National Electrical Installation Standards

Re: CQD answer published Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - I think this answer is incomplete. Shouldn’t the last sentence reference the exception for 404.14(F) for clarity? Michael D.Lewis
View Question & Answer

Re: CQD answer published Wednesday, September 14, 2018 -Suspended Ceiling Luminaires 3 Charlie, we have a local "more restrictive local law" (MRLS) in the City of White Plains that requires all recess lay in fixtures to be independently supported with two #12 wires or jack chain. The reason is our local firefighters have been struck by falling fixtures, some with sharp edges, during overhaul. This requirement was enacted during the early '70's when the fixtures were heavier and sometimes as large as 3' x 5' with eight lamps and four ballasts. Since that time, it has become "standard" in the surrounding communities for the local inspection agency to ask for the same level of support. Ours is the only one that is recognized by the State of NY as an MRLS and is enforceable. The other towns make it a "verbal" requirement. Richard Mecca
View Question & Answer

Re: CQD answer published Wednesday, September 14, 2018 -Suspended Ceiling Luminaires 2 Good morning, I enjoy the Forum and all that you do. I am not sure if in today's answer you misspoke or perhaps we have a different interpretation of 410.36(B). As I understand it, the section covers ceiling systems used to support luminaires. If the luminaire is supported independently, such as by wires on opposite corners, it is supported by the wires and not by the ceiling system. As such, it is not required to secure the luminaire to the framing member. In this case, in the event a fire fighter removes all or a portion of the ceiling grid in the course of fighting a fire, the luminaires would remain in place if unattached to the grid. If attached, removing the grid would also bring down the luminaires. Seismic concerns are also covered by this logic. On the other hand, if the luminaire is supported solely by the grid, it must be secured to the grid per 410.36(B). J Grant Hammett
View Question & Answer

Re: CQD answer published Wednesday, September 14, 2018 -Suspended Ceiling Luminaires 1 Charlie, In regards to the question from Sep 13, 2018 about supports for light fixtures in a suspended ceiling grid. I offer the following standard found in most AIA specifications for acoustical tile ceilings and grids. That standard is ASTM C636. It is also part of most manufacturer’s guidance that the grid needs to be installed according to this standard. The meat of the standard with regards to this question says: “supports on main tees should be at 4 foot intervals and Fixtures shall not be supported from main runners or cross runners if the weight of the fixture causes the total dead load to exceed the deflection capability of the ceiling suspension system. In such cases, the fixture load shall be supported by supplemental hangers within 6 in. [150 mm] of each corner, or the fixture shall be separately supported. “So, whomever inspects the ceiling grid should call out the problem to the ceiling installer. If the fixture exceeds the dead load rating, the ceiling installer should add the supplemental wires, unless the specifications call for the fixture to be supported independently of the grid (most often in seismic areas) when the electrical contractor should be providing the fixture supports. The ceiling grid installer has a reflected ceiling plan showing the location of the lights in it. He should be able to bid accordingly. In our specifications (we are not in a seismic area), we call out that the ceiling installer shall provide the wires at the corners regardless of the dead load rating. We coordinate with the architects to make sure they have the wording in their specifications. Thank you, Alex
View Question & Answer

Do all circuits in a Kitchen need to GFCI, or only those at the counter top ? Mark Burford
View Question & Answer

What should my clearance be for a transformer Westchester county New York Jeffrey Hachey
View Question & Answer

Article 590.4(H) allows flexible cords and cables to pass through doorways or other pinch points. Does it also allow them to run through holes in walls? Craig Schumann
View Question & Answer

Art 620.21 wiring methods allows MC Cable. The elevator inspector is telling the contractor he cannot use MC in the hoistway as per 620.21 (A)(1). He is stating that MC is the same as FMC and cannot be used in lengths over 6 ft. I would appreciate your input THOMAS J. COUCH
View Question & Answer

Continuous lighting loads in a commercial building shall be calculated at what percent of the total VA or amperage rating of the branch circuit? Michael Gomes
View Question & Answer

Are push connectors allowed for connecting no#12 wire in a junction box. I would think not. but need clarification. They fall off. I found these in a repair one day. Jeff Koch
View Question & Answer

Is so hard usage cable allowed to be run in cable tray. 3phase system. Edward Lohutko
View Question & Answer

Is it ever okay to use a 15amp switch with a 20 amp circuit breaker. Donna Betchner
View Question & Answer

I am replacing a direct wired garbage disposal with a plugin disposal. Do I need to install GFCI outlet or can I use just a grounded outlet? Michael Williams
View Question & Answer

Can you phase the neutral wire and use it for a conductor for an ac unit? Larry Miller
View Question & Answer

Is it necessary to protect an existing older hard wired community pool with GFCI? It is a 5HP- 208 Volt - 3 Phase pump? Fred Cocks
View Question & Answer