New GFCI requirements for 2011
The yellow highlighted material below is a new Code change for 2011. GFCI protection has been expanded to cover other areas that have been shown to have problems.
Till next time work safe and be safe.
Jake
PVC Expansion
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
Ever wonder what all those numbers on the box mean
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..
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
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
Required Outlets
With the impending adoption of the 2011 NEC I will try to pick out a few changes that will affect the way we wire houses. The first is minor change but it could have your job fail inspection. 210.52 (A)(4) again is a minor change but could end you fail an inspection.
As you can see in the picture the outlet on the counter was used to cover the 2’ wall space next to the sliding door. Under the 2011 NEC you will no longer be able to use the counter outlet to cover the wall space
Continuing Education Classes
Classes will be held this summer as usual during the months of June and July 2014.
State of Florida Grandfathering of ER contractors
Starting July 1st, 2013 the state of Florida is now grandfathering Registered Contractors (County Licensed) into Certified Contractors (State Licensed). This will be going on until November 2015. Further information and application can be obtained at the Florida’s DBPR web site. This is a great opportunity for the Registered contractors in Florida.
Working Clearances
Although this is not a code change it is very important to understand the requirements of this section.
I know we where looking at the one of most violated section of the code 110.26 Spaces About Electrical Equipment several months back and I would like to continue on with that section and examine the safety factors built into these minimums. There are several clearances that come into play when placing equipment for an electrical installation. The first is the obvious one of being able to walk up to a panel or some other piece of equipment and service or examine it. Directly in front of a panel is a minimum of 3’. That 3’ is the absolute minimum and nothing less, this gives you a quick escape incase something happens and it blows up or shorts out , that 3’ gives you a chance to escape. I don’t know how equipment can be left with any measurement less than 3’ because it is your life and safety that is the reason for this requirement. The crews that I work with have come to understand the minimum working clearance in front of equipment, and how important it is, and the reasons behind the requirements of the code. So over the next couple of weeks and months I will try to examine the clearances and what the minimums are, and why they are so important.
One of the best teaching tools I have found in the last ten years is my camera and the pictures it takes in order to document our quest for a safer electrical installation. Showing you what I find and how to correct it, is better understood than telling you that you violated a section of the Code.
I know it has been a while since I have posted anything but my transition back into the private sector has take more time than I thought it would, so I hope to be back on track now that I have settled in to my new job.
Till the next time, work safe, be safe
Jake
Former Chief Electrical Inspector WPB
Arc Fault Receptacles the are finally here.
Leviton SmartlockPro® OBC AFCI Receptacle . This is the first of its kind to hit the market. They have two devices available the 15 ampere is product #AFTR-1 and the 20 ampere one is #AFTR-2. I will update this entry in the future when I get to see and test one. Sorry for the long time in between posts I started a new job 6 months ago and am still getting adjusted to the private sector. Till the next time please keep your head in the game and work safe.
Here is the link to the information about this new product.
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/SectionDisplay.jsp?section=55015
Jake