For example, has a limited amount of NM cable been installed in outside locations, such as inside a Type 3R enclosure or inside electrical metallic tubing (EMT) where the EMT has been installed exposed on an outside wall, and...
I recently received a message on LinkedIn from an attorney. That always gets my attention. Many consultants gravitate toward special expert witness work, but I have no interest in it. In court, your client’s attorney will try...
When I was an electrician, I tried to ensure the location and sequence of switches made sense, especially when there were several installed in one location. My goal was that homeowners could understand the installations and...
The grounded conductor at the service provides two essential functions for the premises wiring system. The first is to serve as a current-carrying conductor for the load supplied. Second, it functions as the intentionally...
MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH The theme for this year’s National Electrical Safety Month is Smart Home. This month, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) showcases resources focusing on the...
More efficient lighting within buildings oftentimes doesn’t need as much electricity current flowing to it—and now, the 2020 National Electrical Code reflects that. The list of commercial occupancies within Table 220.12 of...
Requirements that help remove hazards The National Electrical Code includes more than 60 requirements to install a disconnecting means within sight from equipment. These requirements are safety-driven and ensure that workers...
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 2020...
I have been asked many times over the years what electrical code other countries use. Does IEC stand for International Electrical Code? Does this affect electrical professionals who only work domestically? I will answer the...
Splices and taps of conductors have been in the National Electrical Code for a long time. The 2020 NEC contains major changes involving distribution blocks, splices and taps, and to understand the reasons for these changes...
Electrical contractors focus more on installation codes, such as the National Electrical Code and the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and they may not pay as much attention to building code requirements. However...
Periodically, a change in the National Electrical Code occurs that is long overdue, such as 2020‘s new Section 300.25. This change may have long-term consequences for electrical contractors, especially if the designer...
Installing a code-compliant fire alarm system requires you to follow more than one code. Each code relating to cable has specific requirements based on the system performance desired by the owner. Both NFPA 70, National...
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...
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 2020...
Power over Ethernet may finally be coming of age. This alternative way of delivering power using computer networking technology now accommodates 90 watts (W)/57 volts (V) to readily power lighting and lighting systems...
In my first few years at NFPA, I met an electrical inspector who served as an expert witness in legal cases involving shock and electrocutions involving swimming pools. He told me that business was good, which was sad news...
Every National Electrical Code cycle, from the advent of ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection in Section 680-4 in the 1968 NEC , has featured changes in the installation and application of GFCIs. The first GFCI...
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...
Even though the 2020 National Electrical Code was just issued in September 2019 and many states will not adopt the new Code until this year, electrical contractors should be aware of the major changes that will affect most...
