Code Change of the Week

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

700.19 Multiwire Branch Circuits The branch circuit serving emergency lighting and power circuits shall not be part of a multiwire branch circuit.

This is a Code change from the “2014” NEC that came up this week at work.  Multiwire branch circuits are no longer allowed for “Emergency Circuits”.  Reason behind this change follows what was done in the 2011 Code for Hospital circuits in sections 517.18(A) and 517.19(A).  This allows for a ground fault, short circuit, or an overload to occur without tripping a two pole or three pole circuit breaker which would take out other essential loads.  Only individual branch circuits will be allowed. 

For example reliability is certainly decreased when a short in a 277 volt lighting ballast takes out the other two poles of a three pole circuit breaker, knocking out the remaining 2/3 of the lighting.  With this requirement only the 1/3 of the lighting on the affected pole is out, leaving 2/3 of the lighting in operation when using individual branch circuits.  Makes sense!

Till next time be safe wear your mask.

Jake

PS Nice picture of box fill. Yeah we need to add dimmers!!!

A Code change that makes what we have been doing for a long time legal.  The Code changed the maximum length of the cord we put on a dishwasher from 4’ to 6.5’. I think from the 70s to today most have used a 6’ cord if not longer to hook up the dishwasher.

A new change also restricts the location of the receptacle outlet to a space adjacent to the dishwasher, no longer allowing it to be placed behind the unit.  Although I never put an outlet behind the dishwasher it was allowed.

As always if you don’t see the whole picture just click on it.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake

This section has been expanded to more commercial areas and mobile homes in the 2017 Code.  This section 406.12 now covers more commercial areas where these types of receptacles are needed. They figured out that children not only get hurt in the home, they can get hurt at the airport, in the doctors office, and in mobile homes. 

This is a 2017 CODE change and it will not go into use until January of 2021.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake