News

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.

http://www.schneider-electric.us/en/product-range/62274-qo-dual-function-circuit-breakers/?parent-category-id=50300&parent-subcategory-id=50310

http://w3.usa.siemens.com/powerdistribution/us/en/product-portfolio/circuit-breakers/residential-circuit-breakers/pages/dual-function.aspx?stc=usem100037&sp_source=usem100037&s_kwcid=AL!464!3!75015126419!p!!g!!gfci%20protection&ef_id=VE5iKAAAAe1w7URX:20150816125504:s

Till next week work safe and 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

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