A Word from Jake

NEW FLORIDA STATUTE FOR SMOKE ALARMS

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553.883 Smoke alarms in one-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes.—One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair, or a level 1 alteration as defined in the Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling’s electrical system. Effective January 1, 2015, a battery-powered smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing battery-powered smoke alarm must be powered by a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years. The battery requirements of this section do not apply to a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that is electronically connected as a part of a centrally monitored or supervised alarm system.

History.—s. 25, ch. 2014-154.

 

Make sure that you check with the local authority.  They may have more stringent rules that apply.

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UL search tool

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I was sent this search tool from UL and wanted to share it with you.  Just click on the link and then click on the appropriate book you want to search.

I have tried several 2011 Code book searches and they all helped me find what I was looking for!  This tool will help you search listings for different materials

and how they are listed.  Let me know what you think!  Found it to be a great help when a listing question comes up.

 

http://codelink.ul.com 

 

Till the next time work safe be safe.

 

Jake

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Available Fault Current

In the 2011 NEC article 110.24 has a few changes that need to be be addressed.  Under 110.24(A) Field Marking, service equipment in other than a dwelling unit shall be field marked with the maximum available fault current.  This is something you will have to get with the utility or the engineer for the project to be able to calculate.  The field markings will have to be able to with stand the elements when a attached to a disconnect or panelboard out in the field.   Section 110.24(B) Modifications will make you as the installer responsible to attach newly calculated fault current information to the equipment based on modification made to the circuits.  All information provided will have to with stand the elements in which they are installed so a Sharpie or Magic Marker is not going to meet the requirements of this new change because they don’t last out in the weather.   Till next time work safe…

 

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Panelboard identification 408.4(B)

For the 2011 edition of the NEC on page 275 of the softbound Code book, they have added the requirement for field identification of all switchboards and panelboards, to indicate where the power to that equipment originates.  It will be easier to mark these panel and switch boards when they are installed.  Trying to find the source 5 or 10 years down the road has always been a time consuming project that only takes minutes when first installed.  A great addition to the code, will make life as an electrician easier in the future.  Till next time work safe and be safe.

 

Jake

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PVC Expansion

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Ever wonder why the PVC conduit run on the side of a building is all wavy and looks awful, it’s because the installer probably forgot to include an expansion fitting. Per NEC section 352.44 PVC conduit requires an expansion fitting where the PVC pipe is expected to move 1/4″ or more.  Here in So. Florida the PVC is expected to move approximately 2.64″ based on our average temperature range.

See the attached link on how to install one of these fittings.  http://0323c7c.netsolhost.com/docs/Conduit%20expansion%20fittings.pdf 

 

Till next time.

Be safe, work safe

 

Jake

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Ever wonder what all those numbers on the box mean

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This week see the link from Square D to explain what all the numbers mean on the box when we buy a disconnect or panel etc., etc..

http://static.schneider-electric.us/docs/Electrical%20Distribution/Safety%20Switches/Heavy%20Duty%20Safety%20Switches/3100BR9801.pdf

 

Click on the following link or paste it into your search bar, and check out Page 6 for what the numbers and letters mean on the side of the box and

on the inside label of the switch, disconnect or panel.

 

Till next time

 

Work safe, be safe

 

Jake

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TERMINATIONS OF CONDUCTORS 110.14

I get a lot of questions on how Table 310.16 work with the three temperature columns, and the terminations of these conductors.  Square D – Schneider Electric has a technical guide to how these sections are applied to the terminations of conductors. See the attached link for information on this very often misunderstood section of the Code.  Jim Pauley the author has been a great asset to the electrical industry for over 25 years.  He often takes on the most controversial sections of the Code and explains them in a way that even a novice in our trade would understand.

Till next time work safe, be safe.

http://static.schneider-electric.us/docs/Power%20Management/0110DB9901.pdf

Send in your questions , we will find an answer.

Jake

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