National Electric Code

Thomas Mason, P.E.

Course Content
NFPA 70, the National Electric Code, has developed over the last 100 years. It has been radically revised in 1999 and 2002 to internationalize it, that is, change the format and wording to match European forms. A very excellent improvement has been the attempt to remove negative language and exceptions. What is left is supposed to indicate only the acceptable forms, in direct, prescriptive, enforceable language. The organization of the 2002 National Electric Code is as follows:

Introduction 80 - Administration [not enforceable Code] Introduction 90 - Introduction [valuable discussion but not enforceable Code] Chapter 1, Section 100 - Definitions [extremely valuable and enforceable] Chapter 1, Section 110 - Requirements [requires reading and re-reading; enforceable] Chapter 2 Wiring and Protection [see annotated Table of Contents] Chapter 3 - Wiring Methods [Definitions of rigid and flexible conduits and open power wiring and limitations] Chapter 4 - Equipment for General Use [Flexible cords, switches, panels, lighting and much more] Chapter 5 Special Occupancies [hazardous areas, garages, health care, theaters and more] Chapter 6 - Special Equipment [signs, hoists, elevators, information technology and more] Chapter 7 - Special Conditions [Emergency generators, low-voltage wiring, fire alarm wiring and more] Chapter 8 - Communications Systems [radio, tv, powered data circuits and more] Chapter 9 - Tables Annexes, formerly appendices [not enforceable]
Reading the NEC: Teachers of the Code and enforcement authorities keep reading and rereading the Code. Particular problems which come up require careful interpretation of the specific words used and how they are used. It is common to compare similar sections to try to figure out the intent of the section which applies. On the other hand, most Code issues fall into a very few categories - where and how different conduits can be used, where disconnect switches are required and how much space must be left around them for access, how to choose wire size and protection for a particular load. The attached annotated Table of Contents is a collection of the most frequently used rules of the NEC and key interpretations by the Code authority of one consulting engineering firm. It is comprehensive, in that every section of the Code is included. It is not comprehensive in addressing every possible question and special circumstance. At the very least, it helps the reader find the relevant section of the Code for his own study and interpretation.

It is recommended that the entire annotated Table of Contents be read, to establish a sense of organization of the NEC. When particular questions come up, scan the entire TOC, with close attention to sections on the topic in question. Even if it is directly addressed in an annotation, the reader should review the actual Code wording. Common Trouble-Points in Code Interpretation are as follows: 110.26 - space around electrical equipment. Use 42-in in front of equipment. Make the pipe fitter move anything that encroaches on this space. Overheads 6-ft above or to the structural ceiling must be clear of pipes, ducts or foreign equipment. 218.8 - GFCI and AFCI. GFIs are required for all outlets in kitchens and bathrooms. Arc fault circuit interrupters are required in dwelling unit bedrooms. 210.19 - A circuit breaker or fuse can be loaded to only 80% of its rating. Size wiring for 100%. 210.19 FPN 4,

3% voltage drop on feeder, 5% feeder + branch . This means that conductor size must be increased when the impedance of the length causes a 3% voltage drop. For 120V 2-wire circuit, increase one wire gage at 60-ft, two wire sizes at 100-ft. See Table below:
where: AWG = American Wire Gage This table is for 3% voltage drop A technology receptacle has a dedicated neutral so

voltage drop is both ways. A general receptacle is on a shared three-phase circuit. A-FT = amp-ft; divide by ft to get max amps FT16A = max ft for a 20A cb at 16A 215.10 - A main circuit breaker on a 277/480V panel which is 1000A or larger must have GFI. 250.50 - Grounding for service entrance. See graphic below: Conductor sizes based upon Service size. See Table 250.66.

300.5 - Minimal cover for underground power conduit is 18-in, for direct burial cable, 24-in. 300.11 - dont hang telephone or data from conduit; cannot use concentric knockouts for ground of 480V conduit.

Table 310.13 derating. 4-6 7-9 10-20

more than 3 current carrying conductors in a conduit require 80% 70% 50% #12 ! #10 #12 ! #10 #12 ! #8

312.8 - No splice or tap in switch enclosure [use a wireway below the switch] 320, 330 - Flexible conduit must be supported at box and every 4-1/2-ft or 6-ft along run 400.8 - Flexible cords (extension cords or equipment cords) must not be used to replace permanent wiring. 90-day limit. Must not run thru holes in walls, ceilings, suspended ceilings or windows. Must not be attached to building surfaces. 408.14 - Lighting and appliance panel must have a main circuit breaker or fuse. 430.28 - tap rules; maximum distance between power tap and protective device:

1000% conductor ampacity, 10-ft tap rule 300%, 25-ft tap rule 100%, unlimited industrial exceptions

Table 430.150 460V HP FLA 7-1/2 11 10 14 15 21 20 27 25 34 30 40 40 52 50 65 60 77 75 96 100 124 125 156 150 180 200 240 FLA x1.25 14 18 27 34 43 50 65 82 97 120 155 195 225 300 Wire 12 12 10 8 6 6 4 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 350 Ground Conduit 12 3/4 12 3/4 10 3/4 10 1 10 1-1/2 10 1-1/2 8 1-1/2 8 1-1/2 8 2 6 2 6 2 6 2-1/2 4 2-1/2 4 3

440.62 - window airconditioner not to exceed 80% of rating of dedicated circuit, or not to exceed 50% of rating of shared circuit.; window airconditioner shall have a factory-installed LCDI or AFCI within 12-in of the plug 620.22 - elevator requirements, see graphic below:

700.6 - auxiliary loads can be supplied from emergency generator, but require separate automatic transfer switch with load-shed in case of generator overload.
800 - abandoned data and communications cables in above ceiling space must be removed.