Author: Jake

   This weeks 2014 Code change comes from section 200.4(B) which deals with neutrals grouped in panelboards or enclosures.  Then identifying them so that you don’t mistakenly disconnect the wrong one and send an over or under voltage  to a piece of equipment and possibly burn it up.  This section requires us to identify the neutral conductor for each circuit or circuits it serves.  This is for single circuit or multi-wire circuit. 

   Over the years I have seen electricians working on circuits only to disconnect the neutral to move it around to make room for another neutral conductor, only to disconnect it while the circuit it serves was still energized.  This resulted in a burnt out refrigerator or computer that was on a multi-wire circuit.

   I have seen a few good ways to ID the neutrals by either numbering them with the corresponding circuit number(s) on each neutral or grouping them with a piece of the sheath from NM cable marked with the circuit ID. 

   There are a couple of Exceptions where you can tell which neutral goes with a particular circuit of a cable or conduit installation, or when there just isn’t room to mark the wire in an existing installation where the conductors are pulled through a box or enclosure without splices.

Till next time work safe be safe and keep an eye on your helper.

Jake

This question has come up several times in the last couple of weeks. How close can I put my low voltage lights near a pool?

Section 680.22,B6 allows us to install LV fixtures closer than 5’ but they have to meet 680.23, A 2  for the type of transformer that is allowed to feed the fixtures.

680.22 B(6) Low-Voltage Luminaires. Listed low-voltage luminaires not requiring grounding, not exceeding the low-voltage contact limit, and supplied by listed transformers or  power supplies that comply with 680.23(A)(2) shall be permitted to be located less than 1.5 m (5 ft.) from the inside walls of the pool.

(2) Transformers and Power Supplies. Transformers and power supplies used for the supply of underwater luminaires, together with the transformer or power supply enclosure, shall be listed for swimming pool and spa use. The transformer or power supply shall incorporate either a transformer of the isolated winding type, with an ungrounded secondary that has a grounded metal barrier between the primary and secondary windings, or one that incorporates an approved system of double insulation between the primary and secondary windings.

Till next time

Be safe, work safe

Jake

A new annex has been added to the 2914 NEC Annex J which give us some guidance when dealing with ADA requirements.

You will no longer have to hunt for the ADA requirements for electrical installations, it will be in our Code book.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake