I have been getting calls about the 2014 NEC. We have not adopted it and will most likely be using the 2011 for a couple of years. Starting next week I will start going through the changes of the 2014 NEC
Till next week be safe
This past week I had three different contractors who were surprised when I asked them about the LABEL they were supposed to install on the Service Equipment per this section. So I felt this needed to be addressed again to help you pass your inspections. This section is pretty plain and states “Service equipment installed in other than a dwelling unit shall be field marked with the maximum available fault current”. The field markings shall include the DATE the calculation was performed and that the LABEL shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved. A sharpie is not going to cut it because although it says permanent it is not. Some form of a label shall be made to withstand the sun and salt environment we have down here in South Florida.
So after my inspections this week, I have three jobs all waiting for labels to be placed on the service equipment before I can final out their permits. It was noted on the plans for these jobs that I was expecting this to be done because it is a NEW code change and I am required by the Code to enforce these new requirements.
In Lake Worth it will not be a problem to get the Fault Current of the transformer because I have them and can supply them with the plan review or at the inspection. All I need is the size, and secondary voltage of the transformer to be able to supply this information. The information I give out is the FAULT CURRENT at the terminals of the transformer and not at the service equipment.
There are several fault current calculators out there on the WEB to be found for free as an ap or download that will help you to calculate the AIC at the service equipment.
So when the inspectors looks for the LABEL it should already be there.
Till next week be safe
Jake
This is a new requirement for the manufacturing of GFCI breakers and receptacles. UL has upped the bar for these devices requiring them to self test. If one of these devices detect a leakage of current they trip and have to be hand reset. The tripping of one of these devices may signal a wiring problem in your home. So just resetting may not solve the problem. Below are a few links to these new products, one of these links is for a receptacle that will not turn on if wired improperly. The UL requirement for these devices went into effect in June of this year (2015). The inventory of old type GFCI protection will be allowed to be sold but all new devices will be manufactured using the new standard. If you can’t get the links below to work just put “self test GFCI products” in your search bar.
http://www.nema.org/news/Pages/NEMA-and-UL-Announce-Revisions-to-UL-943-GFCI-Standard.aspx
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=33474&minisite=10021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-1fWxB5WtA
Till next week be safe out there.
Jake
The following pictures represent what some GC’s feel is Ok for your final electrical inspection. The code requires that the openings in the finish around switches and receptacles be no more than 1/8” the cover plate will definitely cover this amount. It has become the job of the inspector to make sure that these minor defects are completed. The pictures are from a job that the GC told me that they would take care of them, and they were not. Although some of the pictures are fuzzy and out of focus you should be able to get the idea. This installation also violates article 110.12 for Mechanical execution of work. Installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Please show this to your GC’s and remind them that these need to be done for and electrical final. If not, you fail, and you have to call for a re-inspection and possibly pay a fee which will lead to a delay in job progress.
Till next week be safe work smart
This week we will take another look at what this section states and what it means.
Till next week Work safe be safe
Jake
This weeks information will introduce you to new types of circuit breakers. Most manufacturers have come up with the combination AFCI (Arc Fault) and GFCI (Ground Fault) breaker to keep up with the changing technology in the NEC. Although here in Florida we have not adopted the 2014 NEC there are specific applications for branch circuitry that will require both Arc Fault and Ground Fault protection on the same circuit.
When out in the field doing inspections and I mention that these products are available, some are surprised that these types of devices even exist , “a circuit breaker that has both GFCI and AFCI protection.” Wow!
Use the two links below to get more information about these new and innovative products.
Till next week work safe and be safe.
Jake
This weeks Code change is based on load calculations from article 220. 220.43(B) requires that a load of 150 va be included for each 2’ of track lighting. This can add up to be a substantial load when not necessarily needed. There is an exception to this section that will allow us to include the loads for our calculation to be based on a device that can limit the current to the track. This device has a current limiting feature that will as it states “limit the current” whether it is 10’ long or 100’ long section of track.
Click on the link or cut and paste it to see the brochure for a couple of manufacturers track limiters. The ones that I have seen out in the field have been from 1 ampere thru 13 amperes. So using these devices will help reduce the loads calculated for track lighting loads. This may not seem like a major factor but if you are sizing the lighting load for a furniture store or an art gallery these limiters will help in calculating the service load. Another type of limiter that I have seen is a panel that has these limiters built into to it using 1 to 13 amperes as circuit limits.
http://www.junolightinggroup.com/literature/Subpanel_Brochure.pdf
Till next week work safe be safe
Jake
If you are working in a existing building or structure and you are supplying temporary power, please review the following sections to be sure you are Code compliant.
Till next week
Work safe be safe.
Jake
Two new products that have shown up on the horizon to help us in our daily work. The first is a NEW replacement type breaker(s) by EATON/CUTLER HAMMER. These breakers are listed to be used in several different manufacturers panels. Six in all which will eliminate unnecessary trips to the supply house, saving time and money. Attached you will find a brochure listing and explaining all the products that meet this new standard.
http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@electrical/documents/content/sa00304001e.pdf
The next is a EATON/BUSSMAN product that will help you calculate the available fault current in order to meet the new requirements of 110.24(A),(B), which requires most commercial and industrial services to be marked with the the fault current. This new application can be down loaded onto your phone or used in the office. You can then print up the label for the application of this new code section.
http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/bussmann/resources/fc2-1.html
That’s all I have for this week. Next week we will get back to the 2011 code changes.
Work safe be safe
Jake
This new section removes an old practice that was acceptable to some AHJ’s but was not really a Code compliant practice. This new section spells out that each branch circuit shall have its own neutral conductor when required by Code.
Till next week
Be aware and work safe.
Jake