News

In sections 110.24 (A)(B) the Code has made it your job to verify the available fault current at the service.  You will need to field mark the equipment with the fault current that is available at your service and with the date the calculation was performed.  These markings need to be legible and able to withstand the environmental conditions of our South Florida climate; sunlight and water resistant.

The available fault current will be calculated on the basis of a number of contributing factors like the size of the utility transformer and the location of the transformer in proximity to your service.  The type, length, and size of conductors used in your service will also figure into the available fault current.  Not marking your service will delay receiving a final inspection from your local inspector or issuance of your permit from your plans examiner. The 2011 Code goes into effect on July 1st .  All plans and permits received after this date will be governed by these new changes. I am bringing these changes to your attention so it wont be a surprise when the AHJ asks.

When you sit down to figure the price for that next service change or modification, remember that in order to perform these calculations you will need information that is not readily available to you. You will need to contact the utility for some of this information.  This will cost you time; and we all know time costs you money.

This new Code change will go into affect on July 1, 2015. 

Under this new change it states that when you modify, replace, or extend branch circuit wiring it will have to be protected by one of the following devices.

(1) A listed combination type AFCI located at the origin of the branch circuit.

(2) A listed outlet branch circuit type AFCI located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit.

So be aware that this will be enforced and you will need to comply in order to pass your electrical inspection.

I will try to send out more of the significant changes in the next few weeks to bring you up to date with the ever changing way we do our jobs.  

If you have any question please email me at jleccemail@hotmail.com

Thanks and be careful out there.

Jake

For the third time I am sending out an email that is informing you that the 2011 NEC will be adopted on different date than the last posting.

JULY 1, 2015 is the new date for adoption and hopefully the last.

Jake

I get a lot of questions,  that ask when can I mix Service conductors with feeders or branch circuits?  The answer is you can not.

See the attached PDF showing some examples of Service conductors and Feeders.

Thought I would pass this along, shows how dangerous improper storage of batteries can be.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/CnVDayI-gwI?feature=player_detailpage

553.883 Smoke alarms in one-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes.—One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair, or a level 1 alteration as defined in the Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling’s electrical system. Effective January 1, 2015, a battery-powered smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing battery-powered smoke alarm must be powered by a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years. The battery requirements of this section do not apply to a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that is electronically connected as a part of a centrally monitored or supervised alarm system.

History.—s. 25, ch. 2014-154.

Make sure that you check with the local authority.  They may have more stringent rules that apply.

I was sent this search tool from UL and wanted to share it with you.  Just click on the link and then click on the appropriate book you want to search.

I have tried several 2011 Code book searches and they all helped me find what I was looking for!  This tool will help you search listings for different materials

and how they are listed.  Let me know what you think!  Found it to be a great help when a listing question comes up.

http://codelink.ul.com 

Till the next time work safe be safe.

Jake

Ever wonder why the PVC conduit run on the side of a building is all wavy and looks awful, it’s because the installer probably forgot to include an expansion fitting. Per NEC section 352.44 PVC conduit requires an expansion fitting where the PVC pipe is expected to move 1/4″ or more.  Here in So. Florida the PVC is expected to move approximately 2.64″ based on our average temperature range.

See the attached link on how to install one of these fittings.  http://0323c7c.netsolhost.com/docs/Conduit%20expansion%20fittings.pdf 

Till next time.

Be safe, work safe

Jake

This week see the link from Square D to explain what all the numbers mean on the box when we buy a disconnect or panel etc., etc..

http://static.schneider-electric.us/docs/Electrical%20Distribution/Safety%20Switches/Heavy%20Duty%20Safety%20Switches/3100BR9801.pdf

Click on the following link or paste it into your search bar, and check out Page 6 for what the numbers and letters mean on the side of the box and

on the inside label of the switch, disconnect or panel.

Till next time

Work safe, be safe

Jake

Classes will be held this summer as usual during the months of June and July 2014.