Catching up with 2014 NC
Electrical Code
Updates from
Part One – 2014
Enactment, 2014 NC
Amendments and
NFPA TIAs and Errata
Currently we have been advised by NCDOI that the 2014 NC
Electrical Code will go into effect on April 1st, 2016.
NCDOI:
http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering_and_Codes/Documents/2014%
20Edition%20-%20Effective%20April%201%202016.pdf ; 2014 NC
Electrical Code
NFPA: http://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/free-access ; 2011 NEC,
2011 TIAs, 2011 Errata, 2014 NEC, 2014 TIAs, 2014 Errata
Date:
December 31, 2015
To:
All customers
From:
Jim Bartl, Director of Code Enforcement
Re:
2014 NC Electrical Code effective date
In the NC Building Code Council (BCC) meeting of December 15, the Council adopted the new 2014 NC Electrical Code. In doing so, the
BCC set an effective date of April 1, 2016, subject to the NC Rule Review Commission offering no changes to the BCC approved 2014 NC
Electrical Code.
Department policy on the transition period as applied to the 2014 NC Electrical Code
The Department maintains a code transition policy dating to 1997, which allows a 90-day grace period for projects under review, provided
they gain a permit within 90 days of the code effective date. We will apply this policy to the new 2014 NC Electrical Code. Consequently,
projects with permit applications prior to April 1, 2016 may use the current 2011 NC Electrical Code, provided they gain a permit by June
30, 2016. All other projects must use the new 2014 NC Electrical Code for project permit applications on or after April 1, 2014.
The Department’s 1997 policy provides two exceptions to the above transition period, which also apply here.
Exception 1: if a project requires lengthy review by City, State or Federal agencies, the Code Enforcement Director or his designee will
select the appropriate year code to apply to the project.
Exception 2: if a project is multi-phased, with construction time in excess of twelve (12) months, the applicable year code will be selected
by the Code Enforcement Director or his designee at the preliminary code review meeting.
It is very important that professionals monitor their work closely to carefully determine when a project’s design basis must switch to the new
2014 NC Electrical Code to comply with the above transition period and the Department’s related policy. While state law requires us to
issue a permit on any project compliant with the effective code, the burden is on the owner’s team to estimate when your permit will be
issued. Projects not covered by Exception 1 or Exception 2 above, and not permitted by June 30, 2016 must comply with the 2014 NC
Electrical Code, regardless of when they entered the system for permitting.
Feel free to contact me, Director of Plan Review & Permitting Patrick Granson or Electrical Code Administrator Gary Mullis, if you have
questions on the 2014 NC Electrical Code effective dates.
Item 6.1: Retain language from 2011 NEC for 110.26
(E) (2) – No Cost Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
AMENDMENT 110.26(E)(2)
Amend NEC 2014, page 41:
(2) Outdoor.
(a) Installation Requirements. Outdoor electrical equipment shall be
installed in suitable enclosures and shall be protected from accidental
contact by unauthorized personnel, or by vehicular traffic, or by
accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems. The working
clearance space shall include the zone described in 110.26(A). No
architectural appurtenance or other equipment shall be located in this
zone.
(b) Deleted.
Item 6.2: Retain Existing NC Electrical Code Amendment to 210.8(A)
(3) – No Cost Impact
Amend NEC 2014, page 54:
(3) Outdoors
Exception No. 1 to (3): Receptacles that are not readily accessible
and are supplied by a branch circuit dedicated to electric snowmelting, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment shall be
permitted to be installed in accordance with 426.28 or 427.22, as
applicable.
Exception No. 2 to (3): A single outlet receptacle supplied by
dedicated branch circuit which is located and identified for specific
use by a sewage lift pump.
Item 6.3: Retain language from 2011 NEC for
210.8(A) (7) {residential GFCI requirements} – No
Cost Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
AMENDMENT 210.8(A)(7)
Amend NEC 2014, page 54:
(7) Sinks — located in areas other than kitchens where receptacles
are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft.) of the outside edge of the sink.
Item 6.4: Remove GFCI requirement for
kitchen dishwasher branch circuit. This was
not a requirement in the 2011 NEC. – No Cost
Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
AMENDMENT 210.8(D)
Amend NEC 2014, page 55:
210.8(D) Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit. Deleted
Item 6.5: Retain location requirements from 2011 NEC for
AFCI Protection and remove term “readily”. – No Cost
Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
Amend NEC 2014, page 56:
210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Arc-fault circuitinterrupter protection shall be provided as required in 210.12(A) (B),
and (C). The arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in an
accessible location.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere
branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit
kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries,
dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or
similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means
described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6):
Item 6.7: Revise to reflect NC Electrical Code Amendment
with January 1, 2015 effective date. - No Cost Impact (NO
CHANGE)
Amend NEC 2014, page 62:
210.52 (I) Foyers. Foyers that are not part of a hallway in
accordance with 210.52(H) and that have an area that is greater
than 5.6 m2 (60 ft2) shall have at least one receptacle.
Item 6.8: Retain Existing NC Electrical Code Amendment to
250.50 – No Cost Impact (NO CHANGE)
Amend NEC 2014, page 117:
250.50 Grounding Electrode System. All grounding electrodes as described in
250.52(A)(1) through (A)(7) that are available at each building or structure served
shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system. Where none of
these grounding electrodes exist, one or more of the grounding electrodes
specified in 250.52(A)(4) through (A)(8) shall be installed and used.
Item 6.9: Modify 250.53 (A) (2) to match D-1 Agenda Item
– No Cost Impact (NO CHANGE)
Amend NEC 2014, page 118:
(2) Supplemental Electrode Required.
Exception No. 1: If a single, rod, pipe, or plate grounding electrode
has a resistance to earth of 25 ohms or less, the supplemental
electrode shall not be required.
Exception No. 2: The supplemental ground electrode shall not be
required at temporary electrical service installation (saw service
pole) at construction site for one and two-family residences,
provided the temporary electrical service does not exceed 150
volts to ground or 100A.
Item 6.10: Retain Table and Language of 2011 NEC related to sizing of Dwelling
Services and Feeders – No Cost Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
AMENDMENT 310.15(B)(7)
Amend NEC 2014, page 160:
(7) 120/240-Volt, 3-Wire, Single-Phase Dwelling Services and Feeders.
For individual dwelling units of one-family, two-family, and multifamily
dwellings, conductors, as listed in Table 310.15(B)(7), shall be permitted as
120/240-volt, 3-wire, single-phase service-entrance conductors, service-lateral
conductors, and feeder conductors that serve as the main power feeder to
each dwelling unit and are installed in raceway or cable with or without an
equipment grounding conductor. For application of this section, the main
power feeder shall be the feeder between the main disconnect and the
panelboard that supplies, either by branch circuits or by feeders, or both, all
loads that are part or associated with the dwelling unit. The feeder conductors
to a dwelling unit shall not be required to have an allowable ampacity rating
greater than their service-entrance conductors. The grounded conductor shall
be permitted to be smaller than the ungrounded conductors, provided the
requirements of 215.2, 220.61, and 230.42 are met.
Table 310.15(B)(7) Conductor Types and Sizes for
120/240-Volt, 3-Wire, Single-Phase Dwelling Services and Feeders. Conductor
Types RHH, RHW, RHW-2, THHN, THHW, THW, THW-2, THWN, THWN-2, XHHW,
XHHW-2, SE, USE, USE-2
Service or
Feeder
Rating
(Amperes)
Copper
Aluminum
or
CopperClad
Aluminu
m
100
4
2
110
3
1
125
2
1/0
150
1
2/0
175
1/0
3/0
200
2/0
4/0
225
3/0
250
250
4/0
300
300
250
350
350
350
500
400
400
600
Item 6.11: Retain Existing NC Electrical Code Amendment
to 334.15 (C) – No Cost Impact (NO CHANGE)
Amend NEC 2014, page 204:
(C) In Unfinished Basements. Where cable is run at angles with joist in
unfinished basements it shall be permissible to secure cables not smaller than
two 6 AWG or three 8 AWG conductors directly to the lower edges of the
joists. Smaller cables shall be run either through bored holes in joists or on
running boards. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable installed on the wall of an
unfinished basement shall be permitted to be installed in a listed conduit or
tubing or shall be protected in accordance with 300.4. Conduit or tubing shall
be provided with an insulating bushing or adapter at the point the cable
enters the raceway. The sheath of the nonmetallic-sheathed cable sheath
shall extend through the conduit or tubing and into the outlet or device box
not less than 6 mm (1/4 in.). The cable shall be secured within 300 mm (12 in.)
of the point where the cable enters the conduit or tubing. Metal conduit,
tubing, and metal outlet boxes shall be connected to an equipment
grounding conductor complying with the provisions of 250.86 and 250.148.
Item 6.12: Revise to reflect NC Electrical Code Amendment with January 1,
2015 effective date. – No Cost Impact (NO CHANGE)
AMENDMENT 404.2(C)(8)
Amend NEC 2014, page 278:
(8) Where installed in residential one- and two- family dwellings.
Item 6.13: Remove term “readily” from 406.4 (D) and add new exception – No
Cost Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
Amend NEC 2014, page 282:
(D) Replacements. Replacement of receptacles shall comply with 406.4(D)(1)
through (D)(6), as applicable. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter type and ground-fault
circuit-interrupter type receptacles shall be installed in an accessible location.
(4) Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Where a receptacle
outlet is supplied by a branch circuit that requires arc-fault circuitinterrupter protection as specified elsewhere in this Code, a
replacement receptacle at this outlet shall be one of the following:
(1) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit-interrupter
receptacle
(2) A receptacle protected by a listed outlet branch-circuit type
arc-fault circuit-interrupter type receptacle
(3) A receptacle protected by a listed combination type arc-fault
circuit-interrupter type circuit breaker
This requirement becomes effective January 1, 2014.
Exception: Non-grounding type receptacles.
Item 6.14: For one- and two-family residences, remove term
“readily” from 422.5 – No Cost Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
Amend NEC 2014, page 303:
422.5 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Protection. The device
providing GFCI protection required in this article shall be readily
accessible.
Exception: For one- and two-family residences, the device providing
the GFCI protection required in this article shall be accessible.
Article 10 - ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
10.1 TITLE
These Administrative Regulations along with the requirements included in the 2014 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NFiPA70 - 2014) as adopted by the North Carolina Building Code Council on December 15, 2015, to be effective April 1, 2016, with the
following amendments: (1) 110.26(E)(2), (2) 210.8(A)(3) (Exception No. 2), (3) 210.8(A)(7), (4) 210.8(D), (5) 210.12(A), (6) 210.52(I), (7)
250.50, (8) 250.53(A)(2) (Exception No. 2), (9) 310.15(B)(7), (10) 334.15(C), (11) 404.2(C)(8), (12) 406.4(D), (13) 422.5 shall be known
as the North Carolina Electrical Code, and may be cited as such or as the State Electrical Code; and will be referred to herein as
“the code” or “this code”.
10.2 SCOPE
Article 80 Administration and Enforcement of the code is hereby not adopted and does not apply for this code. For Scope and
Exceptions to Applicability of Technical Codes, refer to the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies.
10.3 PURPOSE
The purpose of the code is to provide minimum standards, provisions and requirements of safe and stable design, methods of
construction and uses of materials in buildings or structures hereafter erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved,
converted to other uses of demolished and to regulate the electrical systems, equipment, maintenance, use and occupancy of
all buildings or structures. All regulations contained in this code have a reasonable and substantial connection with the public
health, safety, morals, or general welfare, and their provisions shall be construed liberally to those ends.
10.4 ADMINISTRATION
For administrative regulations pertaining to inspection (rough-ins and finals), permits and Certificates of Electrical Compliance, see
When the provisions of other
codes are determined to be contrary to the requirements of this code, this
code shall prevail.
local ordinances and the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies.
TIAs
Reference: 516.3(A)(1)(a) and 516.10(A)
TIA 14-1
(SC 13-8-16/TIA Log #1096)
Note: Text of the TIA issued and incorporated into the text of 516.3(A)(1)(a) and 516.10(A), therefore no separate
publication is necessary.
1. Remove the indication that 516.3(A)(1)(a) is to be deleted and renumber as needed. This is an error in ROC Comment
14-67 to read as follows:
(A) Zone Classification of Locations.
(1) For the purposes of this Article, the Zone system of electrical area classification shall be applied as follows:
(a) The inside of open or closed containers or vessels shall be considered a Class I, Zone 0 location.
(b) A Class I, Division 1 location shall be permitted to be alternatively classified as a Class I, Zone 1 location.
(c) A Class I, Division 2 location shall be permitted to be alternatively classified as a Class I, Zone 2 location.
(d) A Class II, Division 1 location shall be permitted to be alternatively classified as a Zone 21 location.
(e) A Class II, Division 2 location shall be permitted to be alternatively classified as a Zone 22 location. [33: 6.2.2]
2. Change the second to last sentence of 516.10(A) and add an informational note as shown in ROC Comment 14-67 to
read as follows:
The installation of electrostatic spraying equipment shall comply with 516.10(A)(1) through (A)(10). Spray equipment
shall be listed except as otherwise permitted. All automatic electrostatic equipment systems shall comply with
516.4(A)(1) through (A)(9).
Informational Note: For more information on listing and approval of electrostatic spray equipment, see NFPA 332011, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials, Section 11.5. NFPA 33 permits
certain electrostatic spray equipment to be approved for use when additional mitigation equipment is employed.
Issue Date: August 1, 2013
Effective Date: August 20, 2013
TIAs
Reference: 445.20
TIA 14-2
(SC 13-10-5/TIA Log #1117)
1. Revise 445.20 to read as follows:
445.20 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection for Receptacles on 15 kW or Smaller Portable
Generators. All
125-volt, single-phase, 15-and 20-ampere receptacle outlets that are a part of a 15-kW or smaller
portable generator either
shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel integral to the generator or receptacle
or shall not be
available for use when the 125/250-volt locking-type receptacle is in use. If the generator was
manufactured or
remanufactured prior to January 1, 2015, listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed ground-fault
circuit-interrupter
protection for personnel identified for portable use shall be permitted. If the generator does not have a
125/250-volt
locking-type receptacle, this requirement shall not apply.
Issue Date: October 22, 2013
Effective Date: November 11, 2013
TIAs
Reference: Table 820.154(a)
TIA 14-3
(SC 14-3-8/TIA Log #1120)
Revise Table 820.154(a) as follows:
(PRINT COPY FROM NFPA WEBSITE)
TIAs
Reference: 520.45
TIA 14-4
(SC 14-8-16 / TIA Log #1151)
1. Revise 520.45 to read as follows:
520.45 Receptacles. Receptacles for electrical equipment on stages
shall be rated in amperes. Conductors supplying receptacles
shall be in accordance with Articles 310 and 400. Section 406.15 shall
not apply.
TIAs
Reference: 530.21(A)
TIA 14-5
(SC 14-8-17 / TIA Log #1152)
1. Revise 530.21(A) to read as follows:
530.21 Plugs and Receptacles.
(A) Rating. Plugs and receptacles, including cord connectors and flanged
surface devices, shall be rated in amperes. The voltage
rating of the plugs and receptacles shall be not less than the nominal circuit
voltage. Plug and receptacle ampere ratings for ac
circuits shall not be less than the feeder or branch-circuit overcurrent device
ampere rating. Table 210.21(B)(2) shall not apply.
Section 406.15 shall not apply.
TIAs
Reference: 590.6(A)(1)
TIA 14-6
(SC 14-8-15 / TIA Log #1133)
1. Revise 590.6(A)(1) to read as follows:
590.6 Ground-Fault Protection for Personnel.
(A) Receptacle Outlets.
(1) Receptacle Outlets Not Part of Permanent Wiring. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15, 20-, and 30-ampere receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent
wiring of the building or structure and that are in use by personnel shall have
ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. In addition to this
required ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection, listed cord sets or devices
incorporating listed ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel
identified for portable use shall be permitted.
TIAs
Reference: 517.41(E)
TIA 14-7
(SC 14-10-2 / TIA Log #1157)
1. Revise Article 517.41(E) to read as follows:
(E) Receptacle Identification. The cover plates for the electrical
receptacles or the electrical receptacles themselves supplied from
the essential electrical system shall have a distinctive color or marking
so as to be readily identifiable. [99:6.5.2.2.4.2]
TIAs
Reference: 625.17(B)
TIA 14-8
(SC 15-4-5 / TIA Log #1162)
1. Revise Section 625.17(B) to read as follows:
(B) Output Cable to the Electric Vehicle. The output cable to the
electric vehicle shall be Type EV, EVJ, EVE, EVJE, EVT, or EVJT flexible
cable as specified in Table 400.4. The output cable shall have an
ampacity as specified in Table 400.5(A)(1) or, for 8 AWG and larger, in
the 60°C columns of Table 400.5(A)(2).
ERRATA
Reference: Various
Errata No.: 70-14-1
The National Electrical Code Correlating Committee notes the following errors
in the 2014 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
How to Use this Errata Sheet
This is a list of errata to the first printing of the 2014 NEC®.
1. In Section 200.7, remove shading from the first line of the title. Add shading to
“or Gray” in the second line.
2. In Table 220.3, on list item “Electric vehicle charging system branch-circuit
and feeder calculations,” change the section reference to 625.41.
3. Revise the title of Table 220.44 as follows: “Table 220.44 Demand Factors for
Non-Dwelling Receptacle Loads”
ERRATA
4. In Section 400.4, insert as first sentence “Flexible cords and flexible cables
shall conform to the description in Table 400.4.”
5. In heading above 400.30, Part II should be Part III.
6. In 422.51(A), delete “identified for portable use”.
7. Replace Section 490.48 with the following:
490.48. Substation Design, Documentation, and Required Diagram. (print from
NFPA website)
(A) Design and Documentation. Substations shall be designed by a qualified
licensed professional engineer. Where components or the entirety of the
substation are listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory, documentation
of internal design features subject to the listing investigation shall not be
required. The design shall address but not be limited to the following topics and
the documentation of this design shall be made available to the authority
having jurisdiction.
ERRATA
(1) Clearances and exits
(2) Electrical enclosures
(3) Securing and support of electrical equipment
(4) Fire protection
(5) Safety ground connection provisions
(6) Guarding live parts
(7) Transformers and voltage regulation equipment
(8) Conductor insulation, electrical and mechanical protection, isolation, and terminations
(9) Application, arrangement, and disconnection of circuit breakers, switches, and fuses
(10) Provisions for oil filled equipment
(11) Switchgear
(12) Surge arrestors
ERRATA
(B) Diagram. A permanent single-line diagram of the switchgear shall be provided in a readily
visible
location within the same room or enclosed area with the switchgear and this diagram shall
clearly
identify interlocks, isolation means, and all possible sources of voltage to the installation under
normal or emergency conditions, and the marking on the switchgear shall cross-reference the
diagram.
Exception: Where the equipment consists solely of a single cubicle or metal enclosed unit
substation
containing only one set of high-voltage switching devices, diagrams shall not be required.
8. Section identifier at the top of page 390 should read “500.9”.
9. Change the references in 506.9(C)(2), Exception, from various sections in 506.9 (D) to
506.9(C) to read as follows:
Exception: Associated apparatus NOT suitable for installation in a hazardous (classified)
location shall be required to be marked only with 506.9(C)(2)(2), (3), and (5), but BOTH the
symbol AEx in 506.9(C)(2)(2) and the symbol for the type of protection in 506.9(C)(2)(3) shall be
enclosed within the same square brackets; for example, [AEx iaD] or [AEx ia] IIIC.
ERRATA
10. Revise title of Article 516 to read as follows: Spray Application, Dipping, Coating, and Printing
Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Materials
11. Replace Figure 516.3(D)(2) with the following: (PRINT FROM NFPA WEBSITE)
12. In Section 625.17(A)(1), change the cross-reference from 625.17(B)(1) to 625.17(B).
13. In Section 645.15, delete the second sentence, which reads: “Power systems derived within listed
information technology equipment that supply information technology systems through receptacles
or cable
assemblies supplied as part of this equipment shall not be considered separately derived for the
purpose of
applying 250.30.”
14. Delete Section 690.7(F).
15. Change reference in last line of Section 690.56(A) to 690.31(G)
16. Delete Figure 700.2 and text reference in definition of Emergency Systems.
17. Delete Figure 701.2 and text reference in definition of Legally Required Standby Systems.
18. Delete Figure 702.2 and text reference in definition of Optional Standby Systems.
19. Delete Figure 708.2 and text reference in definition of Critical Operations Power Systems.
20. At top of page 664, upper left hand corner, change “(C)” to “705.12”
ERRATA
Reference: Various
Errata No.: 70-14-2
The National Electrical Code Correlating Committee notes the following errors in the 2014 edition of
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
1. In 210.8, change the reference in the first sentence from “210.8(A) through (C)” to “210.8(A)
through (D).”
2. In 225.36, Article 250, change the cross-reference to read “250.32(B) Exception No. 1.”
3. In 300.3(C)(2), change the cross-reference from “C(300.3)(2)(a) through (C)(2)(d)” to
“300.3(C)(2)(a) through (C)(2)(d).”
4. In 230.62(B), change “110.27 (1)” to “110.27 (A)(1).”
5. In 250.102(C)(2), the Informational Note referencing Chapter 9 should appear at the end of Table
250.102(C)(1).
6. In 310.10(E), change the first word to “Nonshielded.”
7. Revise the first sentence in 314.15 to read as follows:
“Boxes, conduit bodies, outlet box hoods, and fittings installed in wet locations shall be listed for use
in wet locations.”
8. In 368.2, change “copper aluminum” to “copper or aluminum.”
ERRATA
9. In 386.10(3), change the cross-reference from “645.29(1)” to “645.5(E)(2).”
10. In 392.80(A)(3)(2), delete the cross-reference to “392.22(D).”
11. In 404.3(A), Exception No. 2, change “110.27(1)” to “110.27(A)(1).”
12. In 409.3, delete the second “409.”
13. In the Title of Article 411, delete the hyphen between “Class” and “2.”
14. In 450.5, the cross-reference to “250.32(B) Exception” should read “250.32(B) Exception No. 1.”
15. In 480.9(C), change the cross-reference from “110.27” to “110.26.”
16. Revise 501.15(B)(2), Exception No. 2(1), as follows:
(1) The unclassified location is outdoors, located or the unclassified location is indoors and the
conduit system is entirely in one room.
17. In 501.130(B)(4,) Exception, change the cross-reference from “B(501.130)(1)” to “501.130(B)(1).”
18. In 502.140(A)(2), change the cross-reference from “A(502.10)(2)” to “502.10(A)(2).”
ERRATA
19. In 505.9(D)(1), Exception No. 2, change “Class 1” to “Class I.”
20. In 506.6(A), change the cross-reference from “506.6(B)(1)” to “500.6(B)(1).”
21. In 506.6(B), change the cross-references from “506.6(B)(2) and 506.6(B)(3)” to “500.6(B)(2)
and 500.6(B)(3).”
22. In 514.3(C)(2), change the cross-references from “Tables 514.3(B)(1)(1) and 514.3(B)(2)(2)” to
“Table 514.3(B)(1) and Table 514.3(B)(2).”
23. In 514.3(D)(1), change the cross-reference from “Table 514.3(B)(1)(1)” to “Table 514.3(B)(1).”
24. In 516.3(C)(7), change the cross-reference from “Figure 516.3(D)(4)” to “Figure 516.3(D)(5).”
25. In 517.19(C)(2), shade the entire section and change the cross-reference to “517.19(C)(1).”
26. In 553.8(C), change the cross-references from “250.119(A)(2)(2) and (A)(2)(3)” to
“250.119(A)(2)(b) and (A)(2)(c).”
27. In 620.21(A)(1)(c), Exception, change “A(620.21)(1)(c)(1)” to “620.21(A)(1)(c)(1).”
28. In 645.3(B), change the cross-reference from “820.113(C)(C)” to “820.113(C)” and delete
shading of the “(C).”
ERRATA
29. In 645.4, change the cross-reference from “Parts I and V of Article 725” to “Parts I and V of Article
770.”
30. In 646.19, change cross-references from “646.20(1) and (2)” to “646.19(1) and (2).”
31. Delete the Exception in 680.25(A)(1).
32. Revise 680.25(B) to read as follows:
(B) Grounding. An equipment grounding conductor shall be installed with the feeder conductors
between the grounding terminal of the pool equipment panelboard and the grounding terminal of
the applicable service equipment or source of a separately derived system. For other than (1)
existing feeders covered in 680.25(A), exception, or (2) feeders to separate buildings that do not
utilize an insulated equipment grounding conductor in accordance with 680.25(B)(2), this
equipment grounding conductor shall be insulated.
33. In Table 690.7, first column, change the fifth entry from “4” to “0.”
34. In 690.47(C)(2), change the cross-reference from “250.64(C)(C)(2)” to “250.64(C)(2).”
35. At the end of 694.18(C), after the label, add the following: “The warning sign(s) or label(s) shall
comply with 110.21(B).”
36. In 725.179(D), Informational Note, delete the coding text before the word “Informational.”
37. In 725.179(F)(1), delete the cross-references to “725.154(D)(1) and (E).”
38. In 725.179(F)(2), delete the cross-references to “725.154(D)(1) and (E) and (F)(1).”
ERRATA
39. In 770.100(A)(4), Exception, change the cross-reference from “B(770.100)(3)(2)” to
“770.100(B)(3)(2).”
40. In 770.179(E)(2), change the cross-reference from “E(770.179)(1)” to “770.179(E)(1).”
41. In 770.179, delete the following:
In addition, the overall covering of a field-assembled optical fiber cable shall have a surface
marking indicating the specific optical fiber conductors with which it is listed and the optical
fiber conductors shall have a permanent marking such as a marker tape indicating the overall
covering with which they are listed. The overall covering of a field-assembled optical fiber
cable shall meet the listing requirements for optical fiber raceways.
42. Replace 770.179(F) with the following:
770.179(F) Field-Assembled Optical Fiber Cables. Field-assembled optical fiber cable shall
comply with 770.179(F)(1) through (4).
(1) The specific combination of jacket and optical fibers intended to be installed as a fieldassembled optical fiber cable shall be listed in accordance with 770.179(A), (B), or (D) and shall
be marked in accordance with Table 770.179.
(2) The jacket of a field-assembled optical fiber cable shall have a surface marking indicating
the specific optical fibers with which it is listed for use.
ERRATA
(3) The optical fibers shall have a permanent marking, such as a marker tape,
indicating the jacket with which they are listed for use.
(4) The jacket without fibers shall meet the listing requirements for
communications raceways in 800.182(A), (B), or
(C) in accordance with the cable marking.
43. In 800.44(B), Informational Note; 820.44(E)(3), Informational Note; 830.44,
Informational Note before 830.44(A); and 840.44(B), Informational Note,
change the title of the reference to “National Electrical Safety Code.”
Issue Date: December 3, 2013
ERRATA
Reference: Various
Errata No.: 70-14-3
The National Electrical Code Correlating Committee notes the following errors in the 2014
edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.
1. 210.19(A), Informational Note No. 4. Change the reference in the last sentence to
“Informational Note 2 of 215.2(A)(1)(b).”
2. Table 310.15(B)(3)(c). Revise second entry in the first column to read “Above roof 13 mm (1⁄2
in.)–90 mm (31⁄2 in.).”
3. 406.9(B)(1). Revise the first sentence by inserting “, 125 and 250 volts” after “amperes”.
4. 409.1, Informational note. Change the reference to read: ANSI/UL 508A.
5. 600.33(A). Revise first sentence to read “Listed Class 2 cable that complies with Table
725.154…”
6. 690.12(4). Change the reference to 690.56(C)
7. 690.15(D). Delete entire section. This is a duplicate of 690.13(D)
8. 725.154(A). Revise first sentence as follows: The substitutions for Class 2 and Class 3 cables
listed in Table 725.154(A) and illustrated in Figure 725.154(A) shall be permitted.
ERRATA
9. Add table as follows:
Table 725.154(A) Cable Substitutions (PRINT FROM NFPA WEBSITE)
10. Table C.9(A) Change the third trade size from 1 3/4 to 3/4.
Change the metric equivalent from (2) to (21).
Issue Date: April 21, 2014
ERRATA
Reference: 517.18(A), Exception No. 2 and 690.13(A) Exception
Errata No.: 70-14-4
The National Electrical Code Correlating Committee notes the
following errors in the 2014 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical
Code.
1. 517.18(A), Exception No. 2. Change second cross reference from
517.18(B)(2) to 517.10(B(2).
2. 690.13(A), Exception. Change cross reference from 690.31(F) to
690.31(G).
Issue Date: July 29, 2014
ERRATA
Reference: 517.18(A), Exception No. 2 and 690.13(A) Exception
Errata No.: 70-14-4
The National Electrical Code Correlating Committee notes the
following errors in the 2014 edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical
Code.
1. 517.18(A), Exception No. 2. Change second cross reference from
517.18(B)(2) to 517.10(B(2).
2. 690.13(A), Exception. Change cross reference from 690.31(F) to
690.31(G).
Issue Date: July 29, 2014
PART TWO –
SIGNIFICANT
CHANGES OF THE
NCEC 2014 THROUGH
ARTICLE 285
CODE WIDE CHANGES
were approximately 3,745 proposals and 1,625 public comments
submitted for modifications to the 2014 edition of the NEC.
 There
 Field-Applied
Hazard Markings. 110.21(B) was added to include
specific requirements for warning labels and similar markings where
required or specified elsewhere in the Code.
 Lockable
Disconnecting Means. New 110.25 was added to deliver a
“one-stop” location providing consistent requirements for a lockable
disconnecting means.
 Requirements
for dc Systems Integrated Throughout NEC. Direct current
(dc) applications are experiencing a re-emergence because of such
things as electric vehicle charging, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,
microgrids, wind-generated electric systems, etc.
Barnes
 “Switchgear”
Incorporated Throughout the NEC. The previous definition for
“Metal-Enclosed Power Switchgear” was modified and retitled to simply
“Switchgear” to make it inclusive of all types of switchgear under the purview
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.
 600
Volts to 1000 Volts. Numerous changes throughout the NEC from the 600
volts threshold to 1000 volts.
 New
Articles. Four new articles added to the 2014 NEC.
CODE-WIDE CHANGES (CONT.)
The 2014 code in 110.16 now refers us to 110.21 B for labeling
and ANSI Z535.4 compliance is noted as a standard.
This requires the extensive labeling we now have to be comparable
to a uniform to a national standard. As with many issues previously
the hope is now that all have a reliable standard. Some who skirted
their responsibilities before now have a clear standard to follow.
Kale
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
 DANGER
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
 WARNING
indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
 CAUTION
Per changes to 110.26 C 3 we now have the following.
 The
ampere value related to provisions for “Personnel Doors”
for “Entrance to and Egress from Working Space” was lowered
to 800 amperes from 1200 amperes.
 The
term “listed panic hardware” replaces the previous list of
specific hardware provided at this requirement.
 Serious
injury and fatalities have occurred involving electrical
equipment rated at below 1200 amperes.
 This
same panic hardware change occurred at 110.33(A)(3) for
equipment with a voltage rating over 600 volts.
Rains
200.4 B has been added.
 New
provisions added requiring grouping the common neutral
conductor for multiple circuits with its associated ungrounded
conductors when contained in the same enclosure.
 New
exceptions were also added to relax this grouping
requirement where the grouping is obvious or where looped
conductors or conductors simply pass through the enclosure.
 Neutral
conductors are typically terminated on a common neutral
terminal bar making tracing these neutral conductors more
difficult than tracing the ungrounded conductors.
West
200.6(A)(3) Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors has
changed.
 Revision
permits three continuous white “or gray” stripes along the
grounded conductor’s entire length (on other than green
insulation) for identification of sizes 6 AWG or smaller.
 Gray
coloring for grounded conductors is frequently requested for
277/480 volt circuits.
 White
“or gray” stripes will offer more choices to installers.
 Same
change occurred at the following locations:
200.6(B)(3)
200.7(A)(2)
200.6(E)
200.7(C)
200.7
200.7(C)(1)
200.7(C)(2)
Barnes
210.5(C)(2) Branch Circuits Supplied From Direct Current Systems
 New branch circuit identification requirements added for dc
systems.
 For sizes 6 AWG and smaller, red for positive dc conductors and
black for negative dc conductors.
 For branch circuits supplied from a dc system operating at more
than 50 volts, each ungrounded conductor of 4 AWG or larger is
to be identified by polarity at all termination, connection, and
splice points by marking tape, tagging, or other approved
means.
 Direct current (dc) applications are experiencing a reemergence in the electrical industry because of such things as
electric vehicle charging, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,
Kale
microgrids, wind generated electric systems, etc.
NEC 210.8(A)(7) GFCI: Dwelling Unit Sinks
GFCI protection required for all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20ampere receptacles installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of all dwelling unit
sinks (including kitchen sinks). Revision removes the term “located in
areas other than kitchens.” Rule will now include the garbage
disposal receptacle located in the cabinet under a kitchen sink,
receptacle located behind a refrigerator, or a general lighting
branch circuit living room receptacle located on the back side of a
kitchen sink bar area if they are located within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the
kitchen sink.
NC 210.8(A) (7) Sinks — located in areas other than kitchens where
receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of
the sink.
NEC 210.8(D) Dwelling Unit Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit
 GFCI protection now required for all outlets that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling units.
Includes both receptacle and hard-wired outlet for dishwasher.
 Modern-day electronically controlled dishwashers can experience “end of life” failures that can result
in increased risk of electrical shock.
 GFCI protection for outlets supplying dishwashers can mitigate these increased risk of electrical shock.
NC Item 6.4: Remove GFCI requirement for kitchen
dishwasher branch circuit. This was not a requirement in the
2011 NEC. – No Cost Impact (NEW AMENDMENT)
210.8 (D) Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit. GFCI protection
shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers installed in
dwelling unit locations.
210.8(A)(9) Dwelling Unit Bathtubs or Shower Stalls
 GFCI protection now required where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6
ft) of the outside edge of dwelling unit “Bathtubs or Shower Stalls.”
 Bathtubs or shower stalls are not always located in an area that meets the
Article 100 definition of a “bathroom.”
 Bathroom is “an area including a basin with one or more of the following: a
toilet, a urinal, a tub, a shower, a bidet, or similar plumbing fixtures.”
 Example: a room or area connected to a dwelling unit bedroom with a
bathtub or shower stall as the only plumbing fixture in that particular room or
area with a basin sink and toilet provided in another common area of the
dwelling.
West
210.8(A)(10) GFCI: Laundry Areas
 All dwelling unit “Laundry Areas” now require GFCI protection for
125-volt, single phase, 15-and 20-ampere receptacles (regardless
of presence of a sink or distance from same).
 A laundry room sink is no longer the driving factor whether GFCI
protection is required or not.
 GFCI protection in laundry areas addresses increased shock
hazard risk and is consistent with other NEC requirements for GFCI
protection of receptacles in areas in close proximity of water.
 Increased usage of GFCI protection for personnel at receptacles
of residential homes is a highly effective means of further reducing
the potential for electrical shock hazards.
West
210.8(B)(8) GFCI: Garages, Service Bays, and Similar Areas
 GFCI protection required for all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20ampere receptacles installed in all non-dwelling unit garages,
service bays, and similar areas (other than vehicle exhibition halls
and showrooms).
 The phrase, “where electrical diagnostic equipment, electrical
hand tools, or portable lighting equipment are to be used” was
deleted.
 Many commercial garages have receptacles installed for
purposes other-than the use of hand tools such as electric engine
block heaters or battery charging equipment.
 Does not apply to such things as auto, power equipment (lawn
mowers), or recreational vehicle dealership showrooms.
Barnes
NEC 210.12 AFCI Protection
New provision added to require all AFCI devices required by 210.12 to be installed in a readily accessible
location. Aligns with the “readily accessible” requirements for GFCI devices covered at 210.8. Primarily
related to occupant or user accessibility to the monthly testing and reset features of AFCI devices. Will aid
and facilitate the ability to reset the AFCI device in the event the AFCI detects an arcing event.
NC Item 6.5: Retain location requirements from 2011 NEC for AFCI
Protection and remove term “readily”. – No Cost Impact (NEW
AMENDMENT)
210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. Arc-fault circuit-interrupter
protection shall be provided as required in 210.12(A) (B), and (C). The arc-fault
circuit interrupter shall be installed in an readily accessible location.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch
circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, family
rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms,
sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, or similar rooms
or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1)
through (6):
Kale
210.12(A)(1) – (6) AFCI Protection
 AFCI protection methods were expanded and language put into
a list format.
 Provisions for outlet branch circuit (OBC) AFCI devices were
expanded.
 The first two previous exceptions were revised to positive
language and put into a list format of six provisions for providing
AFCI protection.
Rains
210.12(B) Ex. Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications Dwelling Units
Existing branch circuit conductors can be extended up to 1.8 m (6
ft.) without AFCI protection where no additional outlets or devices
are installed for when modified or extended.
Examples where situation does not require an AFCI device to be
installed:
Extending branch circuit conductors within an enclosure for the
purposes of replacing a device or utilization equipment.
Extending a branch circuit a short distance to a panelboard being
replaced or upgraded.
West
210.12(C) AFCI: DORMITORY UNITS
 All
120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits
supplying outlets installed in dormitory unit bedrooms, living
rooms, hallways, closets, and similar rooms are now required to
be provided with AFCI protection.
 These
confined living quarter conditions can lead to damage
or misuse of the extension cords which in many cases are
undersized for the applied load such as a microwave oven.
 Dorm
occupants should be afforded the same level of AFCI
protection provided to those who reside in a dwelling unit.
Barnes
210.13 GFPE: BRANCH CIRCUITS
 GFP
of equipment now required for branch circuit disconnects
meeting provisions described at 230.95.
 New section requires each branch circuit disconnect rated 1000
amperes or more and installed on solidly grounded wye electrical
systems of more than 150 volts to ground (but not exceeding 600
volts) to be provided with GFPE.
 New language for branch circuits was crafted after the existing
language at 215.10 for feeders.
 Exceptions were also added for GFP provisions:
 creating additional or increased hazards
 already provided on the supply side of branch circuit
Kale
210.17 ELECTRIC VEHICLE BRANCH CIRCUIT
 Outlet(s)
installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles
required to be supplied by a separate branch circuit with no
other outlets.
 Charging
an electric vehicle (EV) with an existing 120 volt
receptacle outlet will typically overload an existing general
purpose branch circuit.
 It
should be noted that this new requirement does not demand
that an outlet(s) for the specific and sole purpose of charging EV
equipment be installed.
A
new I-Note was also added giving guidance to 625.2 for the
Rains
definition of an “Electric Vehicle.”
210.52(E)(1) AND (E)(2) OUTDOOR OUTLETS
 The
requirements for outdoor receptacles at dwellings have
been revised to permit the required receptacle outlets to be
“readily accessible from grade.”
 This
provision was revised by removing the “while standing at
grade level” requirement.
 This
change will allow the deck or porch receptacle outlet to
serve as one of the required outdoor receptacle outlets if it is
“readily accessible from grade” with the deck or porch
permitted to serve as “grade.”
 Same
revision to individual units of multifamily dwellings (with
individual exterior entrance/egress).
West
210.52(E)(3) BALCONIES, DECKS AND PORCHES
 The
requirement for a receptacle located at “Balconies, Decks,
and Porches” has been revised to require the balcony, deck or
porch to be attached to the dwelling.
 Requirements
for the outdoor receptacle outlet to be installed
“within the perimeter” of the balcony, deck or porch have been
eliminated.
 “Detached”
decks and such do not pose the same threat of
extension cords being ran through windows and doorways as
their “attached” counterparts.
Barnes
210.52(G) BASEMENTS, GARAGES, AND ACCESSORY BUILDINGS
 “Basements,
Garages, and Accessory Buildings” receptacle provisions
revised into list format.
 210.52(G)(1)
Garages
 210.52(G)(2)
Accessory Buildings
 201.52(G)(3)
Basements
 Branch
circuit supplying garage receptacle(s) to supply only the garage.
 Receptacle
required for each car space in a garage.
 This
is an effort to recognize the possibility of electric vehicle (EV) and plugin hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) charging in these garages.
Kale
210.64 ELECTRICAL SERVICE AREAS
 New
provision requiring 125 volt, single-phase, 15-or 20-ampere
receptacle outlet to be installed at “Electrical Service Areas.”
 At
least one 125 volt, single-phase, 15-or 20-ampere receptacle outlet
is now required to be installed within 15 m (50 ft) of all electrical
service areas.
 Test
equipment such as portable electrical data acquisition
equipment is often needed for monitoring and servicing electrical
equipment in service areas.
 Exception
was added for one- and two-family dwelling services.
Rains
Table 220.3 Additional Load Calculation
References
 New line item added to Table 220.3 for “Electric Vehicle
Charging Equipment” and a reference to 625.14.
 This will help clarify the load calculation requirements
for electric vehicle (EV) charging loads (considered as
continuous).
 Electric vehicles and their charging stations are a
growing trend in the electrical industry.
 This will give a direct and necessary link from Article 220
(calculations) to Article 625 for EV charging systems.
West
EATON CHARGERS
225.52(A) Disconnecting Means Location
 The requirements pertaining to the disconnecting means for
services rated over 1000 volt have been incorporated into the
requirements for the disconnecting means of outside branch
circuits and feeders.
 225.52(A) applies to the location of the disconnecting means for
an outside branch circuit of feeder.
 Growing trend in the electrical industry to utilize more branch
circuits and feeder rated over 1000 volts.
 Revision incorporates the same language at 230.205(C) dealing
with a service disconnecting means ability to be electrically
operated by a readily accessible, remote-control device. Barnes
230.30 Installation and Wiring Methods (Underground
Service Conductors)
 230.30 was divided into two subsections:
 (A) “Insulation”
 (B) “Wiring Methods”
 List of acceptable wiring methods for “Underground Service
Conductors” was added.
 List includes all the cables and conductors that are identified in
Chapter 3 as suitable for use as both service conductors and for
direct burial.
 This section is referring to the conductors from the service point to
the service disconnecting means, which is the definition of
Kale
“Service Conductors.”
230.44 Cable Trays Containing Service-Entrance
Conductors
 Cable Trays containing service-entrance conductors required to
include warning labels with these labels spaced at intervals not to
exceed 3.0 m (10 ft.).
 This requirement is very similar to the requirement at 392.18(H) for
warning label at cable trays containing conductors rated over
600 volts.
 Warning label spacing is reasonable as service-entrance
conductors do not have overcurrent protection ahead of these
conductors.
 This warning label spacing requirement will aid in the ability to
trace the service-entrance conductors throughout the building.
Rains
230.82(3) Equipment Connected to the Supply Side of
Service Disconnect
 Provisions for a meter disconnect switch was revised by adding a
label requirement to indicate:

METER DISCONNECT - NOT SERVICE EQUIPMENT
 230.82 lists several items that the Code permits to be installed
ahead of or on the line side of a service disconnecting means.
 A meter disconnect switch is permitted ahead of the service
disconnect but is not the service disconnecting means.
 Meter disconnect switches are often times confused with the
service disconnecting means.
 The service disconnect marking is sometimes placed at the meter
disconnecting switch in error.
West
240.21(B)(1) Feeder Taps Not Over 3 m (10 ft.) Long
 Tap conductor ampacity for feeder taps [not over 3 m (10 ft.) long]
required to be not less than the rating of the equipment containing
an overcurrent device(s).
 “Equipment containing an overcurrent device(s)” replaces
“device.”
 A new exception was also added for listed equipment, such as
surge protective devices, power monitoring equipment and
metering equipment, etc. allowed to be supplied with tap
conductors without overcurrent protection.
 This same change also occurred at 240.21(C)(2) for transformer
Barnes
secondary conductors not over 3.0 m (10 ft.) long.
240.21(B)(1) Feeder Taps Not Over 3 m (10 ft.) Long
Conductors are permitted to be tapped, without overcurrent protection at the
tap, if the length of the tap conductors does not exceed 3 m (10 ft.) and the
tap conductors comply with all the following:
 Ampacity cannot be less than the combined calculated loads on the
circuits supplied by the tap conductors.
 Ampacity cannot be less than the rating of the equipment containing an
overcurrent device(s) supplied by the tap conductors.
 Do not extend beyond the panelboard, etc. they supply.
 Generally, required to be enclosed in a raceway.
 If the tap conductors leave the enclosure in which the tap is made, the
ampacity of the tap conductors cannot be less than one-tenth of the
rating of the overcurrent device protecting the feeder conductors. Kale
240.87 Arc Energy Reduction
 Title was changed from “Non instantaneous Trip” to “Arc Energy Reduction”
and section was revised for usability and formatted into subdivisions.
 Revision clarifies that this rule applies only to circuit breakers that are
intentionally delayed under short-circuit conditions and that these circuit
breakers do not have an instantaneous trip settings.
 No override setting higher than the potential arc current.
 A limitation to the size of breaker (1200 ampere) required to comply with this
section was added.
 Two additional methods for reducing arc energy were added to the list of
methods:
 Energy-reducing active arc-flash mitigation system.
 An approved equivalent means.
Rains
250.21(C) Marking - Ungrounded Systems
 Ungrounded systems required to be legibly marked
"Caution Ungrounded System Operating -____ Volts
Between Conductors.“
 Coincides with similar provisions at 408.3(F)(2) for a
switchboard, switchgear, or panelboard.
 Marking requirements for ungrounded systems were
added in two separate places in the 2011 NEC
[250.21(C) and 408.3(F)(2)].
 These two provisions for marking of ungrounded systems
need to contain the same labeling requirements.
West
250.64(D)(1) Common GEC: Multiple Disconnecting
Means
 Revision was added to address busbar specifications and where buildings
or structures are supplied by a feeder (not just services).
 Title of 250.64(D) was changed from “Services with Multiple Disconnecting
Means Enclosures” to “Building or Structure with Multiple Disconnecting
Means in Separate Enclosures.”
 Multiple disconnecting means can occur at a separate building or structure
supplied by a feeder(s), not just at a building or structure supplied by a
service.
 Text was also revised to include some specifications for a common GEC
busbar for making the conductor taps [not less than 6 mm thick × 50 mm
wide (¼ in. thick × 2 in. wide)].
 Common GCE busbar must be “of sufficient length to accommodate the
number of terminations necessary for the installation.”
Barnes
250.68(C) Grounding Electrode Connections
 The title of 250.68(C) has been changed to “Grounding Electrode
Connections.”
 Provisions for metal structure steel used to as a conductor to interconnect
electrodes have been revised (prescriptive language has been removed).
 An above-grade structural metal frame of a building can serve as a
conductor without having to be connected directly to a grounding
electrode or qualify as a grounding electrode as previously required.
 Structural metal frame of a building should be treated the same as metallic
water piping without having to meet qualifying conditions of a grounding
electrode.
 Interior metal water piping and the metal structural frame of a building are
permitted as a means of interconnecting electrodes that are part of the
grounding electrode system.
Kale
Table 250.102(C) Sizing Grounded Conductors, Main
Bonding Jumpers, Etc.
 New Table 250.102(C) added for sizing grounded conductors,
main bonding jumpers, system-bonding jumpers, and supplyside bonding jumpers (rather than Table 250.66).
 References to this new table were revised throughout Article
250.
 Table 250.66 is titled for GECs with a max. required conductor of
3/0 copper or 250 kcmil aluminum.
 Table 250.122 will continue to be used for sizing fault-return
carrying conductors, such as equipment grounding conductors,
if the supply conductors have overcurrent protection on the
Rains
supply side.
250.130(C) Nongrounding Receptacle Replacement or
Branch Circuit Extensions
 Connection to an equipment grounding conductor that is part of another
branch circuit that originates from the enclosure where the branch circuit for
the receptacle or branch circuit originates is permitted for replacement of
non-grounding-type receptacles with grounding-type receptacles and for
branch-circuit extensions.
 This is simply an extension of the present list item (3) that allows connecting to
the equipment grounding terminal bar in the related panelboard.
 Allowing a connection back to the same enclosure or panelboard that serves
the receptacle branch circuit will typically provide a shorter, more effective
equipment grounding or ground-fault return path.
West
250.166 Size of Direct-Current Grounding Electrode
Conductor
 A maximum size requirement of 3/0 copper or 250 kcmil aluminum for
grounding electrode conductor of dc systems was added at 250.166.
 This correlates with the maximum size requirements for ac system grounding
electrode conductor as specified at 250.66 and Table 250.66.
 No maximum size was provided at 250.166 except for grounding electrode
conductors that are the sole connection to grounding electrodes.
 This new provision is intended to provide practical sizing requirements for
larger dc systems with large neutral conductors as is the case with an ac
system.
Barnes
250.167 Direct-Current Ground-Fault Detection
 New section added for “Direct-Current Ground-Fault Detection”
requiring ground-fault detection on dc ungrounded systems.
 New requirements address grounded systems, ungrounded
systems, and marking rules for each.
 These new provisions require ground-fault detection for
ungrounded dc systems and permits ground-fault detection for
grounded dc systems.
 New marking requirements call for system to be legibly marked
to indicate the type of grounding provisions provided at the dc
Kale
source or the first disconnecting means of the dc system.
Digital Ground Fault
Monitor/ Ground Detector
for Ungrounded AC/DC
Systems
Courtesy of Bender Inc.
Digital Ground Fault
Monitor/ Ground Relay for
Grounded AC/DC Systems
250.186 Ground-Fault Circuit Conductor Brought to Service
Equipment
New 250.186 to require services (over 1000 volts) to have a grounded
conductor to be brought to the service for a grounded system.
Ungrounded systems (over 1000 volts) will require a supply-side
bonding jumper brought to the service.
Same requirements as 250.24(C) for services 1000 volts or below.
Primary concern is to provide a very low impedance ground-fault
return path from any point on the wiring system where a ground fault
may occur to the electrical supply source.
West
250.194 Grounding and Bonding of Fences and Other Metal
Structures
New section added for bonding and grounding metal fences and
other metal structures around substations.
These fences are accessible to the general public and must be
grounded to limit the rise of hazardous voltage potential on the
fence to the surrounding earth.
For situations where step and touch voltage potential
considerations indicate additional grounding and bonding design is
necessary, alternate designs performed under engineering
Barnes
supervision is permitted.
285.13 Type 4 and Other Component Type Surge Protective
Devices
 Type 4 component assemblies and Type 5 SPDs are incomplete
devices that are only acceptable when provided as part of listed
equipment.
 This section provides clarity that component SPD(s) are not to be
installed in the field.
PART THREE –
SIGNIFICANT
CHANGES OF THE
NCEC 2014 CHAPTER
THREE
300.22(C)(1) Wiring Methods for Environmental Air
Spaces (Plenums)
 Cable ties used to secure cables in plenums must be listed as having fire
resistant and low smoke producing characteristics.
 A new informational note was also added that will provide pertinent
information related to low smoke and heat release properties for
nonmetallic cable ties.
 Plenum grade nonmetallic cable ties are readily available in the marketplace today that can achieve compliance with this new provision.
Kale
300.38 Raceways in Wet Locations Above grade
 Interior of raceways installed in wet locations above grade are
now considered to be a wet location for installations of over
1000 volts, nominal.
 This will bring aboveground installation requirements for over
1000 volts consistent with the requirements in 300.9 for 1000 volts
and under.
 The mere existence of condensation alone should render the
interior of these raceways a wet location when these raceways
are installed in wet locations, above grade or below, regardless
of the voltage involved.
 Enclosures and raceways installed in wet location installations
must have conductors and cables installed that are listed and
identified for wet locations.
Table 310.15(B)(3)(a) More Than Three Current-Carrying
Conductors
 Title
of 310.15(B)(3)(a) and corresponding table was changed to
“More Than Three Current-Carrying Conductors in a Raceway or
Cable.”
 Note
to Table 310.15(B)(3)(a) was revised to make it clear that
table applies to spare conductors but does not apply to
conductors that cannot be simultaneously energized.
 Ampacity
adjustment correction factor is required for three or
more current carrying conductors that are installed or bundled
together without maintaining spacing as well as those in a
Rains
raceway or cable.
310.15(B)(3)(C) RACEWAYS AND CABLES EXPOSED TO
SUNLIGHT ON ROOFTOPS
 The
title and parent text at 310.15(B)(3)(c) has been revised for clarity from
“Circular Raceways Exposed to Sunlight on Rooftops” to “Raceways and
Cables Exposed to Sunlight on Rooftops.”
 Provisions
for cables installed on or above rooftops have been added as well
[previous language indicated that the cable(s) had to be installed in a
raceway].
new exception was also added allowing Type XHHW-2 conductors
(thermoset insulated conductor) to be installed in raceways or cables on
rooftops without having to apply an ambient temperature adjustment
correction factor for these conductors.
West
A
314.15 Damp or Wet Locations
 All “outlet box hood” covers are required to be listed for use in a
wet location, not just “extra duty” outlet box hood covers installed
in a wet locations.
 The term “outlet box hoods” was added at this section, making
boxes, conduit bodies, outlet box hoods, and fittings installed in
wet locations to now be required to be listed for use in wet
locations.
 Previous language at 406.9(B)(1) required “extra duty” outlet box
hoods installed in a wet location to be listed for use in a wet
location.
 314.15 only required boxes, conduit bodies, and fittings installed in
wet locations to be listed for use in wet locations.
Barnes
314.15 Damp or Wet Locations
 Approved drainage openings permitted to be installed
in the field in boxes or conduit bodies listed for use in
damp or wet locations in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
 These weep holes cannot be larger than 6 mm (1/4 in.).
 Weep holes in the bottom of boxes installed in wet
locations improves the safety and durability of electrical
installations.
 Without these weep holes, the inside of cast aluminum
boxes and other metallic enclosures can degrade over
time due to moisture condensation.
Kale
314.25 Covers and Canopies
 Drywall screws are not permitted to be used to attach box
covers or other equipment fastened to a box.
 Screws used for this purpose are now required to be either
machine screws matching the thread gauge or of a size that is
integral to the box (in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions).
 The use of drywall screws is unacceptable and can result in
damage to the box and inadequate support of the attached
luminaire or equipment itself.
 Similar provisions have been introduced at 404.10(B) for
mounting of switches and 406.5 for mounting of receptacles.
Rains
314.27(A)(1) Vertical Surface Luminaire Outlets
 The title was changed from “Wall Outlets” to “Vertical Surface
Outlets” as not all vertical surfaces where luminaire or
lampholders are mounted are necessarily in or on a “wall.”
 New language was also added to reflect that luminaires or
lampholders can be mounted “on” a vertical service as well as
“in” a vertical service.
 The previous language only addressed boxes mounted “in a
wall.”
 An example of a “vertical” surface-mounted luminaire would be
a luminaire mounted on the side of a square post in the middle
of a large room or area.
314.27(A)(2) Boxes at Ceiling-Mounted Luminaire Outlets
 Outlet boxes used to support ceiling-mounted luminaires that
weigh more than 23 kg (50 lb.) are now required to be marked
with the maximum weight the box will support on the “interior of
the box.”
 Allows the installer and the electrical inspector an opportunity to
review this information at the time of installation without having to
climb into the attic to retrieve this information.
 In some cases, the exterior of the outlet box is not accessible
after a certain point in the building construction process.
 Ceiling-mounted outlet box supporting a luminaire weighing
more than 23 kg (50 lb.) is required to be listed and marked for
the maximum weight that particular outlet box is designed to
support.
324.41 FLOOR COVERINGS (FLAT CONDUCTOR CABLE)
 The maximum size modular carpet square permitted to be
cover floor-mounted flat conductor cable (Type FCC cable)
has been increased from 914 mm (36 in.) square to 1.0 m (39.37
in.) square.
 This will allow the use of standard-sized modular carpet products
sized based on the International System of Units (SI units) of
measure.
 This revision will not disqualify the use of the readily available
smaller 914 mm (36 in.) carpet squares [based on the (US)
Customary Units of measurement (foot, pound, inches, etc.)].
 A flat conductor cable system is designed to provide a
completely accessible, flexible wiring system for installation
West
under carpet squares.
330.30(B) Securing (Type MC Cable)
 Type MC cable is now permitted to be secured in
intervals not exceeding 3 m (10 ft.) for vertical
installations when listed and identified for such use and
containing ungrounded conductors 250 kcmil and larger.
 Type MC cables are generally required to be secured at
intervals not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft.).
 Type MC cable with integral conductor supports offers
the installer an alternative and productive method for
commercial vertical installs in high-rise buildings.
Barnes
330.30(D)(3) Unsupported Type MC Cable
MC cable permitted to be unsupported where the cable is
made of the interlocked armor type in lengths not exceeding 900
mm (3 ft.) from the last point of support.
 Type
 This
would apply where flexibility is necessary to minimize the
transmission of vibration from equipment or to provide flexibility for
equipment that requires movement after installation.
 This
new allowance brings Type MC cable in line with other similar
flexibility provisions for other wiring methods such as Type AC
cable, flexible metal conduit (Type FMC), liquidtight flexible metal
conduit (Type LFMC), and liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit
Barnes
(Type LFNC).
334.40(B) Devices of Insulating Material (Type NM Cable)
 Nonmetallic-sheathed cable interconnectors have been
recognized to be used without a box and concealed where
used for “repair wiring” rather than “rewiring” in existing
buildings.
 Listed “nonmetallic sheathed cable interconnector devices”
replaces the term “tap devices” to zero in on the specific type of
device permitted in this application.
 When using Type NM cable, 300.15 generally requires a box to
be installed at each conductor splice point, outlet point, switch
point, junction point, termination point, or pull point.
 Type NM cable interconnectors are insulating enclosures which
when connected to Type NM cable form both a mechanical
Kale
and electrical connection.
334.40(B) DEVICES OF INSULATING MATERIAL (TYPE NM
CABLE) (CONT.)
 Further revision made a clear distinction between “rewiring”
and “repair wiring” in existing buildings.
 Rewire is typically defined as replacing existing wiring with new
wiring.
 If an electrician has the accessibility and availability to replace
existing wiring with new wiring, there would be no need for a
device such as a nonmetallic-sheathed cable interconnector.
 “Repair wiring” seems to be justified for the application of a
nonmetallic-sheathed cable interconnector.
 An example of an area where these concealed nonmetallic sheathed cable interconnectors might be used would be in
flooded areas.
356.12 Uses Not Permitted - LFNC
 Previous List Item (4) for “Uses Not Permitted” for liquidtight
flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC) has been deleted.
 This will allow LFNC as an acceptable wiring method for
applications where the voltage involved is greater than 600 volts.
 UL Certification Guide Information (White Book), DXOQ, does not
limit LFNC to 600 volts.
 LFNC is an acceptable wiring method for signs with voltage
ratings over 600 volts [see 600.32(A)].
 Permitted as a wiring method enclosing leads to a motor from a
separated junction box for all voltage applications [see
Rains
430.245(B)].
Liquidtight flexible
nonmetallic conduit (LFNC)
376.22 Number of Conductors and Ampacity (Metal
Wireways)
 Ampacity adjustment factors for more than three currentcarrying conductors in a raceway shall only apply to metal
wireways where the number of current-carrying conductors
exceeds 30 at any cross section of the wireway.
 Does not apply to simply 30 or more current-carrying conductors
total in the wireway.
 It was never intended for the adjustment factors of
310.15(B)(3)(a) to apply once there were more than 30
conductors total in the wireway as opposed to at a cross
sectional area.
West
376.56(B)(1) and (B)(5) Power Distribution Blocks (Wireways)
 Power distribution blocks (PDB) installed in wireways ahead of the
service main (line side) must be "listed for the purpose.“
 PDBs are generally listed for and required to be used only on the
load side of service equipment.
 Conductors in wireways required to be arranged so that power
distribution block terminals are unobstructed after their
installation.
 This new PDB unobstruction provision will bring consistency with
the provisions for PDBs installed in pull or junction boxes.
Barnes
392.18(H) Ex. Cable Tray Marking
Marking requirement for cable trays containing conductors rated
over 600 volts has been relaxed for industrial establishments with
maintenance, supervision, and qualified persons servicing the
installation.
Main requirement is for a cable tray contains conductor rated over
600 volts to have permanent and legible warning labels located in
a readily visible location at least every 3 m (10 ft.).
The existence of trained, qualified persons at supervised industrial
establishments, makes it not always necessary to provide warning
labels at cable trays containing conductors rated over 600 volts.
Some of these industrial cable tray installations may be at elevated
locations where the warning labels cannot even be seen from the
floor.
Kale
Article 393 Low Voltage Suspended Ceiling Power
Distribution Systems
 A new article was added to address low-voltage Class 2 ac and dc volt
supplied equipment (lighting and power) connected to ceiling grids,
floors and walls built for this purpose.
 New article addresses equipment with similar features to track lighting but
includes the wiring and power supply requirements.
 New article provides specific requirements for safe installations of low
voltage, power limited power distribution, for power to lighting and nonlighting loads.
 The growing interest in alternative energy sources (e.g. PV, wind turbines,
batteries, fuel cells, etc.) and the increase of low voltage, low power
devices (sensors, LV lighting, IT equipment, AV equipment, etc.), has
created a significant need this new article.
Rains
399.2 DEFINITIONS: OUTDOOR OVERHEAD CONDUCTORS
 Outdoor Overhead Conductors - Single conductors, insulated,
covered, or bare, installed outdoors on support structures in free
air.
 Definition of “Outdoor Overhead Conductors” was revised to
include the term “in free air” to ensure that the definition clearly
indicated that wiring installed under the scope of Article 399 is
not installed in raceways, etc.
 This revised definition should clarify the conductors that Article
399 represent as being the conductors outside (in free air) used
for transmission and distribution of electrical power to utilization
equipment that transition from traditional indoor wiring methods
such as wireways, raceways, busway conduit systems, etc. West
Thank you for your partnership to
build a safe and thriving
community!
Gary Mullis, Electrical Code Administrator
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement
2145 Suttle Ave., Charlotte, NC 28208
980-314-3098
gary.mullis@mecklenburgcountync.gov