Code Watch: EC&M's CodeWatch - July 27, 2007 Issue

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The designations "National Electrical Code” and “NEC” refer to the National Electrical Code^®, which is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association.

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Top 50 NEC Rules

300.11 Securing and Supporting
By Mike Holt
Secured in Place
Raceways, cable assemblies, boxes, cabinets, and fittings must be securely fastened in place. The ceiling-support wires or ceiling grid cannot be used to support raceways and cables (power, signaling, or communications). However, independent support wires, secured at both ends, that provide secure support are permitted.

Outlet boxes [314.23(D)] and luminaries can be secured to the suspended-ceiling grid if securely fastened to the ceiling-framing member by mechanical means such as bolts, screws, or rivets, or by the use of clips or other securing means identified for use with the type of ceiling framing member(s) [410.16(C)].

Electrical wiring within the cavity of a fire-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly can be supported by independent support wires that are attached to the ceiling assembly. The independent support wires must be distinguishable from the suspended ceiling-support wires by color, tagging, or other effective means.

Electrical wiring located within the cavity of a nonfire-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly, can be supported by independent support wires that are secured at both ends. Support wires within nonfire-rated assemblies aren't required to be distinguishable from the suspended-ceiling framing support wires.

Raceways Used for Support
Raceways can only be used as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectrical equipment under the following conditions:

Class 2 and Class 3 circuits. Class 2 and Class 3 cables can be supported by the raceway that supplies power to the equipment controlled by the Class 2 or Class 3 circuit. Where a Class 2 or Class 3 circuit is reclassified as a Class 1 circuit [725.52(A) Ex. 2], it can be run with the associated power conductors in accordance with 725.55(D)(2)(b).
Boxes supported by conduits. Raceways are permitted as a means of support for threaded boxes and conduit bodies in accordance with 314.23(E) and (F).
Cables not used as a means of support. Cables cannot be used to support other cables, raceways, or non-electrical equipment.

Editor's note: This information was extracted from Mike Holt's textbook, Understanding the National Electrical Code

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Code Challenge

What's Wrong Here?
By Joe Tedesco
Think you know how this installation violates the NEC? Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.

Hint: A misdirected installation

Code Q&A
By Mike Holt
Q. Can the disconnect switch be located next to equipment installed above an accessible drop ceiling, or must the switch be installed at a readily accessible location?

Visit EC&M's Web site to see the answer.

Code Quiz
By Steven Owen
Q. Disregarding exceptions, which enclosure is limited to 30-foot (maximum) extensions beyond the equipment it supplements?

Metallic wireways, only where limited to a maximum of 30 current-carrying conductors.

Nonmetallic wireways, only where limited to a maximum 20% fill for all conductors.

Busways, as long as the busway is not supplying and supporting flexible cords and cables.

Auxiliary gutters.

Visit EC&M's Web site for the answer and explanation.

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Code News Update
Technical Committee Solicits Proposals
The technical committee for NFPA 110-2005, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, is now accepting proposals for recommendations on content additions, changes, and/or deletions. This standard covers performance requirements for power systems providing an alternate source of electrical power to loads in buildings and facilities in the event that the primary power source fails. Proposal forms are available in the back of the standard or the NFPA Directory, or you can download a copy from the NFPA Directory online. The proposal closing date is listed on the NFPA Web site as November 26, 2007.

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Shows and Events

Mitigating Harmonics in Commercial Environments
This free live conference will be presented by John DeDad, EC&M magazine, on August 16th at 10 a.m. Eastern and Pacific times, in the EC&M e-Tradeshow. To gain access to the event, go to www.ecmweb.com/etradeshow, sign in or register as an attendee, and follow the signs to the presentation room. And be sure to take a look at the On-Demand Theater, where you can view past online conferences 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

EC&M Code Change Conferences
Where do you turn when you need accurate information on changes to the National Electrical Code? Acknowledged as the leaders in providing information on the NEC, EC&M magazine and EC&M Seminars have been the preferred sources of this information for more than 60 years. Seven Code change conferences have been scheduled in the fall of 2007. Host cities include: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Seattle.

As an approved provider with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), through its Registered Continuing Education provider Program (RCEPP), professional engineers attending any of our 2008 Code change conferences will receive Professional Development Hours (PDHs), a requirement for re-licensing in many states. The conferences are also approved by every state that has a continuing education requirement for contractors and electricians.

For additional information on the dates and locations of these events, click here.

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