Are you located in the Tampa Bay area? Don’t have time to read this article about electrical code? A Plus American Electrical Enterprises has answers to all of your electrical code questions. Call us right now and we will be happy to answer any questions you have or schedule a service call at a time that is convenient for you.
Call Us With Any Questions
The knowledgeable electricians at A+ American Electrical Enterprises understand the importance of providing Tampa property owners with the highest quality of electrical inspections possible.
When our electricians have worked on commercial and residential properties throughout Tampa we have frequently identify electrical code violations that jeopardize a property owner’s safety. Our Tampa based electricians work with property owners to make sure the electrical systems are within code so they can avoid potentially lethal problems in the future. Our contractor’s extensive experience working closely with electrical inspectors in the Tampa area has allowed us to gain a wealth of knowledge when it comes to properly executing commercial and residential electrical work.
A+ American Electrical Enterprises wanted to help Tampa Bay area property owners find useful electrical code information. Therefore, we are going to start providing pertinent information outlining national electrical codes. These codes are available for free at the NFPA. However, we are going to our best to convert and paraphrase the language of these sometimes wordy and complicated codes into a format which is easy to understand.
Listed Products [110.3(B)]
Electrical products are manufactured with the intent of using those products in a very specific setting. Additionally, those products are designed to be used for a specific purpose. Electrical products are independently tested by laboratories to ensure they meet strict product standards. The manner in which an electrical product is tested is determined by the intended use of the product. There are electrical product installers which may use electrical products in a manner in which they were never intended to be used. When electrical products and or components are used in a manner in which they were not designed to be used it can lead to serious injury or even death. All electrical appliances and products should be installed using a very specific set of procedures. Additionally, those electrical products should only be used for the purpose in which they are intended to be used for.
Section 110.3(B) Products should be installed in a manner which is consistent with the instructions provided with the product. The instructions included with every product will have use restrictions. Since the safe use of these electrical products is dependent upon abiding by the restrictions, the products restrictions are actually part of the National Electrical Code. Product testing laboratories such us UL publish information about electrical products. Within the Product White Book published by UL it will provide the product installation and product use limitations. Since each product has its own unique restrictions the 110.3(B) NEC code is violated frequently.
Electrical Connections [110.3(B) and 110.14]
It is important to have properly tightened electrical connections. When electrical connections are not tight enough, it will not allow electricity to flow easily through the electrical connection. A loose electrical connection can cause arcing which is when electricity will jump from one electrical connection to another. When electrical current arcs to a particular object it can cause a particular type of damage called pitting. Arcing and pitting will lead to overheating and ultimately a fire. Additionally loose connections will become looser over time due to pitting and any mechanical vibrations that may take place. The more voltage going through the damaged connection, the more dangerous it is. There are plenty of instances when a screwdriver or even a wrench will not be able to tighten a connection to the extent it needs to be. Specialized tools and torque requirements may need to be met in some instances. A new requirement called Annex I outlines the product manufacturer’s installation instructions and is based on UL.
486A-B, Wire Connectors. Spaces around Electrical Equipment [110.26]
There are a number of requirements which are misunderstood when it comes to the spaces around electrical space and equipment. There are certain minimal requirements for the amount of space which is required around electrical equipment. Some electrical equipment will have “electrical spaces” with up to 6 feet of clearance above them or a structural ceiling. The space around the electrical equipment is required so the equipment is able to operate properly. In addition to room for the electrical equipment to operate, there needs to be enough room around the equipment for maintenance and repair work to be completed. When pipes, heating ducts, or other objects run through the electrical space it is considered a violation. Allowing sufficient room to maintenance all of the electrical equipment and other elements around the electrical space is critical. Failure to allow enough room for repairs and maintenance can increase the likelihood of accident or injury. It goes without saying that all of the electrical spaces are three dimensional spaces which must have enough height, depth, and width.
- Depth – The depth is measured starting from the front of the electrical equipment. The required depth is dependent upon the voltage to ground. It is also dependent upon other installation factors. Any electrical equipment doors or panels must be able to open freely without obstruction.
- Width – The width is how wide the space is. The width of the space must be a bare minimum of 30 inches. Even if the electrical equipment is not 30 inches wide, the space must be. The equipment does not have to be centered in the space if it is less than 30 inches. Just like with the depth, the space must allow any doors on the equipment to open to 90 degrees at a minimum.
- Height – The height of the room must be 6 ½ feet. This height requirement has been put into place to make sure anyone performing repair on the electrical equipment has the ability to enter and exit the electrical space safely. The last thing you or a contractor wants is to be work in a small cluttered space. It is important to keep the electrical space clean and accessible. Do not store flammable or combustible materials in the electrical space. Code requires that an electrical room be kept clean and safe for workers.
Raceway Seals [225.27, 230.8, 300.7 and 300.50(F)]
Raceways are enclosed channels that act as a pathway for electrical wiring. It is possible for water and gas to enter a raceway and cause problems with electrical equipment. The contrast in air temperature between the outside and inside of a raceway can cause condensation to accumulate. Additionally, the air inside the raceways can change temperatures. This also has the ability to create condensation. When a raceway enters a building it must be sealed. If the raceway is not sealed, the difference between the temperature inside and outside will cause condensation in the raceway. Any time there is a temperature differential the raceway must be sealed.
Some common examples of temperature differentials in raceways include:
- A raceway entering from the exterior of a building to the interior of a building.
- A raceway transitioning from an unheated area to a heated area.
- A raceway which has transitioned from underground to above ground.
It is important to note that underground raceways have the potential to be extremely dangerous. Raceways can pass natural gas from underground. Sealing off raceways is of critical importance. If raceways are passing through a hazardous location, additional precautions other than sealing raceways may need to be taken.
NM Cable Installations [334.10(C) and Article 100 definition of Concealed]
One of the most common types of improper electrical installations involves the NM cable. These can be found in types III, IV, or V construction types. Most of the citations issued for improper NM cable installations involve a misinterpretation of the word concealed. NM cables are not supposed to be able to be accessed from within the building structure or finish. A large number of builders and electrical contractors will run NM cables through an attic. Since the attic is still able to be accessed from within the building, having NM cables run through the attic is a violation.
Vertical Risers [358.30]
A common citation issued by electrical inspectors has to do with the rigidity of the electrical metal tubing being used. There are specific requirements for vertical risers which are up to 20 feet in height. The intermediate metal conduit and rigid metal conduit fittings have more strength than electrical metal tubing. Electrical metal tubing vertical riser may not have the strength it needs to properly support conductors higher than the 10 foot permitted length.
Circuit Directories [408.4(A)]
A circuit directory is a valuable tool when an electrician is attempting to resolve a problem. Directory notes identifying which circuits control the lights and plugs are less useful. A circuit’s label must clearly indicate its specific purpose. The label should have enough detail to allow someone to know exactly what the circuit breaker controls. The code states that the directory should not depend upon “transient conditions of occupancy” That means that the directory labels should not depend upon movable items such as microwaves, blenders etc. or the person’s name who resides in the room. These labels will not clearly convey to another person what the circuit controls.
Wireways [376.22(A)]
If there are multiple circuits in a wireway, there are instances when an ampacity adjustment must be made. Section 376.22(A) was changed in 2014 to create a clearer understanding of when derating is required. Derating is required at metal wireways cross sections where there are 31 or more current carrying conductors. If derating is not done, then circuit breakers may be tripped or it could results in a fire.
Flexible Cord Is not a Wiring Method [400.7 and 400.8]
Flexible cord is not an acceptable method of wiring. Despite the fact that flexible wiring is not considered a suitable method, it is still used frequently. One of the most common reasons we see flexible cord used is for projectors in conference rooms. Another common reason we see flexible cord used is to install luminaires. The use of flexible cord increases the likelihood of fire.
Separation of Emergency System Wiring [700.10]
Keeping emergency system wiring separate from all other wiring is required. The emergency wiring must stay separate from the emergency system all the way to the emergency system loads. As you can imagine this code is designed to make sure that if something impacts something else in the electrical system that the emergency system is able to function normally. Some of the normal system wiring is required to be in an enclosure. These include disconnecting means and transfer switches. Emergency system wiring must be kept completely separate from the legally required standby system wiring and standby system wiring.
Call Us
Are you located in the greater Tampa area, but still have questions in regards to electrical code? Give us a call. A Plus American Electrical Enterprises will be able to answer any questions you have in regards to electrical code. We also provide commercial and residential electrical services. If you are interested in receiving a quote from our Tampa based electrical company, give us a call to schedule an estimate or contact us through our website. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you.
