Chapter 7 of the National Electrical Code includes many articles, such as Emergency Systems (Article 700); Legally Required Standby Systems (Article 701); Optional Standby Systems (Article 701); Class 1, 2, and 3 Remote...
Article 100 is the keeper of national electrical code definitions. The NEC Style Manual indicates that if a word or term is used in more than two articles, then it should have a definition in Article 100. Article 100 of the...
Jim Dollard has an extensive background in codes and standards. Send questions about the National Electrical Code (NEC) to codefaqs@gmail.com. Answers are based on the 2020 NEC. Cutting into solid rock Where nonmetallic...
During the Industrial Revolution, many cities built mills next to rivers to take advantage of the free mechanical energy provided by the flowing water. These water turbines powered machinery through a series of pulleys driven...
Requirements for the number and location of receptacles for dwelling unit kitchen countertops, islands and peninsulas changes with every National Electrical Code cycle. Many of these changes stem from architects’ and custom...
Communications systems and equipment installed in buildings must comply with the specific rules given in Chapter 8 of the NEC . Even though these systems typically operate at lower energy levels, improper grounding and...
Following up on my November 2020 article, here is further information on the ramifications of the change to the long-standing six disconnect rule in Section 230.71 of the National Electrical Code . Remember that this rule was...
That Sister Sledge song from the 1970s is about the importance of family relationships. There is a family of electrical standards that support each other among the 250–300 codes and standards covering safety-related topics...
Designers and installers tend to fall into the same four traps when working on new fire alarm system installations. The first is not understanding NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and the code process. The...
More documentation is being required in the National Electrical Code and NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. The words “documented” or “documentation” appear in the 2017 NEC approximately 104 times...
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. Getting started with the NEC I’m a...
The National Electrical Code has several requirements applicable to emergency systems, legally required standby systems, essential electrical systems and optional standby systems. From a basic performance standpoint, the...
Arc energy reduction is critical for working on high-energy electrical equipment. However, many electrical designers, contractors and inspectors don’t understand the issues surrounding energy reduction. Arc energy reduction...
For the first time in 34 years, I am participating in the National Electrical Code process as an active submitter of public input. For most of my career, I was unable to submit input or comments because my role was to remain...
Sometime between the 1925 and 1933 National Electrical Codes , the maximum number of service disconnects changed from one or two disconnects to a maximum of six. I cannot verify the exact edition where the change occurred. I...
The National Electrical Code adoption process is continuously active. Jurisdictions that adopt and use the latest edition of the NEC have the benefits of a Code that has been developed and maintained by qualified technical...
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. Psychiatrist’s office as patient care...
Futuristic smart cities have been envisioned for years. TV shows from the last century predicted amazing technological leaps. “Lost in Space,” an early 1960s sci-fi show, forecast interplanetary travel in 1997. It also...
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. Doors swings Why doesn’t 110.26 require...
New Section 680.4 in Article 680 in the 2020 National Electrical Code enables the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to require periodic inspection and testing of swimming pools, fountains and similar installations such as...
