The second type is the permissive rule as defined in NEC 90.5(B).

Permissive rules allow discre-

tionary compliance, where optional or alternative methods are permitted. They are identified by
the terms “shall be permitted” or “shall not be required.” Examples of permissive rules are NEC
210.4(A), 220.52(B), 225.7(D), and 240.4(B).

8. Exceptions. Exceptions provide alternatives to specific rules. They are distinctively written in
italics. Consider the following:

Example (the rule): NEC 210.3 states that the ratings for other than individual branch circuits
shall be 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 amperes.

Statement: Multioutlet branch circuits shall not exceed a 50 amperes rating.

Answer: The statement is true based on the rule. Only individual (separate) branch circuits are
allowed to have a rating of 50 amperes or higher.

Statement: A No. 10 conductor having an ampacity of 30 amperes supplies a branch circuit

that is protected by a 20-ampere circuit breaker. The branch circuit is rated for 30 amperes.

Answer: The statement is false based on the rule. The rating of a branch circuit is based on
the ampere rating or setting of the specified overcurrent device. Therefore, the branch circuit
is rated for 20 amperes.

Example (the exception to the rule): The exception to NEC 210.3 states that a multioutlet branch
circuit greater than 50 amperes is permitted to supply nonlighting outlet loads on industrial
premises where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons
service the equipment.

Statement: Two 100 amps multioutlet branch circuits supplying several single receptacle
outlets in a steel manufacturing plant are permitted as long as the plant is maintained and
supervised by individuals who are qualified to service these type circuits.

Answer: The statement is true based on the condition of the exception to the rule.

9. Informational Notes. What was referred to in previous editions of the code as a fine print note
is now called an informational note in the 2011 NEC. Informational notes identify explanatory
material [90.5(C)]. Informational notes are only used to provide information such as references to
other standards, references to related sections of the code, or information related to a code rule.
Informational notes are not enforceable requirements of the code. Examples of informational
notes include those listed with NEC 110.5, 200.7(C)(2), 250.116(3), and 406.9(A).

10. Definitions. Part I of Article 100 provides the definition of terms that are used in two or more
articles of the NEC. Terms that are common to an article or a particular part of an article of the

xvii
NEC only apply to that particular reference. Terms that are common to an article are, for the most
part, found in the second section (indicated by “.2”) of that particular article (e.g., the definitions
found in NEC 240.2, 250.2, 366.2, and 440.2). Terms that are common to a particular part of an
article are listed according to applicable sections (e.g., Part IX of Article 424). The definitions
listed in NEC 424.91 are only applicable to Part IX.

As an example of how a term is actually introduced and gradually integrated within the code book
based on the effects of year-to-year changes in the electrical field, let’s take a look at the origin of
the term arc fault circuit interrupter.

In the 1999 edition of the NEC, the term arc fault circuit interrupter was first introduced by the initia-
tion of section 210.12, with subsection 210.12(a) providing a definition of the term. From the 1999
edition and up to the 2008 edition, the term and definition were only applicable to section 210.12.

In the 2011 edition of the NEC, the definition [subsection 210.12(A)] has now been removed from
section 210.12 and placed in Article 100, which implies that the term is used in at least two or
more articles of the NEC. As a result, the term arc fault circuit interrupter is not only found in
Article 210 [section 210.12(A)] but also in Articles 406 [406.4(D)(4)], 550 [section 550.25], and
690 [690.11], as referenced in the index of the 2011 edition. However, section 440.65 also appears
in the index, as the mentioned arc fault circuit interrupter requirement applies to the attachment
plug of a room air conditioner and not the protection of a circuit.

Part II of Article 100 provides the definition of terms specifically covering installations and equip-
ment operating over 600 volts, nominal.

11. Changes, Deletions, Extracted Text. Any information listed in the current 2011 NEC that
differs from the 2008 NEC is identified as follows:

Changes. Prior to the 2008 NEC, a vertical line or bar ( ) appearing in the margins of the NEC
was used exclusively to identify a section or sections that had been changed (revised). Changes
other than editorial are highlighted with gray shading within the applicable section of interest.
Vertical lines or bars are used to identify large blocks of changed or new text and for new tables
and changed or new figures.

Deletions. A bullet (•) appearing in the margins of the NEC identifies an area in which contents
have been deleted (removed). A deletion does not mean the deleted contents have been totally
removed from the NEC, as they could possibly be located elsewhere in the NEC.

Extracted Text. Prior to the 2002 NEC, a superscript (x) was used to identify material extracted
from other NFPA documents. Such extracted (taken from another source) material now appears
between brackets ([ ]) in the NEC. For example, 517.34 was extracted from NFPA 99, Section
4-4.2.2.3.2.

xviii
**Section only applicable to flexible metallic Tubing, Type FMT

*** Section only applicable to Types PVC and RTRC nonmetallic conduit

As you can see, the formatting and structure is practically the same (with the exception of section
topics) and so is the approach for finding answers and information promptly as applied to these
articles. Now, if a question or needed information arises pertaining to raceway sizes and ground-
ing, simply refer to sections .20 and .60 of the applicable article.

Finally, because of the difficulties often found with hazardous (classified) areas, we’ll conclude
this section by reviewing Articles 501, 502, and 503. These three articles are perhaps the most
frequently used articles of Chapter 5, pertaining to classified areas.

Now, observe the format on the following page. Close attention should be made to each particular
hazard of concern that’s associated with each classified area. If a question were asked or if one
had a need to know about the classification of an area containing “flammable liquids,” chances
are the first thing a user would have the tendency to do is began searching each article of the NEC
pertaining to classified areas. With the help of the given format and the further familiarization of
it, the user can easily identify “flammable liquids” with Class I areas of Article 501. For clearly,
the format (Hazard of Concern) shows, and is further stated in each respective article, that Article
501 covers Class I Locations where the presence of flammable gases or vapors or liquids may
exist, that Article 502 covers Class II Locations where the presence of combustible dust may
exist, and that Article 503 covers Class III Locations where ignitable fibers/flyings may exist.
With the given format, the user is allowed to visualize and connect the three articles and classi-
fied areas per locations simultaneously, without having to become familiar with them in a “not so
otherwise” manner.

For another example, each classified area per hazard of concern features sections pertaining to
“Wiring Methods” in both Division 1 [501. – 503.10(A)] and 2 [501. – 503.10(B)] locations.

Now, consider “Sealing and Drainage.” Observe how the referenced information only applies to
Class I areas [501.15], while the reference “Sealing” only applies to Class II areas, where refer-
enced information pertaining to both Division 1 and 2 locations [502.15] is combined, opposed to
being presented in two separate sections.

A final example is found with the reference “Surge Protection.” Here, this reference features infor-
mation that is separate for Division 1 and 2 locations for Class I areas [501.35(A) and 501.35(B)]
compared to Class II areas, in which the same section is used for both Division 1 and 2 locations
[502.35]. Notice that the reference “Surge Protection” does not apply to Class III locations.

With the examples and further study, the given format of the three classified locations can cer-
tainly lead to an understanding or better comprehension of Articles 501, 502, 503, and other
similar articles and related subject matters.

xxii
 Hazardous (Classified) Areas

Article 501 Article 502 Article 503

Class I Locations Class II Locations Class III Locations

Hazard of concern flammable gases combustible dust ignitable fibers/flyings

or vapors or liquids

Reference

Zone Equipment 501.5 --- ---

Explosionproof
Equipment --- 502.5 ---

General --- --- 503.5

Wiring Methods
Division 1 501.10(A) 502.10(A) 503.10(A)
Division 2 501.10(B) 502.10(B) 503.10(B)

Sealing and Drainage 501.15 --- ---

Sealing
Divisions 1 and 2 --- 502.15 ---

Conduit Seals
Division 1 501.15(A) --- ---
Division 2 501.15(B) --- ---
Divisions 1 and 2 501.15(C) --- ---

Process Sealing 501.17 --- ---

Conductor Insulation
Divisions 1 and 2 501.20 --- ---

Uninsulated Exposed Parts

Divisions 1 and 2 501.25 502.25 503.25

xxiii
 Article 501 Article 502 Article 503
Class I Locations Class II Locations Class III Locations

Hazard of concern flammable gases combustible dust ignitable fibers/flyings

or vapors or liquids

Reference

Grounding and Bonding

Divisions 1 and 2 501.30 502.30 503.30

Surge Protection
Division 1 501.35(A) 502.35 ---
Division 2 501.35(B) 502.35 ---

Multiwire Branch
Circuits 501.40 502.40 ---

Transformers and Capacitors

Division 1 501.100(A) 502.100(A) 503.100
Division 2 501.100(B) 502.100(B) 503.100

Meters, Instruments, and Relays

Division 1 501.105(A) --- ---
Division 2 501.105(B) --- ---

Switches, Circuit Breakers, Motor Controllers, and Fuses

Division 1 501.115(A) 502.115(A) 503.115
Division 2 501.115(B) 502.115(B) 503.115

Control Transformers and Resistors

Division 1 501.120(A) 502.120A) 503.120
Division 2 501.120(B) 502.120(B) 503.120

Motors and Generators

Division 1 501.125(A) 502.125A) 503.125
Division 2 501.125(B) 502.125(B) 503.125

xxiv
F. 2011 Major Changes to Significant Articles
(Articles 310 and 392: Sections Renumbered/Reformatted)

Article 310

Renumbered Changes

Reference Section 2008 2011

Conductors 310.2 310.106

Stranded Conductors 310.3 310.106(C)

Conductors in Parallel 310.4 310.10(H)

Minimum Size of Conductors 310.5 310.106(A)

Table (Minimum Size of Conductors) 310.5 310.106(A)

Shielding 310.6 310.10(E)

Direct-Burial Conductors 310.7 310.10(F)

Locations 310.8 310.10(A)–(D)

Corrosive Conditions 310.9 310.10(G)

Temperature Limitation of Conductors 310.10 310.15(A)(3)

Marking 310.11 310.120

Conductor Identification 310.12 310.110

Conductor Constructions and Applications 310.13 310.104

Table (Conductor Applications and

Insulations Rated 600V) 310.13(A) 310.104(A)

Table (Thickness of Insulation for Nonshielded

Types RHH and RHW Solid Dielectric
Insulated Conductors Rated 2000 Volts) 310.13(B) 310.104(B)

Table (Conductor Application and Insulation

Rated 2001 Volts and Higher) 310.13(C) 310.104(C)

xxvi
Article 392

Renumbered Changes

Reference Section 2008 2011

Uses Permitted 392.3 392.10

Table (Wiring Method) 392.3(A) 392.10(A)

Uses Not Permitted 392.4 392.12

Construction Specifications 392.5 392.100

Installation (Cable Tray Installation) 392.6 392.18

Grounding (and Bonding) 392.7 392.60

Table (Metal Area Requirements for Cable Trays

Used as Equipment Grounding Conductor) 392.7(B) 392.60(A)

Cable Installation 392.8

Cable Splices 392.8(A) 392.56
Fastened Security 392.8(B) 392.30(B)
Bushed Conduit and Tubing 392.8(C) 392.46

Number of Multiconductor Cables,

Rated 2000 Volts or Less, in Cable Trays 392.9 392.22(A)

Table (Allowable Cable Fill Area for

Multiconductor Cables in Ladder, Ventilated
Trough, or Solid Bottom Cable Trays for Cables
Rated 2000 Volts or Less 392.9 392.22(A)

Table (Allowable Cable Fill Area for

Multiconductor Cables in Ventilated
Channel Cable Trays for Cables Rated
2000 Volts or Less 392.9(E) 392.22(A)(5)

Table (Allowable Cable Fill Area for

Multiconductor Cables in Solid
Channel Cable Trays for Cables Rated
2000 Volts or Less 392.9(F) 392.22(A)(6)

Number of Single-Conductor Cables,

Rated 2000 Volts or Less, in Cable Trays 392.10 392.22(B)

xxix
 Chapter 3—Wiring Methods and Material

Article 398–Open Wiring on Insulators

==================================================================

1. Conductors smaller than No. 8 AWG shall be rigidly supported within __________ of a
dead-end connection to a receptacle.
a. 8" b. 10" c. 6" d. 12"

2. Open wiring on insulators is permitted inside agricultural establishments if rated for 600
volts nominal or less.
a. True b. False

3. Where nails are used to mount knobs, they shall not be smaller than ten penny.
a. True b. False

4. No. 8 and larger conductors installed across open spaces are permitted to be supported up
to 15 feet apart if noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulating spacers are used at least every
__________ feet to maintain at least 2.5 inches between conductors.
a. 4.5 b. 7 c. 9 d. 6.5

5. Conductors used for open wiring shall be separated at least __________ from metal race-
ways, piping, or other conducting material.
a. 4" b. 1" c. 3" d. 2"

Article 399–Outdoor Overhead Conductors Over 600 Volts

==================================================================

1. Only a licensed professional engineer engaged primarily in the design of structures and sup-
ports for outdoor overhead conductors can produce documentation of the engineered design.
a. True b. False

2. Insulated 2.4kV overhead conductor enclosed in metal conduit are permitted to be

installed indoors.
a. True b. False

3. Insulated, covered, or bare single conductors installed outdoors on support structures are
defined as __________ conductors.
a. insulated b. high-voltage c. outdoor overhead d. transmission

87
 6. d. 6'; 392.30(B)(3)
7. c. sunlight resistant; 392.10

Article 394–Concealed Knob-and-Tube Wiring

======================================================================

1. a. True; 394.56
2. b. equivalent; 394.30(B)
3. a. 3; 394.19(A)

Article 396–Messenger-Supported Wiring

======================================================================

1. a. True; 396.12
2. c. messenger-supported wiring; 396.2(3)

Article 398–Open Wiring on Insulators

======================================================================

1. d. 12"; 398.30(A)(2)
2. a. True; 398.10(1)
3. a. True; 398.30(D)
4. a. 4.5; 398.30(B)
5. d. 2"; 398.19

Article 399–Outdoor Overhead Conductors Over 600 Volts

======================================================================

1. a. True; 399.30(A) and (B)

2. b. False; 399.12
3. c. outdoor overhead; 399.2, definition

236
 Chapter 6—Special Equipment

Article 692–Fuel Cell Systems

==================================================================

1. Only interactive fuel cell systems listed and marked as interactive shall be permitted in
interactive systems.
a. True b. False

2. A fuel cell system that supplies power independently of an electrical production and distri-
bution network is called a(n) __________.
a. independent fuel cell system b. fuel cell system c. stand-alone system
d. primary power source

3. The manual fuel shut-off valve shall be at the location of the __________ disconnecting
means of the building or circuits applied.
a. service b. primary c. main d. power supply

4. The highest fuel cell inverter output voltage between any ungrounded conductors present at
accessible output terminals is called the peak system voltage.
a. True b. False

Article 694–Small Wind Electric Systems

==================================================================

1. For battery circuits rated over 600 volts, the voltage used shall be the highest voltage
experienced under charging or equalizing conditions.
a. True b. False

2. Inverters used in small wind electric systems shall be approved by the authority having
jurisdiction prior to their application.
a. True b. False

3. Where used in highly conductive soils, copper and copper-clad grounding electrodes can
cause ___________ corrosion of galvanized foundation and tower anchor components.
a. extensive b. repeated c. electrolytic d. depleting

4. An enclosure housing the alternator and other parts of a wind turbine refers to which one of
the following terms?
a. tower b. nacelle c. cabinet d. compartment

185
 Article 685–Integrated Electrical Systems
======================================================================

1. b. False; 685.12
2. c. unitized; 685.1

Article 690–Solar Photovoltaic Systems

======================================================================

1. a. True; 690.56(B)
2. a. True; 690.8(B)
3. a. True; 690.2, definitions
4. b. solar cell; 690.2, definitions
5. d. No. 2/0 AWG; 690.74
6. d. 50V; 690.71(B)(1)
7. b. False; 690.2, definitions
8. d. USE-2; 690.31(B)
9. b. utility-interactive inverter output; 690.9(B), Exception

Article 692–Fuel Cell Systems

======================================================================

1. b. False; 692.60
2. c. stand-alone system; 692.2, definitions
3. b. primary; 692.54
4. b. False; 692.2, definitions

Article 694–Small Wind Electric Systems

======================================================================

1. a. True; 694.85(A)
2. b. False; 694.7(B)
3. c. electrolytic; 694.40(C)(1), Informational Note
4. b. nacelle; 694.2, definitions
5. d. output; 694.18(B)
6. d. 6 in.; 694.70(D)

264
 Practical Questions & Study Reference

Article 840–Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems

==================================================================

1. Communications circuits shall not be required to be grounded.

a. True b. False

2. Applicable grounding means shall be _______ for application with premises-powered

broadband communications systems.
a. approved b. readily accessible c. listed d. marked

3. The outside plant optical fiber cables shall be located below the electric light or power
conductors, where practicable.
a. True b. False

4. Per NEC 840.93, premises communications circuits and premises CATV circuits shall not
be grounded.
a. True b. False

5. An aerial non-conductive optical cable that is terminated at an optical network terminal and
that establishes a communications network is defined as __________________.
a. a communication system b. fiber-to-the-premises
c. an optical network terminal d. a premises communications circuit

6. Optical fiber cables, where direct-buried, shall be installed to have a minimum cover
of _________.
a. 150 cm b. 6 in. c. 6 ft. d. 15 mm

204
 Article 840–Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems
======================================================================

1. a. True; 840.101(B)
2. c. listed; 840.170(D)
3. a. True; 840.44(A)(1)
4. b. False 840.106(A)(1)
5. b. fiber-to-the-premises; 840.2, definitions
6. b. 6 in.; 840.47(C)

Chapter 9–Tables
======================================================================

1. a. True; Table 5
2. b. 55.80 mm2; Table 8
3. b. 5 sec; Note 1 to Table 11B
4. d. 24" ; Note 4 to Tables
5. a. True; Table 1, Informational Note No. 2
6. b. .7250; Table 5A
7. c. .20Ω; Table 9
8. d. 8.179 in2; Table 4
9. c. Table 12(B)
10. d. 1.320Ω/km; Table 8
11. b. False; Table 1
12. d. 4110; Table 8
13. b. False; Note 5 to Tables
14. c. 500,000; Table 8
15. b. .9923; Table 5
16. b. .040Ω; Table 9
17. c. Table 8; Note 8 to Tables
18. c. 16" ; Table 2 (One Shot & Full Shoe Benders)
19. b. False; (.182") Table 5
20. b. False; Table 12(A), Heading
21. a. .051Ω; Table 9

270