Author: Jake

My last post mentioned that FPL was no longer accepting bare conductors in meter cans. With the release of their updated standards in May, that requirement has been reversed. We can now go back to the previous installation method — both insulated and bare conductors are acceptable. See the attached PDF excerpt from the new standards for reference.

Thanks ,and be safe

Jake

It has been brought to my attention that FPL is now enforcing a requirement that no bare conductors are allowed inside the meter can. This is noted in their standards under Section VIII, in the final note of that section.

Several installers have mentioned that FPL has accepted heat‑shrink tubing over the bare grounding electrode conductor as an acceptable method of compliance.

Hope this helps.

Be safe, work safe.

Jake

We have been getting a lot of calls for Continuing Education we are going to hold classes this year, but not until the end of this year.  Palm Beach County renews its licenses this year, whereas the State of Florida doesn’t until next year.  We are scheduling classes for November and December of this year, as well as a few months next year (MAY,JUNE).  If you are renewing your license for Palm Beach County, send them your continuing education certificates that you have obtained over the last two years. Any CEU’s you received between October 1st of 2023 and September 30th of 2025 apply to this cycle.  I would check with the county to see if you are required to upload certificates into your portal.  I’m not sure, but I think it is only for county-licensed contractors ER’s, not state-certified EC’s.  So if you are an ER, then you need to update your continuing education to renew your license by September 30, 2025..

Palm Beach County can be reached at 561-233-5525 for information on continuing education..  When calling the county or state, always ask for the person’s name when receiving information and keep it for a reference.

If you got questions please give me a call 561-596-7347.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Just a quick note, I’ve been getting calls from a few contractors stating that the inspector is requiring GFCI protection on a residential AC compressor.  This requirement will not take effect until September 1, 2026.

210.8(F) Outdoor Outlets.
For dwellings, all outdoor outlets, other than those covered in 210.8(A), Exception No. 1, including outlets installed in the following locations, and supplied by single-phase branch circuits rated 150 volts or less to ground, 50 amperes or less, shall be provided with GFCI protection:

(1) Garages that have floors located at or below grade level
(2) Accessory buildings
(3) Boathouses
If equipment supplied by an outlet covered under the requirements of this section is replaced, the outlet shall be provided with GFCI protection.

Exception No. 1: GFCI protection shall not be required on lighting outlets other than those covered in 210.8(C).

Exception No. 2: GFCI protection for listed HVAC equipment is not required. This exception shall expire September 1, 2026.

GFCI PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR AIR CONDITIONERS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1, 2026

Thanks, and be safe.

Jake

We have been getting a lot of calls about continuing education.  We are planning a few classes in December, May, and June.  Palm Beach County is coming up this August for renewal. All you need to do is send in the continuing education you received in the last two years to renew.

Coming up for Continuing Education.

2023 GFCI protection

2023 Code changes

2020 Plan review failures

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake