Code Change of the Week

Receptacles serving island and peninsular countertops are now optional rather than mandatory, provided a junction box or conduit is installed for future expansion. Outlets mounted under the countertop—such as on the side of a cabinet are no longer permitted. Permissible placements are strictly limited to listed pop-up assemblies installed in the surface or traditional outlets mounted on or up to 20 inches above the countertop.

210.52(C) (2) Island and Peninsular Countertops and Work Surfaces.

Receptacle outlets, if installed to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(C)(3). If a receptacle outlet is not provided to serve an island or peninsular countertop or work surface, provisions shall be provided at the island or peninsula for future addition of a receptacle outlet to serve the island or peninsular countertop or work surface.

(3) Receptacle Outlet Location.

Receptacle outlets shall be located in one or more of the following:

• (1) On or above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, a countertop or work surface.
• (2) In a countertop using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops.
• (3) In a work surface using receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in work surfaces or listed for use in countertops.
• This revised section does not go into effect until 12/31/2026.
• 
  

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

The temporary exception that delayed GFCI protection for outdoor HVAC equipment at dwelling units is about to expire. Several TIAs have been submitted to NFPA and will be reviewed in September, and some may extend the exception. Until any extension is officially approved, Florida contractors must install GFCI protection on all outdoor HVAC equipment at residential dwellings.

We’ll continue to monitor NFPA action and provide updates as soon as new information is released. At this time, HVAC and GFCI manufacturers are still working to produce devices that operate reliably together, so please plan installations accordingl

I have the TIA’s below for you to read.

The 2023 code has expanded the commercial areas that require Arc‑Fault Circuit‑Interrupter (AFCI) protection. Sleeping areas in fire stations, police stations, and similar facilities are now required to have AFCI protection. If you’re unsure whether your installation falls under these requirements, contact your local inspector.

Until next time, stay safe out there and work safe.

Jake

This update isn’t actually a change but a clarification of what the section requires. You must install at least one 20‑ampere circuit to serve garage receptacles. Any additional circuits you choose to install do not have to be 20-amperes — they may be 15‑ampere circuits. So if you’re adding a refrigerator, central vacuum, or  equipment, those additional receptacle circuits can be 15 amperes rather than 20.

Bes safe work safe.

Jake

Shore Power receptacles are to have GFPE protection that is not to exceed 30ma..

This weeks change addresses docks and the datum plane for mounting equipment on a dock.

Throughout Article 555, the physical location of electrical equipment is referenced to the electrical datum plane, which is used as a horizontal benchmark on land and on floating piers. The definition of the term electrical datum plane encompasses areas subject to tidal movement and areas in which the water level is affected only by conditions such as climate (rain or snowfall) or by human intervention (the opening or closing of dams and floodgates). In either case, the term covers the normal highest water level, such as astronomical high tides. The term does not cover extremes due to natural or manmade disasters.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

New to this section is requirement #16 for motors that are electronically protected to be marked on the nameplate. 

Got a great picture this week from George in West Palm beach, thanks George great picture.  See below.

If you want to make the pictures bigger just click on them.

Not sure what you call it but I would say a raceway “SPLITTER”!!!

Should try and get this fitting listed.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake

This new section does away with pulling down a fixture in a drywall or hard ceiling to access a junction box above the ceiling.  It now requires the box to be part of the fixture when it’s above a drywall or hard ceiling.

I don’t know who sent the picture of the week, but WOW!!!  Look it over tell me what you think.

Till next time be safe work safe.

Jake