| Course Outline & Objectives: | Summary - Below is a detailed summary of the changes to the 2017 NEC in order to assist in
understanding how they impact journeymen and master electricians. The summary and course outline
are presented in the same format as the powerpoint presentation.
Objective- provide the most significant changes that have taken place to the 2017 National Electrical
Code by Paul W. Abernathy, a code panel member of NFPA 70 (NEC) panels #5 and # 17.
Every three years, the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) is revised and expanded. Initially the NFPA® received 4,012
public suggestions for changes, which resulted in 1,235 first revisions. There were 1,513 public comments submitted
in response to these 1,235 first revisions, resulting in 559 second revisions. Changes included editorial clarification,
expanded requirements, new requirements, deleted requirements, and the relocation of other requirements. Nine
new articles were proposed, and five new articles were added to the 2017 NEC. Here is a recap summary of the
changes.
Definitions Relocated to Article 100. Several existing definitions which appeared in the definitions of a particular
article have been relocated to Article 100 as these terms are also found in other articles, not just the article where the
previous definition was located Limited Access Working Space.
New requirements added at 110.26(A)(4) concerning working space for equipment located in a space with limited
access (above suspended ceiling, crawl spaces, etc.)
Documentation of Available Short-Circuit Current. There were several new requirements added throughout the NEC
involving the documentation of the available short-circuit current (fault current) at specific types of equipment, and
the date the short-circuit current calculation was performed, with this documentation made available to the AHJ
600 Volts to 1000 Volts. Numerous changes for the voltage threshold continued this Code cycle for other articles
within the NEC increasing the threshold from 600 volts to 1000 volts
New Articles. Five new articles added to the 2017 NEC
Code-Wide Changes
There were approximately 4,102 public inputs (PI) and 1,513 public comments (PC) submitted for modifications to
the 2017 edition of the NEC
Definitions Relocated to Article 100. Several existing definitions which appeared in the definitions of a particular
article have been relocated to Article 100 as these terms are also found in other articles, not just the article where the
previous definition was located
Limited Access Working Space. New requirements added at 110.26(A)(4) concerning working space for equipment
located in a space with limited access (above suspended ceiling, crawl spaces, etc.)
Code-Wide Changes (cont.)
Documentation of Available Short-Circuit Current. There were several new requirements added throughout the NEC
involving the documentation of the available short-circuit current (fault current) at specific types of equipment, and
the date the short-circuit current calculation was performed, with this documentation made available to the AHJ
600 Volts to 1000 Volts. Numerous changes for the voltage threshold continued this Code cycle for other articles
within the NEC increasing the threshold from 600 volts to 1000 volts
New Articles. Five new articles added to the 2017 NEC
90.3 Code Arrangement
Chapters 5 - 7 may supplement or modify the general requirements in Chapters 1 through 7 (not just Chapters 1 - 4)
Revision to 90.3 and Figure 90.3 will now indicate that Chapters 5, 6, and 7 can supplement or modify Chapters 1
through 7
Rules in these latter chapters to not only modify Chapters 1 through 4 but can modify each other as well
Figure 90.3 is a ?roadmap? of the NEC
Article 100 Definitions:
Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible)
Accessible, Readily. Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those
to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools (other than keys), to climb over or under, to
remove obstacles, or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth
Informational Note: Use of keys is a common practice under controlled or supervised conditions and a common
alternative to the ready access requirements under such supervised conditions as provided elsewhere in the NEC
The use of a key is not considered taking an action such as the use of a ?tool? to gain ready access
Crawling under or over something to get to equipment required to be readily accessible is no longer acceptable
Article 100 Definitions:
?Building? and ?Structure?
The related definitions for ?Building? and ?Structure? were revised to align with current Building Code terms
Definition of ?Building? included unnecessary text that has been removed as it was better suited for the Building
Code
?Structure? was defined as that which was built or constructed and could be interpreted as to included equipment
Including new language ?other than equipment? to the definition of ?Structure? will reduce confusion
Equipment can be mounted on a structure, but the equipment itself is not a ?Structure?
Receptacle
The definition of a ?receptacle? has been revised to recognize mating devices used to install luminaires and ceilingsuspended
(paddle) fans
Definition accommodates electrical utilization equipment employing a means to connect directly to the
corresponding contact device (other than a traditional attachment plug cap)
Revised definition was necessary to correlate with new 314.27(E) (Separable Attachment Fittings)
110.3(C) Listing
(Product Certification)
New 110.3(C) added requiring the listing process be executed by a qualified third-party electrical testing laboratory
and that the product testing and certification process be in accordance with appropriate product standards
New text and Informational Note provides clarification concerning requirements for listing (product certification)
AHJ depends on listing requirements and product certification as the most common basis for approvals of electrical
installations in accordance with the NEC
I-Note points to OSHA website which provides a list of nationally recognized testing laboratories (NRTL) that meet or
exceed OSHA criteria
110.3(C) Listing
(Product Certification) (cont.)
(C) Listing. Product testing, evaluation, and listing (product certification) shall be performed by recognized qualified
electrical testing laboratories and shall be in accordance with applicable product standards recognized as achieving
equivalent and effective safety for equipment installed to comply with this Code.
Informational Note: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes qualified electrical testing
laboratories that perform evaluations, testing, and certification of certain products to ensure that they meet the
requirements of both the construction and general industry OSHA electrical standards. If the listing (product
certification) is done under a qualified electrical testing laboratory program, this listing mark signifies that the tested
and certified product complies with the requirements of one or more appropriate product safety test standards.
110.14(D)
Electrical Connections - Installations
New requirements added for the use of tightening torque tools where torqueing is indicated
Previous I-Note at parent text of 110.14 has been deleted and replaced with enforceable Code text at new 110.14(D)
Tightening torque tools now required where torqueing is specified on the equipment or in manufacturer installation
instructions
Where a tightening torque is indicated as a numeric value on equipment or in manufacturer installation instructions,
calibrated torque tool shall be used to achieve the indicated torque value (unless manufacturer installation
instructions provide for an alternative method of achieving the required torque)
110.26(A)(4)
Limited Access Working Space
New requirements added in Article 110 concerning working space for equipment located in a space with limited
access (above suspended ceiling, crawl spaces, etc.)
Previous 424.66(B) limited access working space requirements was relocated to 110.26(A)(4) to broaden this
requirement to more than just duct heaters
Limited access working space requirements at crawl spaces were added to this requirement as well
Strict compliance with 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2) and (A)(3) in ceiling spaces and crawl spaces is not feasible and in some
cases, not possible
The NEC Correlating Committee appointed a Working Space Task Group to review requirements for working space of
electrical equipment that is often installed in spaces with limited access such as transformers, motors, air-handling
equipment, etc.
Working space requirements for equipment (with limited access or not) that are likely to require examination,
adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized are general requirements for all electrical equipment
210.5(C)(1), Exception
Identification of Ungrounded Conductors
New exception added for relief from identifying each ungrounded conductor for existing installations where a voltage
system(s) already exists and a different voltage system is being added
Numerous existing and older systems exist that are supplied by more than one nominal voltage system installed prior
to the adoption of the 2005 NEC [when 210.5(C) was first mandated]
A new requirement was also added concerning the durability and makeup of the labels involved
New exception also included labeling requirements for these older existing unidentified installations requiring a label
at each voltage system distribution equipment point
Must identify that only the newer added voltage system(s) have been marked or identified at each termination,
connection, and splice point
The new system label(s) will be required to include the words "Other Unidentified Systems Exist on the Premises?
Labels required by 210.5(C)(1)(b) to be ?sufficiently durable? and able to withstand the environment in which it is
installed
210.8 GFCI Protection - Measurements
New language added to clarify how measurements are to be determined for GFCI receptacle (added at parent text of
210.8)
Measurements from receptacles to objects (such as a sink) that would qualify for GFCI protection should be
measured as the ?shortest path? a cord of an appliance connected to a receptacle would take without piercing a floor,
wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or passing through a door, doorway, or window
Similar to existing text at 680.22(A)(5) for receptacle measurements around permanently installed swimming pools
210.8
Eliminates the need for GFCI protection for receptacles installed inside a cabinet (under a sink) as the measurement
to the sink would constitute ?penetrating a cabinet door? in order to achieve this measurement
Compliments revisions at 210.8(A)(7) (dwelling units) and 210.8(B)(5) (non-dwelling units)
210.8(A)(7)
GFCI Protection at Dwelling Unit Sinks
Dwelling unit sink measurements revised for determining which receptacles require GFCI protection
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the ?top inside edge of the
bowl? of any dwelling unit sink (including the kitchen sink) require GFCI protection without the measurement piercing
a floor, wall, ceiling, or fixed barrier, or passing through a door, doorway, or window
Revision makes it clear that the measurement from the receptacle to the sink ends or begins at the ?top inside edge
of the bowl? of the sink rather than the ?outside edge? of the sink (outside edge of a sink is three dimensional)
This revision, along with addition to parent text of 210.8 will eliminate the necessity for GFCI protection for
receptacles installed inside a cabinet (such as a receptacle for the garbage disposer) as the measurement to the sink
would constitute ?penetrating a cabinet door? in order to achieve this required 1.8 m (6 ft) measurement
This same revision occurred at 210.8(B)(5) for GFCI protection and measurements at a non-dwelling unit sink
210.8(B)
GFCI Protection at Other Than Dwelling Units
GFCI requirements for receptacles at commercial/industrial applications have been expanded to recognize ground
faults other than 15 and 20 ampere, 125 volt applications only
Expansion includes ?Other Than Dwelling Unit? receptacles for:
All single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less
All three-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less
These GFCI requirements still include coverage of 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles
Class A GFCI devices (4 to 6 mA) cannot be used where the electrical equipment employs 480 or 600 volts or is a
three-phase system
Dangers and shock hazards of electrocution exist for these applications as well
Shock hazards are not limited to 15 and 20 ampere, 125 volt receptacle alone at commercial/industrial applications
Class C, D and E GFCI devices operate at 20 mA or less to prevent fibrillation and require an equipment grounding
conductor (EGC) in the protected circuit with an internal means within the device to monitor EGC continuity
210.8(B)(9) GFCI Protection for Non-Dwelling Unit Crawl Spaces
GFCI protection added for non-dwelling unit crawl spaces
GFCI required for all single-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three-phase
receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100 amperes or less
Similar requirements found at 210.8(A)(4) for dwelling units
Non-dwelling unit crawl space GFCI requirement not limited to 125-volt receptacles
Death rate from shock hazards in crawl spaces higher than injury rate (86.7%)
210.8(B)(10) GFCI Protection -
Non-Dwelling Unit Unfinished Basements
GFCI protection for receptacles installed in unfinished basements has been expanded to include non-dwelling unit
(commercial/industrial)
Revisions to the parent text at 210.8(B) has expanded the receptacles involved to those that are single-phase rated
150 volts to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and three-phase receptacles rated 150 volts to ground or less, 100
amperes or less
Similar requirements found at 210.8(A)(5) for dwelling units
Same shock hazards exist in an unfinished basement of a commercial building as they do in dwelling units
210.8(E) GFCI Protection -
Crawl Space Lighting Outlets
GFCI protection is now required for lighting outlets not exceeding 120 volts in crawl spaces where the space is at or
below grade level
Applies to all crawl spaces, dwelling unit and non-dwelling units alike
This new GFCI requirement for lighting outlets was predicated on a fatality of a worker in a crawl space (broken
incandescent light bulb of a keyless lampholder)
Numerous open-bulb keyless or pullchain lampholders installed in crawl spaces and are constantly being damaged
210.11(C)(4) Garage Branch Circuits
New requirement added for minimum rated 120 volt, 20 ampere branch circuit for dwelling unit garage receptacles
Garage receptacle outlet branch circuit prohibited from serving other outlets (see exception)
Exception for readily accessible receptacles located outdoors
15 ampere rated branch circuit in the modern dwelling unit garage is typically not sufficient for appliance and tools
rated at 12 to 16 amperes
Lighting outlets in the dwelling unit garage required to be supplied by general lighting circuits
210.12(C) AFCI Protection for Guest Rooms and Guest Suites
New provisions added requiring AFCI protection for guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels
All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets and devices installed in guest rooms
and guest suites of hotels and motels require AFCI protection
Previous Code called for AFCI Protection if ?permanent provisions for cooking? were present (see 210.18, now
210.17)
Same AFCI protection deserved while occupying a hotel room as afforded at a dwelling unit
AFCI protection plays an important role in protecting property and the lives of personnel
210.52(A)(2)(1) Receptacle Wall Space
Fixed cabinets ?that do not have countertops or similar work surfaces? were added as an item that will constitute a
break in a wall space for receptacle spacing reasons at dwelling units
Separates ?fixed cabinets? such as kitchen pantry-type cabinets (but not limited to kitchen cabinets) that do not have
countertops or similar work surfaces from short desk-type cabinets with countertops that are clearly intended as
work surfaces
This change will ensure that receptacle outlets are required and installed for such things as laptop computers,
printers, televisions, etc.
210.52(B)(1) Ex. No. 2
Refrigerator Appliance Branch Circuit
Any dwelling unit kitchen appliance is now permitted (by the exception) to be supplied by an individual branch circuit
rated 15 amperes or greater
210.52(B)(1) requires receptacle outlet serving the refrigeration equipment be supplied from one of the 20-ampere
rated small-appliance branch circuits
Previous exception allowed refrigerator to be supplied by an individual branch circuit rated 15 amperes or greater
(why just refrigerator?)
Revised exception will now allow an individual branch circuit 15 amperes or greater for kitchen appliances such as
garbage disposal, dishwasher, or permanently installed microwave
210.52(C)(3) Peninsula Countertop Space
At least one receptacle outlet is required at each peninsular countertop with a long dimension of 600 mm (24 in.) or
greater and a short dimension of 300 mm (12 in.) or greater
This measurement must now be taken from the ?connected perpendicular wall?
Previously when measured from the connecting edge rather than the wall, at least one receptacle outlet was located
somewhere at or on the peninsular countertop itself
210.52(G) Receptacles for Basements, Garages, and Accessory Buildings
Receptacle requirements for dwelling unit garages, basements, and accessory buildings expanded to two-family
dwellings (not just one-family dwellings)
At least one receptacle outlet is required to be installed in each attached garage and detached garage with electric
power, each separate unfinished portion of a basement, and each accessory building with electric power
Same level of electrical safety has been extended to two-family dwellings as it has been for one-family dwellings
(potential of a hazard the same at both)
Helps elimination of resorting to running extension cords as a substitute for permanent wiring in these specified
areas if no receptacle outlet were present
210.52(G)(1) Dwelling Unit Garages
At least one receptacle outlet is required to be installed ?in each vehicle bay? and not more than 1.7 m (5½ ft) above
the floor
Applies to each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power
Branch circuit supplying these receptacle(s) cannot serve outlets outside of the garage (with the exception of readily
accessible receptacles located outdoors)
Helps address increased activities within a modern day dwelling unit garages [such as the possibility of the existence
of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment]
210.64 Electric Service Areas
At least one 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere-rated receptacle outlet is still required to be installed at the
electrical service equipment
Maximum distance required receptacle outlet(s) can be located from the electrical service has been shortened to 7.5
m (25 ft) and limited to indoor service equipment only
This required receptacle outlet(s) is now required to be installed in an accessible location and must be located within
the same room or area as the service equipment
Does not apply to one- and two-family dwellings
New exception added exempting services dedicated to equipment covered in Articles 675 and 682 when the service
voltage is greater than 120 volts to ground
210.70(C) Lighting Outlets Required (All Occupancies)
Lighting outlet requirements for storage or equipment spaces added for non-dwelling unit utility rooms and
basements
Title changed from ?Other Than Dwelling Units? to ?All Occupancies?
Revised to mirror Code text at 210.70(A)(3) for dwelling units
This lighting outlet requirement for storage or equipment spaces now applies to both dwelling and non-dwelling unit
locations such as:
attics
underfloor spaces
utility rooms and
basements
210.71 Receptacles for Meeting Rooms
New provisions added for receptacle outlets placement and wall spacing requirements in non-dwelling unit meeting
rooms such as found at hotels and convention centers
Examples of rooms that are not meeting rooms include auditoriums, schoolrooms, and coffee shops
No previous Code requirement to provide receptacle outlets in meeting rooms of commercial or non-dwelling
occupancies
125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacle outlets installed in meeting rooms were due in part to building owners and
designers recognize the need for access to electrical power for a multitude of different types of portable equipment
210.71(A) General
Each meeting room of not more than 93 m2 (1000 ft²) in other than dwelling units shall have outlets for nonlockingtype,
125-volt, 15- or 20-ampere receptacles
Outlets to be installed in accordance with 210.71(B)
Where a room or space is provided with movable partition(s), each room size shall be determined with the partition
in the position that results in the smallest size meeting room
210.71(B) Receptacle Outlets Required
Total number of receptacle outlets, including floor outlets and receptacle outlets in fixed furniture, shall not be less
than as determined by 210.71(B)(1) and (2)
These receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be located as determined by the designer or building owner
210.71(B) Receptacle Outlets Required
(1) Receptacle Outlets in Fixed Walls
Receptacle outlets shall be installed in accordance with 210.52(A)(1) through (A)(4)
(2) Floor Receptacle Outlets
Meeting rooms that are at least 3.7 m (12 ft) wide and that has a floor area of at least 20 m² (215 ft²) shall have at
least one receptacle outlet located in the floor at a distance not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) from any fixed wall for each 20
m² (215 ft²) or major portion of floor space
215.2(A)(1)(a) Ex. No. 2
Feeder Rating and Size
New exception added that allows a portion of a feeder that is connected at both its supply and load ends to
separately installed pressure connections to have an allowable ampacity not less than the sum of the continuous load
plus the noncontinuous load (rather than the noncontinuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load)
The previous exceptions that appeared after 215.2(A)(1)(b) have been relocated to appear after 215.2(A)(1)(a)
Makes it clear that these exceptions apply to the main rule that feeder conductors must have an allowable ampacity
of not less than the noncontinuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load
250.30(A)(4) and (5)
Grounding Separately Derived Systems
Metal water piping or building steel used as the first options of a grounding electrode system for a separately derived
system have been removed
Any of the building or structure grounding electrode(s) that are present can now be used as the grounding
electrode(s) for a separately derived system
The grounding electrode(s) used for the separately derived system do not have to be located near the grounding
electrode conductor connection
The metal water piping and the structural metal frame as covered in 250.68(C)(1) and (2) have been recognized as
conductors to extend the grounding electrode connection at 250.30(A)(5)
250.30(A)(6)(a)
Common GE Conductor
A metal water pipe [complying with 250.68(C)(1)] was added to the allowable methods for a common grounding
electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems
Building or structure employing multiple separately derived systems permits a common grounding electrode
conductor to be utilized for connection of the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the grounding
electrode(s)
For metal water pipe to qualify as a common grounding electrode conductor, connection must be made to an interior
metal water pipe that is electrically continuous with a metal underground water pipe electrode and made within the
first 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building (with industrial exception) [see 250.68(C)(1)]
250.30(A)(6)(a)
Revisions were also made to the provisions of a metal structural frame of a building or structure qualifying as a
common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems
Revised by adding the word ?structural? to the reference to give a better description to this method
Code reference of 250.52(A)(2) was changed to 250.68(C)(2)
250.52(A)(2) pertains to the conditions a metal structural framing member must meet in order to qualify as a
grounding electrode
250.68(C)(2) relates to a metal structural frame of a building or structure being used as a conductor to interconnect
electrodes that are part of the grounding electrode system
250.66(A), (B) and (C) Sizing of GECs
The term ?sole connection? was completely removed from 250.66(A), (B), and (C)
New text makes it clear that the action of ?daisy chaining? grounding electrodes with properly sized bonding jumpers
to form a grounding electrode system is an acceptable practice?
as long as any downstream grounding electrode would not require a larger grounding electrode conductor or
bonding jumper
The term "or bonding jumper" was added to each subdivision to use the correct terminology when ?daisy chaining?
occurs past the first grounding electrode in the chain of multiple electrodes
250.94(A) and (B)
Bonding for Communication Systems
The title of the section was changed from ?Bonding for Other Systems? to ?Bonding for Communication Systems?
Existing text for the intersystem bonding termination was placed under 250.94(A) and titled, ?The Intersystem
Bonding Termination Device?
New 250.94(B) titled, ?Other Means? added permitting intersystem bonding connections to an aluminum or copper
busbar that will accommodate at least three terminations for communication systems as well as ?other connections?
A new exception was added for both 250.94(A) and (B) offering relief from an intersystem bonding connection means
?where communications systems are not likely to be used?
Table 300.5 Minimum Cover Requirements
Two new footnotes were added to Table 300.5 allowing lesser depths for listed low-voltage lighting system and for
pool, spa, and fountain lighting where part of a listed low-voltage lighting system
Removes conflicts between manufacturing instructions that require their secondary wiring to be installed at lesser
depths than Table 300.5
In some instances, these conductors are to be buried at less than 150 mm (6 in.) to conform to the manufacturers
installation instructions
Resolves a conflict between the product standard UL 1838 [and 110.3(B)] and Table 300.5
300.5(D)(4)
Protection from Physical Damage
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) was added to the list of acceptable wiring method that can be used to provide
protection from physical damage for conductors installed underground and subject to physical damage
EMT is permitted to be installed in concrete, in direct contact with the earth, or in areas subject to severe corrosive
influences where protected by corrosion protection and approved as suitable for the condition
Corrosion protection is a requirement for listed EMT per UL 797 (Electrical Metallic Tubing - Steel) and in accordance
with 300.6
310.15(B)(3)(c)
Raceways and Cables on Rooftops
Previous Table 310.15(B)(3)(c) was deleted and replaced with new text added at 310.15(B)(3)(c)
Raceways and cables not in direct contact with the rooftop surface no longer require rooftop temperature adder
New text requires a temperature adder of 33°C (60°F) only when a raceway or cable is installed directly on or less
than 23 mm (? in.) above a rooftop
Allows for the use of ?shallow type unistrut? that is of the ? in. size as well as other commonly installed listed
raceway supports of larger sizes
Pre-existing allowable ampacity and temperature correction factors adequately size the conductors to ensure that
the conductors operate within a comfortable safety zone
310.15(B)(7) Single-Phase
Dwelling Unit Services and Feeders
The provisions for sizing dwelling unit service (and main power feeder) was expanded to single-phase, 208Y/120-volt
systems as well as single-phase, 120/240-volt systems
Explanatory language added to address the permitted application of correction or adjustment factors required by
310.15(B)(2)(a) (Temperature Correction Factors) or 310.15(B)(3)(a) (More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors)
applied to the ampacity associated with the temperature rating of the conductors
New informational note added with direction to 240.6(A) for service ratings based on standard ampacity ratings for
application of 310.15(B)(7)
Previous Table 310.15(B)(7) (removed in 2014 cycle) was added back into the Code (see Example D7 of Informational
Annex D)
314.17(B) Cable Entering Metal Box
The outside sheath of Type NM or Type UF cable used with metal box must now extend not less than 6 mm (¼ in.)
inside the box and beyond any cable clamp
Same as currently required for nonmetallic boxes
Same protection for cables and their associated conductors is needed when entering a metal box or conduit body as
well
Assures that cable clamp of a metal box will not be tightened down upon an exposed insulated conductor of a Type
NM or Type UF cable
404.2(C)
Grounded Conductor at Switch Locations
The previous seven ?conditions? in which a grounded conductor was not required to be installed at lighting switch
locations has been revised and reduced to only five ?conditions?
Previous condition (4) and (5) moved from these conditions to the parent text of 404.2(C) and reworded into positive
language
Enforceable language was added to require the grounded conductor to be connected and used by the switching
device rather than simply be ?present? at the switch enclosure
Exception added to exclude replacement or retrofit switches installed in locations prior to local adoption of 404.2(C)
where the grounded conductor cannot be extended without removing finish materials
New exception also puts a limit to the number of electronic lighting control switches on a branch circuit (5) or feeder
(25)
406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
Requirements for tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles expanded to locations where small children are likely to
congregate and have ready access to energized receptacle outlets
TR receptacles expanded to 250 volt receptacles as well as 125 volt receptacles
Receptacles rated at 250 volts are commonly used for air-conditioning and heating units in dwelling units, guest
rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels as well as other locations
TR receptacle requirements expanded to other dwelling unit areas such as mobile and manufactured homes
Reorganized to put the areas that require TR receptacles into a list format
Requirements for tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles expanded to locations where small children are likely to
congregate:
Dwelling units (210.52)
Mobile and manufactured homes (550.13)
Guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and motels
Child care facilities
Preschools and elementary education facilities
Medical and dental waiting rooms
Places of assembly occupancies (518.2)
Dormitories
517.2 Definitions: Governing Body - Health Care Facilities
New definition for ?Governing Body? added to Article 517
Term ?governing body? appears at 7 different locations in Article 517
New definition will be followed by ?[99: 3.3.62]? as this is extracted material from NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities
Code)
New definition will eliminate some of the confusion that may exist for users of the Code when trying to determine
who has responsibility for making decisions on certain matters in a health care facility
517.2 Definitions: Health Care Facilities
Definition of ?Health Care Facility? was revised to include ?mobile enclosures?
Examples of a health care facility that were included in the definition in the previous edition of the Code are now
found in an informational note below the revised definition
Revised definition is extracted material from NFPA 99 (Healthcare Facilities Code)
Health care facility is not limited to a traditional ?brick and mortar? permanently constructed building
Health care facility can include a mobile or portable facility such as a mobile blood bank or mobile facilities as seen at
sporting events
517.2 Definitions:
Medical Office (Dental Office)
To define a well-used term in Article 517, a new definition for ?Medical Office (Dental Office)? was added at 517.2
New definition will provide needed clarity when determining health care facility requirements such as branch circuit
requirements at patient bed locations
New definition will make it clear that overnight stays for patients or 24-hour operation facilities do not encompass a
medical or dental office
To define a well-used term in Article 517, a new definition for ?Medical Office (Dental Office)? was added at 517.2
The use of sedation or local anesthesia is involved in minor treatment or procedures under the continuous
supervision of a medical or dental professional would be involved at a medical or dental office
New definition is extracted material for NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code)
517.2 Definitions: Patient Care Space - Health Care Facilities
Revised definition of ?Patient Care Space? will include four NFPA 99 numbered categories for:
Basic Care (Category 3) Space
General Care (Category 2) Space
Critical Care (Category 1) Space
Support (Category 4) Space
Bracketed NFPA 99 references were added after each description and informational note
Informational notes were relocated after each definition with examples of each of the different categories
Revised definitions and the related informational notes will help clarify the meaning and use of these spaces
645.5(E) Wiring Under Raised Floors ? IT Equipment Rooms
Requirements for installing wiring methods and cables under a raised floor in an IT equipment room revised for
clarity
List format was incorporated for usability
Previous Table 645.5(E)(6) was deleted (no longer needed)
New revised text organizes conditions for using the underfloor area for wiring from an installation requirements
standpoint
645.5(E)(1) Branch circuit wiring
645.5(E)(2) Data, cords, interconnection cables and grounding conductors
645.5(E)(3) Optical fiber cabling
Previous Table 680.10 (Deleted)
Underground Wiring Burial Depths
Previous 680.10 (Underground Wiring Location) moved to 680.11 and previous Table 680.10 was deleted
The minimum burial depth cover requirements around pools will now be facilitated by Table 300.5
Underground wiring now permitted to be installed in close proximity of the pool regardless of its location to the pool
and no consideration needs to be given as to whether this wiring is ?necessary to supply pool equipment? or not
Revised text will allow service lateral or underground feeder to be routed within 1.5 m (5 ft) or close proximity to the
pool even though this service or feeder is not ?necessary to supply pool equipment?
680.12 Equipment Rooms and Pits and 680.14 Corrosive Environments
New requirement for protection against a corrosive environment for electrical equipment installed in equipment
rooms and pits added at 680.12 and 680.14
Important to make sure that proper drainage is provided to prevent water accumulation at the electrical equipment
during normal operation or maintenance
Electrical equipment should not be installed in areas where the electrical equipment and metal components are
going to be subject to a corrosive environment without proper corrosion protection being implemented
Swimming pool and spa equipment is often subject to deteriorating chemicals, especially in rooms or pits
New provisions added at 680.14 identify areas where pool sanitation chemicals are stored, as well as areas with
circulation pumps, automatic chlorinators, filters, open areas under decks adjacent to or abutting the pool structure,
and similar locations as being considered to be a corrosive environment
Chlorine and other pool chemicals severely deteriorate electrical connections of conductors, and accelerate rust and
deterioration of metal parts of electrical equipment
Chapter 9, Notes to Tables, Note 9
New language added at Note 9 to specify assemblies of single insulated conductors without an overall covering are
not considered a cable when determining conduit and tubing fill area
Conduit or tubing fill for the assemblies is to be calculated based upon the individual conductors
Note 9 of the notes to the tables of Chapter 9 directs users of the Code to treat multiconductor cables, optical fiber
cables, or flexible cords of two or more conductors as a single conductor for calculating percentage conduit or tubing
fill area
If cable is an elliptical-shaped cable (such as nonmetallic-sheathed cable), cross-sectional area calculation shall be
based on using the major diameter of the ellipse as a circle diameter
Provision for conduit fill for cables is intended to allow the cable wiring methods in Chapter 3 to be considered as a
single entity when calculating conduit fill
Industry practice has developed of twisting several single conductors together and placing the assembly on one reel
for shipping and installation
This twisting action does not change the essential nature of the pull or the product or change the conduit fill |
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