 500, covering general protection installations in a hazardous location, is the use of a combustible-gas-detection system. In the years since the 2002 National...

In last month’s column, I introduced the traditional approach to hazardous locations. This month, I discuss hazardous materials grouping with some specific occupancy requirements, and I compare the traditional way of...

My 40-year career using the National Electrical Code (NEC) began in an unusual place, toward the center of the Code book, specifically Chapter 5. I began that phase of my career working for the research arm of a large...

Many of the articles I write for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR originate as questions from people who read my columns or attend my workshops. This article is based on a question from an electrical contractor friend who is doing an...