UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE EFFECTIVELY

UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE EFFECTIVELY
Ted “Smitty” Smith Electrical Experts Consulting

Introduction to the NEC
By Ted “Smitty” Smith © Ted “Smitty” Smith 2001,2002,2003,2005,2008,2009,2010,2011,2013,2014,2016,2017 All rights Reserved

Course Objectives Understand the development and revision process for the National Electric Code 1 Understand the Format and Language of the National Electric Code 2 Develop a method of finding information in the National Electric Code in an efficient manner based on the format of the NEC and Practice those skills 3 Develop a level of trust in the content of the NEC 4

NFPA 70 The National Electric Code
The NEC, The Code, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, & The National Electrical Code are all references to the NEC which is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association, One Battery March Park, Quincy, MA The NFPA is the publisher of the NEC and many other standards and codes.

Understanding the Layout, Format and Design of the NEC
Electricians need to use the NEC as a minimum standard for installations as is required by law in most states, including Colorado Being able to find information in the NEC and then understand what it is telling you is critical for all electricians. The intention of the NEC to make electrical installations safe. We install and maintain the second most powerful force known to mankind. It is our responsibility to make it safe.

NFPA 70 The NEC is divided in nine chapters.
You should memorize the names of the 9 chapters of the NEC and try to remember a brief description of each chapter. This will allow you to find things quickly Understanding the layout of the NEC is the key to becoming more efficient

NFPA 70 Chapter 1. General. This chapter covers regulations on general electrical systems and the regulations that pertain to all electrical installations. We like to refer to this chapter as the "catch all" chapter because regulations that do no fit into any other category end up here. Chapter 2. Protection. This chapter covers regulations concerning the protection of conductors and equipment from over heating and over loading. Chapter 3. Methods and Materials. This chapter covers the regulations concerning how we make general installations and the materials we use for installations. You will find articles pertaining to wire and conduit in this chapter. Chapter 4. General Equipment. This chapter covers the regulations concerning equipment that is commonly encountered on all jobs. You will find articles pertaining to motors, light fixtures and transformers here

NFPA 70 Chapter 5. Special Occupancies. This chapter covers the regulations for electrical installation in buildings other than a dwelling or standard commercial/industrial building. You will find articles pertaining to airports, fuel stations, farms, hospitals and theaters in this chapter. Chapter 6. Special Equipment. This chapter covers the regulations for equipment you may encounter but is not common to all jobs. You will find articles pertaining to welders, swimming pools, hot tubs and solar systems in this chapter. Chapter 7. Special Conditions. This chapter covers the regulations that pertain to conditions that require special rules. You will find articles pertaining to fire alarm system wiring, emergency lighting, back up generators and fiber optic systems in this chapter

NFPA 70 Chapter 8. Communications. This chapter covers the wiring and installation of communication and data systems. This chapter is considered to be a separate regulation and is not subject to the other chapters of the NEC. Chapter 9. Tables and Examples. This chapter has several tables for quick reference and information and also examples of calculations required by the NEC

The Code Arrangement Chapters 1-4 are the National Electric Code
They apply to every occupancy and all installations Chapters 5, 6, and 7 Modify and amend chapters 1-4 Chapter 8 Is a code within a code Nothing in Chapters 1-7 apply to chapter 8 unless they are specifically referenced Chapter 9 Contains tables that are referenced by more than on article A table that is referenced by a single article will appear in that table

Article 90.3 Turn in your 2017 code books to Article and refer to the diagram on page I recommend you highlight this table in your code book. Annexes Annexes are for informational purposes only and are not requirements for the NEC Informational Notes are also for information only and are not requirements of the NEC

The NEC Manual of Style is the guideline for the format and layout of the NEC. It is referenced in 90.5 of NEC. The following slides contain references to the NEC Manual of Style. A copy of the Manual of Style can downloaded on the Electrical Experts Consulting webpage if you would like your own copy for reference. The major break down of information in the NEC is as follows. Chapters Articles Parts Sections Style Manual

Style Manual Manual of Style Articles. Articles are chapter subdivisions that cover a specific subject such as grounding, overcurrent protection, lighting fixtures, and so on. Each article shall have a title. Articles are divided into sections and sometimes into parts. By knowing the Chapter titles and their general subject matter you can use the Table of Contents to find items faster than the index. Look in the chapter and then find the Article that is specific to what you are looking for.

Style Manual Manual of Style Parts. If an article is sufficiently large, it shall be permitted to be subdivided into parts that correspond to logical groupings of information. Parts shall have titles and shall be designated by Roman numerals. (See example.) Parts typically consist of a number of sections; see for section numbering in articles that are subdivided into parts. “Parts” are a critical element used in the targeting method which we will discuss later. Please keep this in mind.

Example of Parts Example: I Installation
II Construction Specifications III Grounding

Sections 2.1.5 Subdividing Sections. Sections shall be permitted to be subdivided for clarity, with each subdivision representing either a rule or a part of a rule. Up to three levels of subdivisions shall be permitted, and any level shall be permitted to contain a list. List Formats. Lists are a method of structuring the items necessary to complete a rule. Lists in any subdivision level shall be numbered, and listed items shall be single words, phrases, or sentences. Items in a list shall not contain titles.

Parallel Numbering 2.4 Numbering Practices. The following two practices are intended to improve NEC usability by preventing the continual renumbering of articles and sections from one edition to the next. 2.4.1 Parallel Numbering Within Similar Articles. To the extent possible, Code- Making Panels are encouraged to use the same section numbers (and part numbers, where applicable) for the same purposes within articles covering similar subjects.

PARALLEL NUMBERING EXAMPLES
Raceways All of the raceway articles have been parallel numbered during the last several code revisions. Raceways have many requirements which they share in common, such as supporting, fill requirements, uses permitted and uses not permitted, etc. Look at Article 344 Rigid Metallic Conduit Uses Permitted Number of Conductors Bends- How Made Securing and Supporting Now look for the same topics in the articles for EMT, LFMC, FMC and ENT

Mandatory, Permissive and Informational Language
Mandatory Rules. Shall, shall not, and shall not be indicate mandatory NEC rules. Terms such as is to be, shall be not, and must, whose meanings are less clear, shall not be used. The terms may or can shall not be used. Permissive Rules. Shall be permitted and it shall be permissible indicate allowed optional or alternate methods. (Note that these are still mandatory language and constitute rules.) The term may shall only be used where it recognizes a discretionary judgment on the part of an authority having jurisdiction or in an informational note. Informational Notes. Informational notes contain explanatory information and shall be located directly after the rule they apply to. Informational Notes shall not be written in mandatory language and shall not contain requirements, make interpretations, or make recommendations. If an Informational Note is needed to explain the text of the Code, consideration should be given to rewriting the text of the code to make the rule clear.

Group Discussion Analyze the wording of the requirement on the next slide and answer the following questions: 1. Is this rule mandatory, permissive or informational? 2. Is this rule written correctly according to the Manual of Style? 3. What changes, if any, need to be made to make this rule in compliance with the Manual of Style?

CODE LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
(D) 600 Volts Between Conductors. Circuits exceeding 277 volts, nominal, to ground and not exceeding 600 volts, nominal, between conductors may supply the following: (1) The auxiliary equipment of electric-discharge lamps mounted in permanently installed luminaires where the luminaires are mounted properly in one of the following ways: a. Not less than a height of 6.7 m (22 ft) on poles or similar structures for the illumination of outdoor areas such as highways, roads, bridges, athletic fields or parking lots b. Not less than a height of 5.5 m (18 ft) on other structures such as tunnels (2) Cord-and-plug-connected or permanently connected utilization equipment other than luminaires (3) Luminaires powered from direct-current systems where the luminaire contains a dc-rated ballast, designed for the purpose, that provides isolation between the dc power source and the lamp circuit and protection from electric shock when changing lamps Informational Note: See for auxiliary equipment limitations.

The Issues (D) 600 Volts Between Conductors. Circuits exceeding 277 volts, nominal, to ground and not exceeding 600 volts, nominal, between conductors may supply the following: (1) The auxiliary equipment of electric-discharge lamps mounted in permanently installed luminaires where the luminaires are mounted properly in one of the following ways: a. Not less than a height of 6.7 m (22 ft) on poles or similar structures for the illumination of outdoor areas such as highways, roads, bridges, athletic fields or parking lots b. Not less than a height of 5.5 m (18 ft) on other structures such as tunnels (2) Cord-and-plug-connected or permanently connected utilization equipment other than luminaires (3) Luminaires powered from direct-current systems where the luminaire contains a dc-rated ballast, designed for the purpose, that provides isolation between the dc power source and the lamp circuit and protection from electric shock when changing lamps Informational Note: See for auxiliary equipment limitations.

Now Turn to Article 210.6(D) to see how the wording actually appears in the NEC
(D) 600 Volts Between Conductors. Circuits exceeding 277 volts, nominal, to ground and not exceeding 600 volts, nominal, between conductors shall be permitted to supply the following: (1) The auxiliary equipment of electric-discharge lamps mounted in permanently installed luminaires where the luminaires are mounted in accordance with one of the following: a. Not less than a height of 6.7 m (22 ft) on poles or similar structures for the illumination of outdoor areas such as highways, roads, bridges, athletic fields or parking lots b. Not less than a height of 5.5 m (18 ft) on other structures such as tunnels Informational Note: See for auxiliary equipment limitations. (2) Cord-and-plug-connected or permanently connected utilization equipment other than luminaires (3) Luminaires powered from direct-current systems where either of the following apply: a. the luminaire contains a listed, dc-rated ballast that provides isolation between the dc power source and the lamp circuit and protection from electric shock when changing lamps. b. The luminaire contains a listed. Dc-rated ballast and has no provisions for changing lamps.

Exceptions 2.6 Exceptions.
2.6.1 Placement and Order. Exceptions shall immediately follow the main rule to which they apply. Where exceptions are made to items within a numbered list, the exception shall clearly indicate the items within the list to which it applies. Exceptions containing the mandatory terms shall or shall not are to be listed first in the sequence. Permissive exceptions containing shall be permitted are to follow any mandatory exceptions and be listed in their order of importance as determined by the Code-Making Panel. 2.6.2 Numbering. Where there are two or more consecutive exceptions, each shall be numbered

Breaking it Down The NEC is broken down into nine Chapters as we discussed earlier. Each Chapter is broken down into Articles. Some Articles are broken down into Parts. Each Article is broken down into Sections. Some Sections are broken down into subsections.

How to use the format of the NEC to find things quickly.
The Targeting Method How to use the format of the NEC to find things quickly.

The Concept of the Targeting Method
Most electricians use the index of the NEC to find information. Using the index requires the electrician to use the entire code book to locate information and is not efficient. The key to the Targeting method is to use the Table of Contents to narrow the search area so that we are looking for information in a few pages instead of the entire code book.

The process In order to use the table of contents you must know the primary break down of information in the NEC. In other words: you need to memorize the nine chapter titles of the NEC. This will allow you to turn in the table of contents to the correct chapter and then from there refine your search.

Example Lets suppose we needed to find information concerning grounding electrodes. Which chapter of NEC will contain information on grounding? Protection Chapter 2 Turn to Chapter 2 in your table of contents and skim the page until you come to Article 250. Now notice that Article 250 has several parts and one of the parts is Grounding Electrode System and Grounding Electrode Conductor…Par t III

Example According to the Table of Contents this Part begins on page [Please remember- the 70 in the page number is a reference to NFPA Code number 70. The NEC.] Now turn to Page 112 and find the beginning of Part III. Now keep this page marked and skim the following pages until you find the beginning of Part IV of Article 250.

Example As you can see, Part III is four pages long.
From Page 112 to page 116. All of the requirements for Grounding Electrodes will be found in these five pages. Now lets look at Grounding Electrodes in the Index First you will see that it refers you to Electrodes, Grounding. When we turn there we find approximately 20 references

Lets try finding something
Close your code books. Find the answers to the question on the following slide using only the index. Do not use the targeting method.

Conductors Branch circuit conductors for a lighting circuit are installed above a radiant heating panel in a ceiling with a clearance of 2 inches from the radiant heating panel. At what ambient temperature should the conductors be considered to be operating?

Answer 50 degrees C 424.94

TARGETING METHOD What does that same search look like using the Targeting Method, the Table of Contents and our knowledge of the layout of the NEC?

Targeting Method Now lets find this answer using the targeting method.
The question is really about heating panels Heating is standard equipment and will be found in chapter 4 Article 424 is heating Part IX is Electric Radiant Heating Panels and Heating Panel Sets on Page

Answer Now turn to page and begin scanning the bold print words only. NOTE: Do not read the subsections. Just the bold faced type of each subsection until you come to one that fits what you are looking for. Article contains some of the key words from the question. Clearance Ceiling Stop and read that article, and there is the answer

Lets try some more This time use the Targeting Method to find the Answer Close your code books and try the next few questions using the targeting method.

Equipment Use in Occupancies
How many separate branches shall be required for the Essential Electrical System in a health care facility?

(A) Answer

Equipment Use A surge arrester shall be connected to one of which of the following: A. Grounded service conductor B. Grounding Electrode Conductor C. A separate ground rod D. Either A or B E. A, B and C

D. Either A or B Answer

Services For the purposes of determining the maximum number of service disconnects allowed for a building which of the following listed equipment installed as part of the listed service equipment and used solely for the purpose shall not be considered as one of the service disconnects? A. Main service disconnect B. Power monitoring equipment C. Control circuit of the ground-fault protection system Both B and C

D. Both B and C (A) Answer

Targeting Method Practice
Hopefully you can see that knowing the format of the NEC helps you find things more quickly in the NEC. Try using the method and I believe that you will find that you will improve your efficiency with the Code.

Some other Formatting Items
The 2017 NEC has some changes in formatting

Code Making Panel References
Prior to the 2017 NEC, one Code Making Panel made the decisions about all the definitions in Article 100 Article 100 contains the definitions of words that are used in more than one Article. It was decided that the definitions should be divided up and assigned to the Code Making Panel that handled most of the requirements for that word. Now each word has Brackets at the end letting you know which Code Making Panel is responsible for decisions for revisions to that words definition.

Table of Contents The 2017 NEC has a new format for the Table of Contents The font has changed so that it is slightly smaller than previously The offset has also slightly changed. The Article number is now in line with the Part number Chapter Nine now lists the Table Numbers on the left hand side. This gives the table of contents a different look, which may be uncomfortable at first but it shouldn’t affect usage

Gray Highlighted Text Section completely highlighted Gray: This is a completely reworded section when compared to the previous edition of the NEC Partially highlighted text: The entire section was not re-written, but the highlighted words were added or changed in the section.

Bracketed [N] and the Mystery .
A Bracketed [N] in the margin next to a section indicates that this section was added to the 2017 NEC and did not exist in previous additions of the Code. A dot in the margin, indicates that a section was removed from the NEC in this area. The removed section is not listed. You would need to refer to the previous edition to know the missing section.

Why did they put that in there?
Development and Revision of the NEC

Trust We may sometimes lack trust in the NEC.
Have you ever asked yourself? What do they mean by that? Why did they put that in there? OR Maybe you have made the comment….. That is only there because someone paid for it to be. That is the result of some out of touch old men in a room somewhere, who have no idea what is happening in the field anymore.

It is ,however; something we can trust and rely upon.
I believe if we understand the development and revision of the NEC, we will have a better appreciation for the requirements found there. Is it perfect? Of course not, it is produced by imperfect humans, and therefore can not be perfect. It is ,however; something we can trust and rely upon. Trust

Some Key Points about the NEC
It is developed and produced by the National Fire Protection Association A not for profit organization Not a government body Producers of over 1100 Codes and Standards in over 17 countries Code versus Standard Code is a set of rules or definitions that is established after continuous experiments, expert judgment and continuous elaboration that specifies the minimum acceptable attributes for a particular product, service, or result. The NEC or the National Fire Alarm Code. Standard is always a set of the detailed rules, processes, procedures and guidelines developed tasted and determined as good practices for the delivery of referenced particular product, service, or result. The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace NFPA 70E First Published in 1897 Electricity was coming to prominence Buildings were burning down due to electricity The Insurance carriers grew concerned about this trend and commissioned a group of experts to write a standard of installation for electrical installations in buildings. The insurance companies then applied rate structures to help encourage and require the use the new standard. The result was less fires. In 1911, the National Fire Protection Association was founded and the a development and revision process began which has lead to a great industry which produces electrical installations safely Some Key Points about the NEC

The National Electric Code is the only document produced by the NFPA that is on a set revision cycle. The revision process takes approximately 3 years to complete and it basically begins the day after they release the latest code book from publication. Revision Process

Steps of the Process 1 2 3 4 Step 1- Input Stage Step 2- Comment Stage
Step 3- NFPA Technical Meeting 3 Step 4- Council Appeals and Issuance of Standard 4

Input Stage Input accepted from the public or other committees for consideration of proposals to change, remove or add items in NEC. Technical Committee holds First Draft Meetings to revise code and works with Code Making Panels to review and vote on proposals for changes After results of voting, a First Draft the of the revised code is posted on the document information page at NFPA.org for review by the public.

Comment Stage Time is given for the public to review the first draft and submit comments about the proposals to change the code and the committees' decisions concerning the changes. Anyone can submit a comment Can now be done electronically Technical Committee works with the Code Making Panels to meet and review the submitted comments and vote a second time on proposals with dissenting comments. After voting, a Second Draft of the Code is posted on the document information page and the public is given time to review the second draft.

NFPA Technical Meeting
Anyone who wants to make a motion to debate a proposed change can submit a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) The Motions committee will review and approve motions and schedule them for debate The NFPA membership meets in June and any member may participate in debate and voting on motions Final adjustments based on results of debate and vote are made and the Code is sent to the Standards Making Council

One Last Chance Appeals Process
If a person still wants to stop a change, then an appeal can be filed within 20 days of the Technical Meeting. The Standards Making Council will consider all evidence presented to it and make a decision to issue the document or take other action. The document is issued for publication and a new call for proposals issued to begin the revisions cycle all over again.

Definitions A lack of definitions has been the downfall of many a good relationship.

The NECs Definitions Words that require a definition which are used only in one article will be defined in the .2 section of that article. Examples Equipotential Plane: Only used in Article 547, Agricultural Buildings. Definition in 547.2: An area where wire mesh or other conductive elements are embedded in or placed under concrete, bonded to all metal structures and fixed nonelectrical equipment that may become energized, and connected to the electrical grounding system to minimize voltage differences within the plane and between the planes, the grounded equipment, and the earth.

General Definitions Sometimes words in used in multiple articles in the NEC and they need defining. These words are found defined in Article 100 Example: Receptacle: A contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug, or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment designed to mate with the corresponding contact device. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contract device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contract devices on the same yoke.

Why are Definitions so Important?
Assumptions are dangerous things which can lead us into trouble. Many fights and disagreements are founded in a basic misunderstanding of definitions The NEC is careful to provide their definition so that there is no confusion about their meaning when a word is used in the NEC. Not understanding their definition can lead to misunderstanding the code. Here a are a couple of examples of that. Why are Definitions so Important?

John is looking at the electrical installation in a dwelling unit
John is looking at the electrical installation in a dwelling unit. He observes a duplex receptacle being supplied by a 12/2 NM cable which is fed from a 20 Ampere circuit breaker. There are no other outlets, loads or devices on this circuit. John also observes the receptacle is a 15 Ampere rated receptacle. Is this an installation that meets the minimum standards of the National Electric Code? Receptacle Ratings

Branch Circuits and Receptacle Ratings
Article (B)(1) Clearly states the following: A single receptacle installed on a branch circuit shall have an ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit. This read without the definition would tend to lead one to the conclusion that the receptacle needed to be rated at 20 A and not 15 amperes. If the NEC definition of Receptacle is brought into the understanding, things change. According the NEC definition, a duplex is actually two receptacles, not a single receptacle. Therefore (B)(3) applies to this situation. Which states clearly that both 15A and 20A rated receptacles are allowed on a 20 A circuit if there are 2 or more receptacles on the circuit.

Ready Accessible Receptacles
An electrical inspector is checking a new hotel. He enters one of the guest rooms and finds everything in order with one exception. There is a quad receptacle in a single two gang box mounted over the desk area in the room. These two, duplex receptacles are the only readily accessible receptacles in the guest room. The inspector rejects the installation as not being compliant. Is he correct in doing so?

Readily Accessible Receptacle Outlets
states that receptacles can be placed in any location the owner desires in a guest room as long as a minimum of two receptacle outlets are readily accessible. It would seem that our installation is correct after all. There are two duplexs mounted above the desk area in a single 2 gang which is four receptacles. Wait…..Two Receptacle Outlets must be readily accessible.

Definition of a Receptacle Outlet
The NEC defines a receptacle outlet as an outlet where one or more receptacles are installed. The NEC defines an outlet as a point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. The inspector seems to know the definitions in the NEC and therefore has the correct understanding. Two duplex's in a single 2 gang box is four receptacles, but it is only ONE receptacle outlet. Does this really make a difference? Apparently, even if we don’t understand it, because the NEC took the time to write a definition and use specific wording. In this case it does because the intent was to have easily accessible places in more than one location in the room so that guest can charge their electronic devices. Such as at the desk and by the bed.

Now lets put this to some use.
The concept behind two minute drills is to improve our efficiency at finding information in the National Electric Code. I encourage you practice regularly. Have your code book at work with you and look things up that pertain to what you are doing that day. This will help you check yourself and also give you practice and keep you refreshed on the code requirements. Never accept anyone’s word for what the code requires. Look it up for yourself. Do some two minute drills once in awhile to stay sharp. Now lets put this to some use.

Two Minute Drill Each question will remain on the screen for 2 minutes and then the slide will transition to a slide with the answer. The answer slide will contain the code reference and the answer. It will stay on screen for 15 seconds. At the end of the questions a Stop Sign will appear. You can click on the Stop Sign and the questions and answers will repeat without the timer so you can take as much time as we need to discuss the question, how we found the answer and the correct answer.

Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith
Services The service entrance of a building may be located less than three feet from a window as long as the conductors are installed so that they___________ of the window. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

Overcurrent Protection
According to Article ___________________ of the NEC, nonstandard fuses are permitted. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

Services Service equipment rated at 1000 volts or less shall be marked to identify it as being suitable for use as service equipment. All service equipment shall be listed or ___________. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

Services The service heads on raceways or service-entrance cables and goosenecks in service entrance- conductors shall be located above the point of attachment but may be located elsewhere as long as the attachment is within __________ feet. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

STOP We will now review the Slides without time so that you have time to find the answers and write them down.

Services The service entrance of a building may be located less than three feet from a window as long as the conductors are installed so that they___________ of the window. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

Services Service equipment rated at 1000 volts or less shall be marked to identify it as being suitable for use as service equipment. All service equipment shall be listed or ___________. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

Services The service heads on raceways or service-entrance cables and goosenecks in service entrance- conductors shall be located above the point of attachment but may be located elsewhere as long as the attachment is within __________ feet. Copyright 2005 Ted "Smitty" Smith

Thank you all for coming. I look forward to seeing you around.
STOP Thank you all for coming. I look forward to seeing you around. Remember……Please encourage a young person to enter our trade. Human beings are dependent on electricity and we are the keepers of the light. Lets bring in the next generation of keepers.

UNDERSTANDING AND USING THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE EFFECTIVELY

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