National Electrical Installation Standards

Charlie, Why is the size in mm for a 2/0 bare conductor different in the first column of Table 8 in Chapter 9 than the column for overall size? I never noticed before because I usually look for the inches and not metric. Thank you, Claudia
View Question & Answer

Re: CQD answer published Friday, November 30, 2018 -Pool Eq GFCI Protection Gentlemen: I remember Charlie and used to have many conversations with him at IAEI functions over the last 25+ years. We miss him. I am an avid reader of Code question and would like to offer a possible correction to your answer of Thursday, Nov 29, 2018. My understanding of Article 680.23(A)(3) is that an underwater luminaire for a pool must have GFCI protection “in the branch circuit” and that’s the way I’ve been teaching it in my classes. This is different that what is called out for other equipment like the pool cover, pump motors, etc. If the feeder for the panel is GFCI protected it would require an additional GFCI device in the “branch circuit” for the underwater luminaire even if the branch circuit originated from a panel that was protected by a GFCI Main. Thanks for the fine job you are doing for the industry. George Little 2) Good morning. Please correct me if I’m wrong, But in regards to the answer given concerning the GFCI protection for pool equipment being located in the feeder for a pool sub panel. If there are underwater Luminaires installed you must pay attention to 680.23(A)(3). Gfci protection for luminaires must be located in the branch circuit. Barry Wilbur
View Question & Answer

Charlie, The 2017 NEC code reference at 501.15(C)(3) for sealing and drainage of Class I, Division 1 and 2 installations tells the user of the Code that the thickness of the sealing compound installed in completed seals, other than listed cable sealing fittings, shall not be less than the metric designator (trade size) of the sealing fitting expressed in the units of measurement employed; however, in no case shall the thickness of the compound be less than 16 mm (5∕8 in.). This language seems to be telling the installer and inspector that for a 19 mm (¾ in) seal off fitting the sealing compound shall be ¾” but in no case less than 5/8 in. Therefore, is a 5/8 in. installation of sealing compound meet the intent of this code requirement? If not, can you explain the intent of this language? Adolphe Menjou
View Question & Answer

Re: CQD answer published Tuesday, November 27, 2018 - Good morning, Your answer to yesterday's question was quite factual. The problem is, you failed to answer the question completely. The exception to 680.25 that was present in the 2011 NEC was removed through the process but was inadvertently not removed from the text of the 2014 first printing. It was however noted in the Errata No.: 70-14-2, items 31 and 32. It would not have been present in subsequent printings. We try really hard to get stuff right, but we're still human! Now, if we could only get every area of our great land on to the current, 2017 NEC, what a victory for electrical safety that would be! Thanks for trying hard every day to provide us with answers to our questions. Grant Hammett
View Question & Answer

When installing conduit pipe into a wall strut does the clamp holding the conduit have to have a certain strength? the clamps are very thick steel and I am wondering if there is a load weight or strength requirement. Hope this makes sense. Jeffrey Kintzler
View Question & Answer

Question 1) does pvc underground conduit need to be spaced apart. If it does what is the code article. 2) what is the meaning of 310.15(3)(b) Jim Churilla
View Question & Answer

ARE GFCI RECEPTACLES REQUIRED IN WET AREAS LIKE LAUNDRY ROOM???? GUS DEMETRIOU
View Question & Answer

We are installing double throw switches upstream of an existing HVAC Unit. The (2) incoming sources are an existing 100A-3P circuit breaker, and a 110A-3P circuit breaker. Can we install 100A-3P double throw switches, or by code do we need to install 200A double throw switches? Richard Rapp
View Question & Answer

Can a cooktop and wall oven be on the same circuit? Ken Prinkey
View Question & Answer

Re: CQD answer published Friday, November 16, 2018 -Cables in Raceways Is response to the question published November 16, 2018. You should also point out the correct conduit fill requirements when dealing with elliptical cables. This is found in note 9 to Table 1 from Chapter 9. This requires that a multiconductor cable, optical fiber cable or flexible cord of two or more conductors be treated as a single conductor. Elliptical cable must use the large diameter of the cable as a circle diameter. This can lead to conduits much larger than what the cable will actually fit in being necessary. Regards, Jeff Bower
View Question & Answer

Is it ok to feed the entire sub panel powering the pool equipment with one double pole gfci breaker. Does this satisfy the gfci protection requirement for the entire pool? Is this better or worse than individual gfci breakers in the sub panel. Thank You Bob Schwarzlose
View Question & Answer

Can you externality wrap a bond wire around a piece of liquid tight flex with bonding connecters on the flex or does it have to follow straight with the flex John Mcnair
View Question & Answer

If a Siemens panel is listed for their own "QP" style breakers, are you allowed to use another manufacturer's "QP" breakers? The label lists "QP" breakers as compatable but doesn't note a specific manufacturer. Barry J Yeslow
View Question & Answer

680.25(A)(1) Ex. Had a question ask of me concerning a feeder to a pool panel, what I discovered is I have three code books that do not have the exception and two that do??? Also our handbook does not have the exception?? Have you had this brought to your attention?? It is an important change in the 2014!!!!! thx THOMAS J. COUCH
View Question & Answer

The question I have is the color coding on Nonmetallic cable type NM-B. I realize all manufactures are using the yellow color jacket for #12 gauge and orange for #10. Is this a required standard per UL? Can #12 white jacket still be used? Thank You, Jim Bevo
View Question & Answer