Code Change of the Week

This weeks comments comes from a recent inspection where the inspector asked the contractor to show a listing for the fixture that he was using next to a pool, that would meet the requirements of this new Code Section 680.22(B)(6). His request was to show that the two (2) wire fixture did not need grounding.  The fixture was listed as a low voltage luminaire but did not specifically show that it did not need grounding.  The fixture had only two wires and nothing in the manufacturers instructions show grounding the fixture. I asked the contractor if the inspector checked out the type of transformer he used and he said he did not.

The second part of this new section was the use of a transformer that met the requirements of section 680.23(A)(3) which means it is list for use as a pool or spa as a power supply to a fixture. (isolated winding type with an ungrounded secondary that has a grounded metal barrier between primary and secondary or an approved system of double insulation between the primary and secondary windings)  The transformer would also have to have specific low voltage contact limits as laid out in 680.2 definitions. (15 volts (RMS) for sinusoidal ac, 21.2 volts peak for nonsinusoidal ac, 30 volts for continuous dc, and 12.4 volts peak for dc that is interrupted at a rate of 10 to 200 Hz.)

This is a new change which allows us to install Low Voltage lighting right next to a pool, the fixture not being grounded is a requirement of this section but only one of three requirements of this new section, so you have to pay attention to the total section when installing lights next to a pool or spa.  Make sure that you are complying with all the requirements of this section.

Click on the picture below to see the whole slide

Till next time be safe and work safe.

Jake

Got a question?  Send it in, I will try and get you an answer.

In the 2014 Code we are being asked to identify or group each neutral with each circuit it serves when there are more than one neutral in a conduit , enclosure, box or switchboard.  This is already being enforced in some municipalities based on the safety factor.  As most of you know disconnecting the wrong neutral can lead to burnt out appliances and even fires.  So this is going to be a major change that is going into effect in January.  In some of the installations that I have seen they identified the neutral by numbering them according to the circuit they served. 

If you have multiple circuit in a conduit you will need to identify or group the neutral with the phase conductors it serves.  This is going to take time to do and will also hold up your job if not done properly.

If you can only see a portion of the picture just click on it

Till next time be safe work safe, and Happy Thanksgiving from us to you.

Darlene and Jake

New for 2014 Energy Management Systems, deals with these types of systems.

We probably should have had this in the Code along time ago, but better late than never.

Our first Continuing Education Classes for 2018 cycle will be held at Peninsular on December 5 and 6 from 6pm to 9pm.

You can check out the classes at our Web site.    www.electricalcodeconnection.com

Till next time be safe work safe

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

Section 220.12 the Lighting load for listed occupancies has a new exception.  It allows us to use the lighting

demands from the energy code as long as they meet the requirements of the exception.

Till next time be safe work safe

Jake

I’m not sure how we are going to make the GFCI protective device readily accessible at a gas station, would that be to the consumer or the gas station owner.

This is a new change and its not out line considering the condition of some of this equipment.  Maybe the manufactures will start incorporating these devices into

the equipment.

Till next Time be safe work safe

Jake

This weeks post is for a new 2014 Code change (December 2017 Adoption date).  Section 210.52 (G)

outlets in garages.  We will have to install one for each space, and they won’t be able to feed lights on

the outside of the garage.

THIS IS A 2014 CODE CHANGE WHICH IS NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME. STATE OF FLORIDA IS LOOKING AT

DECEMBER OF 2017 TO ADOPT THIS CODE.

Till Next time be safe work safe and Merry Christmas!!!

Jake