National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
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Thursday, May 11, 2023

Question:

Hello CQD. For years, Cellular Technicians have installed 48VDC radios fed from 48VDC breaker panels. Is this acceptable by NEC® standards? All the best, Doug Sanderson
A

Answer:

Hi Doug, thanks for participating in the Code Question of the Day. These systems are subject to the minimum installation requirements found in Chapter 8 of the NEC®, however, the NEC® only establishes the minimum installation criteria, it does not regulate who is qualified or capable of installing these systems. Who can perform the installation is generally regulated through the local jurisdiction licensing rules/laws of the jurisdiction where the installation is taking place. Each jurisdicition handles licensing a little different, especially when it comes to communications and power-limited system installations. It is always advisable to check with the local AHJ on any licensing requirements.   

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org

CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

NECA STANDARDS: NECA publishes the National Electrical Installation Standards™ (NEIS™), a series of ANSI-approved performance and quality standards for electrical construction. NEIS can be purchased in the NECA Store in three formats: a printed or  PDF download of a standard or, as an  annual subscription service.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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