Author: Jake

Under this new Code Change you will be required to IDENTIFY the ungrounded conductors in a branch circuit when you have two different electrical systems in building.  This is when you have 277/480 and 120/208. They instruct you to identify them by color coding, marking tape or some kind of other approved means.  It states that you also have to post it by the panel.   Most inspectors are going to require that the entire branch circuit comply with this requirement, you will have to ask about travelers and switch legs coming off a branch circuit. 

This past week I was asked if just taping the conductors will be acceptable,  and looking at the section size does not matter and taping even 14 gauge wire will be just fine. After all this is Article 210 for Branch Circuits.

(C) Identification of Ungrounded Conductors. Ungrounded
conductors shall be identified in accordance with
210.5(C)(1), (2), and (3).

(1) Application. Where the premises wiring system has
branch circuits supplied from more than one nominal voltage
system, each ungrounded conductor of a branch circuit
shall be identified by phase or line and system at all termination,
connection, and splice points.

(2) Means of Identification. The means of identification
shall be permitted to be by separate color coding, marking
tape, tagging, or other approved means.

(3) Posting of Identification Means. The method utilized
for conductors originating within each branch-circuit panelboard
or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment
shall be documented in a manner that is readily available or
shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard
or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment.

Till next week be safe work safe

Jake

This is number nine in the top ten series and will probably take years before we get use to it.

This Table used to be 310.16.  After all these years it is hard to call it by its new numbers but I’m

sure we will all get used to it.  Not only did the number of the Table change several wire ampacities

also changed.  For the Copper side #s 14, 12, 3, 1, 600, 1,500,  2,000, and for the Aluminum side

#s 12, 8, 6, 300, 700, and 800.

                      THE NEW ALLOWABLE AMPACITY TABLE 310.15(B)(16) 

Till next week, work safe be safe

Jake

This weeks change number eight in this series, has to do with underground conduits entering/leaving a building or structure.  This is for outside branch circuits and feeders, just like we have been doing for services in 230.8 we now seal off branch circuit and feeder conduits. Conduits shall be sealed when entering/leaving a building using duct seal or some other material that is identified for the purpose.

Till next week

Work safe be safe

Jake

The seventh in the top ten is for outlet spacing.  A change to the wall spacing requirements has been made to address fixed cabinets, and the wall spacing requirements have been clarified.

(2) Wall Space. As used in this section, a wall space shall
include the following:
(1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including
space measured around corners) and unbroken along
the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces,
and fixed cabinets
(2) The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls,
excluding sliding panels
(3) The space afforded by fixed room dividers, such as
freestanding bar-type counters or railings

This change gives us relief from placing outlets at the bottom of cabinets and book cases in the kick plate so that we can meet the outlet placement spacing. For years when I did plan reviews and inspections I had always turned down drawings and or the job that had no outlets along a built-in cabinet or bookcase, this makes it easier on the design professional and the inspector/plan reviewer.

Work safe

Jake