Author: Jake

In just a few days the State of Florida will be adopting the 2011 NEC.  What this means to you as an electrician is that all permits submitted for permitting after 6/30/2015 will be governed by the 2011 NEC.  You will get cited for mistakes because we all are going to make mistakes.  I still see violations of the 2008 NEC so the 2011 NEC will not be exempt.  When you have doubts about what you are about to do call your local inspector to discuss your concerns and maybe that call will save you time and money.  Remember, your inspector is learning too,  he  is just as concerned about the coming changes as you are.  So lets work together to make this transition a smooth one.  As an inspector my job is to give the customer a safe electrical system and to help you  as an electrician deliver the safe system.

Change is tough, but it is what we do every couple of years, because the technology changes and we have to adapt.  Changes in our Code are made for the betterment of a safer electrical system.  So when you get that correction notice or that plan review checklist, use it as a tool to help you build a safer electrical system and reduce the amount of mistakes in the future.

Till next week work safe be safe.

Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads.  Hope this day finds you healthy and happy.

Today’s Code sections are just clarifications of a practice we have been doing for years.  The Code panel made it clear the the assembly used in this application is to be listed as an assembly.  See the photo below.  This outlet assembly came with the box which can not be seen in the picture, the outlet and the pop up cover.

Till next week work safe be safe.

This week note is based on my experience as an inspector and plans examiner.  The Florida Statute that regulates a Carbon Monoxide alarm is often misinterpreted.  I have plans that show them installed in the garage and just outside the garage door that leads into the house, although these places are probably practical , they are not installed within the intent of the Florida Statute.  Statute 553.885 requires that the detector be installed within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping.  Installing one in the garage may cause the alarm to be a nuisance and go off all the time which could lead you to disconnect the alarm, which would defeat its purpose.  Attached is a copy of the Statute please look it over and if you have any questions please email me.

Until next week work safe use a tester if needed.

Jake

It will now be a requirement of the code to install a ballast disconnect when a ballast in a light fixture is replaced.  I’m not sure how we will police this section since most are replaced by maintenance people and not electricians.

Till next week work safe

These new sections require that when replaced in an area that requires these two types of outlets, they are to be replaced by Tamper , Weather or both types of receptacles.

Till next week, work safe and be safe

Jake

This change just expands the list of parts and clarifies what needs to be bonded.

Till next time work safe and be safe.

Jake

This requirement is to keep out moister, and water from entering a switch gear or panel board.  I have seen where services that where ran up the side of a pole from the utility have not been sealed and when it rained water came out of the meter can.  If I see it from the utility I try to get them to put duct seal or some other kind of sealant in the pipe.  The pipes don’t have to be run into a piece of switchgear or other equipment to be sealed off.

Till next time work safe and be safe.

Jake

This section changed and now matches the requirements for fire-rated assemblies.  You need to “IDENTIFY” your supports (ceiling wires) that you install for support of your wiring methods.

These are the ones that you install to support your EMT, MC or other types of wiring assemblies.  The wires that are installed to support the fixtures are not based on the ELECTRICAL CODE and do not need to be identified.  The ones installed for the support of the fixture come from the manufactures’ installation requirements and should be installed by the ceiling installer to make sure they are installed properly.  The only requirement in the NEC for a fixture that is installed in a grid type ceiling system is that the fixture be screwed, clipped, or riveted to the grid, see 410.36(B).

Till Next week Work Safe and be Safe!

This section explains that the enclosures or raceways installed in the ground or underground are always considered to be a wet location and if splices are made they shall be listed and identified for the location. The conductors shall also be listed for a wet location.

Till next time work safe be safe

Jake

This new section should have been in the Code along time ago.  Just remember to add it into your

bid the next time you do a service change.  This starts July 1, 2015.

Till the next time work smart and be safe.