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...
Article 430 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) covers motors, motor branch-circuit and feeder conductors and their protection, motor overload protection, motor control circuits, motor controllers, and motor control centers...
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...
Both the National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, use the phrase “arcing current.” It is located in 240.87(B)(5) and (B)(6) in the NEC and in many places within NFPA 70E....
Whether performing a load calculation for hundreds of motors in an industrial plant or installing a swimming pool pump in a single-family dwelling, it is important to reference provisions and tables in Article 430 of the...
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...
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the most important and comprehensive document created for the practical safeguarding of persons and property from the use of electricity and its hazards. Right now, the 2020 edition is...
Electrical systems age, usage increases and people upgrade their homes and offices. This combination is pushing many electrical systems to their limits. Enhancing a home or office’s electrical service requires an informed...
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...
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 2017...
In 2015, I wrote an article about 680.22(B)(6), a change adopted in the 2014 NEC that allowed light fixtures to be installed around the water's edge contingent upon certain restrictions. At the time, I couldn’t find a low...
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 2017...
General requirements for conductor connections, terminations, splices and terminal temperatures are covered in 110.14 of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Since 1990, there have been some very substantial changes in 110.14...
Article 430 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) covers motors, motor branch-circuit and feeder conductors and their protection, motor overload protection, motor control circuits, motor controllers, and motor control centers...
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...
Requirements for motors, motor components and controllers can be found in a number of articles in the National Electrical Code (NEC), but Article 430 specifically covers motors, motor branch-circuit and feeder conductors and...
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...
Chapter 4 of the National Electrical Code (NEC), Equipment for General Use, contains 22 articles. Some of the articles include provisions pertaining to switches, receptacles, switchboards and panelboards, industrial control...
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...
A new report from the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Policy Institute, titled " Falling Behind on Electrical Safety ," states that, between 2010 and 2014, an average of over 61,000 fires in the U.S. were attributed to electrical...
