Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 1 Type

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #1. Type TC tray cable approved for direct-burial and sunlight resistant is installed in a trench from a shop to a barn. At the barn, Schedule 80 PVC conduit is used to sleeve the TC cable up to a height of 10 feet on the exterior of the barn. Then the cable is strapped to the siding and runs several feet before entering the structure. Would this portion of the installation be code compliant? • Answer: No. Per 336. 12(2), Type TC cable may not be “installed outside a raceway or cable tray system , except as permitted in 336. 10(4) and 336. 10(7)”

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #2 Vending Machine GFCI Protection Is an ATM considered a vending machine and therefore have to meet the requirements of 422. 51(A) & (B)? Answer; Yes Definitions Vending Machine. Any self-service device that dispenses products or merchandise without the necessity of replenishing the device between each vending operation and is designed to require insertion of coin, paper currency, token, card, key, or receipt of payment by other means.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #3 It is not uncommon for a (especially multi-family) 208 v 3 phase building to have at least 1 or 2 step up transformers for the elevators or roof top units. Would this generate the color coding and labeling? Most everything is in NM seems like quite the hardship Answer; Yes, but the NEC offers flexibility in the marking method. Any of the following could be used. Separate color coding Marking tape Tagging or Other approved means Ref 210. 5(C)(1), 215. 12(C)(1)

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #4. It is industry standard to use EMT fittings in bell boxes and LB’s, both indoors and outdoors. I was told by our inspector that we could only use rigid. Is this something new, is he right or should we just stay away from his jurisdiction? • Answer: NEC 110. 3(B) • Well the inspector is always right. EMT fittings as well as other conduit fittings with a locknut have only been certified/Listed for use connecting the conduit or EMT to a knockout in an enclosure

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #4 You can view the Guide Information and certifications for both categories on UL Product Spec at www. ul. com/productspec and enter FKAV or DWTT at the category code search. • See UL Guide Information for EMT Fittings (FKAV) and Conduit Fittings (DWTT) , • “All male threaded fittings have only been investigated for use with locknuts. ” • “Fittings with internal female threads (e. g. , hubs, conduit bodies, couplings) have only been investigated for use with threaded rigid conduit”

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #5 Is a supplemental grounding electrode required at an RV pedestal? Answer; Yes must comply with Article 250. Ref 551. 75 & 76 & 250. 32(B)(1)

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #6. A receptacle is installed within 3’ of a paint booth door, is it required to be explosion proof and install a seal-off ? Answer; 516. 3(D)(4) Addresses area classification for enclosed spray booths & rooms. Assuming we are not using Zone Classification method, 516. 3(D)(4)(1) specifies the area 3 ft from of any opening as Class I, Division

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #6. Figure 516. 3(D)(4)(1):

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #6. 516. 4 requires wiring and equipment to comply with applicable provisions of Article 501: – 501. 10(B)(4) Boxes and Fittings shall not be required to be explosionproof except as required by 501. 105(B)(1), 501. 115(B)(1), and 501. 150(B)(1). • 501. 105(B)(1) Contacts • 501. 115(B) Switches, Circuit Breakers, Motor Controllers, and Fuses • 501. 150(B)(1) contacts for Signaling, Alarm, Remote-Control, and Communications Systems

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #7 Is it permissible to install both a 120/208 volt feeder and a 277/480 volt feeder from an industrial building to a second detached structure? Answer - Yes, NEC 225. 30 would generally prohibit more than one feeder or branch circuit to the second building but there are exceptions as detailed in 225. 30(A) through (E). For this case 225. 30(D) would permit the additional feeder since the voltages of each feeder are different.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #8. Are both GFCI protection and AFCI protection required for 125 – volt, 15 - and 20 -ampere receptacles in a detached, accessory structure used as a woodworking shop? Answer; Art 100, 210. 8(A)(2), 210. 12 – Continued next slide

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #8. Dwelling definition does not include garages or accessory buildings • AFCI list of rooms or areas does not include garages or accessory buildings AFCI not required • GFCI requirements do include garages and accessory buildings used as work areas and similar uses GFCI is required

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #9 PV; Federal Pacific split bus panel. What is the maximum size back feed breaker that can be installed as one of the supply side breakers (bus is rated at 150 amps) Answer: This split bus panel utilizes the six disconnect rule. Five of the circuit breakers can normally supply loads. The sixth CB supplies the lower section of the panel.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #9 705. 12(D)(2)(3) requires that the bus be rated per (a), (b), (c), or (d). (a), (b), and (c) all require that one OCPD protect the bus. Since this bus is not protected by one OCPD, this split bus panelboard could not be utilized. (d) would allow a design under engineering supervision. There’s an additional requirement that would likely prohibit this installation. 705. 12(D)(4) requires that the circuit breakers be suitable for backfeed, so they cannot be marked “Line/Load”.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #10. In a commercial kitchen is it allowable to hang cord(s) from boxes mounted above the grid for connection to appliances? • Answer: No. The cord is not permitted to pass through a wall or ceiling per 400. 8(2). The outlet box could be appropriately installed in the ceiling tile and a cord drop with proper strain relief installed from there.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #11 Overhead Conductor Support Where can we find information regarding the installation of overhead conductors and support (pole) spacing? Answer; 225. 11 Feeder and Branch-Circuit Conductors Entering, Exiting, or Attached to Buildings or Structures. Feeder and branch-circuit conductors entering or exiting buildings or structures shall be in installed in accordance with the requirements of 230. 52.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 (#11) Overhead branch circuits and feeders attached to buildings or structures shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of 230. 54. 225. 12 Open-Conductor Supports. Open conductors shall be supported on glass or porcelain knobs, racks, brackets, or strain insulators. 225. 14 Open-Conductor Spacings. (A) 1000 Volts, Nominal, or Less. Conductors of 1000 volts, nominal, or less, shall comply with the spacings provided in Table 230. 51(C). Further information can be found in the NESC for such requirements as pole size, pole spacing, wind & ice loads

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #12 645. 27 data centers, It has becoming a pressing matter to not have a EPO, this is allowed only if you categorize the facility a “CODS” my question is that a generator in not mandated but always installed. Is it required to have selective coordination on both systems or just normal power? The basis for installing a CODS should align with the system definition. 645. 2 Critical Operations Data System. An information technology equipment system that requires continuous operation for reasons of public safety, emergency management, national security, or business continuity.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #12 The NEC permits adding a means to prevent unintentional activation of the system EPO in 645. 10(A)(4). However, if the system is designated as “CODS” then 645. 27 would apply to ALL (both normal and alternate) supply side overcurrent devices.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #13. We have a hot tub that has no listing mark on it, other than a CE mark. The vendor says they forgot to put the label on it at the factory and that they will put it on as soon as the manufacturer sends them one. Is this OK? Answer: No. CE mark is not a certification mark Secondly, the UL Certification Mark has to be applied in the factory, it cannot be shipped to the field and applied. The manufacturer would need a UL Field Inspection.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #14; An air handler is located above a drop ceiling, and has a cord and plug connected condensate pump. Is this allowed above the ceiling? • Answer; Yes Ref 440. 14 Ex. 2 accessible not readily accessible

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #15. Answer; • Part III of Article 422 Disconnecting Means • 422. 31(A) Rated at Not over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1 ⁄8 Horsepower • 422. 31(B) Appliances Rated over 300 Volt-Amperes: • (B) Appliances Rated over 300 Volt-Amperes. For permanently connected appliances rated over 300 volt-amperes, the branch-circuit switch or circuit breaker shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means where the switch or circuit breaker is within sight from the appliance or is lockable in accordance with 110. 25.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #16 250. 142(B) allows bonding of grounded conductor in meter housings. The meters now have provisions to isolate the grounded conductor. Would this provision mandate the isolation of the grounded conductor and the equipment grounding conductors? Or has the code book not caught up with this equipment advancement? Answer – The statement in the question that 250. 142(B) allows the grounded (neutral) conductor in a load side of meter enclosure to be bonded to the enclosure is incorrect. 250. 142(B) actually would prohibit this from occurring. 16 (B) Load-Side Equipment. Except as permitted in 250. 30(A)(1) and 250. 32(B) Exception, a grounded circuit conductor shall not be used for grounding non–current carrying metal parts of equipment on the load side of the service disconnecting means or on the load side of a separately derived system disconnecting means or the overcurrent devices for a separately derived system not having a main disconnecting means.

#16 There are two exceptions to 250. 142(B) and exception number 2 says it is permissible (not required) to bond the grounded conductor to the enclosures if all the following conditions are met: (1) No service ground-fault protection is installed. (2) All meter enclosures are located immediately adjacent to the service disconnecting means. (3) The size of the grounded circuit conductor is not smaller than the size specified in Table 250. 122 for equipment grounding conductors. This exception came about where listed metering equipment with permanent bonding of the grounded conductor was being installed the installation could be approved. Therefore if the meter enclosure is provided with means to isolate the grounded neutral conductor the main rule can be followed, or if there is some reason to use the grounded conductor to bond the enclosure it would be permissible to apply exception 2 and bond the enclosure with the grounded conductor. The preferred installation would follow the main rule where the isolated grounded (neutral) conductor provisions are in the equipment.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #17. A Dominos pizza oven that is installed in the commercial kitchen (ETL listed) has 3 single receptacles that are not GFCI protected. Should the inspector require GFCI protection for 210. 8 compliance? Answer; 210. 8(B) continued

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #17. Yes, GFCI protection is required as there is no exception for receptacles rated 125 V, 15 - or 20 -A located in a non-dwelling kitchen In addition: UL 197 Standard for Safety Commercial Cooking Appliances, Clause 21. 5 also requires GFCI for general purpose receptacles Search “Intertek Inspector Center” for more information

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #18. I’ve seen a lot of damage over the years due to surges. The NEC doesn’t have nearly the same amount of requirements for overvoltage protection that it does for overcurrent protection. How are requirements for surge protective devices changing from 2011 to 2014 to 2017 NEC?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • (#18) 2011 • 694. 7(D) Wind Electric Systems 708. 20(D) Critical Operations Power Systems 2014 2011 requirements plus 700. 8 Emergency System Switchboards and Panelboards 2017 2014 requirements plus 620. 51(D) Elevators Designated as Emergency 645. 18 Critical Operations Data Systems 670. 6 Industrial Mach. w/ Safety Interlock Circuits 695. 15 Fire Pump Controllers

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • 19. The local utility company requires a minimum of 12’ flexible conduit for temporary construction meters. Metallic sealtight is the industry standard, 230. 43 limits the raceway to 6’ and requires a bonding jumper. Are we in compliance allowing 12’ of sealtight for a temporary installation? • Answer: Yes. Remember, per 90. 2(B)(5), anything on the utility-side of the service point is not subject to NEC rules. Every utility is slightly different, but the service point for a construction meter would likely be the load side of the meter. Therefore, 12 feet of Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit would be acceptable if required by the utility standard.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 # 20 Office Furniture systems have factory metal holes that the low volt computer wires are field installed through. Typically these are installed and covered with no inspection however cable shavings make it obvious that grommets are not used. Are grommets and an inspection required? Answer See UL Product Spec (QAXE) 605. 4 Wire-ways. All conductors and connections shall be contained within wiring channels of metal or other material identified as suitable for the conditions of use. Wiring channels shall be free of projections or other conditions that might damage conductor insulation.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #21 To comply with transformer secondary conductors tap rules. The contractor installed a fused disconnect adjacent to the transformer that is 15’ above the floor. Is this compliant?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #21 Answer; No. NEC 240. 24 requires overcurrent devices to be readily accessible and no more than 6 ft-7 in from the floor unless the installation is one of the following : –Busways, as provided in 368. 17(C). –Supplementary overcurrent protection, as described in 240. 10. –Overcurrent devices, as described in 225. 40 and 230. 92. –Overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment that they supply, access shall be permitted to be by portable means.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #22. Article 695 requires hubs to be used for raceway terminations in the controller. In 2008 the use of EMT was allowed as a wiring method. UL 514 only lists threaded hubs for RIGID and IMC. Is it permissible to install EMT fittings into a threaded hub? Answer. No, NEC 110. 3(B). EMT fittings are not Listed/Certified for use into threaded hubs. See the answer to Question 4.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #23 Is it required to install a show window receptacle above the 6’ double doors that has a short window above it in a strip mall? • Answer, Generally No • AHJ call no generally unless something is displayed • Ref. 210. 62

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #24. When defining the area above a tub, would you include a raised tub deck? Or would it just be directly above the tub rim itself? Answer; Defining area above a tub will depend upon what is intended to be installed: 404. 2(C) Switches in Tub or Shower Spaces 406. 9(C) Receptacles in Bathtub and Shower Space 410. 10(D) Luminaires in Bathtub and Shower Areas.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016

#25 Do the line side tap conductors on the AC side for a PV system need to be installed in accordance with requirements in article 230 service entrance conductor rules? For example do they need to installed “outside the building” per 230. 6? Answer - These conductors are service conductors and would need to comply with the installation requirements of Article 230 unless amended by Article 690 or Article 705. The conductors from the PV AC disconnect to the inverter are a “feeder”. In reviewing Article 690 there were no amendments that would permit these tap conductors going to the first PV AC disconnecting means as being installed differently than required in Article 230.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #25 In 705. 31 of the 2014 NEC it would require the location of the PV AC overcurrent device within 10 feet of the point the PV AC service conductors are tapped ahead of the building service disconnecting means. This requirement would lead to the conclusion that these conductors need to be installed outside or nearest the point of entrance for tapping just as required in 230. 70(A).

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #26. Can I leave the cold water ground connected to the existing panel which has now become a sub-panel where I added a new meter/main panel ahead of it? We re-fed the old panel with a 4 wire feeder and have separated the neutrals and grounds in it. Answer; 250. 24(A)(1), 250. 54, 250. 58, 250. 142(B)

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #26. Yes, You may leave the connection to a water piping system in a feeder panel but only IF the connection is landed on the EGC bar. • HOWEVER • The Meter/Main (Service) needs to be connected to that electrode and any other electrodes present. If water is the only electrode then it needs to be supplemented

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #27. Can insulation-piercing type of connectors be used for terminating the conductors in the motor terminal box of the fire pump motor? Answer: No. 695. 6(D) states “Electrical connects at motor terminal boxes shall be made with a listed means of connection. Twist-on, insulationpiercing-type, & soldered wire connectors shall not be permitted to be used for this purpose.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #28. I direct-buried 50 feet of 6 AWG Type UF Cable from the power company supplied meter enclosure to my 60 ampere, service equipment. I installed Schedule 80 PVC to sleeve the UF Cable coming up into the meter enclosure and my service equipment. The inspector failed my inspection but did not write-up the code article referencing the violation. What violation must I correct? Answer: Shame on him! • He didn’t do his job! Any inspector worth his salt should always leave you a very clear list of any violations he finds, complete with a specific code reference for each. Without such, you are forced to contact him in an attempt to learn why he did not accept your work.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 # 29 Junction Box Support Is it compliant to use a single all thread to support a 8”x 8” junction box? Answer: Maybe 314. 23 Supports. Enclosures within the scope of this article shall be supported in accordance with one or more of the provisions in 314. 23(A) through (H). (B) Structural Mounting. An enclosure supported from a structural member or from grade shall be rigidly supported either directly or by using a metal, polymeric, or wood brace.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #30 Is a PV inverter considered to be separately derived when installed as a stand-alone system? If not, why is an inverter used as part of a fuel cell system specifically required to have system grounding comply with 250. 30 when stand-alone?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #30 Stand-Alone System. A solar PV system that supplies power independently of an electrical production and distribution network.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #30. 2014 NEC Article 100 Separately Derived System. An electrical source, other than a service, having no direct connection(s) to circuit conductors of any other electrical source other than those established by grounding and bonding connections. Definition in older editions of the NEC reference separating one source from another and thus a single stand alone source would not be considered separately derived.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 30. No, separately derived system refers to the electrical separation of multiple sources. A Stand-Alone system may have just a single source. Although adjustment to 692. 41 (fuel cells) is needed, system grounding is essential and 250. 30 provides necessary requirements for grounding.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #31. Is it compliant to use a Myers Hub (with locknut) on line side of service without a bond screw or bonding bushing? Answer; No, see NEC 250. 92(B). Myers hubs Listed as Conduit Fittings (DWTT) alone would not be suitable for services as those locknuts would be considered as standard locknuts. In order for them to be considered as suitable for service they would need to be Listed as Grounding and Bonding Equipment (KDER) which would require the bonding locknut with the screw or bonding bushing.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #31. You can view the Guide Information and certifications for both categories on UL Product Spec at www. ul. com/productspec and enter DWTT of KDER at the category code search.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #32 When installing four parallel runs of four 600 kcmil copper conductors 2200 feet in a direct burial trench, is it allowed to just push all the conductors into the trench as an intertwined bundle or are they to be laid out side-by-side in an organized manner per individual 4 -wire grouping? Answer; They must be arranged in groups in the trench Ref. 300. 5 (I) Exception 1

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #33. Do I have to provide AFCI protection when all I am doing is replacing an old receptacle with a new one?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #33; Answer; 406. 4(D)(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code, a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following: (1)OBC AFCI receptacle (2)Receptacle protected by a OBC AFCI receptacle (3)Combination AFCI circuit breaker

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #34 When aluminum branch circuit conductors are being pigtailed with copper conductors and new receptacles are installed does AFCI protection need to be provided? Is a permit required for this? Answer – For the AFCI protection, yes. 406. 4(D) with an effective date of January 1, 2014 requires any replacement of a receptacle on a circuit that requires AFCI protection to be replaced and protected by AFCI using one of several options.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #34 As for the requirement of a permit, that will be up to the local code authority on when permits are required to perform work. So this part will be deferred to the local inspectors. In many jurisdictions a straight replacement of a worn or broken device does not require a permit or inspection, but with this question and the concerns with correct application of copper to aluminum conductors, it would seem that a permit should be required to ensure a proper and safe installation.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #35. Many water heaters have dielectric unions for the hot and cold connections. And most water connections at faucets are now plastic. Should a jumper be installed across the hot and cold lines Answer; 250. 104(A)(1), 250. 68(B)

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • • #35. Maybe If the Water Piping System is an electrode per 250. 52, the grounding path must meet the requirements in 250. 68(B) • If Water Piping System is not, Section 250. 104 does not require the same level of assurance for an effective ground path when bonding metallic water piping systems.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #36. A large industrial building requires four separate locations where distribution equipment is required. Is it permissible to group four Remote Control Devices (with appropriate signage) at one location outside an industrial building to shut off the four service disconnects located in different areas of the building?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 (#36) Answer: Yes. 230. 70(A)(3) states “Remote Control. Where a remote control device(s) is used to actuate the service disconnecting means, the service disconnecting means shall be located in accordance with 230. 70(A)(1). ” 230. 70(A)(1) states “Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors. ”

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #37. Do the EMT connectors approved for wet locations meet the requirements of Article 312. 2 Damp and Wet Locations when the connectors are located in fieldpunched holes on the top of a NEMA 3 R enclosure? • Answer: Yes, if listed for a wet location.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 # 38 Conductor Identification The recognized standard for identification of conductors when there is more than one nominal voltage present is black, red, blue and white for 120/208 voltages and brown, orange, yellow and gray for 277/480 voltages. I recently inspected an industrial application where a laser jet cutting machine came supplied with a 480 volt to 380 volt step-down transformer. What would be the industry standard for color-coding this nominal voltage system?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 # 38 Answer: No 210. 5 (C) 1) Branch Circuits Supplied from More Than One Nominal Voltage System. Where the premises wiring system has branch circuits supplied from more than one nominal voltage system, each ungrounded conductor of a branch circuit shall be identified by phase or line and system at all termination, connection, and splice points in compliance with 210. 5(C)(1)(a) and (b). (a) Means of Identification. The means of identification shall be permitted to be by separate color coding, marking tape, tagging, or other approved means. Installation standards and product standards are not the same.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #39 If a fire pump is fed from a separate service as noted in NEC 695. 3(1) and 695. 6(A)(1), can the service conductors be routed outside over the roof the building? Yes. See 230. 6 Conductors considered outside the building See 230. 9 Clearances on buildings

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #40 Is x-ray equipment in a health care facility required to comply with 517. 13? If so how does 517. . 71(ex) allow for a field cord connection • Answer; • The receptacle would have to meet 517. 13 (A) & (B) The ex. In 517. 71 allows the equipment to be plugged into the receptacle.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #41. Are there any reliable sources for the temperature data required by 690. 7? Answer; 690. 7 Informational Note: One source for statistically valid, lowest expected, ambient temperature design data for various locations is the Extreme Annual Mean Minimum Design Dry Bulb Temperature found in the ASHRAE Handbook — Fundamentals. These temperature data can be used to calculate maximum voltage using the manufacturer’s temperature coefficients relative to the rating temperature of 25!C.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #42 What is the purpose of the new code addition and exception in article 705. 31? If 705. 12(A) conductors are installed per 230. 6 is the use of cable limiters still required if conductors are greater than 10’? Or was 705. 31 added to provide safety in a potential short circuit scenario when conductors are not installed per rules such as 230. 6? Answer - The “tap” conductors from the PV AC disconnect that are terminated on the line side of the service main disconnect are service conductors. Since they are unfused conductors, from a NEC standpoint, they need to be limited in length to a practical level to complete the installation and 10 feet was the chosen amount or they need to have short circuit protection provided at the point of connection.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #42 The informational note following the rule explains that this rule and exception is to protect these conductors from the high currents in a fault (short circuit) condition from the utility source. Informational Note: This overcurrent protection protects against short-circuit current supplied from the primary source(s) of electricity.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #43. Is ground fault protection required for drinking fountains that have a remote compressor that is hard wired? • • Answer; 422. 52 Yes, unless there is no metallic or other conductive path between the compressor and the fountain.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #44. A breaker in the main panel feeds another panel that only has room for a single or multiple OC devices for a single piece of equipment. Can this be considered a branch circuit or feeder? Answer: Yes, could be either. An argument that the circuit from the main panel is a branch circuit would consider the OCPD in the feeder panel to be a supplementary OCPD, since it is not needed and simply supplements the OCPD in the main panel.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • (#44) The argument that the circuit from the main panel is a feeder could be based upon the definition of a feeder-“All circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a separately derived system, or other power supply source and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device. ”

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #45. Can Wiremold 6000 series be installed face up in an office building where it is installed along the full height windows for furniture feeds (it is not likely to be damaged)? • Answer: Yes, if installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and Article 386.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #46 Tamper Proof Receptacles We have been seeing more of the smaller assisted living facilities (Building type R 2) basically a big house with 10 - 20 bedrooms. Is it required to install tamper proof receptacles? #46 Answer: Yes - if it meets the definition of a Dwelling Unit. “A single unit, providing complete and independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation”. 406. 12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles shall be installed as specified in 406. 12(A) through (C). (A) Dwelling Units. In all areas specified in 210. 52, 15 - and 20 ampere receptacles shall be listed tamper-resistant receptacles.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #47 Why is a single receptacle allowed to be non-gfci protected for a sump pump in an elevator pit (620. 85) when UL, NEMA, the CMP, and the IAEI take the position that nuisance tripping does not exist and no such allowance is made for other installations in the NEC? A revision to this section would be appropriate. The allowance is limited to a dedicated receptacle for the sump pump but most pumps require GFCI protection to be installed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #47 The 1993 NEC did require GFCI protection for these receptacles! 620 -85. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. All 125 -volt, single-phase, 15 - and 20 ampere receptacles installed in machine rooms, machinery spaces, pits, and elevator car tops shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection. However, there was an exception in 2108(A)(4)Exception(3) which stated… Exception No. 3: A single receptacle supplying a permanently installed sump pump.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #47 During the 1996 NEC Cycle a proposal was made to add an exception to 620 -85 to match the 210 -8(A)(4) Exception 3 while another proposal was accepted to remove the exception in 210 -8(A)(4) and revise exception 2 in 210. 8(A)(2). Exception No. 2: A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that in normal use is not easily moved from one place to another, and that is cord- and plug-connected in accordance with Section 400 -7(a)(6), (a)(7), or (a)(8). This exception no longer exists in 210. 8 and supports removal of the exception in 620 -85.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #48 The 120/240 volt service to a residential property is metered at the detached garage. The inspector told me that I cannot apply the 83 percent factor in sizing the feeder from the garage to the house? Is he correct? Answer; Inspector is always correct but; 310. 15(B)(7) (2) would allow this feeder to be sized at 83%. The detached garage is separate since the wording “or the entire load of an individual dwelling” would seem to permit this

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #49 Does a tankless type of water heater drawing just 3. 0 amperes require an individual branch circuit or can it be on the same branch circuit supplying lighting in the area also?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #49. Answer; • 210. 23(A)(2) Utilization Equipment Fastened in Place: The total rating of utilization equipment fastened in place, other than luminaires, shall not exceed 50 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating where lighting units, cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment not fastened in place, or both, are also supplied. • It is permitted to be on the same branch circuit supplying the lighting provided the manufacturer doesn't require and individual circuit (110. 3(B))

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016. #50 What rating should a panel have that is located inside a well pit? Answer – What is the environment in the well pit? The panel may need to be anything from Type 1 general use depending on the environment, to some outdoor environmental rating (Type 3 R, 4, 4 X) to one identified for installation in a classified hazardous location

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #50 The owner or engineer of record needs to determine and document the area classification of the area within the well pit and also as applicable just outside the well pit openings or vents. If the area within the pit is classified by the owner or engineer as say Class I, Division 2, Group C & D, then the panel and other equipment within the pit would generally need to be listed and identified with this rating.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #51. Why is SER cable constructed with XHHW-2 conductors limited to the 60° column when in contact with insulation, when type XHHW-2 conductors in a raceway on the roof doesn’t have to be de-rated at all for ambient temperature? • Answer; 338. 10(B)(4), 310. 15(B)(3)(c)

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #51. When SE cable is in thermal insulation the heat dissipation rate is slower due to the lack of airflow across the conductors • Conductors in a raceway up on a rooftop do not face the same limitation on the rate of dissipation due to the airflow through the raceway.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #52. We had the cover blow off of a 5 horsepower starter. How can that be, since the starter was listed and was marked with a 65, 000 ampere short-circuit current rating, and the available short-circuit current was only 27, 000 amperes? Fortunately, no one was close by, so no one got hurt, but somebody could have been killed. What goes?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • (#52) Answer: UL 508 short-circuit testing for motor controllers is based upon “bolted” faults. Under bolted fault conditions, the covers must not even open, much less be blown off. The incident you describe could occur because of an arcing fault, one in which tremendous pressures could be generated, and one for which motor controllers are not tested.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #53. Health care facilities often use wireways for their X-ray and MRI equipment. This metal wireway goes through the floor which is a fire-rated assembly. Is there anything required more than fire caulking around the outside of the wireway? • Answer: Probably. I recommend checking with the building and fire inspectors. If the wireway penetrates the rated assembly, 300. 21 requires you to restore the integrity of the fire-rated assembly. Such penetrations usually require the installation of fire-stop pillows within the wireway.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 # 54 Interrupting Rating Compliance As an electrical inspector, I am seeing contractors forgetting to comply with NEC 110. 9 until it is too late, costing them money on the job. Any suggestions? Answer; 110. 9 requires overcurrent protective devices to have an adequate interrupting rating. It’s been in the Code for a long time. 110. 24 is relatively new in the Code, and it’s beginning to help. It requires that the maximum available fault current be marked on service equipment for all but dwelling units. The 2017 NEC® will have some new requirements that should help by bringing extra attention to available fault currents.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #54 New 2017 NEC® fault current requirements 670. 5 Marking of available fault current on industrial machinery 620. 16(A) Marking of available fault current on elevator control panels 409. 23 Documenting available fault current at industrial control panels 430. 99 Documenting available fault current at motor control centers 440. 10(B) Documenting available fault current at HVAC equipment

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #55. The normal system and essential systems grounding terminal buses are to be bonded together when serving the same patient care vicinity. Can you take the #10 from one panel to building steel, and then come back off building steel to the other panel? No. 517. 14 requires the bonding to be accomplished with an insulated #10 AWG copper conductor.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #56 If a generator has a 125/250 volt locking type receptacle, and when in use renders the 125 -volt receptacles un-usable, what does this have to do with whether the 125 -volt receptacles should have GFCI protection? 445. 20 • Answer; • I believe once the generator is connected to the structure it is no longer considered portable and therefore you can’t use the receptacle on the unit, Ref. 445. 20

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #57. Are the receptacles located in a general practitioner’s exam rooms required to be Tamper Resistant (TR)? Answer; The NEC does not designate the type of facility or level of care provided. The governing body of the facility determines the type of services being provided at a facility. 517. 18(C) Designated General Care Pediatric Locations. Receptacles that are located within the patient rooms, bathrooms, playrooms, and activity rooms of pediatric units, other than nurseries, shall be listed tamper-resistant or shall employ a listed tamper-resistant cover. [99: 6. 3. 2. 2. 6. 2(F)]

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #58 250. 114 requires an equipment ground for appliances, 250. 138 allows GFCI protection without an equipment grounding conductor. Is there a practical resolution for installer and inspector Answer - The basic requirement in both 250. 114 and 250. 138 is to have an equipment grounding conductor and 3 -prong receptacle for electrical appliances that need to have non-current carrying metal parts grounded unless there is a system and marking for double insulation.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #58 250. 138 has the exception that would apply where we have the older 2 -wire installations and a GFCI is permitted to provide a level of protection for leakage current and trip where there is not an equipment grounding conductor available. The GFCI is a superior solution to the 3 -prong to 2 -prong adapters that are available on the market. Along with all this one needs to also be aware of the listing for the appliances that may have grounding and not a GFCI option as part of the listing and 110. 3(B) would come into play making the 250. 138 exception unable to be applied.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #59. Is low volt dimming cable allowed to be tie wrapped to the MC that also feeds the light? Answer; No 300. 11(C) Cables Not Used as Means of Support. Cable wiring methods shall not be used as a means of support for other cables, raceways, or nonelectrical equipment

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #60. Why is ground fault protection of equipment not required on a 1000 -amp 480 volt grounded delta system? • Answer: • GFPE is required for solidly grounded systems protected by CBs or fuses of 1000 amperes or greater because of the history of industry burndowns with those types of systems.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #61. A 100 a feeder is installed with EMT however both ends transition to flex or sealtight for flexibility, would it be required to install a exterior bonding jumper sized off the 100 a ocpd? • Answer: Yes. Where 250. 118 does not permit the flexible conduit to serve as an equipment grounding conductor for circuits greater than 20 Amperes, an external equipment bonding jumper sized in accordance with Table 250. 122 must be installed.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #62 Arc-flash Markings Can I use the 110. 24 -required available short-circuit current making to determine my arc-flash PPE? Some experts have told me yes and other expert have told me no. Answer; They both can be right. 110. 24 requires that the maximum available fault current be marked on service equipment, in other than dwelling units. The maximum available fault current is just that, the most fault current that the utility (or other sources) can deliver. It can be used for equipment interrupting ratings & equipment short-circuit current ratings, but not for incident energy calculations, because it could result in calculations that are too high (too much PPE) or too low (not enough PPE).

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 (#62 Cont) Arc-Flash Markings. However, the maximum available fault current can be used with the “Table Method” in NFPA 70 E-2015. Table 130. 7(C)(15)(A)(a) describes whether or not PPE is required for various tasks. 130. 7(C)(15)(A)(b) provides the PPE Category and Arc-Flash Boundary for various types of equipment with maximum available fault currents and typical clearing times.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #63. We have a commercial garage that has a sloped ceiling, is the whole ceiling classified at 18”? or just at the peak? Answer; 511. 3(C)(2) Applies to Major Repair Garages where lighter than air fuel is present. The area within 18” of the ceiling is “considered” for classification. Where ventilation is provided per 511. 3(C)(2)(a) the area from 18” of the peak would be classified Without proper ventilation the area within 18” of the ceiling would be classified

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #64 A separate structure has a 3 phase 50 -amp feeder, and a single phase 15 -amp branch circuit going to it as allowed by 225. 30 (D). What grounding electrode system would be required and how would it connect to the feeder and branch circuit? • Answer; • 250. 32(B) (1) the equipment grounding conductor of both to the electrode you would not re-ground the neutral or grounded conductor at the second building

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #65. With new elevator systems that have all the solid state controls in the door, does the area around that door have to comply with 620. 23?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #65. Answer; 620. 23 includes requirements for branch circuits for Machine Room or Control Room/Machinery Space or Control Space Lighting and Receptacle(s). 620. 2 Definitions: Definitions of remote machine room and control room (for elevator, dumbwaiter) and remote machinery space and control space (for elevator, dumbwaiter) describe elevator and dumbwaiter equipment rooms and areas that are not directly attached to the outside of the hoistway. These terms correlate with their use in ASME A 17. 1 -2010, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #66 What is the difference between an interrupting rating, an interrupting capacity, a short-circuit current rating, and a withstand rating? Answer - Interrupting rating is a defined term in Article 100 and is the highest current the device is to interrupt at rated voltage and under standard test conditions. This rating is generally for fault opening but can also be used for normal load interruption such as opening motor circuits (inductive load) or capacitors (capacity load).

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #66 Interrupting capacity is not defined but is used in 240. 95(B) with regard to ground fault protection for equipment and opening a switch to clear a ground fault above its “interrupting capacity”. It is also used in section titles in Articles 430 and 440 but not in the text so there is no context to understand the meaning of the use of the term. Although not defined this would have some equivalency to “interrupting rating”.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #66 Short Circuit Current Rating (SCCR) is the amount of current a device or system can be subjected to without sustaining damage exceeding acceptable limits, such as pitting or welding of contacts. Withstand rating is not defined and is only used once in 690. 71(C) for battery disconnects and fuse combination but the “withstand rating” is referencing a rating of other equipment in the circuit. The context appears to be the same as SCCR.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #67. We have town houses that have fire rated demising walls between them but share a common foundation. There is a meter stack with 100 amp breakers attached at one end of the building. Does each unit require a grounding electrode and a main for the homeowner’s panel for separate structure or does the meter stack breakers and Grounding electrode at the end of the building suffice?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #67. Feeders are run from the service to each tenant space • Grounding electrode is connected at Service • Local water piping is bonded in each unit • 230. 70 250. 24(A) 250. 32 250. 104 408. 36

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #68. Does the 6 handle rule, 230. 71(A), apply to the overcurrent device for a 705. 12(A) supply side connected PV system? Answer: The OCPD for 705. 12(A) is not one of the six disconnects allowed by 230. 71(A). It is on the “supply side” of the service disconnecting means.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #69. We have a contractor that places his Walker boxes and EMT conduit on top of vapor barrier for the slab on grade pour. He states this installation is not in contact with the earth and therefore is not defined as a wet location or corrosive area, do you concur? • Answer: Maybe. Section 390. 3(B) states an underfloor raceway shall not be installed where “subject to corrosive vapors. ” I believe moisture could be considered a “corrosive vapor”. If the vapor barrier is continuous underneath the entire slab, there might not be any vapors. Unless the installation instructions prohibited the type of installation mentioned, it could be acceptable.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #70 Selective Coordination If hospitals are only required to coordinate down to 0. 1 seconds, why do the emergency systems in commercial and high-rise building have to coordinate for all values of available short-circuit current? Answer; Article 517, Part III, covers Essential Electrical Systems. This Part includes numerous requirements, such as Separate Branches, Transfer Switches, Separation from Other Circuits, Mechanical Protection, Alternate Sources of Power, etc. The intent here is that these special Part III requirements allow the facility to “Defend-in. Place”.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 (#70) Selective Coordination Because the facility has all these other safety systems, they can ride through a blackout caused by a lack of selective coordination. The typical commercial or high-rise facility does not go to the expense of installing the Article 517, Part III-required equipment. Thus the need for total selective coordination for the life-safetyrelated loads in these buildings.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #71. Does a battery rack in the equipment room of a cell site or UPS system generate the requirements in 480. 9(E)? Answer; No, but the AHJ should be consulted before installation. NEC 480. 9(E) is intended to apply to battery rooms. A single battery rack for a UPS, cell, or switchgear control power source would not be a battery room.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 • #72 We have a mixed occupancy building (part surgery center and part business) that shares the life safety panel for emergency lighting. Is it required to hard pipe the lights in areas that serve the B occupancy emergency lights? • Answer; Yes, • 517. 13 (A) & (B) only applies to patient care areas. 517. 30(C)(3) applies to multi occupancy buildings see 517. 1 scope

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #73. Are the rooms (office and electric room) where the door opens to a commercial garage that is classified to 18” above floor level and 18” from the ceiling maintain the same classification at 18" above floor level and at ceiling of the adjacent room?

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #73 Answer; 511. 3(E)(1)Specific Areas Adjacent to Classified Locations: Areas adjacent to classified locations in which flammable vapors are not likely to be released, such as stock rooms, switchboard rooms, and other similar locations, shall be unclassified where mechanically ventilated at a rate of four or more air changes per hour, or designed with positive air pressure, or where effectively cut off by walls or partitions.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 EXHIBIT 511. 1 Classification of locations in commercial garages.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #74 Can a 4 AWG, bare, solid conductor be installed in a PVC underground service riser? Answer- Reference 230. 7. This would not be allowed except if the solid bare 4 AWG is the grounded (neutral) conductor, the grounding electrode conductor, or a supply side bonding jumper as allowed by the exception. 230. 41 has the provisions where a bare conductor can be used for the grounded circuit (neutral) conductor.

Rocky Mountain Chapter IAEI 2016 #75. We have a 45 kva transformer installed above a lay in tile ceiling, is a light required? Answer; 210. 70(C) Other than Dwelling Units No, a lay in ceiling is not an attic or underfloor space • If lay in ceiling and transformer somehow made it into a dwelling unit, 210. 70(A)(2) & (3) also does not require one