A Word from Jake

This weeks change is one of the new GFCI requirements in the 2017 NEC.

210.8(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in the following locations shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

The added requirements now apply to single phase receptacle outlets that are 150 volts to ground or less including 240 volt ones 50 amperes or less, and three phase receptacle outlets 150 volts or less to ground and up to and including 100 amperes or less.   That are installed in the areas listed in 210.8 (B) (1 through 10). Those locations include, bathrooms, kitchens, rooftops, outdoors, within 6’ of sinks, indoor wet locations, locker rooms with showering, garage and service bays, crawl spaces at or below grade, and unfinished portions or areas of basements not as habitable rooms with a few exceptions. 

So this is a big change and it will cause some problems when it goes into effect for the people who don’t know about this change.  240 volt receptacle outlets are now included in these requirements.  Which will include numerous outlets installed in commercial kitchens and other areas in this section.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

Under the 2017 NEC Code the garbage disposal is not required to be GFCI protected, unless there is no door on the kitchen cabinet.  We have fought about the disposal for the last couple of years until the 2017 made its appearance and stated that the cord could not go through a door to be used for the measurement for GFCI protection.  Again this is what is stated in the 2017 NEC.  When we do accept the 2020 NEC in a few years this will go away and the disposal will be required to be GFCI and AFCI protected, but we are only adopting the 2017 NEC at the end of this year, so by Florida Building Code we can only enforce the 2017 NEC.   

Can you protect the disposal with GFCI protection?  Yes you can because our NEC Code is a minimum standard and you can always have a better installation.

I’ve been asked about the dishwasher protection  and “YES” the dishwasher is required to be both GFCI and AFCI protected because of changes to the 2014 NEC which addresses dishwashers.   210.8(D) was added for GFCI protection and 210.12(A)  was changed and “KITCHEN” outlets were added to the list of AFCI protected outlets, but that was in the 2014 Code.

As stated above the 2020 NEC will change all this GFCI protection including the addition of 240 volt outlets.

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Till the next time be safe work safe

Jake

This exception states that when adding a different voltage system that “ONLY” the new system needs to be identified.  It goes on to tell us that we need to label the panel boards with the words “OTHER UNIDENTIFIED SYSTEMS EXIST ON THE PREMISES.”  Back before the 2005 Code went into effect the identification of branch circuits was not a requirement.  This is a good change because at what expense would it take to re-identify an old wiring system in a building, just think about it. 

So now we have back up that makes sense and having it in print is a good thing.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake

This was formerly located in section 424.66, and now located in 110.26 with all the clearance requirements.  This section applies to VAV boxes, duct heaters, and other ventilation equipment installed above a drop ceiling.  This area above the ceiling is usually limited and workers are standing on ladders while performing maintenance.  It states in (d) that the cross members are allowed in this working space but you still have to maintain the working clearances for the safety of the workers.

Can’t see the whole picture just click on it.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

This new section gives us some guidance on reconditioned equipment.  It states  that the equipment needs to be marked “RECONDITIONED” and the organization responsible for the equipment shall have its name marked on the equipment along with other identifying information.  This will not apply to “used” equipment because its just “used” and not reconditioned.  I have seen used equipment being sold as reconditioned, but just because we wiped it down with WD-40 or maybe painted it does not make it reconditioned.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake

New to the Code for 2017 is a section on the torque connections for  terminating conductors on a device or equipment..  Yes devices!  Switches, receptacles, breakers and the like will now be required to be torqued to the devices or equipment’s torqueing value, unless the manufactures has instructions for an alternate means.  So you either have a “calibrated” torqueing tool or an alternate means  to terminate the conductors.  In the picture below it shows a receptacle that now has a tail to make up the joints to the device instead of screws (an alternate means), no torqueing required.  You make up the joints and it then clips in to the device.  So look at your devices and see what the values are for that particular device and torque away, or purchase the alternative means.

As with all the changes they won’t be in effect until December 31st 2020.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake

A notation was added to this definition to allow a key to be used to gain access to electrical equipment.  Whether if it is a room or a enclosure, the equipment is still considered a readily accessible if you need a key.  We used to fight over the definition all the time and I always had a scenario that would help in understanding this definition.  My scenario was that when you left for work this morning did you lock the doors in your house, if so according to some, your circuit breakers in your panel are not readily accessible.  So the use of a key to gain access to a room, a generator, or some other type of electrical equipment or enclosure is ok.

I’ve seen generators like the one pictured below with a disconnect next to it because the breaker inside was not readily accessible.

Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake

I was asked to start doing my Code changes again since we are not having any continuing education classes this year.  We will start at the beginning of the Code and work our way through the book.  If you see something I’ve missed please let me know and I will add it to my list of changes.

The first one we will look at is 110.3(C) which talks about product listings and who can perform these listings.   Below you will see the list of testing labs that I know of, and I’m sure that there may be some that I’ve missed,  if you know of any please let me know. 

So based on this section the letter from your Engineer will not be be acceptable.

Can’t see the whole picture just click on it.

Have any question please email me at jleccemail@hotmail.com

Till the next time be safe work safe

Jake