TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT MEETING January 9, 2019 ELECTRICAL Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Highlight: II. Electrical Technical Discussion Topic: Contractor Continuing Education NC Energy Conservation Code NCSBC Changes to Special Inspections 1705.17 III. Electrical Questions and Answers:

1. I recently failed for providing an over-current device for a residential range larger than the installation instructions specified. The OCD was calculated and was within the allowed range for the appliance, should this have failed the inspection? The appliance was rated at 12.4KW and the breaker was a 50 ampere, the instructions specified a 40 ampere. A. NEC 110.3(B) does not allow any equipment to be installed outside the parameters of its listing and installation instructions.

(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling. Manufacturers’ listing and labeling installation instructions must be followed, even if the equipment itself is not required to be listed. For example, 210.52 permits permanently installed electric baseboard heaters to be equipped with receptacle outlets that meet the requirements for the space utilized by such heaters. The installation instructions for such permanent baseboard heaters indicate that the heaters should not be mounted beneath a receptacle. In dwelling units, the use of low-density heating units more than 12 feet in length is common. Therefore, to meet the requirements of 210.52(A) and also the installation instructions, a receptacle must either be part of the heating unit or be installed in the close to the wall but not above the heating unit. (Exhibit 210.26 and the Informational Note to 210.52 provide more specific details.) Listing or labeling is the most common method of establishing suitability. This section does not require listing or labeling of equipment. Before approving the installation, the AHJ may require evidence of compliance with 110.3. Some sections do require listed or labeled equipment. For example, 250.8 specifies “listed pressure connectors . . . pressure connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment [or] . . . other listed means” as connection methods for grounding and bonding conductors. Listing organizations typically require the use of their listing mark on the equipment as the means of determining if the product is listed. Where it is impractical to have the listing mark on the equipment, the listing organization will usually require that the listing mark be on the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged. Since 110.3(B) requires compliance with the listing requirements, the appropriate certification mark is required if that is a requirement of the listing entity. Baring the instructions however, the range is calculated using the method detailed in article 220.51 and applying the demands of 422.11(E) to determine the over-current device.

2. Is it required to protect a residential on AFCI when the closet is only accessible through the Laundry ? A. NC has exempted the laundry area outlets as requiring AFCI protection in the amendments, however the AFCI is required in per 210.12(A)

3. Re-Visit and clarification on sizing dry-type transformers, from Nov. Consistency Meeting.

Copied from the November 2018 meeting; On my current project, the engineer designed a 75 KVA transformer to feed 2 separate 200-amp panels, with 150-amp main circuit breakers. The load sheets indicate on has 116 amps and the other has 101 amps calculated connected load. The 75 KVA has a secondary ampere rating of 208 amps. Is this code compliant? A. Yes, per. 450.3(B) notes 1 and 2, Discuss After review and reconsideration there is nothing in these sections that would allow a transformer to be installed to supply loads above its rating. The rated load is where the calculation starts, the 116 amperes and the 101-ampere load would require a transformer to have a minimum rating of 78120 watts, this would require a 112.5 KVA transformer. The overcurrent for the transformer can then be selected using the sections of 450.3(B) 1 and 2

4. As an inspector, are we required to check the conductor connections and any available settings within Electric Vehicle Charging equipment? What if the connections and adjustments are inaccessible on site without the contractor? Discussion, A. The inspector must use all available resources to him/her to verify code compliance.

5. I have a project that has a portion of the electrical installation that will be completed by workmen from a local Gas utility company. The inspector has denied connection to my pole service, stating the work outside my scope must be permitted and inspected, or additional information is needed, prior to energizing my service. Isn’t the Gas utility exempt from permitting, and inspections? Please provide clarification to the permitting and inspection requirements of cell tower and remote cell sites.

A. These type installations are exempt from permitting and inspections per the NC General Statutes

§ 143-138. North Carolina State Code.

(b8) Exclusion for Certain Utilities. - Nothing in this Article shall extend to or be construed as being applicable to the regulation of the design, construction, location, installation, or operation of (1) equipment for storing, handling, transporting, and utilizing liquefied petroleum gases for fuel purposes or anhydrous ammonia or other liquid fertilizers, except for liquefied petroleum gas from the outlet of the first stage pressure regulator to and including each liquefied petroleum gas utilization device within a building or structure covered by the Code, or (2) equipment or facilities, other than buildings, of a public utility, as defined in G.S. 62-3, a cable television company, or an electric or telephone membership corporation, including without limitation poles, towers, and other structures supporting electric, cable television, or communication lines. GS 62-3 Definitions (23) a. "Public utility" means a person, whether organized under the laws of this State or under the laws of any other state or country, now or hereafter owning or operating in this State equipment or facilities for: 1. Producing, generating, transmitting, delivering or furnishing electricity, piped gas, steam or any other like agency for the production of light, heat or power to or for the public for compensation; provided, however, that the term "public utility" shall not include persons who construct or operate an electric generating facility, the primary purpose of which facility is for such person's own use and not for the primary purpose of producing electricity, heat, or steam for sale to or for the public for compensation; 2. Diverting, developing, pumping, impounding, distributing or furnishing water to or for the public for compensation, or operating a public sewerage system for compensation; provided, however, that the term "public utility" shall not include any person or company whose sole operation consists of selling water to less than 15 residential customers, except that any person or company which constructs a water system in a subdivision with plans for 15 or more lots and which holds itself out by contracts or other means at the time of said construction to serve an area containing more than 15 residential building lots shall be a public utility at the time of such planning or holding out to serve such 15 or more building lots, without regard to the number of actual customers connected; 3. Transporting persons or household goods by street, suburban or interurban bus for the public for compensation; 4. Transporting persons or household goods by motor vehicles or any other form of transportation for the public for compensation, except motor carriers exempted in G.S. 62-260, carriers by rail, and carriers by air; 5. Transporting or conveying gas, crude oil or other fluid substance by pipeline for the public for compensation; 6. Conveying or transmitting messages or communications by telephone or telegraph, or any other means of transmission, where such service is offered to the public for compensation.

In telecommunications, a facility is defined by Federal Standard 1037C as:

1. A fixed, mobile, or transportable structure, including (a) all installed electrical and electronic wiring, cabling, and equipment and (b) all supporting structures, such as utility, ground network, and electrical supporting structures. 2. A network-provided service to users or the network operating administration. 3. A transmission pathway and associated equipment. 4. In a protocol applicable to a data unit, such as a block or frame, an additional item of information or a constraint encoded within the protocol to provide the required control. 5. A real property entity consisting of one or more of the following: a building, a structure, a utility system, pavement, and underlying land.[1][2] http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/fs-1037c.htm FEDERAL STANDARD 1037C facility: 1. A fixed, mobile, or transportable structure, including (a) all installed electrical and electronic wiring, cabling, and equipment and (b) all supporting structures, such as utility, ground network, and electrical supporting structures. (188) 2. A network-provided service to users or the network operating administration. 3. A transmission pathway and associated equipment. 4. In a protocol applicable to a data unit, such as a block or frame, an additional item of information or a constraint encoded within the protocol to provide the required control. 5. A real property entity consisting of one or more of the following: a building, a structure, a utility system, pavement, and underlying land. [JP1]

6. If NM cable can be installed in Types 3, 4, and 5 constructions, in other structures than SF, 2F and MF occupancies, that would cover medical doctor’s buildings. The inspector failed my installation, because I wired the patient care space with NM and connected the switching per 517.13(B) Ex. 3. This is completely code compliant, if I must I will be contacting the state to seek a ruling! A. Good Luck! NM cannot be used in that installation because the prescriptive method requires 1) an insulated equipment grounding conductor, and 2) 517.13(A) requires installation in metal conduit or metallic sheath cable

7. I recently failed a FI on a SP because I did not have a device for the water bonding. There are no metal light niches, handrails or ladders on this residential pool. It is the standard metallic rebar frame with Gunite application. Is it required to have a separate metallic water bond? A. No, the pool shell is considered conductive and will provide the electrical continuity to the water

8. Is it permissible to install an Optional Standby transfer switch in a residential crawlspace? A. As the question is posed the answer would be a sounding “Maybe”. Typically a crawlspace would not be allowed, however if the area had the minimum headroom, access, illumination, and working space required, and if it was not exposed to conditions that could be hazardous to the equipment and persons, it may be ok to place the transfer equipment there. It basically is on a case by case scenario. 9. Is it required to have a Rapid Shutdown device for a remotely mounted PV system? The PV source circuits run underground from the rack mounted array to the of the residence, through to the PV disconnecting Means and then to the exterior service equipment. A. Yes, Rapid Shutdown is required for all PV systems installed on buildings or that have PV source circuits installed on or within buildings

690.12 Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems on Buildings. PV system circuits installed on or in buildings shall include a rapid shutdown function to reduce shock hazard for emergency responders in accordance with 690.12(A) through (D). Exception: Ground-mounted PV system circuits that enter buildings, of which the sole purpose is to PV system equipment, shall not be required to comply with 690.12. First responders must contend with elements of a PV system that remain energized after the service disconnect is opened. This rapid shutdown requirement reduces the potential for shock within 30 seconds of activation of shutdown. Methods and designs for achieving proper rapid shutdown are not addressed by the NEC but instead are addressed in the product standards for this type of equipment. 10. When relocating a main panel that has a subpanel fed with a 3-conductor cable, is it required to replace the original 3 conductor cable? What if replacement would affect the building finishes? A. NC Amendment 250.142(B) New exception 5, must be addressed on a case by case basis. AMENDMENT 250.142(B) Exception No. 5: It shall be permissible to ground Amend NEC 2017, page 126: an existing panelboard enclosure by connection to (B) Load-Side Equipment. Except as permitted in the grounded circuit conductor for a one- and two- 250.30(A)(1) and 250.32(B) Exception, a grounded family dwelling where all the following conditions circuit conductor shall not be used for grounding apply: non–current-carrying metal parts of equipment on (1) When relocating or installing an additional main the load side of the service disconnecting means or disconnecting means; on the load side of a separately derived system (2) Enacting 250.142(B) Exception No. 5: (1) disconnecting means or the overcurrent devices for redefines the existing service entrance conductors a separately derived system not having a main as a feeder as set forth in Article 100; disconnecting means. (3) An equipment grounding conductor in the Exception No. 1: The frames of ranges, wall- existing panelboard is not present; mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, and (4) Replacement of the existing service entrance clothes dryers under the conditions permitted for conductors either requires the removal of the existing installations by 250.140 shall be permitted building finish or is deemed impractical by the to be connected to the grounded circuit conductor. authority having jurisdiction. Exception No. 2: It shall be permissible to ground (5) All grounding electrode conductors are removed meter enclosures by connection to the grounded completely from the existing panelboard; and circuit conductor on the load side of the service (6) The grounded conductors are insulated by tape, disconnect where all of the following conditions heat-shrink, or other approved means except where apply: covered by the sheathing of a cable assembly or as (1) No service ground-fault protection is installed. needed for joints, splices, and termination purposes. (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.

Exception No. 3: Direct-current systems shall be permitted to be grounded on the load side of the disconnecting means or overcurrent device in accordance with 250.164. Exception No. 4: Electrode-type boilers operating at over 1000 volts shall be grounded as required in 490.72(E)(1) and 490.74. (1)

11. My panel board installation was turned down since I had air ducts run directly over them violating the required 6’ of dedicated space above the panels per NEC 110.26 E1 (A). May I install a hard above the panel boards to get around this? The ducts cannot be moved and I mounted the panels as shown on the stamped drawings.

A. 110.26 (E) Dedicated Equipment Space. All switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers shall be located in dedicated spaces and protected from damage. Exception: Control equipment that by its very nature or because of other rules of the Code must be adjacent to or within sight of its operating machinery shall be permitted in those locations. (1) Indoor. Indoor installations shall comply with 110.26(E) (1)(a) through (E)(1)(d). (a) Dedicated Electrical Space. The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 1.8 m (6 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation. No piping, ducts, leak protection apparatus, or other equipment foreign to the electrical installation shall be located in this zone. Exception: Suspended with removable panels shall be permitted within the 1.8-m (6-ft) zone. (b) Foreign Systems. The area above the dedicated space required by 110.26(E)(1)(a) shall be permitted to contain foreign systems, provided protection is installed to avoid damage to the from condensation, leaks, or breaks in such foreign systems. (c) Sprinkler Protection. Sprinkler protection shall be permitted for the dedicated space where the piping complies with this section. (d) Suspended Ceilings. A dropped, suspended, or similar ceiling that does not add strength to the building structure shall not be considered a structural ceiling.

As you can see in the above article, part (d) Suspended Ceiling. It states that the ceiling must add strength to the building structure. A suspended ceiling does not meet that requirement, see the illustration below. However, if you added a hard ceiling to the bottom side of trusses, that would add strength to the building structure. See the illustration below:

12. Does a mail kiosk, at an apartment complex, require a disconnect, if it is lighted? A. Yes, per 225.32 Location. The disconnecting means shall be installed either inside or outside of the building or structure served or where the conductors pass through the building or structure. The disconnecting means shall be at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors. For the purposes of this section, the requirements in 230.6 shall be utilized.

Exception No. 1: For installations under single management, where documented safe switching procedures are established and maintained for disconnection, and where the installation is monitored by qualified individuals, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises. Exception No. 2: For buildings or other structures qualifying under the provisions of Article 685, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises. Exception No. 3: For towers or poles used as lighting standards, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises. Exception No. 4: For poles or similar structures used only for support of signs installed in accordance with Article 600, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere on the premises.

Although the requirement for locating the disconnecting means for a feeder or branch circuit supplying a structure is essentially the same as that specified for services in 230.70(A), there is an important difference. Where a building or structure is supplied by a feeder or branch circuit, an outside feeder or branch-circuit disconnecting means must always be at the building or structure supplied, unless one of the conditions in Exception No. 1 through Exception No. 4 to 225.32 can be applied.

13. Is a disconnect required to be within sight, on the primary side of a 75KVA transformer? If the disconnect is located remotely, can I use the panel lock, as a means of locking out the overcurrent protection, for the disconnect?

A. Yes and no. 450.14 Disconnecting Means. Transformers, other than Class 2 or Class 3 transformers, shall have a disconnecting means located either in sight of the transformer or in a remote location. Where located in a remote location, the disconnecting means shall be lockable in accordance with 110.25, and its location shall be field marked on the transformer. 110.25 Lockable Disconnecting Means. If a disconnecting means is required to be lockable open elsewhere in this Code, it shall be capable of being locked in the open position. The provisions for locking shall remain in place with or without the lock installed.

14. Does Tritium exit lights (exit light only) qualify as a 700 system? NCBC 1011.4 allows for internally illuminated exit signs using Tritium. A. NCSBC does contain language that describes exit signs that are self-luminous or photoluminescent leading one to ponder where these could be installed. The majority of the code sections deal with the exit light to be “Illuminated at all times” requiring the exit light to be provided with a backup power source, in the event of loss of primary power source. It refers compliance to Chapter 27 which details the need for alternate sources of power. As a result the photoluminescent would be utilized in areas without power sources similar to the Renaissance Festival.

1013.5 Internally illuminated exit signs. Electrically powered, self-luminous and photoluminescent exit signs shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 924 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and Chapter 27. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. 1013.6.3 Power source. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. To ensure continued illumination for a duration of not less than 90 minutes in case of primary power loss, the sign illumination means shall be connected to an emer- gency power system provided from storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Chapter 27. Exceptions: 1. Approved exit sign illumination means that provide continuous illumination independent of external power sources for a duration of not less than 90 minutes, in case of primary power loss, are not required to be connected to an emergency electrical system. 2. Group I-2 Condition 2 exit sign illumination shall not be provided by unit equipment battery only.

15. Smoke detector in with 1 step rise in elevation on second floor A. One step does not constitute another level, the code language identifies levels as stories and the prescriptive code can identify a story as 10 feet. To clarify we can accept that another level would begin at 5 risers or more to ere on the safe side. 16. Carbon / smoke outside a with a with a cased opening A. A CO/SM detector is required outside each sleeping area in a residence. Discuss 17. I was turned down for having my receptacle for the dishwasher behind the dishwasher. I have a switch ahead of the receptacle, what gives? A. 422.16(B)(2)(6) Receptacle for D/W must be in space adjacent to D/W

18. Pool contractor removing AFCI to make room for his pool panel breaker. Discuss

19. Can Fire resistant/fire block foam be used to seal a short nipple inside an electrical panel or meter? I have heard that this is a combustible product and wanted to know if it was ok in this application. A. Draft-stop is required when passing through the exterior to interior section of structures, the material must be approved for contact to the conductor and should be flame resistant.

20. When wiring a townhome, I was turned down for running NM cable in the void between the back of the 2x4 wall studs and the firewall between 2 townhomes. I don’t see anything in the NEC that addresses this. Could you please explain the reason? Or was the inspector wrong? A. Maybe, the area of separation wall must be self-supporting on either side with the ability to not be affected by hazards occurring to be transmitted through the wall. As a result, there is a prescriptive minimum distance between any combustible material and the metal studs supporting the fire barrier membrane. Usually a ¾ in minimum separation gap. 21. Am I required to install a bushing on a short PVC sleeve/nipple between a back to back meter and panel with SE cable ran through it? What if I use THHN? A. 352.46 requires a bushing to be installed on PVC conduit installations, however sound judgment would dictate that this be applied where conductors are pulled through complete conduit systems exposing them to damage from the absence of the smooth rounded edge.

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY February 13, 2019 Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND BUILDINGS AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Highlight: Bob Hartman II. Electrical Technical Discussion Topic: Classified Areas Associated with Distilleries and Breweries

III. Electrical Technical Questions and Answers:

1) I have found on several occasions where Infratech heaters are shipping the wrong size breakers in their control packages the builders order.

http://infratech-usa.com/products/controls/solid-state/

They order the heaters from the company based on area. Infratech sends their control panels built with the breakers based on the size of heaters. Ex: 4000-watt heater = 16.666 amps. Infratech tells the electricians to run a 12/2 romex and they ship 20-amp breakers in their control panels. When you apply the 125% continuous rule since the heaters run on a 4-hour timer, you get 20.833 amps. 4000/240x125%= 20.8333 The other inspection I failed because of Infratech was a 6000-watt heater. 6000/240x125%= 31.25 amps. The sent 30-amp breakers. Luckily the electrician ran an 8/2 romex. When you contact the company engineers, they are aware of the 125% rule but states no one across the country fails them so they do not apply this rule to their equations. They will ship the right breaker when it is requested. Infratech told me the smaller breaker will trip easier than the correct size, so this is offering a better protection. Answer: Items covered in the company’s listing is allowed to be sized per the manufacturer’s requirement. Items installed, and field supplied must meet the requirements in the NEC. Both the manufacturer’s and the NEC requirements must be addressed and the most restrictive applied.

Another issue that we need to look at is the breakers they use are marked 480/277 volts. Not sure if this is an issue with the codes or not. Would like for someone to advise as to if this is a fallible issue. Again, if it is supplied with the unit and is covered under the listing of the appliance, and is equal to or larger than required in the NEC it is allowed

2) What type of box can be used for installing a paddle fan. When is a “fan rated box” required?

Answer: Ceiling mounted boxes must be rated to support either a luminaire or a paddle fan. Per NEC 314.27(A)(2) and (C)

3) Can I use a #6 ground for the waterpipe ground from a 200A service if it is not subject to physical damage? Answer: No, Grounding Electrode Conductors, must be sized per 250.66 based on the size of the ungrounded conductors.

4) Is it permissible to feed a residential detached with two 2-wire branch circuits, if so what type of disconnect is allowed? Is additional grounding required? Answer: No, the detached structure must be fed with either 1 feeder or 1 branch circuit (or multi- wire branch circuit) per 225.30 Re-grounding is required in all installations other than detached building using a single (or multi-wire) branch circuit per 250.32(A) Ex. Disconnecting means must be provided per 225.31 and 225.32 meeting the requirements of 210.4(B), and rated per 225.39

5) Is it permissible to protect a feeder with GFCI in lieu of protecting the individual branch circuits using branch breakers or devices? What if any are the limitations? Answer: Perhaps in certain situations, covering those GFCI requirements in 210.8 or 590.6(A) provided it is a Class A type device, all other GFCI requirements must utilize the branch circuit over-current devices. See 215.9

6) I recently had a residential project fail for an installation consisting of 2 built in ovens and a cook top fed from one branch circuit. The appliances were calculated according to 220.55 as allowed for one range and fed with a 50-amp circuit using #6 cu NM. The inspector (not in Mecklenburg) failed it because one of the ovens rated at 2.8KW had a factory whip that consisted of 3- #14cu MC with ground, he explained that the whip is a tap conductor and must have over-current not to exceed their rating. This has always been allowed, is it code compliant? Answer: Yes, per 210.19(A)(3) Ex. 1, and 310.15(B)(16)

7) I am inspecting a single-story commercial building, with a wood truss roof system. The interior up fit will have a suspended lay-in ceiling. The previous up fit had a suspended ceiling, with bat insulation laying on top of the ceiling tiles. The building code has changed since the last up fit and now does not allow the insulation to lay on the tiles. Now, the insulation will be stapled between the bottoms of the trusses. The electrical contractor has installed junction boxes on the sides of the bottom of the trusses. He said he did this, because the existing boxes were mounted the same way. I am concerned that the only way to be able to locate any of the boxes, after a final inspection, is to remove the insulation. Is this a violation?

Answer: Yes, per 314.29 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and Hand hole Enclosures to be Accessible. Boxes, conduit bodies, and hand hole enclosures shall be installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible without removing any part of the building or structure or, in underground circuits, without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade. Also, even though the existing boxes were compliant on the first up fit, because they were not hidden by the insulation, they will now need to be relocated to be accessible.

8) You can see where Duke Power took the neutral loose from what electrician had done and tied it to the can. This is load side metering. The 600-amp service feeding this trough is 50 ft. away. Is this code compliant, even if it is done by the utility?

Answer: Section 250.24(A) (5) prohibits re-grounding of the grounded conductor on the load side of the service disconnecting means. This correlates with the requirement of 250.142(B), which is a general prohibition on the use of the grounded conductor for grounding equipment. This prevents parallel paths for neutral current on the load side of the service disconnecting means. Parallel paths could include metal raceways, metal piping systems, metal ductwork, structural steel, and other continuous metal paths that are not intended to be current-carrying conductors under normal conditions. 250.142 (B) Exception No. 2: It shall be permissible to ground meter enclosures by connection to the grounded circuit conductor on the load side of the service disconnect where all of the following conditions apply: (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. Since the CT enclosure is on the load side of the service equipment and it is not adjacent to it, it would not meet the exception in 250.142 and would therefore be a violation. However, since this is work done by the utility, after the final inspection, we have no recourse, other than contacting the utility engineer to explain the problem. (Discussion, as more information is needed) 9) Can a temporary generator be used to obtain a TCO, on a Critical Branch system, for a medical building? Answer: No, However if the Critical Branch can be locked out both the EM and Normal Supply, and the Life Safety is code compliant a TCO may be issued (Discuss).

10) Is it permissible to use 20 ampere receptacles on 15-amp circuits? I have been doing this a long time because the receptacles are a heavier grade and should last longer than the light weight 15 amp rated ones. Answer: Code answer, No 210.21(B)(3)

11) This residential has the equipment mounted adjacent to and within 5 feet of the inside water area, is it code compliant? Answer: No, the adjacent luminaires per 680.22(B)(1) and (4), and metallic bonding in adjacent areas per 680.26(B)

12) Is it compliant to install the equipment grounding conductor isolated from the service neutral bar in the PV service disconnect below? Answer: Yes, Discussion see NEC 690 and 690.47

13) An installation consists of a 480-volt delta primary/240 delta secondary transformer, is this an un- grounded system and thereby require arc-fault indicators? Answer: The creation of an un-grounded system can occur at separately derived systems anywhere in the premise wiring. a. The situation then is if it is allowed to remain an un-grounded system arc-indicators are required at the first over-current disconnecting means. Or b. Ground the system to limit faults to allow operation of the over-current at a phase to ground condition

14) Is GFCI protection required for outlets installed above a sink regardless of distance? I had a TV outlet in a bar that was 7’ above a sink and my inspector still required GFCI protection. Answer: No 210.8(B)(5)

15) Can I install GFCI outlets mounted above 6’6” in a commercial or is a GFCI breaker required for protection and accessibility? Answer: No, 210.8 receptacles installed in commercial must be readily accessible

16) Is GFCI protection required for a residential sewage lift station. Answer: A single receptacle supplied by a dedicated circuit identified for a sewage pump allowed by NC Amendment 210.8(A)(3) Ex. 2

17) I was recently told a 208V 30A outlet in a commercial kitchen now requires GFCI protection. I have never had to provide GFCI protection for these outlets before, is this a new code requirement? Answer: Yes, new for 2018, 210.8(B)

18) Is a SSBJ required on the secondary side of a XFMR if using FMC less than 6’ in length? Answer: Yes per 250.30(A)(2)

19) I have a separately derived generator system I am installing on an existing building. Since the grounded conductor is being switched at the ATS, I will be installing two ground rods to ground the system. Is this permissible or do I need to tie into the existing grounding electrode system? Answer: a separately derived system located out side of a structure is required to have a grounding electrode system installed at the source per 250.30(C) and complying with a type as specified per 250.30

20) Is a receptacle that is part of a lamp in a hotel guest suite required to be tamper-resistant? Answer: No according to article 406.12 Exception (2) “Receptacles that are part of a luminaire or appliance”

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY March 13, 2019 Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND BUILDINGS AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Topic: Russell Booth II. Electrical Technical Discussion III. Electrical Q & A

1. Is it permissible to install PVC type raceways underslab to provide power to patient care areas? Is it permissible to use PVC approved floor boxes in patient care areas? Can 2 separate equipment grounding conductors be installed to meet the requirements of 517.13?

Answer: The use of PVC for the areas not included in the patient care areas can be allowed the other areas use of PVC raceways and enclosures is not practical, because it is difficult to provide the redundant grounding means required in 517.13. The use of 2 separate equipment grounding conductors is not allowed.

2. In the diagram below please explain the correct method for sizing a common Grounding Electrode Conductor to serve all service disconnects. Answer: The installation is basically 1 service with 5 sets of service entrance conductors, Per 250.64(D)(1) the service entrance conductors must be added to get the equivalent size for 1 conductor and apply the table 250.66 based on the sum of all.

3. Is it permissible to replace a residential panel in an existing dwelling that does not meet the clearance requirements of 110.26, and it be allowed to remain in the current non-compliant location? Answer: Changes or minor additions are allowed only if it was code compliant at time of original installation, replacement must meet current code requirements and the existing panel is allowed to be used as a j-box to extend the circuits to the new currently compliant location. Per the Electrical Interpretation on the website.

4. When calculating over-current protection for a single motor or a feeder for multiple motors, do you apply the restrictions to the over-current device in NEC 240.4(C), and “drop back if over 800 amperes” Example: I have a motor with a FLA rating of 459 amps. I am sizing the OCPD based off the max allowed for an inverse time breaker (250%) which is 459*2.5=1147A. Is it permissible to round up to the next standard OCPD size (1200A) or does NEC 240.4(C) apply since I’m over 800A? Answer: Yes, NEC 430.52(C)(1) Exception no. 1 and NEC 240.3 refers to article 430 for motor OCP.

Exception No. 1: Where the values for branch-circuit short- circuit and ground-fault protective devices determined by Table 430.52 do not correspond to the standard sizes or ratings of fuses, nonadjustable circuit breakers, thermal protective devices, or possible settings of adjustable circuit breakers, a higher size, rating, or possible setting that does not exceed the next higher standard ampere rating shall be permitted

5. When calculating the branch circuit over-current device for residential ranges is it permissible to use the table and notes for NEC 220.55? Please explain.

Answer: The 220.55 table can be used for feeders and branch circuits per the note 4. The issue arose because an inspector failed a 12kw residential range installed on a 40 amp circuit, stating the circuit must be a 50. The conductors installed were #8 cu NM, rated at 45 per 310.15(B)(16), to install a 50amp OCD would require cable replacement. Using the table a 12kw range in C has a 8kw demand, 8000/240=33.33, using that load along with 210.19(A)(3) the correct OCD would be 40

6. What does the Code require as a minimum size for the service neutral conductor?

Answer: Neutral Sizing for Single Raceway or Cable [250.24(C)(1)]. Because the service neutral conductor serves as the effective ground fault current path to the source for ground faults, the neutral conductor must be sized so it can safely carry the maximum fault current likely to be imposed on it [110.10 and 250.4(A)(5)]. This is accomplished by sizing the neutral conductor not smaller than specified in Table 250.102(C)(1), based on the cross-sectional area of the largest ungrounded service conductor. In addition, the neutral conductors must have the capacity to carry the maximum unbalanced neutral current in accordance with 220.61.

Example: What’s the minimum size service neutral conductor required where the ungrounded service conductors are 350 KCMIL and the maximum unbalanced load is 100A? (Copper Conductors) Answer: 2 AWG is the minimum size service neutral conductor required [Table 250.102(C)(1)]. The unbalanced load of 100A requires a 3 AWG service neutral conductor, which is rated 100A at 75ºC in accordance with Table 310.15(B)(16) [220.61], but the neutral conductor can’t be smaller than 2 AWG to carry fault current, based on the 350 KCMIL ungrounded conductors in accordance with Table 250.102(C)(1).

7. Can an Exit sign be supported solely from a metal box with a single ¾” EMT conduit raceway?

Answer: No, NEC 358.12 and 314.23(H)(2). Exit signs are considered emergency luminaires. 358.12 Uses Not Permitted. EMT shall not be used under the following conditions: (1) Where subject to severe physical damage (2) For the support of luminaires or other equipment except conduit bodies no larger than the largest trade size of the

314.23(H)(2) (2) Conduit. A box supporting lampholders or luminaires, or wiring enclosures within luminaires used in lieu of boxes in accordance with 300.15(B), shall be supported by rigid or inter‐ mediate metal conduit stems. For stems longer than 450 mm (18 in.), the stems shall be connected to the wiring system with flexible fittings suitable for the location. At the luminaire end, the conduit(s) shall be threaded wrenchtight into the box, wiring enclosure or identified hubs. Where supported by only a single conduit, the threaded joints shall be prevented from loosening by the use of set- screws or other effective means, or the luminaire, at any point, shall be at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above grade or standing area and at least 900 mm (3 ft) measured horizontally to the 2.5 m (8 ft) elevation from , , , fire escapes, or similar locations. A luminaire supported by a single conduit shall not exceed 300 mm (12 in.) in any horizontal direction from the point of conduit entry.

8. Are control devices that participate in the activation of emergency luminaires upon loss of normal power (either by disconnection of the control circuit or by providing an active signal) required to be listed? What listing is required? Answer: Yes, per NEC 700.24.

700.24 Directly Controlled Luminaires. Where emergency illumination is provided by one or more directly controlled luminaires that respond to an external control input to bypass normal control upon loss of normal power, such luminaires and external bypass controls shall be individually listed for use in emergency systems. Informational Note: under definition for Relay, Automatic Load Control is UL924 provides the basis for the listing

These devices are commonly used in commercial lighting applications. The Emergency Bypass / Shunt Relays are used for shunting around wall switches in order to turn on emergency lighting in the event of loss of normal utility power.

*Note: A control device that transfers a load between a normal and emergency power source, either in a feeder or branch circuit application, must be a UL1008 listed transfer switch. NEC 700.26

9. What size Type NM cable is required to supply a 9,600W, 240V, single-phase fixed space heater with a 3A blower motor? Answer: Step 1: Determine the load for the heater: I = W/E I = 9,600 VA/240V I = 40A + 3A blower I = 43A Step 2: Size the conductors at 125% of the total current load [110.14(C)(1) and 210.19(A)(1)]: Conductor Size = 43A × 1.25 Conductor Size = 53.75A Answer: A 6 AWG conductor rated 55A at 60°C [Table 310.15(B)(16)], protected with a 60A OCPD [240.6(A)].

10. We were installing a 300A service and I had sized my wire from the Utility transformer to my disconnect for 300 amps. We installed a 400A fused disconnect and installed 300A fuses. My Inspector failed the installation and said we had to size our wire to the disconnect for 400 amps because the disconnect was rated for 400 amps

Answer: Disconnect ratings and standard sizes based on manufacturing specifications, and are typically rated 30,60,100,200,400, 800 and so on. 300amp fuses ( based on calculated demand) will require a 400amp rated disconnecting means.

11. I installed a 112.5kVA transformer fed with #2/0al conductors from a primary OCPD sized at 125amps. The secondary Main OCPD is sized at 400amps and the Panel has a calculated load of 238amps fed with #4/0cu. I reduced the size of the primary OCPD because the secondary load was not 400amps. The inspector told me I can’t do this

Answer: The size of the transformer is based on a standard manufacturing practices. It is allowed to be sized larger than required, however the primary and secondary over-current devices will be required to reflect the same load potential, and both be based on the connected load. If a 125 amp OCD is used on the Primary it effectively reduces the transformer and ultimately its output potential to 83100watts, 125(.8)=100(831)=83100, as a result the secondary will be required to be reduced proportionately 83100/360=230.8(125%)=288.54 The maximum OCD is now a 300 with a maximum load of 230 amps

12. I recently received a generator calculated load sheet for an upcoming project. The calculation did not seem correct to me, can you explain it and verify if it is acceptable and compliant?

Answer: The load tabulation sheet indicates the contractor used the Part 4 method of article 220 and appears to be accurate. The correct demand and along with the necessary load shedding would be acceptable as compliant.

13. A residential panel changeout is to include an additional load for an electrical car charger listed to pull 86 amperes. What is required to verify service size to connect this additional load?

Answer: A complete service calculation is required, with inclusion of the additional load for the new car charger. The new calculation can be completed by either method in article 220 of the NEC, and the appropriate demand factor(s) allowed for the charging equipment as allowed for any fixed appliance. Per 220.53 and 220.82(B)(3)(a)

14. Is it permissible to install the domestic water service and water booster pump assembly in the same room with the Fire Pump? Answer: Yes, per NFPA 20

15. I received a failure because I installed MC cable in a wet location, the cable had conductors that were THWN insulation. If the Insulation is listed for a wet location, the cable is allowed to be used in a wet location. What about “Damp” locations?

Answer: MC cable is only allowed in wet locations where it has an impervious weather resistant covering and meets at least 1 other item listed in 330.10(A)(11).

16. I was turned down for running a 10/2 w/ ground to the laundry for the dryer and was told it must be a 10/3 w/ ground. The inspector said it must have an insulated grounded conductor as well as an equipment ground. I have never heard this before and I have wired at least 4 new this way over the past year and no one has turned me down for this. Where is this in the code.

Answer: Yes, the inspector was correct. The requirement for the equipment ground can be found in 250.142(B) except as permitted in 250.140. This requirement has been in the code since the 1996 edition. (The other houses were not in Mecklenburg!) Other options only apply to existing installations.

17. The inspector failed me for not derating my 4/0 Al SER feeder to a subpanel. He said it was installed in insulation and must be derated making this cable only good for 150 amps.

Answer: The inspector was incorrect. Per 338.10(B)(4)(a) for interior installation this derating requirement only applies to ungrounded conductor sizes 10 AWG and smaller. Therefore, the above application would be allowed to be fused at 200 amps per 310.15(B)(7).

18. I was told by an inspector years ago that we were only allowed a maximum length of 6’ of unfused conductor inside a structure. I don’t see this anywhere in the code. Can you please explain where this is found? Answer: The NC DOI has listed a long-standing state wide accepted policy to define the NEC term “as close as practical” as listed below, long known as the “Barringer Rule” 19. I wired a pool and tried to go above and beyond with my grounding. I added a 50-amp subpanel on the side of the house that fed all my equipment associated with the pool. Then I 1 upped the grounding by terminating all my #8 equipotential conductors to an intersystem bonding ground bar. I went further by adding a ground rod that was also connected to this ISB ground bar and terminated on the equipment ground bar in the subpanel. He made me remove the #4 from the subpanel down to the ISB ground bar with the #8’s. I didn’t think you could ever “over” ground anything. Was he correct in doing this?

Answer Yes, per 250.52(B) by connecting to other elements of the Grounding Electrode system you have in fact made the equipotential grounding grid part of the grounding electrode system in violation of 250.52(B)

20. Is it permissible to provide power for certain optional loads from the Legally Required Standby System? Is it permissible to power an Optional Standby System from the same transfer switch as the Legally Required System?

Answer: It is permissible to supply power to limited optional standby loads, if the requirements of NEC 701.4. MCCE discourages this. The Optional Standby System as detailed in NEC 702 requires a separate dedicated transfer switch.

21. I have a tenant in multi-tenant building who has sub-divided his space making it two spaces in lieu of one. The new space has access to a common corridor, but no access to the original space. The tenant (wanna be landlord) is feeding the branch circuits to the new space from his panel, which of course is located in the (wanna be landlord) space. The electrical designer has drawn the plans as I just describe and does not understand how this could be disapproved in plan review.

Answer: No, it does not meet the language or intent of the Code as covered in; NEC 240.24 (B)(1) & (2).

22. I am reviewing the Electrical drawings for a 4000 sq. ft. metal building, shown on Appendix B as a S2 occupancy. The building has (4) garage doors, (1) personnel door, no restroom, and no heat. Electrically it has a 200amp single phase service, a 240v 50amp welder outlet, a 120v 20-amp dedicated air compressor outlet, several 20-amp 120v convenience outlets, and probably 50-foot candles of lighting. The electrical designer was upset with me when I told him he must have GFCI protection on all the receptacles. He said the building was just to be used for storage, and that a welder would not function with GFCI protection. Furthermore, he said if I didn’t approve his project that he was calling Dena. Answer: The structure as reviewed does meet the description listed in the Code Reference; NEC 210.8(B)(8). Detailed as “Similar areas”

23. We are trying to get to the bottom of the 2017 requirements for GFCI protection on 2 and 3 phase equipment in restaurants. We have heard some say that all 2 and 3 pole kitchen equipment must have GFCI protection and we have heard some say that all 2 and 3 pole receptacles only. We are running into the issue that the majority of the gear manufacturers do not make 3 pole GFCI breakers yet. The other situation is 3 pole GFCI receptacles under a hood. There you need a 3 pole GFCI shunt trip breaker. Can you provide clarification on what is actually required for these circuits and equipment? If we can hardwire some of this equipment to a disconnect switch instead of a receptacle that would help things considerably. The short answer is that the GFI protection applies to receptacles only. If the equipment is located under a hood with fire suppression, then it will require an interlock for the power supply and the actuation of the fire suppression system. The manufacturer’s instructions will dictate whether or not the equipment can be hard wired or fed by a receptacle.

This is the 2017 NEC requirement for receptacles installed in commercial kitchens, 210.8(B) (2):

(B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in the following locations shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. This requirement now applies to most single-phase receptacles in the areas listed in this section. This includes receptacles on 240-volt circuits. Three-phase receptacles on 280Y/120-volt three-phase circuits in those areas would also require GFCI protection. Equipment connected to receptacles of the higher voltage and current ratings present the same shock hazards as those of lower voltage and current ratings.

(2) Kitchens. This requirement applies to single-phase and three-phase kitchen receptacles whether or not the receptacle serves countertop areas. Electrical accident data indicate that there are many electrical hazards in non-dwelling kitchens, including poorly maintained electrical equipment, damaged cords, and wet . Requiring GFCI protection in these kitchens protects personnel who might be exposed to electric shock. The NEC definition of kitchen is “an area with a sink and permanent facilities for food preparation and cooking.” A portable cooking appliance (e.g., cord-and-plug-connected microwave oven or hot plate) does not constitute a permanent cooking facility. Kitchens in restaurants, hotels, schools, churches, dining , and similar facilities are covered by this requirement.

Also, 904.11.2 of the NCBC states: System of commercial cooking systems. The actuation of the fire suppression system shall automatically shut down the fuel or electrical power supply to the cooking equipment. The fuel and electrical supply reset shall be manual.

24. When replacing receptacles in guest and guest suites of a hotel, is it necessary to protect the circuit with AFCI? Also, what if you’re extending a circuit to add a couple more receptacles in the guest rooms, that have permanent cooking, would that require AFCI?

406.4(D), Requires you to meet 406.4(D) (1) - (D) (6), for receptacle replacements. (D) (4) Deals with AFCI protection, but only applies to 210.12 (A) and (B), not (C), which refers to guest rooms and guest suites. However, North Carolina amended the article and deleted (C) completely. So, a replacement of receptacles does not trigger the need for AFCI protection. 210.17, Says that guest rooms and guest suites with permanent cooking shall have branch circuits that meet the rules of dwelling units. 210.12 (A), Give us all of the locations that are required to be AFCI protected in dwelling units. If the receptacles being added are installed in one of those locations, then they are required to be AFCI protected.

25. Grouping neutrals isn’t required if you pull a separate neutral for each circuit. This is way I read it, correct?

The code did used to allow you to avoid grouping the neutrals with the circuit conductors as long as you had a separate neutral for each single wire circuit, but in the 2014 NEC the code changed. Now, you are required to group all neutrals with the single wire circuits they are associated with, inside of an enclosure. The only exceptions are as follows:

Exception No. 1: The requirement for grouping or identifying shall not apply if the branch-circuit or feeder conductors enter from a cable or a raceway unique to the circuit that makes the grouping obvious. Exception No. 2: The requirement for grouping or identifying shall not apply where branch-circuit conductors pass through a box or conduit body without a loop as described in 314.16(B)(1)or without a splice or termination

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY April 11, 2019 Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND BUILDINGS AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Topic: John West II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Arc-Flash Training NFPA 70E III. Electrical Q & A

1. Inspector told me that I was not allowed to cut the back out of junction box and secure it to the concrete so that multiple PVC conduits flush with the concrete could have conductors enter the box without having to punch holes, use connectors. I don’t think this right, where in the code is this. ANSWER: 300.12 Mechanical Continuity — Raceways and Cables. Raceways, cable armors, and cable sheaths shall be continuous between cabinets, boxes, fittings, or other enclosures or outlets.

Exception No. 1: Short sections of raceways used to provide support or protection of cable assemblies from physical damage shall not be required to be mechanically continuous.

Exception No. 2: Raceways and cables installed into the bottom of open bottom equipment, such as switchboards, motor control centers, and floor or pad-mounted transformers, shall not be required to be mechanically secured to the equipment.

Art. 314.72 (C) Complete Enclosure. Boxes shall provide a complete enclosure for the contained conductors or cables.

2. Do multiple doors beyond the ’s that are within 25’ to the nearest edge of the workspace require listed panic hardware? ANSWER: Art. 110.26 (3) Personnel Doors. Where equipment rated 800 A or more that contains overcurrent devices, switching devices, or control devices is installed and there is a personnel door(s) intended for entrance to and egress from the working space less than 7.6 m (25 ft) from the nearest edge of the working space, the door(s) shall open in the direction of egress and be equipped with listed panic hardware.

The requirements in this section are based on equipment rated 800 amperes or more and not on the width of the equipment. The 25-foot measurement for the personnel door(s) is made from the nearest edge of the working space. It applies to the personnel door(s) that provide access to and egress from the room containing the working space. Not every electrical installation is in an . Where electrical installations are in a room, personnel doors that are up to 25 feet from the working space are required to have listed panic hardware and they must open in the direction of egress from the area. The requirement for listed panic hardware is independent of the need for two exits from the working space. Exhibit 110.23 shows one of the required exits.

3. Do receptacles within 6’ of a sink in a hospital that are fed from an ISO panel need to be GFCI protected?

Answer: Not necessarily 210.8(B)(5) Exception 2 and 517.21

A basin and may be located within the patient room or as part of the bed assembly. Although the presence of a basin and toilet meets the definition of a , the receptacles serving the critical care space are exempt from the GFCI requirement because of the specialized use of a critical care space. A bathroom attached to the patient room is still required to have GFCI protection for receptacles. It also does not exempt receptacles in other for patients, staff, or the public from the requirements of 210.8(B).

4. The inspector looked at the transformer terminations and told me I did not do the grounding terminations correctly. I have been doing this for years and never been told this is wrong. If XO is the grounded tap, why can’t I land all my grounding conductors there? It is a separately derived system and the source of ground.

Answer: 450.10, Definition of System Bonding Jumper, Chapter 1, 250.30(A)(1)

System Bonding Jumper. An un-spliced system bonding jumper shall comply with 250.28(A) through (D). This connection shall be made at any single point on the separately derived system from the source to the first system disconnecting means or overcurrent device, or it shall be made at the source of a separately derived system that has no disconnecting means or overcurrent devices, in accordance with 250.30(A)(1)(a) or (b). The system bonding jumper shall remain within the enclosure where it originates. If the source is located outside the building or structure supplied, a system bonding jumper shall be installed at the grounding electrode connection in compliance with 250.30(C). (a) Installed at the Source. The system bonding jumper shall connect the grounded conductor to the supply-side bonding jumper and the normally non–current-carrying metal enclosure. (b) Installed at the First Disconnecting Means. The system bonding jumper shall connect the grounded conductor to the supply-side bonding jumper, the disconnecting means enclosure, and the equipment grounding conductor(s).

5. What is the largest size dry-type transformer that can be legally mounted above a lay in ceiling? Answer: 450.13(B) Hollow Space Installations. Dry-type transformers 1000 volts, nominal, or less and not exceeding 50 kVA shall be permitted in hollow spaces of buildings not permanently closed in by structure, provided they meet the ventilation requirements of 450.9 and separation from combustible materials requirements of 450.21(A). Transformers so installed shall not be required to be readily accessible.

Transformers are permitted by 300.22(C) (3) to be installed in hollow spaces where the space is used for environmental air, provided the transformer is in a metal enclosure (ventilated or non-ventilated) and the transformer is suitable for the ambient air temperature within the hollow space.

6. When are contractors required to install all services, on a building with multiple service locations, either inside or outside of the building?

Answer: The requirement for all service locations, either inside or outside, is a Mecklenburg County requirement and has been adopted by most other jurisdictions in N.C. The requirement for “Special Permission” in 230.2(B), is the trigger for the service locations. This requirement only applies to the following:

(1) Multiple-occupancy buildings where there is no available space for service equipment accessible to all occupants. (2) A single building or other structure sufficiently large to make two or more services necessary. Fire Barriers vs. Fire A separate building is required to reset the requirements of services and locations allowed. Fire barriers cannot be used it requires the structures to be independent through fire walls systems that allow each individual side to burn away without collapse of the Fire Wall. This greatly limits the penetrations or openings allowed to maintain the separation. Types 1,3,and 4 construction require 3 hour minimum rating of independent fire wall system. Types 2 and 5 require 2 hour minimum rating.

7. Are plastic 4” sq. boxes approved to use with MC? Answer: 314.3 Nonmetallic Boxes. Nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted only with open wiring on insulators, concealed knob-and-tube wiring, cabled wiring methods with entirely nonmetallic sheaths, flexible cords, and nonmetallic raceways.

Exception No. 1: Where internal bonding means are provided between all entries, nonmetallic boxes shall be permitted to be used with metal raceways or metal-armored cables.

This exception applies to nonmetallic boxes without threaded entries and permits the use of metal raceways and metal-armored cables with nonmetallic boxes. Internal bonding means must be installed to ensure ground continuity between the metal raceways or metal-armored cables. For the purposes of this exception, the term metal-armored cable includes other cables with a metal covering such as metal-sheathed, mineral-insulated cable (Type MI), metal-clad cable (Type MC), and armored cable (Type AC).

8. With Duke Energy pushing more of the work to the owners we now have the owner, CMS, running the overhead feeds to mobile classrooms. Do we have to provide overcurrent protection outside at the point of demarcation for the service where it becomes customer owned? Or can we feed it like Duke would with no overcurrent protection until we hit each classroom? We are feeding 8 mobile units overhead and Duke is stopping at the single metering point.

Answer: The conductors from the service point to the service equipment enclosure are simply stated service entrance conductors, and if installed by a contractor must meet all sections required by the NEC. For: a. Size b. Support c. Minimum clearances from grade and other structures d. Terminations

9. Is it permissible to use type NM cable to wire a residential ? Feed to elevator controller? Is it allowed within hoistways in residential applications?

Answer: Yes the power can be connected using any wiring method approved for the structure from Chapter 3, and No, cannot be in the hoistway per NEC 334.12(A)(8) Types NM, NMC and NMS cables aren’t permitted as a wiring method for .

334.12 Uses Not Permitted. (A) Types NM, NMC, and NMS. Types NM, NMC, and NMS cables shall not be permitted as follows: (1) In any dwelling or structure not specifically permitted in 334.10(1), (2), (3), and (5) (2) Exposed within a dropped or suspended ceiling cavity in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings (3) As service-entrance cable (4) In commercial garages having hazardous (classified) locations as defined in 511.3 (5) In theaters and similar locations, except where permitted in 518.4(B) (6) In motion picture (7) In storage battery rooms (8) In hoistways or on elevators or escalators (9) Embedded in poured cement, concrete, or aggregate (10) In hazardous (classified) locations, except where specifi cally permitted by other articles in this Code. 10. What is the minimum size wire needed for a common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems? May I run said conductor un-spliced with a pass-through lug to each XFMR or must I install taps?

Answer: NEC 250.30(A)(6) specifies that a grounding electrode conductor tap shall be installed from each separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. 250.30(A)(6)(a)(1) requires a conductor no smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 KCMIL aluminum for a common GEC.

(6) Grounding Electrode Conductor, Multiple Separately Derived Systems. A common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems shall be permitted. If installed, the common grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the grounding electrode as specified in 250.30(A)(4). A grounding electrode conductor tap shall then be installed from each separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. Each tap conductor shall connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. This connection shall be made at the same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected. Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect the grounding electrode conductor tap to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus, provided the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. Exception No. 2: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the system grounded conductor is bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134. (a) Common Grounding Electrode Conductor. The common grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be one of the following: (1) A conductor of the wire type not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum (2) A metal water pipe that complies with 250.68(C)(1)

11. I am replacing a damaged service mast on a commercial building. I need to attach the service drop to the mast. My inspector turned me down because of a coupling below my point of attachment and weatherhead. The installation seems fine to me, what gives?

Answer: The Inspector was correct Per NEC 230.28(B). Overhead service conductors cannot be attached to a service mast between a weatherhead and a coupling, if the coupling is located above the last point of securement to the building or is located above the building.

230.28 Service Masts as Supports. Only power service-drop or overhead service conductors shall be permitted to be attached to a service mast. Service masts used for the support of service- drop or overhead service conductors shall be installed in accordance with 230.28(A) and (B). (B) Attachment. Service-drop or overhead service conductors shall not be attached to a service mast between a weatherhead or the end of the conduit and a coupling, where the coupling is located above the last point of securement to the building or other structure or is located above the building or other structure.

12. Is AFCI protection required on a CO2 detector when installed in a hotel room that does not provide provisions for cooking per 210.17? Answer: No, NC amendments to the 2017 NEC excluded the AFCI requirements of 210.12(C).

(C) Guest Rooms and Guest Suites. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets and devices installed in guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6).

13. I am wiring a chiropractor’s office in a type V-B commercial building. I wired my patient care areas with type NM cable for the light switches (outside patient care area) and type MC cable for my luminaires which are 9’ AFF. My inspector turned me down for not having an approved branch circuit wiring method per NEC 517.13 for the switches and luminaires. Was he correct?

Answer: No and Yes. NEC 517.13 exception #3 requires light switches outside the patient care vicinity to have a clearly identified green insulated EGC, which NM cable will not provide. The luminaires are greater than 7.5’ AFF so the said exception would allow MC cable.

517.13 Grounding of Receptacles and Fixed Electrical Equipment in Patient Care Spaces. Wiring in patient care spaces shall comply with 517.13(A) and(B). (A) Wiring Methods. All branch circuits serving patient care spaces shall be provided with an effective ground-fault current path by installation in a metal raceway system or a cable having a metallic armor or sheath assembly. The metal raceway system, metallic cable armor, or sheath assembly shall itself qualify as an equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 250.118. (B) Insulated Equipment Grounding Conductors and Insulated Equipment Bonding Jumpers. (1) General. The following shall be directly connected to an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor that is clearly identified along its entire length by green insulation and installed with the branch circuit conductors in the wiring methods as provided in 517.13(A): (1) The grounding terminals of all receptacles other than isolated ground receptacles (2) Metal outlet boxes, metal device boxes, or metal enclosures (3) All non–current-carrying conductive surfaces of fixed electrical equipment likely to become energized that are subject to personal contact, operating at over 100 volts

Exception No. 3: Luminaires more than 2.3 m (7-1∕2 ft) above the floor and switches located outside of the patient care vicinity shall be permit‐ ted to be connected to an equipment grounding return path complying with 517.13(A) or (B).

14. I have installed several WAF(s) wired with 14/2 and on a 15-amp circuit, several of these units have nameplates indicating a 20 amp breaker on 12/2 is required per the manufacturer. Some of these pass inspections and some do not, what is the requirement?

Answer: If the manufacturer provides information listing a minimum OC size and Conductor size, we need to be making sure we are looking at these units to make sure they are properly wired and protected.

15 . I was failed for putting my required bathroom receptacle inside a cabinet adjacent to the sink. The outlet was less than 3’ as required by code. Why did he fail me?

Answer; This failed because it’s not code compliant. While it is within the required 3’ of the sink, it does not meet the general requirements of 210.52 which state that the receptacles required by this section shall be in addition to any receptacle that is: 3) Located within cabinets or cupboards.

(D) Bathrooms. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms within 900 mm (3 ft) of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the basin or basin countertop, located on the countertop, or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet. In no case shall the receptacle be located more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the top of the basin or basin countertop. Receptacle outlet assemblies listed for use in countertops shall be permitted to be installed in the countertop.

16. I have a customer that wants a TV above their bathtub, no shower head or handheld spray. Can I do this? No, per 406.9(C) (C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.

17. Do you have to apply article 514.11 to a fuel dispensing island that only has a diesel fuel pump?

Answer; Yes. 514.11 does not differentiate based on the Class of the fuel involved. The article doesn’t specify if an island is classified or not, it just addresses fuel dispensing, and the required disconnecting means and practices to place the dispensing equipment in a safe condition whether it is in an emergency or a maintenance situation. Some classified wiring method may or may not also be required based on the class of fuel. See also the requirements at 514.9, 514.13 and 514.16

18. Can a transfer switch for a standby power system be located between the meter and an existing panelboard? Does the grounding electrode conductor and the main bonding jumper need to be relocated from the existing panelboard to the transfer switch?

Answer: Yes, see 230.82(5). However, UL product category WPTZ states that transfer switches intended for use as service equipment is marked "SUITABLE FOR USE AS SERVICE EQUIPMENT.“ Also transfer switches are not intended for connection to a supply capable of delivering currents in excess of the maximum available short-circuit current marked on the transfer switch. Maybe, 250.24(A) (1) states that the GEC connection is to be made at any accessible point from the load end of the service drop or service lateral to the service disconnecting means. A transfer switch on the line side of the main OCPD would be considered the service disconnecting means. The OCPD for service equipment is required to be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or shall be located immediately adjacent thereto per 230.91. If that existing panelboard is immediately adjacent thereto, and the standby power is not separately derived, the GEC could stay in place; provided it was already in the existing panelboard. Also, Article 100 defines service equipment as the necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit breaker(s) or switch(es) and fuse(s) and their accessories, connected to the load end of service conductors to a building or other structure, or an otherwise designated area, and intended to constitute the main control and cutoff of the supply. Keep in mind that 230.66 states that service equipment shall be marked to identify it as being suitable for the use and that all service equipment shall be listed.

19. In remodeling of an existing residential bath I re-arranged the sinks layout. There was one existing receptacle and I added another to it from the existing 15 amp GFCI circuit that met code when it was installed. The inspector turned me down and required a 20amp GFCI circuit for the new receptacle. What gives? Answer: Anytime you extend an existing circuit the new work must meet the current Code.

20. As a contractor we are mainly doing commercial work. We install many 480/277-volt systems and know about the bonding requirements when eccentric or concentric knockouts are encountered. We maintain that as long as one end of the run meets the requirements in NEC Article 250 we should not be concerned about the other end when using metallic conduits such as rigid, intermediate, and EMT, even though at the other end we have concentric or eccentric knockouts. What is the interpretation of the NEC?

Answer; Discussion, See NEC Sections 250.92(B) that states, “Bonding jumpers meeting the other requirements of this article shall be used around concentric or eccentric knockouts that are punched or otherwise formed so as to impair the electrical connection to ground. Standard locknuts or bushings shall not be the sole means for the bonding required by this section”, and 250.96(A) states, “Metal raceways, cable trays, cable armor, cable sheath, enclosures, frames, fittings, and other metal non–current-carrying parts that are to serve as grounding conductors, with or without the use of supplementary equipment grounding conductors, shall be effectively bonded where necessary to ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed on them. Any nonconductive paint, enamel, or similar coating shall be removed at threads, contact points, and contact surfaces or be connected by means of fittings designed so as to make such removal unnecessary.” You only have to bond one end to bond the raceway but may have to bond each end in order to be able to bond the next piece of equipment.

Examples, Arcing Temps based on 120 and 277 volts. 1 Ohm resistance, I=E/R 120/1 ohm=120 amps, P=I(2)xR 120x120x1=14400watts 76729/14400= 277/1 = 277amps 277x277x1=76729 watts 5.33 The heat created at a 277 volt short is 5.33 times greater than a 120 volt short, thus the reason for 250.97

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY May 9, 2019 Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND BUILDINGS AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Topic: Travis McCall II. Electrical Technical Q & A: As listed below and any questions brought forth for discussion III. Electrical Technical Discussion: Changes to the Permitting and Inspections regarding Residential PV installations

1. What is the method to verify an AFCI circuit using an AFCI listed device at the first outlet location is not exceeding the conductor length in 210.12(A)(4) 50’ for #14 or 70’ for #12?

Answer: The location of the AFCI devices must be clearly marked on the device box at the time of the RF, and unless the distance is clearly evident to be compliant, the box must be tagged with the correct complete circuit distance. The inspector should include in the inspection notes, the distance(s) are verified and the location of the devices for the FI inspection.

2. Service conductors passing through a CT cabinet without using the grounded conductor to bond the enclosure, is it permissible to bond the CT can to the adjacent service panel grounded conductor using a SSBJ size in accordance to 250.102(C)(1).

Answer: Yes, provided the service OCD/Disconnecting is adjacent to the CT can or back-to- back through the exterior wall, within 12 feet.

3. Is it still required to de-rate conductors in metallic raceways installed on or above rooftops exposed to direct sunlight? Installed above the roof 7/8”? Less than 7/8”? What is the local ambient temperature?

Answer: Yes, Conductors ran in metallic raceways on or above roofs, must be derated for the temperatures imposed on them regardless of the distance above the roof. If less than 7/8” the ambient temperature will be increased by 60 degrees F. ASHRAE Places NC in a tiered range across the state of 90-94 degrees, based on humidity and other variables. Manual J, ACCA gives an outside summer air temperature of 91 for designing AC systems. Using the associated tables in 310.15(B)(2) that places Charlotte in the 87-95 degree F column.

4. When applying the demand factors for conductor temperature limitations, do you use 310.15(B)(2)(a) or 310.15(B)(2)(b)?

Answer: The correct table is based on the type conductor and wiring method of the installation. (B)(2)(a) corresponds to 310.15(B)(16)&(17), this is where most installations will fall. (B)(2)(b) corresponds to tables 310.15(B)(18,19,20,&21) Examples, Discussion

5. Is it permissible to utilize the kitchen small appliance circuits to supply receptacles installed for connection of dedicated appliances in the kitchen? Installed under the cabinets or other areas in the kitchen?

Answer: No, unless specified in 210.52(B), the small appliance circuits are for receptacle connected loads of kitchen associated cord connected appliances such as toasters, mixers, and can openers, etc.

210.11 (C) Dwelling Units. (1) Small-Appliance Branch Circuits. In addition to the number of branch circuits required by other parts of this section, two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits shall be provided for all receptacle outlets specified by 210.52(B). (B) Small Appliances. (1) Receptacle Outlets Served. In the kitchen, , breakfast room, , or similar area of a dwelling unit, the two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by210.11(C)(1) shall serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A), all countertop outlets covered by 210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment. The limited exceptions to 210.52(B)(2) keep loads for specific equipment to a minimum so that the majority of the circuit capacity is dedicated to supplying cord-and-plug-connected portable appliance loads. The NEC restricts the loads supplied by these receptacle circuits because the number of cord-and-plug-connected portable appliances used by occupants is generally undetermined. Receptacles and other types of outlets in other locations, such as in cabinets, are not permitted to be connected to the small-appliance branch circuit. Such outlets reduce the capacity to supply portable appliances used at a kitchen counter. Exception No. 1: In addition to the required receptacles specified by 210.52, switched receptacles supplied from a general purpose branch circuit as defined in 210.70(A)(1), Exception No. 1, shall be permitted. Switched receptacles supplied from general-purpose 15-ampere branch circuits may be located in kitchens, , breakfast rooms, and similar areas. See 210.70(A) and Exhibit 210.27 for details. Exception No. 2: In addition to the required receptacles specified by 210.52, a receptacle outlet to serve a specific appliance shall be permitted to be supplied from an individual branch circuit rated 15 amperes or greater.

6. Smoke Detectors installed in small apartment units as indicated in the photo. Is it required to have 1 inside and 1 outside the sleeping area when the walls do not extend to the ceiling.

Answer: The requirement comes from the NC Building Codes, when the apartment unit has walls that do not extend to the ceiling, the unit must still have at least 2 smoke detectors, one must be over the sleeping area, the other can be installed in any other room or area in the same apartment. This will allow for continued protection in the event 1 detector is faulty and further eliminate the need for 2 placed so close together. The placement will still be required to meet the other restrictions such as ceiling fans, and HVAC vents.

7. Is it permissible to utilize the residential Dwelling Service and Feeder demand allowance found in 310.15(B)(7) and the Annex D to feeders supplying power to residential detached out-buildings? Is it permissible to apply an 83% demand to the loads for sizing of the feeder conductors?

Answer: No, the 83 % allowance was removed by NC in the Amendments, basically the BCC kept the language except removed the “83% or the service or feeder rating” and returned the original table from the 2011 code. I understand the 2020 NEC will return the original table to the old spot and revert back to the original 310.16(B)(7). The table and the associated text is for services or feeders that supply the entire load of SF, Individual dwellings of 2F and MF.

8. I am installing a generator at an existing residence that was fed from a 320-amp meter enclosure back to back through the wall to 2 separate 200-amp panels. The generator is located adjacent to the service equipment, and the transfer switch is service rated and mounted beside the meter enclosure. I fed the switch from the meter base and re-fed back through the meter enclosure to the existing panel. The inspector has refused to pass this installation, and it is the same as at least a dozen that we have installed recently, please explain? Answer; The inspector is correct the installation is not code compliant, • First, the meter enclosure cannot contain both unfused service conductors and fused feeder conductors, as Detailed in 230.7. there are additional reasons the feeder cannot pass back through the meter enclosure, including wire bend space, and access after meter installation. • Second, the transfer switch is now a service disconnecting means. All service disconnecting means serving the residence are required to be grouped, they can be inside or outside the structure but they have to be grouped In either location per NEC 230.72(A)

9. My generator was provided with a separate disconnecting means, is this disconnect required to be suitable for service equipment? Answer; No, the generator source output conductors are considered a feeder originating at a separately derived system not a service. The generator feeder must have a disconnect at the source if it is not within sight of the structure it feeds but it is not required to be suitable for service equipment

445.18 Disconnecting Means Required for Generators. Generators shall be equipped with a disconnect(s), lockable in the open position by means of which the generator and all protective devices and control apparatus are able to be disconnected entirely from the circuits supplied by the generator except where the following conditions apply: (1) Portable generators are cord- and plug-connected, or (2) Both of the following conditions apply: a. The driving means for the generator can be readily shut down, is rendered incapable of restarting, and is lockable in the OFF position in accordance with 110.25. b. The generator is not arranged to operate in parallel with another generator or other source of voltage.

10. I have installed wiring to multiple coolers and freezers in a large grocery store. I used Carlon from the j-boxes on the bar-joists suspended 4 feet above to penetrate the units and sealed the end on the conduits to prevent condensation as I have been doing for years. The inspector now says I need to place the seal in the Carlon closer to the freezer ceiling please explain? Additionally, is it required to seal conduits that are installed in the coolers and freezers, ran between lights and fans all located in the freezers? Answer; The seal is to prevent the mixing of cold and warn air within the conduit system to comply with NEC 300.7(A). Without the seal condensation occurs and can build up to either flood the raceway, damage equipment, or can accumulate and freeze and burst conduits of other components. The seal Itself should be as close as possible to the penetration, and preferably at the point where the insulation of the wall or ceiling is located. This would require a j-box or an LB to be placed against the cooler or freezer.

11. I am installing a junction box in a run of 3” conduit. I have to make an offset at one point in the run and can use the j-box to make the offset. If I come into the box on the side at the top and leave the box on the opposite side on the bottom, do I calculate using the straight or angle pull distance? Answer; It will be considered a straight pull and be required to be calculated accordingly

12. Please explain the Pool Bonding Policy found on the Mecklenburg County website.

Discussion 1. Must be a properly permitted project 2. Requires pre-approval 3. Must be performed through IBA inspection 4. Must be a licensed electrical contractor that does not have a high failure rate 5. Must be conducted through an approved firm This is a performance test and must be conducted as detailed and requires accessing the equipotential conductor or grid reinforcing wire in at least 4 places equally spaced

13. I was recently turned down for having aluminum and copper conductors in contact with each other on a panel ground bar. I have never been turned down for this in my 20 years of experience, what gives?

Answer: NEC 110.14 prohibits conductors of dissimilar metals from contacting each other at terminals.

110.14 Electrical Connections. Because of different character‐ istics of dissimilar metals, devices such as pressure terminal or pressure splicing connectors and soldering lugs shall be identi‐ fied for the material of the conductor and shall be properly installed and used. Conductors of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact occurs between dissimilar conductors (such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper-clad aluminum, or alumi‐ num and copper-clad aluminum), unless the device is identi‐ fied for the purpose and conditions of use. Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment.

14. I recently upgraded two services side by side at some townhomes. I installed two ground rods 6’ apart for each service in a narrow patch of grass behind the . The grounding electrode systems for each service were 4’ wide apart. My inspector turned me down since the separate electrode systems weren’t 6’ apart from each other. Was the inspector correct? Answer: The inspector was correct per 250.53(B). (B) Electrode Spacing. Where more than one of the electro‐ des of the type specified in 250.52(A)(5) or (A)(7) are used, each electrode of one grounding system (including that used for strike termination devices) shall not be less than 1.83 m (6 ft) from any other electrode of another grounding system. Two or more grounding electrodes that are bonded together shall be considered a single grounding electrode system

15. Are EMT set screw type connectors approved for grounding? The engineer for my project said only compression type EMT fittings are approved for grounding.

Answer: According to the UL product category code FKAV for EMT fittings, set screw type fittings are considered suitable for grounding when installed in accordance with NFPA 70. The NEC requirements for raceways as EGCs are found in 250.120 and 250.97 for bonding raceways over 250 volts.

250.97 Bonding for Over 250 Volts. For circuits of over 250 volts to ground, the electrical continuity of metal raceways and cables with metal sheaths that contain any conductor other than service conductors shall be ensured by one or more of the methods specified for services in 250.92(B), except for (B)(1). Exception: Where oversized, concentric, or eccentric knockouts are not encountered, or where a box or enclosure with concentric or eccentric knockouts is listed to provide a reliable bonding connection, the follow‐ ing methods shall be permitted: (1) Threadless couplings and connectors for cables with metal sheaths (2) Two locknuts, on rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit, one inside and one outside of boxes and cabinets (3) Fittings with shoulders that seat firmly against the box or cabinet, such as electrical metallic tubing connectors, flexible metal conduit connectors, and cable connectors, with one locknut on the inside of boxes and cabinets (4) Listed fittings.

250.120 Equipment Grounding Conductor Installation. An equipment grounding conductor shall be installed in accord‐ ance with 250.120(A), (B), and (C). (A) Raceway, Cable Trays, Cable Armor, Cablebus, or Cable Sheaths. Where it consists of a raceway, cable tray, cable armor, cablebus framework, or cable sheath or where it is a wire within a raceway or cable, it shall be installed in accord‐ ance with the applicable provisions in this Code using fittings for joints and terminations approved for use with the type race‐ way or cable used. All connections, joints, and fittings shall be made tight using suitable tools.

16. Are barriers required on residential load centers to prevent inadvertent contact of ungrounded terminals and bus bars? What if the load center is a sub panel?

Answer: NEC 408.3 requires barriers on service panelboards to help eliminate inadvertent contact of service terminals and busbars. A load center is considered a panelboard by UL standards. A sub panel wouldn’t require the barriers, this requirement only applies at the service.

(2) Service Panelboards, Switchboards, and Switchgear. Barri‐ ers shall be placed in all service panelboards, switchboards, and switchgear such that no uninsulated, ungrounded service busbar or service terminal is exposed to inadvertent contact by persons or maintenance equipment while servicing load termi‐ nations. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to service panelboards with provisions for more than one service disconnect within a single enclo‐ sure as permitted in 408.36, Exceptions 1, 2, and 3.

17. I have a step up XFMR 208V Delta to 480/277V Wye. Do I size the grounding electrode conductor and system bonding jumper based off the 208V feeder or the 480V supply side?

Answer: NEC 250.30(A)(5) requires the grounding electrode conductor to be sized in accordance with 250.66 based off the size of the derived (480/277V Wye) ungrounded conductors. NEC 250.28(D)(1) gives us the requirements for sizing the system bonding jumper which refers to 250.102(C)(1).

(5) Grounding Electrode Conductor, Single Separately Derived System. A grounding electrode conductor for a single sepa‐ rately derived system shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 for the derived ungrounded conductors. It shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the derived system to the grounding electrode in accordance with 250.30(A)(4) , or as permitted in 250.68(C)(1) and (2). This connection shall be made at the same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.

(D) Size. Main bonding jumpers and system bonding jumpers shall be sized in accordance with 250.28(D)(1) through (D)(3). (1) General. Main bonding jumpers and system bonding jumpers shall not be smaller than specified in Table 250.102(C)(1).

18. The electrical engineer is calling for new thru the wall A/C self-contained units (PTAC) in existing dorm rooms at a local college. The units are 277V with a load of 3737 VA, fed with #12 and 20amp breaker. They are shown as cord and plug connected. Questions: a. Is a dorm room considered “similar occupancies” in NEC 210.6(A)? Yes

b. If it is a similar occupancy, then does 210.6(A)(2) mean I can have voltage greater than 120 volt because the load is greater than 1440 VA? Yes c. NEC 440.60 says if the AC unit is rated over 250 volts it shall be directly connected to a wiring method in Chapter Yes d. The direct connection requirement would be in conflict with the manufactures specifications as shown below; In this case which would take precedence, the NEC or the manufactures spec’s? Typically, regarding conflicting requirements, the most restrictive take precedence. e. If the installer does have to direct connect, would he be required to install a disconnect in accordance with Part 2 of NEC 440? Or use a locking devise at the breaker? The unit disconnect must be within sight of the unit or can be installed on or in the unit where readily accessible

19. Can I use type FPLR cable for a low volt (12V DC) lighting system? Is this cable permitted to be in a trough with 120/208V wiring? Answer; The simple answer is no and no. FPLR cable is covered under UL standard 1424, that states: 1.9 these requirements do not cover cables that contain conductors for electric-light, power, or Class 1 circuits. These requirements do not cover cables for Class 3 or Class 2 power-limited circuits (see the Standard for Power-Limited Circuit Cables, UL 13), communications cables (see the Standard for Communications Cables, UL 444), or cables for non-power-limited fire-alarm circuits (NPLF types). Also, 760.136 (A) of the 2017 NEC states: General. Power-limited fire alarm circuit cables and conductors shall not be placed in any cable, cable tray, compartment, enclosure, manhole, outlet box, device box, raceway, or similar fitting with conductors of electric light, power, C lass 1, non– power-limited fire alarm circuits, and medium- power network powered broadband communications circuits unless permitted by 760.136(B) through (G). 20. Can these lighting fixtures be installed on other manufacturer’s grid systems other than Armstrong? No, the manufactures installation instructions clearly state, the lights are specifically designed for use with the Armstrong 9/16” grid.

21. Is it permissible to use a panelboard as a raceway for fused conductors that enter the panel at the bottom and nipple to the meter then back to the panel crossing the line side of the meter feeders and terminating on the main lugs of the panel? We assume without additional information this is some sort of load side metering, or optional metering Situation. If so then the Answer is Yes, the interior sections of panels and other enclosures can be used as junction and pull boxes Per NEC 312.8

312.8 Switch and Overcurrent Device Enclosures. The wiring space within enclosures for switches and overcurrent devices shall be permitted for other wiring and equipment subject to limitations for specific equipment as provided in (A) and (B). (A) Splices, Taps, and Feed-Through Conductors. The wiring space of enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall be permitted for conductors feeding through, spliced, or tapping off to other enclosures, switches, or overcurrent devices where all of the following conditions are met: (1) The total of all conductors installed at any cross section of the wiring space does not exceed 40 percent of the cross sectional area of that space. (2) The total area of all conductors, splices, and taps installed at any cross section of the wiring space does not exceed 75 percent of the cross-sectional area of that space. (3) A warning label complying with 110.21(B) is applied to the enclosure that identifies the closest disconnecting means for any feed-through conductors. (B) Power Monitoring Equipment. The wiring space of enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall be permitted to contain power monitoring equipment where all of the following conditions are met: (1) The power monitoring equipment is identified as a field installable accessory as part of the listed equipment, or is a listed kit evaluated for field installation in switch or overcurrent device enclosures. (2) The total area of all conductors, splices, taps, and equipment at any cross section of the wiring space does not exceed 75 percent of the cross-sectional area of that space.

22. Are Dishwashers installed in a hotel room / guest suite required to be provided with disconnects using an approved switch or be cord-and-plug connected to provide for the disconnect? Answer; Maybe, the appliance is required to have a disconnect, it can be provided as indicated above, Or can be installed to meet NEC 422.31(C)

(C) Motor-Operated Appliances Rated over 1⁄8 Horsepower. The disconnecting means shall comply with 430.109 and 430.110. For permanently connected motor- operated appliances with motors rated over 1⁄8 hp, the disconnecting means shall be within sight from the appliance or be capable of being locked in the open position in compliance with 110.25. The disconnecting means requirement is more restrictive for appliances rated over 1⁄8 horsepower. The use of a lockable disconnecting means located out of sight of the appliance is permitted. Exception: If an appliance of more than 1⁄8 hp is provided with a unit switch that complies with 422.34(A), (B), (C), or (D), the switch or circuit breaker serving as the other disconnecting means shall be permitted to be out of sight from the appliance.

23. Do the requirements for egress doors from the workspace include catastrophic obstructions or only physical obstructions when determining the clearance and number of doors needed in a large equipment scenario? Answer; Yes, the term “Un-obstructed Egress” does not deal solely with physical obstructions, as those aren’t allowed in any egress path. The term “obstructions” is deemed to mean anything that could hinder your emergency egress from the space, and the primary reason for emergency egress would be due to some accident. The basic thought is that the egress path cannot pass through any portion of the required working space. To discount catastrophes, would eliminate the need for grounding entirely.

4 42” 36” <25’

24. I’m wiring a commercial kitchen piece of equipment. The equipment supplier said, the three phase, 208v, 50amp piece of equipment, is cord and plug connected. I understand that 210.8 (B) (2), requires that I provide GFCI protection for personnel. My breaker supplier said he can only provide GFCI protection down to 15 milliamps. Will this be code compliant? Answer; No, 210.8 (B) reads as follows: (B) Other Than Dwelling Units. All single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in the following locations shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. UL943 Identifies GFCI protection for personnel, as a Class 1 GFCI. Therefore, all commercial kitchen equipment, requiring GFCI protection, must be Class 1 GFCI. This will normally be identified on the front of the breaker. It is imperative that the classification be verified, because it’s being passed all over the state with incorrect protection.

Thank You

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY June 12, 2019 Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND BUILDINGS AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Topic: David Rains II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Building Electrical Services, Number and Locations, Per NEC 230.2 III. Electrical Question and Answer:

1. I have a project in for Plan Review that has 2 electrical services. The submitted drawings show 1 service inside the building and 1 outside of the building. Both are the same voltage; however the interior service is 1600 amperes, and the exterior service is 800 amperes. Is it code compliant to allow this installation? Answer: NEC 230.2(C) This section allows multiple services based on capacity requirements, not necessarily connected loads. If the service is requirement is over 2000 amperes a second service can be added. The location then be as the designer or owner decides, the “all in or all out” clause is only available under section B, and because it is in reality a second service the grouping, and quantity of disconnecting means is doubled. 2 services are allowed to be side by side, or one in and one out, at the designer’s discretion, both with up to 6 disconnecting means. Labeling is key on this type of installation. 2. Do communication data racks require additional bonding to the grounding electrode system beyond the equipment installed at the ? What if it is shown on the approved drawings to be bonded to the GES? Answer: NEC 800.100, 810.21, 820.100, 830.100. and 840.101, All the sections listed deal with the entrance and demarcation point of the specific LV systems. The bonding requirements in the NEC are targeted to the entrance of the cables with directions to bond the Primary protector, being the raceway and shielding of the utility cables, with specific references to the intersystem bonding termination. The remote customer data or LV racks do not require bonding to the GES however if there is possibility to become energized it must be grounded to an equipment grounding conductor, of a size as determined by the ampacity of what may enegize the racking, usually by the circuit powering the equipment on the rack.

3. I have failed inspections many times in the last several years for having three equipment grounding conductors under 1 terminal in residential panelboards. The manufacturer instructions indicated 3 of the same sized and material conductors under the screw terminal can be allowed but inspectors only allow 2. What is the correct call? Answer: The manufacturer’s instructions provide the correct guidance on quantity of conductors per terminations. If the equipment grounding conductors are more than 2 then consult the manufacturer’s instructions. The conductors must be the same size (usually 14-10), material, and solid or stranded. 4. Does the installation of customer owned cord and plug connected utilization equipment fall under the NEC? Does the inspector have the authority to fail an electrical inspection because the customers cord connected equipment is not third party listed? Answer: a. No, not specifically, see 90.7 the NEC, or the NCEC is a construction code and therefore stops at the end use of the circuit. Basically, if it is a receptacle it stops at the receptacle, if it is a hard-wired piece of equipment it continues to that equipment. If it is a dedicated circuit, listed on the panel directory for a dedicated piece of cord connected customer equipment the inspector should see that equipment prior to final of the permit. If the installation is general use receptacles for portable customer owned equipment that equipment is not needed to be in place to final the permit. b. Yes, the NCGS. Chapter 66 article 4 as seen below, provides the basis of Third Party requirements for NC.

5. I have been contracted to replace all the receptacles and switches in a large older residence in Mecklenburg County. I understand the safety aspect of upgrading the receptacles to GFCI where current code requires, but am I required to upgrade to AFCI as well. I understood that the NC stance is if it was code compliant at the time of installation it can be replaced as it was originally per the NC Existing Building Code?

Answer: NEC 406.4(D)(1-6). Any changeout of the receptacles (unless it is a repair of a broken or otherwise non- serviceable outlet) must meet the code section regarding changeouts and be protected by AFCI. There are numerous attempts to amend this requirement but as, yet they have not been approved.

(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is located in any areas specified in 210.12(A) or (B), a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following: (1) A listed outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit interrupter receptacle (2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter-type receptacle (3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter-type circuit breaker Exception No. 1: Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required where all of the following apply; (1) The replacement complies with 406.4(D)(2)(b). (2) It is impracticable to provide an equipment grounding conductor as provided by 250.130(C).

(3) A listed combination-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter circuit breaker is not commercially available. (4) GFCI/AFCI dual function receptacles are not commercially available. Exception No. 2: Section 210.12(B), Exception shall not apply to replacement of receptacles. Older homes are statistically more vulnerable to electrical fires. Extra protection for older homes is provided by the gradual replacement, over time, of non-AFCI-protected receptacles with new AFCI-protected ones.

6. Are conductors and equipment installed in residential apartment pool pump rooms, and pool chemical storage rooms required to be listed for corrosive environments?

Answer: NEC 110.11 No, The section indicates that the equipment must be identified as corrosion resistant, manufacturers must include in the statements about their products that it is treated or otherwise approved for use in those type environments. The inspector may chose to accept a product based on its design or accessories available if it is suitable for the use.

7. I had an inspection request at a residence for a pool motor change out. The changeout was code compliant, but there are other existing defects that I feel make the pool a life safety concern. How should I handle this or is it important enough to get involved in or to create a RQ inspection?

Answer: Any noticeable or discovered safety issues must be addressed by the inspector. The existing permit can be passed as anything other than FI and left open to direct the conversation regarding the discrepancies. Or if the contractor wants to be left out we can final out his/her work and address directly with the owner through an RQ, and perhaps a Notice of Violation should be issued if the owner is unavailable or reluctant to correct. At the end of the day, an inspector must do diligence to address the defects as sternly and professionally as possible.

8. I am installing a generator at a project, and the generator comes equipped with a System Bonding Jumper connecting the neutral conductor to the unit frame. The transfer switch (existing) does not break the neutral conductor. Can I remove the SBJ at the generator and if so, does it require re-evaluation by a NRTL because it has been altered on site? Answer: Yes, alterations of that type are allowed to be done on site using the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines and as long as completed by a competent person (basically anyone) it would not affect the listing.

9. Is it a violation of the NEC or OSHA if I replace a defective factory cord cap on a condensate pump? If so can I remove the cord cap and terminate the cord into a junction box for connection?

Answer: No, same as above the cord cap can be replaced by a competent person with a same or similar type listed cord cap. No, you cannot remove the cord cap and hard wire any type factory cord on any type equipment. Usage of cords in this manner in the NEC are very limited in scope and subject to the appropriate NEC sections.

10. I am working on a small commercial store building the service consists of a CT can with a rear side through the wall feed to a 600-amp service panel with 3 parallel 250 kcmil AL conductors per phase. At the same time the owner is having another contractor install a PV system on the roof of the building and plan to make a supply side tap to my service conductors. The PV contractor tells me he will use an insulation piercing taps to attach the PV source circuits to only one of the parallels. He indicates he has made this type connection many times throughout NC and it is compliant per 705.12(A). Is this code compliant?

Answer: NEC 310.10(H) No. the parallel conductors are considered one conductor, and all must have the same effects , conditions, and characteristics imposed on them. A tap cannot attached in any fashion to a single conductor that is a component of a parallel installation.

11. My boss swears that if I drive ground rods at all my site light poles and attach a #6 bare CU to the rod and terminate it at the lug in the handhole, then I do not have to attach my equipment grounding conductor to the pole. Isn’t the lug and rod are installed just for lightning protection. I do not see how this is compliant, please provide insight.

Answer: 250.4(A)(5) Not only is this not code compliant, it is a dangerous situation to install. The safest way to handle a defective circuit is to turn it off. The circuits and equipment in the installation must be provided a low impedance fault return path to clear the OCD, and de-energize the circuit. That is by connection to the equipment grounding conductor. The addition of a grounding electrode conductor can control random lightning events but cannot provide the path to clear the OCD, and if fact can cause dangerous contact potential at the ground rod. In the diagram below from Mr. Holt is explains the potential for contact voltages.

12. Is it permissible to install a PV output breaker in an MLO panelboard that already has 6 breakers installed acting as the 6 service disconnecting means?

Answer: NEC 690.13(B-D), Yes, the PV output disconnecting means is not a service disconnecting means. It is allowed to be used as a line side tap and in fact can be made up of up to 6 individual disconnects.

13. I am renovating a hotel. We are adding 1800 watt microwave ovens to the existing 20 amp circuits. The ovens will set on the counter top and are not permanently mounted. Will I need a dedicated circuit, and will I be required to provide AFCI protection as required in 210.17?

Answer: 210.23(A) (1), No, to both questions Cord-and-Plug-Connected Equipment Not Fastened in Place. The rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected utilization equipment not fastened in place shall not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating. Because, 1800 watts is less than 80% of a 2400-watt circuit, a dedicated circuit would not be required. Also, in the past we had several times when the question was asked concerning whether or not the microwave was a permanent provision for cooking. In our meetings with the OSFM at code seminars we were informed if the unit had a dedicated circuit or was attached it should be considered permanent. This was covered in our May 10th, 2017 Consistency Meeting.

14. I am inspecting an ABC Store. I told the GC that the electrician must provide show receptacles, per 210.62. He said the architect did not design the front windows, which go from floor to ceiling and are about 30’ wide, to be display windows. Is there an occupancy trigger, on a commercial building, that establishes the show window requirement, or is it only if the windows were designed as show windows?

Answer: Article 100, defines Show Window as, any window, including windows above doors, used or designed to be used for the display of goods or advertising material, whether it is fully or partly enclosed or entirely open at the rear and whether or not it has a platform raised higher than the street floor level. (CMP-2) We realize this requires more discussion, but basically the determination of windows to be used as a show window is up to the designer. If it is designed as show window it should be listed on the drawings or panel directories. If an inspector or reviewer has a question regarding a business or other occupancy we should question whether it is and accept if it is not to be used as a show window. If perhaps it is listed a Mercantile occupancy clarification can be formally requested through letter or bulletin drawings.

15. Is tinned-copper approved to be used as a grounding electrode conductor?

Answer: Yes. The tinned-copper conductor must comply with the specifications of the ASTM B33 standard. Tinned-copper conductors are considered covered conductors, since the tin covering encases the entire conductor and is not recognized as an insulator by the NEC. 250.62, Allows for covered copper conductors to be used as grounding electrode conductors.

16. 408.3(A)(2) .(Barriers) Does this include subpanels? What about older manufactured panels. (old stock) Can I make something that will fit? Answer: This section is directed to service panelboards only and includes all new installed equipment regardless of when the equipment was constructed or acquired. Any guards must be listed and be suitable for the installation and designed for the applications.

17. I have a bath/bedroom room addition with 7 receptacles 18 can lights 2 bath fans and 2 vanity lights. Can I require a load calculation?

Answer: NEC Branch circuits must be calculated per 220.16 (220.12, 2201.14) If the service is questionable existing and new loads must be calculated per 220.83(A) If the existing circuits can have the additional general load added the installation may not require additional circuits, however a calculation must be performed. If the original house is 2000 square feet that requires 4-15 amp circuits for general loads. Say the addition is a 18x20 bedroom, a 10x10 closet, and a 10x14 bathroom. The addition now places the residence at 2600 square feet, that requires 5-15 amp circuits. If the original residence has 5 or more general use 15 ampere circuits, it can be added to the existing residence but must be divided correctly on those existing circuits. If the addition requires additional AC or Heat load, the service must be recalculated per 220.83.

18. Do underwater LV pool lights require GFCI protection?

Answer: NEC 680.23(A)(3) GFCI protection is NOT required on LV pool lights ONLY IF they are below the Low Voltage contact limit. These voltage limits are listed in the definitions of 680.2.

19. What are the clearance requirements to lighting over a hot tub/spa that is installed on an existing screened ? Does 680.22(B)(3) apply?

Answer: NEC 680.43(B). These clearance requirements are specific. 680.22 would not apply. 680.22 was intended for use when renovating the area around an existing indoor pool and not for use when adding a hot tub to an existing structure.

20. My inspector turned me down for having a receptacle in a cubby hole space for an ice maker on the small appliance circuit. It’s a refrigerator, right? 210.52 (B)(1)? Wasn’t he wrong? I don’t understand!

Answer: No. any specific appliance cannot be supplied by the small appliance circuit. Those circuits are intended for cord connected portable appliances used in kitchens. The code allows specific loads to be included on the circuits refrigerator, clocks with clock receptacles, igniters and timers for gas appliances, these are singled out as specific exceptions to the requirements. Nothing in the code language allows other specific appliances or dedicated receptacles to be on these circuits.

(B) Small Appliances. (1) Receptacle Outlets Served. In the kitchen, pantry, breakfast room, dining room, or similar area of a dwelling unit, the two or more 20-ampere small-appliance branch circuits required by 210.11(C)(1) shall serve all wall and floor receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(A), all countertop outlets covered by 210.52(C), and receptacle outlets for refrigeration equipment. The limited exceptions to 210.52(B)(2) keep loads for specific equipment to a minimum so that the majority of the circuit capacity is dedicated to supplying cord-and-plug-connected portable appliance loads. The NEC restricts the loads supplied by these receptacle circuits because the number of cord-and- plug-connected portable appliances used by occupants is generally undetermined. Receptacles and other types of outlets in other locations, such as in cabinets, are not permitted to be connected to the small- appliance branch circuit. Such outlets reduce the capacity to supply portable appliances used at a kitchen counter.

21. I am replacing a main panel, not the original meter. The original meter has one ground rod. This is just a replacement because I want a newer panel. The old one was old and looks bad. Do I need 2 ground rods now?

Answer: Yes, the grounding electrode system must be addressed and installed as in any new installation. The only exception is a repair of damage or accident where the equipment is not required to be replaced.

22. I have an above ground pool with a cord and plug circulation pump. I have ran a circuit from the house to a post to install the GFCI receptacle for the pump. Do I need an insulated ground in the underground cable? Is the standard UF cable considered to have an insulated ground? In an existing house, does the insulated ground have to go all the way to the panel?

Answer: NEC 680.21(A)(1), 340.2 and 340.108, Yes, the installation would be considered a corrosive location due to the close proximity to the pool, as described in 680.14(A) and would require an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor as described in 680.21(A)(1)and a wiring method as described in 680.14(B) or a cable as described in 340.10(3) UF with insulated copper equipment grounding conductor not smaller than #12. Any portions of the circuit outside the corrosive environment can use any wiring method approved for the application in Chapter 3 of the NEC.

23. In an or , is a keyless or pull chain light fixture required to have a cage around it? Where is this in the code? Can I just put it between the floor joist or rafters? How far from the equipment can it be to eliminate the protection requirement and still be used as illumination of the equipment? Why are you all picking on me?

Answer: NEC 110.27(B), and NCSBCRC M1305.1.4.3 Yes, the fixture must be protected if subject to physical damage. The method of protection can be approved cages or relocation or other means as acceptable to the inspector.

24. I ran 12/3 UF to a detached garage for my 2 circuits. In the garage I wired the receptacle circuit in 12 as it is required and the garage lighting circuit in 14. I protected the receptacle circuit with a single pole 20 amp breaker and the lighting circuit with a single pole 15 amp breaker. I installed a listed and approved breaker tie-handle on these 2 breakers in the panel at the house. The inspector turned me down for this and said it had to be a common (internal) trip breaker and a tie handle was not approved. Why do they sell these for this purpose then?

Answer: NEC 225.33(B) and 240.15(B)(1). They sell them because this installation would be code compliant

25. In the image below would the wires from the floor heat system need to be sleeved out onto the floor?

Answer: NEC 424.91 and 424.98(D) Yes, the sleeve enclosing the non-heating leads must extend completely to the floor. The sleeve method can be as acceptable to the inspector.

26. Is it compliant to replace a single phase pool pump with a three phase motor by installing phase conversion equipment and a VFD without GFCI protection? Answer: Yes, it is acceptable to replace a single phase pool pump motor with a three phase motor using phase conversion equipment and a VFD. If the VFD supplies an approved OCD that provides ground fault, short circuit and over- current protection in the three phase system supply, or an approved OCD is installed in the three phase system ahead of the motor. The logic is that the code language requires GFCI protection only in single phase circuits. After the phase conversion equipment AND the OCD this now defines the branch circuit as three phase eliminating the GFCI requirement. In the pictures below is one such installation, and the way it is installed is not code compliant, both for the GFCI requirements, the ability to re-classify the branch circuit as three phase.

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY July 10, 2019 Committed To: QUALITY INSPECTION SERVICES AND EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Goal is: TO PARTNER WITH CLIENTS AND CITIZENS TO ASSURE THE SAFETY OF PROJECTS AND BUILDINGS AND TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY

I. Customer Service Topic: David Rains II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Residential Generator Installations III. Electrical Question and Answer:

1) As an inspector are we enforcing arc energy reduction per NEC 240.87? If so what am I looking for?

Answer: Yes, we are enforcing this and have been since the 2014 edition of the NEC was adopted by NC. 240.87 requires arc energy reduction for any circuit breaker 1200A or greater. The most common method manufacturers have adopted to meet this requirements is the ERMS (Energy Reduction Management Switch) built into the main breaker and equipment. The ERMS turns the short time delay to zero. Arc flash energy reduction does not reduce the fault current, it reduces the time in which the OCPD will clear. Another common method is an instantaneous trip setting dial built into the main breaker which will also reduce the clearing time. If you’re in doubt or unsure, ask for documentation. 240.87 Arc Energy Reduction. Where the highest continuous current trip setting for which the actual overcurrent device installed in a circuit breaker is rated or can be adjusted is 1200 A or higher, 240.87(A) and (B) shall apply. (A) Documentation. Documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, operate, or inspect the installation as to the location of the circuit breaker(s). (B) Method to Reduce Clearing Time. One of the following means shall be provided: (1) Zone-selective interlocking (2) Differential relaying (3) Energy-reducing maintenance switching with local status indicator (4) Energy-reducing active arc flash mitigation system (5) An instantaneous trip setting that is less than the available arcing current (6) An instantaneous override that is less than the available arcing current (7) An approved equivalent means

2) In addition, Per NEC 240.67, arc energy reduction for fuses goes into effect January 1, 2020. Will this be enforced?

Answer: Yes, this will be enforced and will require arc energy reduction for all 1200A or larger fuses. The most common methods to achieve this will be similar to the provisions for circuit breakers in 240.87. 240.67 Arc Energy Reduction. Where fuses rated 1200 A or higher are installed, 240.67(A) and (B) shall apply. This requirement shall become effective January 1, 2020. (A) Documentation. Documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, operate, or inspect the installation as to the location of the fuses. (B) Method to Reduce Clearing Time. A fuse shall have a clearing time of 0.07 seconds or less at the available arcing current, or one of the following shall be provided: (1) Differential relaying (2) Energy-reducing maintenance switching with local status Indicator (3) Energy-reducing active arc flash mitigation system (4) An approved equivalent meant GE’s

3) Are interlocks required for electric vehicle car chargers in case the cable connector is uncoupled from the vehicle? How do I check to make sure the EV supply equipment has this?

Answer: Yes, NEC 625.18 requires an interlock to de-energize the connector in the event it accidentally detaches from the vehicle while in use. If the EV equipment is listed by an approved third party agency, then it should meet this requirement since it’s an integral component of the equipment. 625.18 Interlock. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be provided with an interlock that de-energizes the electric vehicle connector whenever the electrical connector is uncoupled from the electric vehicle. An interlock shall not be required for portable cord-and-plug-connected electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to receptacle outlets rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes. An interlock shall not be required for dc supplies less than 60 volts dc.

4) Are there new NEC requirements for wall outlets in a meeting room? My inspector said I needed additional wall outlets, but the plans do not show them, what gives?

Answer: The 2017 NEC implemented a new article, 210.71 which outlines the requirements for outlets in a meeting or similar type room. This article requires a certain number of wall outlets on fixed walls for meeting rooms of not more than 1,000 sq.ft. to be installed per 210.52 (A)(1) through (A)(4). Keep in mind that the location of these non-dwelling unit receptacles can be “determined by the designer or building owner.” This gives the designer or building owner the freedom to locate the receptacles “to best suit the anticipated use of the meeting room.” A simple way to look at this is to say the required number of receptacles must be determined by the Code [210.52(A)(1) through (A)(4)]. The placement of these receptacles can be (but are not required to be) determined by the designer or building owner. As an example, a 56 m2(600 ft2) space might call for five receptacle outlets located in the fixed walls per 210.52(A)(1) through (A)(4). All five of the wall receptacles could be located on one wall by the designer or building owner “to best suit the anticipated use of the meeting room.”

210.71 Meeting Rooms. (A) General. Each meeting room of not more than 93 m2 (1000 ft2) in other than dwelling units shall have outlets for nonlocking-type, 125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacles. The outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.71(B). Where a room or space is provided with movable partition(s), each room size shall be determined with the partition in the position that results in the smallest size meeting room. Informational Note No. 1: For the purposes of this section, meeting rooms are typically designed or intended for the gathering of seated occupants for such purposes as conferences, deliberations, or similar purposes, where portable electronic equipment such as computers, projectors, or similar equipment is likely to be used. Informational Note No. 2: Examples of rooms that are not meeting rooms include auditoriums, schoolrooms, and coffee shops. (B) Receptacle Outlets Required. The total number of receptacle outlets, including floor outlets and receptacle outlets in fixed shall not be less than as determined in (1) and(2). These receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be located as determined by the designer or building owner. (1) Receptacle Outlets in Fixed Walls. Receptacle outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(A)(1) through (A)(4). (2) Floor Receptacle Outlets. A meeting room that is at least 3.7 m (12 ft) wide and that has a floor area of at least 20 m2 (215 ft2) shall have at least one receptacle outlet located in the floor at a distance not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) from any fixed wall for each 20 m2 (215 ft2) or major portion of floor space.

5) I mounted a 30KVA XFMR above a suspended ceiling. It is feeding a 42 circuit panelboard that will be more than 25’ away in an electrical closet, so I will be installing a fusible disconnect for the secondary conductors. May I install said disconnect above the ceiling, even though it will not be readily accessible?

Answer: Yes, while NEC 240.24 requires OCP in switches to be readily accessible, NEC 225.40 allows the OCP for feeders to be non-readily accessible, provided the branch circuit OCPD’s are readily accessible.

240.24 Location in or on Premises. (A) Accessibility. Switches containing fuses and circuit breakers shall be readily accessible and installed so that the center of the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m (6ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform, unless one of the following applies: (1)For busways, as provided in 368.17(C). (2) For supplementary overcurrent protection, as described in 240.10. (3) For overcurrent devices, as described in 225.40 and 230.92. (4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment that they supply, access shall be permitted to be by portable means. Exception: The use of a tool shall be permitted to access overcurrent devices located within listed industrial control panels or similar enclosures.

225.40 Access to Overcurrent Protective Devices. Where a feeder overcurrent device is not readily accessible, branch- circuit overcurrent devices shall be installed on the load side, shall be mounted in a readily accessible location, and shall be of a lower ampere rating than the feeder overcurrent device

6) The new code section in the 2017 NEC, 700.3(F) requires the Emergency System to have a permanent connection point for a temporary standby power source. Does this mean that the temporary power source is just required to serve the Emergency Systems of the building? Please explain.

Answer: Perhaps, the code section does just speak to the 700 systems, and new installations are required to provide for the permanent connection point for these temporary the connections to Emergency of Life Safety systems and some occupancies that is all that is required. However, this is just the most basic of commercial properties, and does not cover Standby systems that are required to occupy larger and different types of occupancies. There is language to provide directions on grounding of the temp. source and phase rotation requirements, but other as important concerns are not addressed, such as: a) transfer and operation in 10 seconds (standby unit would be required to run continuously while the normal is off line) b) Elevator systems, and pressurization systems c) smoke control systems d) Fire Pump and others that if are interrupted places the building in a non-occupiable condition, thereby negating the fact that EM lighting and exit, and egress are provided. The code section is just a requirement to provide a permanent connection point for the temporary back and does not address all aspects of potential repair issues.

7) I recently reviewed a project that has an electrically driven fire pump, and the pump and controller were provided by the fire suppression company. The controller was not sized for the locked rotor current for the pump and did not include information that it was compliant to NEC 695.4(B)(2)(a)(2). Is it compliant?

Answer; Maybe, if it is fed from a direct connection as described in 695.4(A) the controller can be listed with the pump to provide Short Circuit and Ground fault ONLY. If it is not provided with a direct connection as detailed in (A) then it must meet the requirements in (B) including the sections listed in the sections 695.4(B)(2)(a)(2) as detailed in the handbook below.

8) Do the “limited access areas” around HVAC equipment required in 110.26(A)(4) include provisions for dedicated access or work space? Or does it just provide frontal access space?

Answer: Basically, just the front access space is required by this section it does not indicate to include work space or dedicated space covered in the other portions of 110.26 (4) Limited Access. Where equipment operating at 1000 volts, nominal, or less to ground and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized is required by installation instructions or function to be located in a space with limited access, all of the following shall apply: (a) Where equipment is installed above a lay-in ceiling, there shall be an opening not smaller than 559 mm × 559 mm (22 in. × 22 in.), or in a crawl space, there shall be an accessible opening not smaller than 559 mm × 762 mm (22 in. × 30 in.). (b) The width of the working space shall be the width of the equipment enclosure or a minimum of 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. (c) All enclosure doors or hinged panels shall be capable of opening a minimum of 90 degrees. (d) The space in front of the enclosure shall comply with the depth requirements of Table 110.26(A)(1). The maximum height of the working space shall be the height necessary to install the equipment in the limited space. A horizontal ceiling structural member or access panel shall be permitted in this space. This requirement was formerly located in 424.66. A typical application of this requirement is the installation of duct heaters and other ventilation equipment located above suspended ceilings. The workspace is usually limited and workers are usually performing maintenance from ladders

9) I am wiring a new set of apts., with a clubhouse. The electrical inspector turned me down on the rough inspection, because I used romex in the walls. The building is type 5 construction, I thought romex was allowed in this type of building. Answer: NM may not be allowed in certain 5A types of construction While type 5 construction would ordinarily allow for the use of NM cable, the occupancy along with the fire rating of the construction may determine the correct wiring method. 518.4 of the NEC, deals with assembly occupancies and their basic wiring methods. Rated construction like those covered in 518.4(A), would not allow NM to be used as the wiring method, non-rated as listed in 518.4(B) does allow romex as approved wiring methods. The occupancy loads for the assembly areas, can be found on the Appendix B, of the approved prints. With additional information in NEC Annex E 10) I have a medical facility where the electrical contractor has installed MC-LED cable from the switch in the patient care rooms, to the lay-in lights above. Is this cable approved for the use? Answer: Yes. 517.13 (B) Exception No. 3: Luminaires more than 2.3 m (71⁄2 ft.) above the floor and switches located outside of the patient care vicinity shall be permitted to be connected to an equipment grounding return path complying with 517.13(A) or (B). 517.13 (B): Insulated Equipment Grounding Conductors and Insulated Equipment Bonding Jumpers. (1) General. The following shall be directly connected to an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor that is clearly identified along its entire length by green insulation and installed with the branch circuit conductors in the wiring methods as provided in 517.13(A): (1) The grounding terminals of all receptacles other than isolated ground receptacles (2) Metal outlet boxes, metal device boxes, or metal enclosures (3) All non–current-carrying conductive surfaces of fixed electrical equipment likely to become energized that are subject to personal contact, operating at over 100 volts

These requirements cover the second component of the redundant grounding method. An insulated copper EGC, either solid or stranded, sized in accordance with 250.122, must be installed with the branch circuit conductors in a wiring method that meets the requirements of 517.13(A). These requirements only apply to branch circuits and do not apply to feeders.

11) I am wiring a ceiling mounted exam light in a veterinary clinic. May I run the factory supplied SJO cord above a lay in ceiling and hard wire it to a junction box?

Answer: No, NEC 400.12(5) prohibits flexible cord from being installed above a suspended ceiling. 400.12 Uses Not Permitted. Unless specifically permitted in 400.10, flexible cables, flexible cord sets, and power supply cords shall not be used for the following: (1) As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure (2) Where run through holes in walls, structural ceilings, suspended ceilings, dropped ceilings, or floors (3) Where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings (4) Where attached to building surfaces Exception to (4): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be permitted to be attached to building surfaces in accordance with 368.56(B) (5) Where concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings or located above suspended or dropped ceilings Exception to (5): Flexible cord and flexible cable shall be permitted if contained within an enclosure for use in Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air as permitted by 300.22(C) (3). (6) Where installed in raceways, except as otherwise permitted in this Code (7) Where subject to physical damage 12) I’m working on a big box store and put several TV receptacles on the energy management system, the inspector told me on the TCO that I needed receptacles that have the symbol and the word controlled on it, was he right? Answer: The inspector is correct, per 406.3(E). Controlled Receptacle Marking. All nonlocking-type, 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that are controlled by an automatic control device, or that incorporate control features that remove power from the receptacle for the purpose of energy management or building automation, shall be permanently marked with the symbol shown in Figure 406.3(E) and the word “controlled.” For receptacles controlled by an automatic control device, the marking shall be located on the receptacle face and visible after installation. In both cases where a multiple receptacle device is used, the required marking of the word “controlled” and symbol shall denote which contact device(s) are controlled. Exception: The marking shall not be required for receptacles controlled by a wall switch that provide the required room lighting outlets as permitted by 210.70.

13) Service at the house and a service on the garage. A three-way run between them. Is it legal? It doesn't seem to be?

Answer: Yes, the application of this installation requires to be addressed on a case by case basis. It should be fed from the Garage service with a label at the residence service panel stating the light switch is energized from the garage service.

14) I have knob and tubing wire under the floor. The mechanical guy, in an effort to insulate a boot, sprayed insulation incasing about 16” of the wire. Is this legal?

Answer: NEC 394.12(5) No. KandT wiring cannot be concealed in foam-in insulation, or any other type of insulation. 15) I have a project that is designed using power inverters as the alternate power source for the emergency lighting and limited exhaust fans for parking areas and bathroom subducts. The electrical inspector has informed me of the commissioning required for these systems, please explain. Answer: Inverters are required to meet the requirements of NCSBC, and the NEC, and as indicated in the excerpt NFPA 111

See the excerpt from NFPA 111 below the highlighted area details the commissioning requirements

16) The 2018 NC Energy Conservation Code requires occupancy sensors in electrical equipment rooms for lighting reductions. How does that correspond to the 2017 NEC 110.26(D) requirement that does not allow automatic means only to control the equipment room lighting?

Answer: The NCECC does contain language to provide for Occ Sensors in electrical rooms. However, the NCECC has been denied the ability to use the US Dept. of Energy, Rescheck and Commcheck software. As a result, NC does allow usage of the 2015 IECC (the 2018 NCECC was written of the 2015 IECC) to allow Rescheck/Commcheck. The building must be declared in the Appendix B the method of Energy code compliance, and all trades must use the same code for compliance. The IECC does not contain the requirement for occ sensors in electrical rooms, but whatever the method of compliance the NEC would force the use of some sort of over ride to the occupancy sensors.

17) On a current large electrical project, the emergency generator is equipped with a complete weather housing. Inside the housing are multiple pieces of equipment including a branch circuit panelboard providing power to the lighting and receptacles within the enclosure as well as the accessory equipment. The complete unit is listed. Are the clearances in 110.26 required to be met? Answer: regardless of the listing, the equipment clearances in NEC 110.26 would be required

18) I am installing a PV system on an agricultural farm building that by the NCGS is exempted from building permits. Do I need to obtain an electrical permit and conform to the NC State Electrical Code?

Answer: The installation would require an electrical permit and inspections

19) In a commercial garage we have several 60 ampere 3 phase outlets for electric welders. Per NEC 2017 210.8(B) these would require GFCI protection. However, in 511.12 GFCI is only required for 125 volt 15 and 20 ampere receptacles. Does 511 take precedence over 210.8 per 90.4?

Answer: The GFCI requirement in 210.8 would require these receptacle outlets to be protected on GFCI, When faced with seemingly conflicting requirements in separate code sections prudence would dictate to ere on the safe side.

20) I have a designer who has called and inquired about the wiring of parking lot lighting. The lighting is LED 208v and the load on each pole is 6 amps with a total of five poles. He is asking if the NEC would allow him to run (2) #8 cu & (1) #10 EGC and loop to each of the five poles, with OCD of 40 amps in the HP (total load of 30 amps). Then install 15-amp fuses at the handhole of each pole with #12 conductors feeding from the fuses to the lights at the top of the pole. When I questioned this method, his reply was that he only had (2) spaces left in the HP. NEC 240.5(A), 240.10 . 240.60 At first thought, the #8 would be a feeder, the #12 would be a branch circuit. This would mean the fuses in the handhole would be branch circuit OCD. NEC 240.24 (A) states that the ODP must be readily accessible. The handhole cover is bolted in place. However, I have seen similar installations in the past. Code Compliant or not? Answer: The installation of supplemental over-current fuses is allowed per 240.10. There are several other options such as installing taps to fixture wire per 240.5(B)(2) and 402.3 and others. 21) Is it permissible to install a FA system in a commercial garage that is Type 5 construction using FPLP cable ran exposed through the open structure?

Answer: NEC 511.07(A)(1) All fixed wiring methods above Class 1 areas must be in complete raceway systems, including FA installations

22) I must replace an existing residential Heat Pump that was installed in early 2007. It had a minimum circuit ampacity of 23.5 amps and was wired using 12/2 NM cable ran through the interior walls of my residence. Provided my replacement has the same or similar MCA am I allowed to utilize the 12/2 NM as long as the MCA is not above 25 amperes? Answer: The replacement can be connected using the original NM cable as long as it was code compliant when it was installed, and no alterations are to be made to the internal wiring method

23) On the MCCE website there is listed a document Pool Bonding Policy, what is this policy, and can you explain its use? Include information on the defunct Covered Work Policy

24) If I bond the rebar in my residential footings am I still required to install ground rods?

Answer; No, not if it was installed as detailed in 250.52(A)(3) and was inspected with appropriate notes in the inspection results.

25) Can you provide insight to the correct method of calculation of box fill?

17 #12 phase conductors 6 #12 Neutrals also current carrying box was listed for 17 cu.in. 1 EGC #12 24 #12= 24x2.25=54 cu.in.

26) I wired a 4.5 kw, single phase electric water heater in a residence with 10/2 from the panel on a 30 amp breaker. At the water heater I used a 2 gang box and installed a 50 amp 3-wire outlet and connected the water heater with a 50 amp 3- wire appliance cord to use as my disconnect. Will this pass?

Answer: No, per NEC 400.10(A)(8), 210.21(B)(3)

400.10 Uses Permitted. (A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used only for the following: (1) Pendants. (2) Wiring of luminaires. (3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances. (4) Elevator cables. (5) Wiring of cranes and hoists. (6) Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange. (7) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration. (8) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection. (9) Connection of moving parts. (10) Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code. (11) Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY August 14, 2019

I. Mentoring and Encouragement : Renaming and Purpose II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Inspections and identifying maintenance problems, Pools and motor replacements III. Electrical Question and Answer:

1) Is it permissible to install a FA system in a commercial garage that is Type 5 construction using FPLP cable ran exposed through the open structure?

Answer: NEC 511.07(A)(1) All fixed wiring methods above Class 1 areas must be in complete raceway systems, including FA installations

2) I must replace an existing residential Heat Pump that was installed in early 2007. It had a minimum circuit ampacity of 23.5 amps and was wired using 12/2 NM cable ran through the interior walls of my residence. Provided my replacement has the same or similar MCA am I allowed to utilize the 12/2 NM as long as the MCA is not above 25 amperes?

Answer: The replacement can be connected using the original NM cable as long as it was code compliant when it was installed, and no alterations are to be made to the internal wiring method

3) On the MCCE website there is listed a document Pool Bonding Policy, what is this policy, and can you explain its use?

Include information on the now defunct Covered Work Policy

4) If I bond the rebar in my residential footings am I still required to install ground rods?

Answer; No, not if it was installed as detailed in 250.52(A)(3) and was inspected with appropriate notes in the inspection results.

5) Can you provide insight to the correct method of calculation of box fill? Answer; 314.16 Box volume calculations are detailed in the section listed and use the conductor square in size found in table 314.16(B). Based on quantities of conductors or other items allowed in the box. Table 314.16(A) gives a quick reference for situations with only one wire size 1- For each circuit conductor entering the box ( ungrounded and grounded) 1- For all grounding conductor entering the box based on the largest conductor size 1- For each device such as cable clamps or fixture attachment devices based on the largest conductor in the box 1 -conductor for each conductor that passes through the box without splice, or 2 conductors for a conductor that has passes through without splice with a loop that sticks outside the box at least 3 inches 2- Conductors for each strap or yoke supporting devices such as switches or receptacles based on the conductor size attached to the devices, if the yoke takes 2 gangs it is double the 2 conductor per yoke allowance

17 #12 phase conductors 6 #12 Neutrals also current carrying box was listed for 17 cu.in. 1 EGC #12 24 #12= 24x2.25=54 cu.in.

6) I wired a 4.5 kw, single phase electric water heater in a residence with 10/2 from the panel on a 30 amp breaker. At the water heater I used a 2 gang box and installed a 50 amp 3-wire outlet and connected the water heater with a 50 amp 3-wire appliance cord to use as my disconnect. Will this pass?

Answer: No, per NEC 400.10(A)(8), 210.21(B)(3)

400.10 Uses Permitted. (A) Uses. Flexible cords and flexible cables shall be used only for the following: (1) Pendants. (2) Wiring of luminaires. (3) Connection of portable luminaires, portable and mobile signs, or appliances. (4) Elevator cables. (5) Wiring of cranes and hoists. (6) Connection of utilization equipment to facilitate frequent interchange. (7) Prevention of the transmission of noise or vibration. (8) Appliances where the fastening means and mechanical connections are specifically designed to permit ready removal for maintenance and repair, and the appliance is intended or identified for flexible cord connection. (9) Connection of moving parts. (10) Where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code. (11) Between an existing receptacle outlet and an inlet, where the inlet provides power to an additional single receptacle outlet. The wiring interconnecting the inlet to the single receptacle outlet shall be a Chapter 3 wiring method. The inlet, receptacle outlet, and Chapter 3 wiring method, including the flexible cord and fittings, shall be a listed assembly specific for this application.

7) I have several projects in inspections now that are units, or 2 family dwellings. How do we determine the correct way the service equipment must be installed? Should it be two separate services or one duplex meter pack, and do the feeders or branch circuits need to be separated on the interior portion? Discussion: The correct method of service location and separation relies on the way the building is designed and intended for occupation by the clients. a. If it is a 2 family dwelling intended to be sold with property (lot) it must have approved fire and property separation between the units, at that point it can have a service located at the designers discretion for each unit. b. If it is a 2 family dwelling intended to be sold with only fire separation without property separation (paint to paint) it is allowed to have 1 service with 2 meters and panels, or two services grouped in one location. The feeders and branch circuits can then be running through the spaces between the units without separation. c. If it is a duplex intended to be used as rental units and not sold it can have 1 service with two meters and panels or two services grouped at one location

8) I have a project that consists of a hotel renovation that requires a utility transformer upgrade. The utility transformer feeds several adjacent properties as well as the one being renovated. Is anything required to be taken into account when the utility company replaces one transformer with another, when no construction is being included?

Answer: Although the work done in replacing the utility transformer by the utility company will not require a permit or inspections, any associated work to be done by a contractor must be permitted and inspected. If the placement of the transformer is the same as it has been since original installation, it is allowed to be placed in the same or safer spot. The replacement transformer cannot alter the AIC to place the clients service equipment out of code compliance, or arrangement with the power company to provide transformer primary over-current protection to reduce the AIC. Examples: 1500 KVA 480 volt transformer with 6% impedance and no primary OCP produces 30084.2 AIC 4% 45126.4 AIC 24000v primary with 500amp OCP 16680 AIC

9) Can a service be mounted on uncovered plywood, treated or untreated without an approved weather resistant covering?

Answer: Check with the building inspectors, because, I think even treated plywood is not listed for a permanent exterior finish. The pictures are definitely untreated plywood. According to the 2018 NCBC chapter 23, the wood must be pressure treated to provide preservative properties or use a covering that is approved for the environment. Also, keep in mind that T-111 siding is a plywood, and it is an approved exterior wall covering, however the manufacturer recommends covering with an approved weatherproofing by the NCBC on approved building types.

10) I have an inspection for a service on a waste water treatment plant. The service is located under a canopy that is remote from the building it serves. The service is about 12’ to 15’ from the building, as shown in the picture below, and includes 7 feeder circuits that feed into the building. There is no main breaker as the circuits enter the building. Is this a code compliant installation?

Answer: NEC 225.30 The building above could be fed with more than 1 feeder that is allowed under the code section in 225.30 A-E. each feeder entering a separate building must be provided with a method of disconnection at the point that it enters the structure, or possibly considered as one building as indicated below. It is possible that this is code compliant, as long as the footer system for the canopy is tied to the footer system for the building, including the bonding of the rebar. If the two structures are connected through the footer system, then they can be considered as one building. Allowing for the service to be installed under the remote canopy and not having to meet the requirements of article 225 part 2.

11) Do fire sprinkler systems need to be grounded?

Answer: The MCFM office will not allow a fire riser water pipe to be used as a Grounding Electrode. However the interior metal piping systems that are capable of becoming energized must be bonded. By grounded, I assume you mean bonded. 250.104 (A)and (B), requires the bonding of piping systems and exposed structural metal. Bonding a metal water piping system is not the same as using the metal water piping system as a grounding electrode. Bonding to the grounding electrode system places the bonded components at the same voltage level. You should have an electrically isolating flange installed at the base of the fire riser, which will prevent your electrical system from using the buried fire riser supply pipe as an electrode. Of course, you may not use the fire sprinkler pipes as a grounding electrode conductor anywhere within the facility. However, each and every riser should have a copper or aluminum conductor bonding the riser back to the main grounding system in a manner that does not place it in series with any other electrical system. A single tap from a ground bar is the best method.

What is wrong with this picture? The clamp is on the wrong side of the flange.

12) Our company has several projects that have space heaters placed in stairwells and lobbies throughout the building. The unit heaters are rated at 2000 watts and 208 volts, the inspector has infirmed me that the maximum OCP for the units must be 15 amperes. Is this correct because all our breakers were specified 20a 2 pole and to change them would be costly. Thanks Answer: 424.22 allows that a space heater can be protected according to Article 210 the same way that branch circuits are protected. Simply size the circuit according to load and provide overcurrent protection based on the wire needed for connection. 2000/208= 9.6(125%) 12 amperes, if you feed it with a 14 then protect it by a 15 amp OCD. If you use a 12 protect it by a 20amp OCD. Another way would be according to 422.11(E)(2) and take the heater, if it is below 13.3 amperes it can be protected by a 20 ampere OCD

13) I have received failures recently regarding the receptacle placement for cord connected dishwashers. We typically place the receptacle behind the DW and a switch above the counter as the disconnecting means. Switching the receptacle means the cord connection is not being used as a disconnect, and therefore the receptacle can be placed behind the unit without worrying about access. How is this viewed as non-compliant. Answer: NEC 422.16 provides that to connect a D/W using a flexible cord, the receptacle must be in the space adjacent to the D/W. This does not address any disconnection or switching and is simply the only allowance to cord connect the equipment. The earlier method was based on a different code cycle that did not place the restriction on the cord connection.

14) I am wiring a large residential neighborhood. The dishwashers were not included in the appliance buyout and are not supplied when we need to close out and final the homes. We have been allowed in other jurisdictions to provide a switch under the sink cabinet and feed to a closed junction box behind the D/W. Meck County inspectors are failing this type installation and I am sick of trying to explain things to them, you need to figure this out and have them pass my jobs. Have a nice day.

Answer: If the installation includes provisions for a D/W it either must be onsite at the time of inspection or be provided a receptacle for connection through a flexible cord as detailed in the prior question. A junction box would require a wired connection to the utilization equipment, this must be covered under a permit and inspected.

15) Lately many contractors wiring swimming pools are using NM, SER and other cables in the branch circuits feeding the pool lighting. Are swimming pools not required to have insulated copper equipment grounding conductors in the lighting branch circuit?

Discussion: Yes, this is compliant per NEC 680.23(F). the new code section allows the branch circuit feeding the pool luminaire(s) to utilize any Chapter 3 wiring method approved for the application as long as it is not installed in a “Corrosive Environment”. Any portion installed in a corrosive environment must meet the requirements of the new section 680.14, A and B and include an insulated copper equipment grounding conductor not smaller than #12. Circuit installations within dwellings in non-corrosive areas can utilize NM or SER cables.

16) Residential HVAC disconnect locations for new and existing situations.

Discussion: The clearances detailed in 110.26 do not necessarily apply to disconnecting means used for equipment. Represented below are some situations typically encountered on residential properties. These do not require the minimum 30 inch wide and 3 feet deep clear work space. They should be positioned to allow access to them for operation and any maintenance . The same can be accepted for a load center used in place of a disconnect feeding 2 or more pieces of equipment, however if it is supplied with a neutral feeder conductor it is recognized as a sub-panel and must have the required clearances. Panels require clearance to allow service and adjustments, if in a changeout it is allowed to be replaced but must address proper panel clearances.

17) Please provide details on the correct way to calculate buss bars at the interconnection point for PV systems.

705.12(D)(2), “Bus or Conductor Rating.” Where distribution equipment is capable of supplying multiple branch circuits or feeders, the sum of the ampere rating of the inverter OCPDs and panelboard OCPD must not exceed 120% of the panelboard bus ampere rating. This is commonly referred to as “the 120% rule,” and it allows a PV system to interconnect to a panelboard that has busbars rated at the same ampere value as the panelboard’s overcurrent protection.

This concept is best illustrated with an example. What is the maximum ampere rating of the dedicated inverter overcurrent device when connecting to a 200 A bus panelboard that is capable of supplying multiple branch circuits or feeders supplied by 4/0 AWG aluminum rated 180 A?

• maximum inverter OCPD = panelboard bus ampere x 1.20 – panelboard OCPD

To properly answer the question, you need to know the rating of the main OCPD. If that OCPD is rated at 200 A, which is very common in residential applications, the way to determine the maximum inverter OCPD is:

• maximum inverter OCPD = 200 A x 1.20 – 200 A maximum inverter OCPD = 240 A – 200 A maximum inverter OCPD = 40 A

If that panelboard is protected by a 150 A main OCPD, the calculation results in a different maximum inverter OCPD:

• maximum inverter OCPD = 200 A x 1.20 – 150 A maximum inverter OCPD = 240 A – 150 A maximum inverter OCPD = 90 A

18) Is Mecklenburg County enforcing NEC 440.10? My engineer says we need a short circuit calculation for a RTU changeout?

Answer: No, 440.10 was omitted from the 2017 NEC by NCDOI.

440.10 Short-Circuit Current Rating. (A) Installation. Motor controllers of multimotor and combination-load equipment shall not be installed where the available short-circuit current exceeds its short-circuit current rating as marked in accordance with 440.4(B).

(B) Documentation. When motor controllers or industrial control panels of multimotor and combination load equipment are required to be marked with a short circuit current rating, the available short circuit current and the date the short circuit current calculation was performed shall be documented and made available to those authorized to inspect the installation.

19) I installed a service riser to the side of a commercial building and went 2.5’ above the roof line. My inspector said it needed to be 8’ above the roof line to meet code or I could drop the riser below the roof line. This makes no sense, what gives?

Answer: Yes, we give. Per NEC 230.24(A) Exc. 4, this installation is allowed as indicated in the photograph, MCCE would further accept the exception to cover attachment to the riser conduit if a higher attachment is required for clearance from grade.

230.24 Clearances. Overhead service conductors shall not be readily accessible and shall comply with 230.24(A) through (E) for services not over 1000 volts, nominal. (A) Above Roofs. Conductors shall have a vertical clearance of not less than 2.5 m (8 ft) above the roof surface. The vertical clearance above the roof level shall be maintained for a distance of not less than 900 mm (3 ft) in all directions from the edge of the roof. Exception No. 1: The area above a roof surface subject to pedestrian or vehicular traffic shall have a vertical clearance from the roof surface in accordance with the clearance requirements of 230.24(B). Exception No. 2: Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300 and the roof has a slope of 100 mm in 300 mm (4 in. in 12 in.) or greater, a reduction in clearance to 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted. Exception No. 3: Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300, a reduction in clearance above only the overhanging portion of the roof to not less than 450 mm (18 in.) shall be permitted if (1) not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) of overhead service conductors, 1.2 m (4 ft) horizontally, pass above the roof , and (2) they are terminated at a through-the-roof raceway or approved support. Informational Note: See 230.28 for mast supports. Exception No. 4: The requirement for maintaining the vertical clearance 900 mm (3 ft) from the edge of the roof shall not apply to the final conductor span where the service drop, or overhead service conductors are attached to the side of a building. Exception No. 5: Where the voltage between conductors does not exceed 300 and the roof area is guarded or isolated, a reduction in clearance to 900 mm (3 ft) shall be permitted.

20) I installed a 120V 15A receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit in an AV panel located in a garage. Is it required to be GFCI protected?

Answer: Yes, NEC 210.8 requires all 120V 15 and 20 amp receptacles installed in garages to have GFCI protection.

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel shall be provided as required in 210.8(A) through (E). The ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location. Informational Note No. 1: See 215.9 for ground-fault circuit- interrupter protection for personnel on feeders. Informational Note No. 2: See 422.5(A) for GFCI requirements for appliances. For the purposes of this section, when determining distance from receptacles the distance shall be measured as the shortest path the cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or passing through a door, doorway, or window. (A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20- ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (10) shall have ground-fault circuit- interrupter protection for personnel. (1) Bathrooms (2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.

21) I am installing recessed can lights in an Armstrong Drywall Grid System. Do I have to install additional grid wires to support my fixtures?

Answer: Yes, per the manufacturers installation instructions, additional supports are required at light fixtures.

PART 3 - EXECUTION 3.1 INSTALLATION - GENERAL A. Install suspension system and panels in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, in compliance with ASTM installation standard, and with applicable codes as required by the authorities having jurisdiction. B. The Armstrong Drywall Grid System can be installed in interior or exterior applications. C. To secure to metal clips, concrete inserts, steel bar joist or steel deck, use power actuated fastener, or insert. Coordinate placement for hanger wire spaced as required for expected ceiling loads and layout. D. Install hanger wire as required with necessary on center spacing to support expected ceiling load requirements, following local practices, codes and regulations. Provide additional wires at light fixtures, grilles, and access doors where necessary. A pigtail knot shall be used with three tight wraps at top and bottom fastening locations.

22) Does a receptacle for a dishwasher at an outdoor kitchen have to be GFCI protected? What if it has a roof over it? What about an under the counter mini fridge?

Answer: Yes, yes and yes. These receptacles would require GFCI protection per 210.8(A)(3) for receptacles installed outdoors.

23) Residential, 600 amp service with a CT cabinet on the house and 2 - 200 amp service panels beside the CT cabinet. The 3rd 200 panel is on a detached garage. Is a disconnect for the detached garage service required at the house since this service originates at the house? Answer: This is an acceptable installation per 230.40 Exception 3

24) In the photograph below is it compliant to install sealoffs in conduit runs of PVC? Discussion: We do not know what the installation is for but if it is for anything associated with a Chapter 5 Classified Area it is not compliant. Intrinsically Safe systems are allowed standard wiring methods within classified however any transitions to non-classified areas require inclosing in the appropriate raceway (explosion proof)

25) In a renovation of a is AFCI protection required for replacements of luminaires? Receptacles?

Answer: No, unless altering or extending the wiring more than 6 feet and adding devices. Yes, More, than likely unless it is accepted as a repair in the NC Existing Building Code. • Luminaire replacement 210.12(D) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications — Dwelling Units and Dormitory Units. In any of the areas specified in 210.12(A) or (B), where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended, the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following: (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 Exception: AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) and does not include any additional outlets or devices.

• Receptacle replacement 406.4(D)(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is located in any areas specified in 210.12(A) or (B), a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following: (1) A listed outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit interrupter receptacle (2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter-type receptacle (3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter-type circuit breaker Exception No. 1: Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required where all of the following apply: (1) The replacement complies with 406.4(D)(2)(b). (2) It is impracticable to provide an equipment grounding conductor as provided by 250.130(C). (3) A listed combination-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter circuit breaker is not commercially available. (4) GFCI/AFCI dual function receptacles are not commercially available. Exception No. 2: Section 210.12(B), Exception shall not apply to replacement of receptacles.

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY September 11, 2019

I. Mentoring and Encouragement : Person of Excellence II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Inspections and identifying maintenance problems, Pools and motor replacements III. Electrical Question and Answer:

1) I installed a 120V 15A receptacle on a dedicated branch circuit in an AV panel located in a garage. Is it required to be GFCI protected?

Answer: Yes, NEC 210.8 requires all 120V 15 and 20 amp receptacles installed in garages to have GFCI protection.

210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel. Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel shall be provided as required in 210.8(A) through (E). The ground-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a readily accessible location. Informational Note No. 1: See 215.9 for ground-fault circuit- interrupter protection for personnel on feeders. Informational Note No. 2: See 422.5(A) for GFCI requirements for appliances. For the purposes of this section, when determining distance from receptacles the distance shall be measured as the shortest path the cord of an appliance connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or passing through a door, doorway, or window. (A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20- ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in 210.8(A)(1) through (10) shall have ground-fault circuit- interrupter protection for personnel. (1) Bathrooms (2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use.

2) I am installing recessed can lights in an Armstrong Drywall Grid System. Do I have to install additional grid wires to support my fixtures?

Answer: Yes, per the manufacturers installation instructions, additional supports are required at light fixtures.

PART 3 - EXECUTION 3.1 INSTALLATION - GENERAL A. Install suspension system and panels in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, in compliance with ASTM installation standard, and with applicable codes as required by the authorities having jurisdiction. B. The Armstrong Drywall Grid System can be installed in interior or exterior applications. C. To secure to metal clips, concrete inserts, steel bar joist or steel deck, use power actuated fastener, or insert. Coordinate placement for hanger wire spaced as required for expected ceiling loads and layout. D. Install hanger wire as required with necessary on center spacing to support expected ceiling load requirements, following local practices, codes and regulations. Provide additional wires at light fixtures, grilles, and access doors where necessary. A pigtail knot shall be used with three tight wraps at top and bottom fastening locations.

3) Does a receptacle for a dishwasher at an outdoor kitchen have to be GFCI protected? What if it has a roof over it? What about an under the counter mini fridge?

Answer: Yes, yes and yes. These receptacles would require GFCI protection per 210.8(A)(3) for receptacles installed outdoors.

4) Residential, 600 amp service with a CT cabinet on the house and 2 - 200 amp service panels beside the CT cabinet. The 3rd 200 panel is on a detached garage. Is a disconnect for the detached garage service required at the house since this service originates at the house? Answer: This is an acceptable installation per 230.40 Exception 3

5) In the photograph below is it compliant to install sealoffs in conduit runs of PVC? Discussion: We do not know what the installation is for but if it is for anything associated with a Chapter 5 Classified Area it is not compliant. Intrinsically Safe systems are allowed standard wiring methods within classified however any transitions to non-classified areas require inclosing in the appropriate raceway (explosion proof)

6) In a renovation of a dormitory is AFCI protection required for replacements of luminaires? Receptacles?

Answer: No, unless altering or extending the wiring more than 6 feet and adding devices. Yes, More, than likely unless it is accepted as a repair in the NC Existing Building Code. • Luminaire replacement 210.12(D) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications — Dwelling Units and Dormitory Units. In any of the areas specified in 210.12(A) or (B), where branch-circuit wiring is modified, replaced, or extended, the branch circuit shall be protected by one of the following: (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 Exception: AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) and does not include any additional outlets or devices.

• Receptacle replacement 406.4(D)(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle outlet is located in any areas specified in 210.12(A) or (B), a replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following: (1) A listed outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit interrupter receptacle (2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter-type receptacle (3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter-type circuit breaker Exception No. 1: Arc-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall not be required where all of the following apply: (1) The replacement complies with 406.4(D)(2)(b). (2) It is impracticable to provide an equipment grounding conductor as provided by 250.130(C). (3) A listed combination-type arc-fault circuit-interrupter circuit breaker is not commercially available. (4) GFCI/AFCI dual function receptacles are not commercially available. Exception No. 2: Section 210.12(B), Exception shall not apply to replacement of receptacles.

7) Are accessory structures associated with dwelling units required to meet the requirements of residential structures. I have a pool cabana that is enclosed with living and dining areas, a kitchen and bathroom. Am I required to provide AFCI and receptacle spacing per 210.8 and 210.52? Answer: Yes, the section of the NEC that requires AFCI and the receptacle spacing and required branch circuits carries the same description as “dwelling unit circuits or outlets” it does not differentiate between attached vs. detached or accessory structures.

210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets

8) Is it permissible to install conduit sleeves under portions of concrete around swimming pools to allow the equipotential bonding conductor to be installed afterward, as indicated in the photos below?

Answer: No. The alternate means of equipotential bonding detailed in 680.26(B)(2)(b) is to eliminate possible voltage potentials between the perimeter surface and the pool structure or perhaps the water. To do that it must be in contact with the subgrade as detailed in the section. A short section of rebar placed under he steps could have been an approved option.

9) Are equipment grounding conductors installed for connection to motors or other HVAC equipment required to be based on the over-current device protecting the equipment? Is there no reduction allowed in the required size from table 250.122? Suppose my HVAC equipment has an MCA of 38.5 and an MOP of 70. MC cables of 3C #8 are provided with #10 equipment grounding conductors, is the #10 allowed to protect the equipment?

Answer: No per 250.122(D) and table 250.122. A 70 ampere OCD requires a minimum #8cu or #6al equipment grounding conductor

10) I have received recent failures regarding electrical radiant heaters installed on exterior residential porches. These have been installed this way in the past and now it seems they are considered non-compliant. The heaters are 6kw and we install them on a 30 amp circuit, and connect them using #10 NM cable, the heaters are controlled with a time switch with a maximum of a 3 hour setting. Please explain how this is not compliant.

Radiant heating systems outside of commercial buildings are required to meet the section below, residential installations are not required to meet the section

NEC 424.3(B)

Answer, Discussion, The exterior radiant heaters are required to be controlled with an occupancy sensor or a timed switch in the NC Energy Code as detailed in the section. NEC 424.3(B) requires that the branch circuit must be sized as continuous duty. Regardless of the inclusion of the timed switch. 6000/240=25 25x1.25=31.25 31.25 Installation requires #8 conductors (copper or aluminum) and at least a 35 ampere OCD

11) I have inspected several installation lately that require me to calculate the branch circuit for residential ranges and cooking equipment (20kw) . There has been confusing descreptencies in the installations and the way the equipment circuits were sized. After conferring with other inspectors and trainers it still is not clear to me. Please explain the correct way to size these circuits.

Calculation: 20kw-12kw=8kw// 8kwx5%= 40%// Col. C for 1 range is 8kw// 8kw+40%= 8kw x1.4=11200 watts 12) Are GFCI receptacles required on a countertop? If it is not in the kitchen? Does the circuit have to be a 20A /#12 wire and Is countertop receptacle spacing (2-4) required?

Answer: Maybe If the receptacles are within 6 feet of a sink, they must be on GFCI. If the Wet bar is not in the kitchen or attached to the kitchen, the 2 and 4 receptacle spacing is not required, and it is not required to be supplied with a 20 ampere circuit.

13) Can flexible plastic duct come in contact with IC rated can lights? IC rated can lights are tested to UL1598 where permeable insulation like fiberglass and cellulose are in direct contact. But flexible duct is guarded from airflow by an outer barrier made of plastic. What about spray foam insulation? Answer: Generally speaking, No. per 410.115 not because of luminaire protection but to protect adjacent combustible materials. Flex Duct in most cases is labeled to keep away from sources of heat, otherwise it is allowed in contact per 410.16(A)(2)

Excerpt from installation guidelines for icynene spray foam insulation

• Use can light enclosures that are compatible with spray foam and that do not rely on air movement through the enclosure for cooling/thermal protection. • Though sprayed foam has only one quarter of the flame spread of wood products, it is still considered combustible. Follow all codes and manufacturer’s recommendations for separating heat-producing equipment and appliances from spray foam. Gypsum drywall and/or an air space may be recommended.

14) If I have a bathroom that has a receptacle adjacent to the sink and another receptacle approximately 15 feet away under a window. Can the receptacle under the window be on the 20 amp bathroom circuit and the receptacle at the sink on GFCI be supplied on any 15 amp circuit?

Answer; Per code discussion is required however, see excerpt from NC DOI below:

15) Is a legally required standby system transfer switch required to have the short circuit current rating labeled on the exterior of the equipment?

Answer: Yes, NEC 701.5(D) requires the short-circuit current rating (SCCR) for transfer equipment must be field marked on the equipment’s exterior. This addition makes it easier for inspectors to verify that the equipment SCCR is equal to or greater than the available short-circuit current and helps to verify compliance with 110.10. (D) Documentation. The short-circuit current rating of the transfer equipment, based on the specific overcurrent protective device type and settings protecting the transfer equipment, shall be field marked on the exterior of the transfer equipment.

16) Is surge protection required for fire pump controllers now? Answer: Yes, the 2017 NEC added a new article 695.15, which requires surge protection for fire pump controllers. N 695.15 Surge Protection. A listed surge protection device shall be installed in or on the fire pump controller.

17) I installed a new 200A GE combo meter/panel on a SFD. The inspector turned me down for installing a 125 amp breaker on the left buss bar. He stated the maximum allowed per the installation instructions was 70A. Where is this in the code and what gives?

Answer: The inspector was correct, see attached photo. Per the manufacturers installation instructions on the panel labeling, a 70A max OCPD or less may be installed on the left bus. NEC 110.3(B) requires labeled equipment to be installed in accordance with any instructions included on the labeling.

18) May I utilize the enclosure of a XFMR to connect the GEC to the factory supplied ground bar? The XFMR came with a supplied bolt and lug mounted to the exterior of the enclosure, this seems to be ok.

Answer: Nope sorry, NEC 230.30(A)(5) requires the GEC to be connected at the same point where the system bonding jumper is connected. Grounding Electrode Conductor, Single Separately Derived System. A grounding electrode conductor for a single separately derived system shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 for the derived ungrounded conductors. It shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the derived system to the grounding electrode in accordance with 250.30(A)(4), or as permitted in 250.68(C)(1) and (2). This connection shall be made at the same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.

19) I am inspecting a 4 story hotel. No Generator is required for Life Safety. There are 4 exhaust fans on the roof to provide exhaust of bathrooms. There is an inverter for exhaust fans only. When and what makes this a 701 system? I was told the mechanical code decides in this instance, depending on how ducts are run and whether they have fire or smoke dampers. When does it become a 701 system?

Answer: Multiple Codes and sections are in play here, one builds upon another and as a result we will start at the beginning and run through the requirements. a) This design starts at removing the fire/smoke dampers required in the NCMC for the penetration of the individual bath exhaust to the vertical shaft and enclosure. To eliminate the damper the system is required to utilize “sub-ducts” as detailed in the NCMC 607.5.5 exception 2

b) That now triggers the section in the NCSBC 909.11, which classifies this type installation as a Smoke Control System. This section has many specific requirements that must be met to allow the subduct system. The further we dig into it we move to the NCSBC 2702 for the requirements of the electrical Standby Power System.

[F] 2702.1.2 Electrical. Emergency power systems and standby power systems required by this code or the International Fire Code shall be installed in accordance with the International Fire Code, NFPA 70, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111. c) In 2702.1.2 it refers to the Standby System having to meet the requirements of NFPA 111.

20) Does Mecklenburg County have a policy on performing inspections in Confined Spaces, such as manholes? Answer: No, The OSHA required policy for entry into Permit-required Confined Space would be too difficult to implement and monitor and control. Our only recourse at this time is if you encounter a Permit Required Confined Space, we must verify that the contractor as a host to MCCE has removed the permit requirement by conducting some sort of remediation. Permit Required Confined Spaces Methods of remediation Manholes, Tanks, Vessels, Sealed Crawlspaces with Forced Air Ventilation with approved devices and fresh Gas appliances, Open exposed energized conductors air supplies, Calibrated gas monitoring systems, and Presence of pests and dangerous animals verification of operation, Lockout and Tagout policy Tunnels with limited access and ventilation in effect and enforced We will further investigate this reach a more conclusive policy and checklist at this point if the client cannot tremove the restriction of a permit required do not enter these spaces

21) The inspector turned me down for clearance in front of my sub panel on a remodel job I just completed. This was an existing panel and I replaced the wiring on a few circuits and added 1 new. I did not replace the panel. Why am I required to make this meet current code when the panel has always been there?

Answer: The installation must have met code at some point, if it was not installed per the code at the time of original installation it must be renovated to meet the current code. We are by law required to meet minimum NEC we cannot turn a blind eye to something that NEVER met code. This space is required by NEC 110.26 for the safety of those working inside the panel.

22) The inspector was going to turn it down since it didn’t appear to meet 300.10. The MC cable is terminated to a metal box on the other end, so I believe it does meet 300.10. I mentioned that the conductors have to be identified per 310.120 and wet location listed for under the slab 310.10C. Can MC cable terminate in pvc conduit for a floor box.

23) Is it permissible to tap to the load side of a main disconnecting means with multiple conductors of varying sizes and characteristics feeding individual enclosures mounted above an exterior wireway? What about allowances for future expansion? 24) Are the luminaires detailed in the installation instructions below allowed to be installed in the closet storage space.

https://www.maximlighting.com/product/indoor-lighting/flush-mounts/diverse-direct-led-7-5-flush-mount- 3000k/57652WTWT#tab-1

Answer: The NEC allows that luminaires can be installed in the closet storage space if identified for that purpose. Identified differs from listed in that an inspection agency can declare the identification. The question therefore is will you as an inspector make that identification? To protect our liability and protect the County we have deferred this to ETL for clarification on their intent in the listing. 25) I am designing a residential PV system. If we design the Inverters to be installed adjacent to the array on the structure roof, are we still required to have the Rapid Shutdown system, or can it be eliminated. Answer: The rapid shutdown system is required for all buildings with PV systems install on or in the structure. Prior to 1/1/2019 the controlled conductors were limited to outside the array at least 1 foot or within 3 feet of where they enter the building. It may have been possible to install and interactive inverter to control the PV output under those limits. After 1/1/2019 the rapid shutdown must control all PV output inside the array with very limited exceptions.

MECKLENBURG CODE ACADEMY ELECTRICAL CODE ACADEMY October 9, 2019

I. Mentoring and Encouragement : Person of Excellence II. Electrical Technical Discussion: NC Electrical Contractor CE MCCE “Principles of Grounding” III. Electrical Question and Answer:

1) Are insulating bushings required on all runs of EMT? I have failed several projects because I did not have an insulating bushing on all the connectors. Answer: No. EMT must be terminated with an approved fitting that provides a smooth rounded edge. EMT containing conductors #4 AWG and larger must have a fitting that has an insulated smooth rounded edge (threaded bushing or internal bushings). EMT that does not terminate into an enclosure such as a open bottom switch board, must have a bushing or bushed fitting installed

2) I have replaced multiple pool motors (40+) using a US Motor Co. replacement. The motors are not UL listed but have the backwards RU symbol, this is a UL mark and is acceptable as a component of a listed assembly, why does the inspector think this is not compliant. Answer; Because it is not compliant , although its true it is a UL mark, but it is used to denote that the motor is acceptable for use as a component of a listed assembly. It cannot be installed or replaced in the field unless it is field evaluated by UL, in reality no changes can be done in the field without re-evaluation by UL. The best case scenario is to change out the entire assembly with a new approved one. These motors are incomplete in certain constructional features or are restricted in performance capabilities. Final acceptance of the component is dependent upon its installation and use in a complete equipment submittal to UL.

3) I installed a run of FMC through the drywall framing, the wall had several jogs in it and the flex was the perfect way to install the branch circuit. The @#$%&hole inspector failed the installation because the flex had more than 360 degrees of bend in it. Its not a conduit @#$%&hole, what’s your problem? Answer: The inspector was correct per NEC 348.26

348.26 Bends — Number in One Run. There shall not be more than the equivalent of four quarter bends (360 degrees total) between pull points, for example, conduit bodies and boxes.

4) Where does it require in the NEC that a bath fan mounted above a tub or shower stall be protected on GFCI? Answer: NEC 110.3(B) This is a requirement based on the products listing and is included in the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Below are frive found on Al Gore’s internet.

Broan Product Brand

FanTech In-line fans for bath exhaust

5) My project drawings were approved with the low wall office partitions being fed through branch circuits with dedicated neutrals. The electrical inspector is now telling me that the circuits must be provided with a common disconnecting means. That is not how it was approved, and I don’t know why it is required now? Answer: Virtually, all projects are altered from what was submitted and reviewed, and all projects must be code compliant after installation, regardless of the outcome of the plan review. The reviewer is limited to the information given to them to assess the code compliance. This situation arises because the furniture is supplied differently from the design, almost all office partition furniture is designed for connection to multi-wire branch circuits. If the approved plans call for individual neutrals with circuit conductors the inspector must verify the method of connection in the field and apply the appropriate code requirements.

6) Are Photoluminescent Exit luminaires allowed to be used in NC? Are there any restrictions? Answer: Yes, but with lots of restrictions, The use of the devices must be approved during both the plan review process and the field inspection process for compliance to the NC State Building Code, Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 101, and the applicable sections of the NEC. The review and inspection teams must be provided with the equipment installation instructions and the label and listing requirements and instructions. 1. Must be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and the instruction included in the listing 2. Installed in the appropriate environment, dry, damp or wet locations and exposure to UV lighting 3. The charging Luminaire must meet the type indicated on the label listing requirements and the sign must be illuminated at all times under normal power at the required lumens 4. Allowed in areas approved for installation of Unit Equipment 5. No use in the following buildings or occupancies a. High-rise structures b. Healthcare c. R1 Hotels/ d. I3 e. Assembly f. Mall buildings g. Educational/ Daycares h. Hazardous This is just a preliminary, unofficial policy and it may be subject to alterations, amendments, or cancellation based on future findings or revised information. Link to DOI Guidence paper on Photoluminescent Exit Signs http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering_and_Codes/Documents/whitepaper_2012/2012%20Photoluminescent%20Exit%2 0Signs_.pdf

7) I have a project that has upsized neutral conductors for non-linear harmonic distortion. The feeder is 3-#3 copper phase conductors, and 2-#3 copper neutral conductors. Is it acceptable to parallel conductors smaller than #1/0 when they are installed to account for the harmonic condition? Answer: No. The limitations to paralleled conductors are the same as other types of installations. The FPN. To 310.10(H) refers that an allowance of exception 2 can be extended to situations that require additional neutral ampacity due to harmonic distortion, that could lower the parallel size to #2, however that is not an altogether acceptable method. In the installation above the design should include a larger grounded conductor sized proportionally to 2-#3 conductors. Table 8 #3 is 56620 cirmils. X2 = 113240, a corresponding 2/0 conductor will provide the same result.

8) I had an inspection for some existing light fixtures that we were adding Low Voltage Enabler Controllers. I ran the CAT5 in the existing roof penetration conduit and J-box. I was told I cannot install 300v insulation rated CAT5 cable in the same raceway and enclosure as the 600v insulated rated 480v/277v power circuit please explain.

Answer: NEC 300.3(C) (C) Conductors of Different Systems. (1) 1000 Volts, Nominal, or Less. Conductors of ac and dc circuits rated 1000 volts, nominal, or less, shall be permitted to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway. All conductors shall have an insulation rating equal to at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway. Secondary wiring to electric-discharge lamps of 1000 volts or less, if insulated for the secondary voltage involved, shall be permitted to occupy the same luminaire, sign, or outline lighting enclosure as the branch-circuit conductors.

Informational Note No. 1: See 725.136(A) for Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors. Informational Note No. 2: See 690.4(B) for photovoltaic source and output circuits.

For systems of 1000 volts or less, the maximum circuit voltage in the raceway is what determines the minimum voltage rating required for the insulation of conductors, not the maximum insulation voltage rating of the conductors in the raceway. Informational Note No. 2 references 690.4(B), which prohibits the location of photovoltaic circuits within the same enclosure as conductors of other systems unless separated by a partition. Additionally, 700.10(B) requires that circuit wiring for emergency systems be kept entirely independent of all other wiring and equipment.

9) What is the maximum OCP ampacity that a MV-90 500KCMIL conductor installed in underground electrical duct bank can have at 5,001-35,000V? Answer: 240.101(A) and 310.60 (C) (77) 500kcmil 465a 90degree column That would place the ampacity of a fuse continuously at 1200 or electronically actuated at 2500 and a Breaker at long time element setting at 2500

240.101 Additional Requirements for Feeders.

(A) Rating or Setting of Overcurrent Protective Devices. The continuous ampere rating of a fuse shall not exceed three times the ampacity of the conductors. The long-time trip element setting of a breaker or the minimum trip setting of an electronically actuated fuse shall not exceed six times the ampacity of the conductor. For fire pumps, conductors shall be permitted to be protected for overcurrent in accordance with 695.4(B)(2).

(B) Feeder Taps. Conductors tapped to a feeder shall be permitted to be protected by the feeder overcurrent device where that overcurrent device also protects the tap conductor.

310.60 Conductors Rated 2001 to 35,000 Volts.

(C) Tables. Ampacities for conductors rated 2001 to 35,000 volts shall be as specified in Table 310.60(C)(67) through

Table 310.60(C)(86). Ampacities for ambient temperatures other than those specified in the ampacity tables shall be corrected in accordance with 310.60(C)(4).

Informational Note No. 1: For ampacities calculated in accordance with 310.60(A), reference IEEE 835-1994, Standard Power Cable Ampacity Tables, and the references therein for availability of all factors and constants.

Informational Note No. 2: Ampacities provided by this section do not take voltage drop into consideration. See 210.19(A), Informational Note No. 4, for branch circuits and 215.2(A), Informational Note No. 2, for feeders.

(1) Grounded Shields. Ampacities shown in Table 310.60(C)(69), Table 310.60(C)(70), Table 310.60(C)(81), and Table 310.60(C)(82) shall apply for cables with shields grounded at one point only. Where shields for these cables are grounded at more than one point, ampacities shall be adjusted to take into consideration the heating due to shield currents.

Informational Note: Tables other than those listed contain the ampacity of cables with shields grounded at multiple points

See Table 310.60(C)(77) on page 272

10) I am looking at drawings for a minor repair garage. The engineer has a note on the drawing stating verbatim what NEC 511.12 says about 125v 15 & 20 amp receptacles are required to be GFCI protected. They have 20amp receptacles for cord reels shown mounted in the ceiling with GFCI receptacles. I spoke with the engineer and told him in order to comply with NEC 210.8 (readily available location) the GFCI protection should come from a breaker, or a devise mounted on the wall. His reply was that NEC 511 stood on its own, therefore 210.8 didn’t come into play. I hate to see what he says when I tell him he has to protect the 50amp single phase welding outlet with GFCI covered in 210.8(B).

Answer: The requirements of 210.8 apply to the receptacles in commercial garages. The 1981 NEC added the GFCI requirement for 125 volt 15 and 20 amp receptacles. The 2017 expanded the requirement to all single phase to 50 amp and 3 phase to 100 amp 120/208 volt receptacles in the commercial installations listed. No exemption is found in 511 to not comply with the 210 section including the “readily accessible” requirement. See below the excerpt from the NC IAEI code seminar in Carolina Beach in August.

While were on that subject. This is an excerpt from the same meeting regarding receptacles in Laundry rooms (areas)

11) I was recently turned down for the maximum height of my breaker in a loadcenter. The main was at the bottom and the height of the highest location I could Install a breaker was 6’ 10”. The highest breaker that will be installed at this time is only 6’ 4”. Why is this wrong?

Answer: No we would accept the installation, however Per 240.24 the center of the grip of the circuit breaker in its highest position cannot be above 6’ 7”. We have to consider the posibility that if someone adds to this panel it could cause a code violation. One example is the addition of a breaker for a PV system that is required to be on the opposite end of the buss from the main breaker. This should be relayed to the contractor but the inspection cannot be conducted based on possible future failures.

12) I had a closet light that did not meet the clearance requirements and was unable to be used. I capped off my wiring and blanked off the box in the ceiling. The inspector turned me down and said I must demo this wiring entirely so no one could re-Install the fixture, was she correct?

Answer: While the intent was to protect the , this is not something we can require of a contractor. We would need to accept the blank plate and make notes in the inspection results as to how this item was handled.

13) On an inspection I found some loose service conductors, the contractor was with me and proceeded to tighten them. I asked if he had torqued them to spec and he decided he should share, “No, I don’t even own a torque wrench”. How should this situation be handled? Answer: Per NC DOI and NCBEEC, the responsibility of 110.14 falls solely to the contractor, we should asked the contractor or their representative if the proper torgueing has been done and if they say it has we accept this as truth. In this situation the inspector has evidence that it has not been done. At that point you fail the inspection and require the contractor to provide proof that the torqueing is complete and code compliant, using whatever method you see fit. a. Produce torque logs b. Produce properly calibrated torque tools c. Visual inspection of torque markings or sealing d. Verification during inspection by witness of representative selection

14) What is the requirement of 680.26(B)(2)(a)(5)? When is the #8 required to be 4-6” below the sub-grade?

Answer: The section allows that the alternate means of perimeter bonding be the single #8 cu solid conductor. It can be within the perimeter surface, or under the surface 4”-6” below the subgrade. As a result of default, it must be below the top of the subgrade anytime it cannot be within, such as pavers, paving stones, or perhaps asphalt that is laid and rolled.

15) I’m installing these receptacles and boxes in a coffee chain franchise in sitting benches. Here is the pics of how I’m installing the receptacles and boxes. I was turned down by ‘The Mecklenburg County Inspector’( Republic of Mecklenburg”) and He stated that they were installed incorrectly and that it needed a cover plate and maybe an arc shield, which I never heard of. I’ve installed these All over the country and Never been turned down before. I furthermore pointed out to the inspector that there wasn’t a screw hole to install a cover due to a USB port in the middle of the receptacle. He did point out that wasn’t the case, But I still say he’s wrong. Was he correct?

Answer: The inspector was correct. That is not a code compliant installation. That is a Decora receptacle type and requires a corresponding Decora receptacle plate. The cover mounting screw threads are on the outside of the device yoke as seem in the rearview picture. I further agree that the illegal installation poses additional concerns because of lack of separation from energized terminals and combustible laminate material and cannot be corrected without approved listed cover/ and arc-shield if applicable. Additionally, replacement or repair of the outlet is hampered by the laminate material, and destruction of the laminate must take place to access the device.

16) I am wiring a project listed as an R4 Residential Assisted Living Facility on the Appendix B. The local inspector is requiring that I meet the requirements 210.12 for AFCI protection for a dwelling. The review was passed without AFCI devices and I did not include it in my price. Is it required in this type of occupancy?

Answer: No, it is not required.

NEC 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.

NCSBC 310.6 Residential Group R-4. Residential Group R-4 occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than five but not more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised residential environment and receive custodial care. Buildings of Group R-4 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Section 310.6.1 or 310.6.2.

17) What difference does it make on a project where the service point is? I am continually asked at the time of review to indicate on the drawings the location of the service point, is it not always at the top of the service disconnecting means? Answer; Paramount importance, the service point is where the installation must start to meet the NEC. That’s for a. conduit type and burial depth, b. size or height of overhead conductors c. listing and labeling, approval d. ampacity and insulation type e. Grounding/bonding f. Licensing and permitting etc; For reviewer and inspector

18) Are wall spaces with fixed cabinets required to meet the receptacle spacing requirements in 210.52? What are the particular limitations to cabinets to be allowed a wall space exemption? Answer: No fixed cabinets eliminate the receptale wall spacing requirement, unless they are provided with work surface per 210.52(A)(2). The exception starts at the floor line, so in the photos below, the wall space does not require receptacles.

19) When declaring Industrial Machinery, what information does the owner need to provide to the inspector? Answer: The following is required per Mecknc.gov, Department Directive on Industrial Machinery;

Owner’s declaration of equipment use and process description. Owners may claim applicability of NCGS 143- 138(b) by describing the physical characteristics of the equipment itself (size, weight, electrical nameplate data, and proposed location if within a building or space) and the step or procedure it provides for in the production process. This summary will be signed by the owner or officer of the business and maintained in the County’s project records for future reference. The Department will notify the customer of any exceptions taken to the list, which is equipment we do not believe qualifies as “industrial machinery”.

20) In the picture below are the receptacles compliant for the kitchen island requirement per 210.52(C)(2)? Answer: Maybe, a kitchen island of this type requires one receptacle. If the receptacle is mounted below the countertop it must no be more than 12” below. A receptacle so mounted cannot be below an overhang if the overhang extends more than 6 inches beyond its base, we would accept that can be measured from the egde as well. As a result if the receptacle is less than 12 inches below the top, and less than 6 inches from the lip of the overhang (or edge) it may be OK. Otherwise a counter mounded type is required.

21) Do I have to install an EGC in my roof top mounted EMT raceways which supply power to HVAC equipment? Can’t I use the EMT as the EGC? Answer: Yes, the 2017 NEC added 440.9, which requires outdoor portions of metal raceways installed on a roof supplying multi-motor and combination-load equipment to contain a wire type EGC unless the metal raceway utilizes threaded fittings. This requirement is intended to maintain the continuity of the equipment grounding path in the event the EMT becomes separated at a non-threaded fitting. 440.9 Grounding and Bonding. Where multimotor and combination-load equipment is installed outdoors on a roof, an equipment grounding conductor of the wire type shall be installed in outdoor portions of metallic raceway systems that use non-threaded fittings

22) My supplier provided me with a NK Ground Fault Sensor to provide GFCI protection for a 50A 208V 3 phase receptacle in a commercial kitchen as required by NEC 210.8. My inspector said they weren’t compliant since they didn’t have an approved third party label and didn’t meet UL 943 specifications. If my supplier provided them, shouldn’t they be acceptable?

Answer: NEC 110.3 requires all products to be listed and labeled. Also per the manufacturers website these sensors are designed to provide GFPE not GFCI for personnel protection.

https://youtu.be/maJaBQyd1XA

23) How long can my service entrance conductors run inside the building before terminating on my service main?

Answer: See NCDOI Barringer Rule.

24) My inspector says the exposed raceways for my emergency system have to be identified every 25’ since there are no junction boxes or enclosures in the vicinity for identification. I have never had to do this before and I don’t agree with this, what gives?

Answer: The inspector is always correct, shame on you and see NEC 700.10!!

700.10 Wiring, Emergency System. (A) Identification. Emergency circuits shall be permanently marked so they will be readily identified as a component of an emergency circuit or system by the following methods: (1) All boxes and enclosures (including transfer switches, generators, and power panels) for emergency circuits shall be permanently marked as a component of an emergency circuit or system. (2) Where boxes or enclosures are not encountered, exposed cable or raceway systems shall be permanently marked to be identified as a component of an emergency circuit or system at intervals not to exceed 7.6 m (25 ft).

25) May I combine 702 feeder tap conductors in the same trough as 700 tap conductors? The trough is fed straight from my generator.

Answer: Yes, see NEC 700.10 (B)(5)

It also doesn’t comply with 700.3(F) Mecklenburg Code Academy

Electrical Code Academy November 13, 2019

I. Mentoring and Encouragement: Everyday continually encourage one another, at every opportunity as long as the day allows so that each one will be strengthened. Hebrews 3; 13 II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Completion of “Discussion in Grounding” from 10/9/2019 meeting. III. Electrical Question and Answer

1) Do I have to install an EGC in my roof top mounted EMT raceways which supply power to HVAC equipment? Can’t I use the EMT as the EGC? Answer: Yes, the 2017 NEC added 440.9, which requires outdoor portions of metal raceways installed on a roof supplying multi-motor and combination-load equipment to contain a wire type EGC unless the metal raceway utilizes threaded fittings. This requirement is intended to maintain the continuity of the equipment grounding path in the event the EMT becomes separated at a non-threaded fitting. 440.9 Grounding and Bonding. Where multimotor and combination-load equipment is installed outdoors on a roof, an equipment grounding conductor of the wire type shall be installed in outdoor portions of metallic raceway systems that use non-threaded fittings

2) My supplier provided me with a NK Ground Fault Sensor to provide GFCI protection for a 50A 208V 3 phase receptacle in a commercial kitchen as required by NEC 210.8. My inspector said they weren’t compliant since they didn’t have an approved third party label and didn’t meet UL 943 specifications. If my supplier provided them, shouldn’t they be acceptable?

Answer: NEC 110.3 requires all products to be listed and labeled. Also, per the manufacturers website these sensors are designed to provide GFPE not GFCI for personnel protection.

https://youtu.be/maJaBQyd1XA

3) How long can my service entrance conductors run inside the building before terminating on my service main? Answer: See NCDOI Barringer Rule.

4) My inspector says the exposed raceways for my emergency system have to be identified every 25’ since there are no junction boxes or enclosures in the vicinity for identification. I have never had to do this before and I don’t agree with this, what gives?

Answer: The inspector is always correct, shame on you and see NEC 700.10!!

700.10 Wiring, Emergency System. (A) Identification. Emergency circuits shall be permanently marked so they will be readily identified as a component of an emergency circuit or system by the following methods: (1) All boxes and enclosures (including transfer switches, generators, and power panels) for emergency circuits shall be permanently marked as a component of an emergency circuit or system. (2) Where boxes or enclosures are not encountered, exposed cable or raceway systems shall be permanently marked to be identified as a component of an emergency circuit or system at intervals not to exceed 7.6 m (25 ft).

5) May I combine 702 feeder tap conductors in the same trough as 700 tap conductors? The trough is fed straight from my generator.

Answer: Yes, see NEC 700.10 (B)(5)

It also doesn’t comply with 700.3(F) 6. Can HDPE be utilized as a raceway when installed using a horizontally directional boring process? In the past this was allowed only as a sleeve and was approved to have cables approved for direct burial, or listed PVC conduit installed to qualify as the raceway. What is the correct inspection process for an HDD installation? Answer: Yes. In the past HDPE was only allowed to be used as a sleeve for installation using HDD. This was early in its use and the products we encountered were not listed. In 2017 we started seeing listed products that were not individual labeled to be used in HDD, after an interpretation from DOI and a clarification from UL the conduits are not required to be labeled for all applications as long as we have information as attached below that provide HDD as an approved installation method. The transition method to Sch. 40 PVC must also be approved or listed and can be completed with various epoxy adhesives, approved listed couplers or transitions through standard inground J-boxes.

7. Do the tanks storage area or the examination rooms, where nitrous oxide is used, constitute a hazardous location, as mentioned in article 500? Answer: No, nitrous oxide is not classified as a combustible gas and there for, does not have a flash point. Nitrous oxide

Related Pages Synonyms & Trade Names Dinitrogen monoxide, Hyponitrous acid anhydride, Laughing gas CAS No. 10024-97-2 OSHA ID166 RTECS No. QX1350000 DOT ID & Guide 1070 122 2201 122(refrigerated liquid) Formula N₂O Flash Point NA Upper Explosive Limit NA Lower Explosive Limit NA Relative Gas Density 1.53 Nonflammable Gas, however supports combustion at elevated temperatures.

8. I am inspecting a dental treatment room. The dental chair will be within 6’ of the light switch for the room. If the contractor is using exception #3 of 517.13(B), is he required to provide redundant grounding to the lights above 7’6”and to the switch, because it’s less than 6’ from the chair? Answer: After much discussion, No, for the luminaires, but Yes for the switches, the article reads as follows: Exception No. 3: Luminaires more than 2.3 m (71⁄2 ft) above the floor and switches located outside of the patient care vicinity shall be permitted to be connected to an equipment grounding return path complying with 517.13(A) or (B).

The two conditions mentioned are exclusive of themselves. Both are not required to be present, in order to meet the requirements of the exception. If the luminaires are 71/2 feet above the floor, then exception #3 would apply. If the light switch is within the patient care vicinity it requires both 517.13 (A) and (B), outside of the patient vicinity, the exception #3 would apply to the switches as well. It is unlikely that a patient would contact these items or that an attendant would contact these items and a patient at the same time. The patient care vicinity consists of an area 6 feet horizontally in all directions from the bed or chair and vertically to 71⁄2 feet above the floor.

9. Can both a generator and a battery inverter system be used on the same 700 system?

Answer: Yes, per 700.12. The supply system for emergency purposes, in addition to the normal services to the building and meeting the general requirements of this section, shall be one or more of the types of systems described in 700.12(A) through (E). (A) Storage Battery. (B) Generator Set. (C) Uninterruptible Power Supplies. (D) Separate Service. (E) Fuel Cell System.

10. A number of micro-breweries are springing up in the area. I have some concern over the grain handling process which can be rather dusty and combustible. Would any of these areas likely be considered a class II location?

Answer: Yes they very well should be, most grain dusts are extremely combustible. However, it depends on the area being considered and, very importantly, the level of housekeeping and collection system (if any). It sounds like the dust is in suspension under normal operation, which could put it into a Class II, on Explosion Hazards: Fine dust dispersed in air in sufficient concentrations, and in the presence of an ignition source is a potential dust explosion hazard. But the classification of an area is not (generally) the responsibility of an electrical inspector. See 500.4 General. (A) Documentation. All areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations shall be properly documented. This documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, inspect, maintain, or operate electrical equipment at the location (Who does the documentation? Fire Chief? Engineer? Designer? Building Official? Owner/Operator?)

11. The NEC requires a laundry circuit for the receptacle required in a laundry area. If the single family dwelling does not have a laundry area, then does the code require a dedicated circuit anywhere I chose?

Answer: No, it is required to be installed in the designated laundry area per NEC Section 210.52(F). We need to start with NEC Section 210.11(C)(2) which requires at least one additional 20-ampere branch circuit to be provided to supply the laundry receptacle outlet(s) as required by 210.52(F) that has no other outlets. NEC Section 210.50(C) requires that appliance receptacle outlets installed in a dwelling unit for specific appliances, such as laundry equipment, shall be installed within 6 feet of the intended location of the appliance.

12. On a project I have some HVAC mini split systems (Mitsubishi). The interior unit is controlled by the exterior unit. The exterior unit has a Max OCPD of 30a. However, the indoor unit name plate states 15a Max OCPD. This is a listed assembly is an additional OCPD necessary to protect the indoor unit? Secondly, does the indoor unit require a disconnect within sight of the unit?

13. I am reviewing a project for an Acupuncture Therapy . Does this type occupancy required to be wired per 517.13 and be provided with redundant grounding means? Answer: No, this type of facility would be considered a B occupancy, and not fit the scope of 517 or the definition of healthcare facility. It would be grouped into the same category as a tattoo parlor or piercing studio.

Health Care Facilities. Buildings, portions of buildings, or mobile enclosures in which human medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care are provided. [99:3.3.67]

14. I have a project using the Ufer grounding electrode system as my only grounding electrode. What is the largest grounding electrode conductor required for my 800 amp service? Do I have to supplement it with ground rods?

Answer: #4 copper. No supplemental grounding electrode is required.

(B) Connections to Concrete-Encased Electrodes. If the Only a water pipe per 250.53(D)(2), or a single pipe, plate grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper connected to or rod electrode per 250.53(A)(2) are required to be a single or multiple concrete-encased electrode(s), as described in supplemented. 250.52(A)(3), does not extend on to other types of electrodes that require a larger size of conductor, the grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to be larger than 4 AWG copper wire.

15. What is the best way to handle multiple installation changes in the field that are different from the approved drawings? Provide examples of things that could be handled in the field through an engineer’s letter or things that should drive an RTAP? Answer: Discussion. That is up to the field inspector as to what he is comfortable with, many changes can be addressed through a engineers letter or bulletin drawing. Changes to life safety systems, or large changes or value engineering need to be addressed through an RTAP. Changing from copper to aluminum conductors for instance, on a medium to large commercial project needs to have the revision submitted. Minor relocations, or small component removals or additions can be addressed through a letter or bulletin, such as adding a couple of luminaires or receptacles or relocating them can be accepted if the design team is aware and agreeable, as long as the finished result is completely code compliant.

16. I have a project that requires the metal site lighting poles to be bonded to a ground rod at each pole. The electrical inspector is requiring that the equipment grounding conductors ran with the branch circuit to be connected to the poles. Is this connection required? Won’t any lightening that strikes the pole run into my wiring system causing problems? Answer: The metallic poles must be connected to the branch circuit equipment grounding conductor. This is an example of a situation that can both energize the pole and the ground rod. The possibility of lightening following the ECG back into the building is very minimal, as it would take the least resistance to earth, through the GEC to the rod. The connection can be any means code compliant and can use the metallic pole to provide the path of continuity.

17. My inspector has failed my installation because an HVAC compressor has an MCA 28 amperes and MOCP 35 amperes, and I used a 30 ampere rated disconnect switch. She stated that the switch must be at least 115% of the MCA. Is that correct? Answer: No. The MCA has already been sized 125% of the branch circuit selection current.

This is the MCA calculation method

18. Can I install a corner mounted flood light to provide the light required at the exterior access door of a detached garage? Answer: Yes, per 210.70(A)(2)(2)

19. When is it allowable to re-energize a new service panel when doing a total residential renovation?

Answer: As soon as it is code compliant for a FI, if it is a stand-alone permit. Or if it code compliant for a TP and meets the requirements of the NC Administrative Code 10.8, if it part of a renovation permit including a B or M permit.

20. Discussion on the difference between “Dwelling units” and “Sleeping units” in regard to R1 occupancies. Other commercial occupancies like when is an office breakroom a kitchen?

Mecklenburg Code Academy

Electrical Code Academy December 11, 2019

I. Mentoring and Encouragement: II. Electrical Technical Discussion: Latest response from DOI for SP Motor changeouts, and GFCI for three phase receptacles per 210.8(B)

Mr. Starling Good afternoon, I hope you are well

Could you please clarify a couple items, for my own understanding and direction, based on inspection issues currently under discussion.

a. Recent e-mails regarding pool motor changeouts between multiple individuals I must admit have left me confused. We see multiple pool motor changeouts weekly and understand both sides of the UL discussion regarding the ability to accept a component marked motor replaced and still covered by the listing. The issue here in Mecklenburg County is exacerbated due to the fact that the majority of the changeouts have been completed by unknown individuals without permits or inspections and most often by un-licensed person or companies. These are discovered by the local environmental health inspector during an annual inspection of primarily commercial pools. These are brought to our attention and investigated without any information from the owner or installer. The few that get permitted are usually addressed using the UL interpretation you addressed with Mr. Fecteau in the e-mails. As I understand from your last e-mail, inspectors can approve these component marked motors as replacements to the listed assembly provided the installer supplies adequate information to evaluate the replacement. Is that correct?

Along with the GFCI, grounding, and mounting code requirements we need at least the following 1. Old motor on site, or verifiable nameplate from original motor 2. Motor approved for pool use and thermally protected or provided proper thermal overloads 3. Component marked for the assembly 4. Approved for location

b. I understand during a recent IAEI conference reference was given to a pending BCC amendment to NEC 210.8(B) to change the requirement for GFCI protection to specific receptacles found in commercial occupancies. Again, these type conflicts are currently being discussed here in both inspections and plan reviews. I recently became aware of the interpretation on the DOI website, that states that NEC 90.4 can be used regarding the unavailability of GFCI three phase receptacles and GFCI 3 pole breakers above 50 amperes, and as a result receptacles 60 amperes to 100 amperes three phase are exempt from the GFCI requirements. Aftermarket, listed Class A GFCI relays are available for three phase circuits and we have directed clients to these as an option, however they are not viewed as cost effective and most lean to the hard wired option. Moving forward, is the State interpretation still allowed as written and inspectors can approve an installation of 3 phase receptacles above 50 amperes without GFCI? Or, will the pending BCC amendment affect the requirement in a way that it would be best to wait until the amendment is formal? 1. This effectively releases the 60-100 ampere 3 phase requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles in 210.8(B) David,

a. Yes b. The interpretation is still valid, but you are correct that there is an amendment underway to eliminate the 3- phase GFCI receptacle requirement. I expect the amendment to be finalized sometime next month. I will put it on the NC Additional Amendments document as soon as I get notice that Rule Review has deemed it legal. https://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/State_Electrical_Division/Documents/ElectricalInterpretations2017/Ch%2002%20Art%2 00210%200008%20002%20000~210.8(B)%20- %20General%20Rules%20for%20GFCI%20Protection%20of%20Receptacles%20in%20Non-Dwelling%20Applications_.pdf

III. Electrical Question and Answer:

1. When installing LED lights, as shown in the cut sheet below, are the manufacturer’s accessary installation plates required to install the fixtures, in a tee bar ceiling?

Answer: The manufacturer’s installation instructions will determine whether or not the accessary plate is required. The plates are meant to be used for new construction and not for retro fit installations. In some cases, it may determine if the manufacturer will fulfill their obligation to the warranty of the light fixture. The driver enclosure is required to be securely fastened in place according to 314.23(D) (1) or (2). Also, 410.36(B) gives requirements on securing a luminaire in a suspended ceiling.

2. I am inspecting a multi-story hotel. Many of the guest suites, have microwave ovens, fed with dedicated circuits. The sub-panel for the suites, are located in an equipment room, off of the common area corridor. Doesn’t 240.24(B) (2) require that the guests have access to the branch circuit overcurrent devices? Answer: That is correct. Because NCDOI considers a microwave oven, fed with a dedicated circuit, as constituting permanent cooking, many things come into play. Not only does the guest have to have access to the overcurrent protection, but it also includes the requirement for AFCI protection, as mentioned in 210.17. Also, receptacle placement is affected by 210.60.

3. I have a commercial building that has a raised floor with office furniture on top of it. The contractor has mounted receptacles to the floor, under the raised floor. They are going to drill holes in the floor tiles, large enough for cord connectors to pass through. I don’t believe that is legal according to 400.12. Answer: You are correct. 400.12(2), clearly states that flexible cord cannot be run through floors. There are other options that the contractor can choose, to prevent passing the cord through the floor tiles.

4. I have a contractor that works a lot in my areas. He and I often don’t see eye to eye, and he has a habit of questioning every interpretation I give him. The bottom line is I’m tired of it, and I find myself failing all his installations and not responding to his questions and calls. Other contractors have asked me about him, and I just tell them the truth, that he can’t be relied on or trusted and he does terrible work. As an inspector can’t I give my honest opinion, and am I not allowed to handle the contractor the way I see fit, regardless of how angry he gets? Answer: None of the actions you have taken for yourself leaves you in a defendable position. As inspectors we must conduct ourselves in a professional manner at all times regardless of the actions of others. It is ok to become frustrated and is acceptable to voice your frustration to the client in a limited fashion, however it is not allowed to withhold the services you are paid to provide under any circumstances. It further is never ok or allowed to voice your opinion on a or any contractor to any other parties. This is far outside the code of conduct for inspectors or any county employees, and as such could place you outside the level of protection accorded to government employees against legal actions and law suits.

5. I have a large mercantile project ongoing in the area now, and the electrical inspector has informed me that my commercial kitchen receptacles must be GFCI protected. My equipment supplier does not provide an option for GFCI protection for these receptacles and is not expected to have an option available until late next year. Does the NEC Section 90.4 not allow a variance to this unavailable requirement? The inspector would only say that the equipment could be hard wired, however my client does not want them installed in that manner. Answer: See Above Per the NC DOI guidance paper it states that NC does not recognize the availability of GFCI breakers for 3 phase receptacles above 50 amperes. The plan reviewer can continue to point out these receptacles require GFCI at the time of review, and the field inspector can accept non GFCI protection for these receptacles if requested in the field. At this time this is allowed as variance to be handled in the field. If at such time the BCC makes an amendment, we would apply the amendment in both the field and plan review. 6. Commercial kitchen receptacles of single and three phase types now must be GFCI protected. With that we have been allowed to hard wire those to eliminate the ground-fault requirement. If that is an option doesn’t that trigger the necessity of a disconnecting means for these appliances? Answer: Not necessarily see NEC 422.31 for disconnection of appliances. Allowed to be remotely located if provided with locking means compliant to 110.25

422.31 Disconnection of Permanently Connected Appliances.

(A) Rated at Not over 300 Volt-Amperes or 1⁄8 Horsepower. For permanently connected appliances rated at not over

300 volt-amperes or 1⁄8 hp, the branch-circuit overcurrent device 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. (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. Informational Note: For appliances employing unit switches, see 422.34.

(C) Motor-Operated Appliances Rated over 1⁄8 Horsepower. The disconnecting means shall comply with 430.109 and 430.110. For permanently connected motor-operated appliances

with motors rated over 1⁄8 hp, the disconnecting means shall be within sight from the appliance or be capable of being locked in the open position in compliance with 110.25.

7. On my project I have a 150 HP Fire Pump that is fed with a wye-start, delta-run starter. This requires 6 conductors ran from the starter to the motor. The inspector has informed me that the conductors must be derated to 80% because of 6 conductors in the conduit. Is this a code requirement? Answer: Yes, the 6 conductors in the FP feeder are all current carrying conductors and must follow the same requirements of any other installations. NEC 430.22(C)

(C) Wye-Start, Delta-Run Motor. For a wye-start, delta-run connected motor, the ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors on the line side of the controller shall not be less than 125 percent of the motor full-load current as determined by 430.6(A)(1). The ampacity of the conductors between the controller and the motor shall not be less than 72 percent of the motor full-load current rating as determined by 430.6(A)(1).

Table 430.250 Full-Load Current, Three-Phase Alternating-Current Motors

150 HP @ 480 volts 180 amps 180(.72)= 129.6 /.8= 162 amperes

Table 310.15(B)(16) (formerly Table 310.16) Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors Rated Up to and Including 2000 Volts, 60°C Through 90°C (140°F Through 194°F), Not More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in Raceway, Cable, or Earth (Directly Buried), Based on Ambient Temperature of 30°C (86°F)*

8. I am installing ceiling mounted cameras with pedestals, is it permissible to mount these using toggle bolts attached to the ceiling tile, or am I required to set a box (and required to secure/support)? These weigh about a pound including the pedestal. Answer: No, all electrical equipment regardless of type or voltages must be secured and supported in an approved manner. The manufacturer of the ceiling panel system will not allow any thing to be attached to the tile. MCCE will allow small lightweight (1-2 ounces or less) devices such as occupancy sensors or glass break detectors designed for support using poke through non-metallic fasteners to be attached to the tile with the cable service loops completely supported to structure. The cameras and pedestals must be supported to outlet boxes or approved supports securely to the structure.

9. Is it permissible to make a splice in a tap conductor? Tap conductors are usually 10-25 feet long when ran indoors, outside tap conductor length can be unlimited, as a result can a tap conductor be ran any certain length outside, then be allowed to run inside for the prescriptive length of the tap? Answer: Yes, an approved splice is allowable, and No, The outside tap conductor once entering the structure must terminate directly to the overcurrent devices, similar to the requirement for service conductors in 240.21(B)

10. I am replacing my old knob and tube wiring with new romex for the entire house. Do I have to install new receptacles to get the current spacing requirements? Answer: No, and the explanation is a real mystery. The NC Existing Building Code does not provide clear guidance for this type of project. It then falls into a Repair Chapter 6 category, that allows the replacement of the wiring method to another method that is allowed to be “not less safe”. K and T changeout to NM is a better wiring method and is acceptable as a repair. a. Repair, If the original receptacles (more than likely 2-wire type) are still used no other change is required. If the outlet(s) are repaired (because of damage or no longer serviceable to only a limited amount) they can be replaced with like for like, no other upgrade required. If the 2-wire are not available, they can be replaced with 3-wire receptacles and attached to the new equipment grounding conductor for this project per 250.130(C). Repair only b. Alteration, If the devices are changed out, they must be AFCI or GFCI based on the application, and 3-wire outlets. Still no additional outlets are required c. If the project undergoes an Alteration Level 2 and the wall surface is replaced then the NCEBC Article 8 section 808.3 is required for residential units as indicated below,

11. Are intersystem bond bar required when replacing an existing residential service? Could I just connect the other utility grounds to the main ground bar inside the panel? Answer: No Intersystem Bonding Termination not required to be added per 250.94 exception. But No, the termination of any existing GEC for the communication systems cannot be made internal to the enclosure

12. I have two cables entering a pancake box for a light. The pancake box does not have the cubic inch space for both cables. Can I use the luminaire canopy as additional cubic inch space?

Answer: Yes: The canopy space can be used in conjunction with the outlet box for conductor space per 410.20.

13. I have a 4’ high wall next to my pool. Do I need the equipotential bond on the opposite side of the wall?

Answer: Yes, 680.26(B)(2) requires the wall to be at least 5 feet in height to qualify as a barrier.

The question came in regarding a drop in elevation to the opposite side of the wall of 4 feet, and would we allow that the EB be exempt for the far wall side because of the now 8 feet height barrier, and yes that can be allowed. The intent is to make it unlikely that a person in the water can touch a perimeter surface, the result would be same.

14. I am changing my kitchen cabinets and counter tops to new ones. I am not adding or changing the footprint of the cabinets. I have only one old original ungrounded receptacle on the countertop in the kitchen. If I do no electrical work, do I have to bring the kitchen up to current code? Answer: No