Our Goal is FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO
HAVE A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT with us
and that together we keep people and
structures safe and economically viable
to serve the needs of our community.
We strive for:
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!
and
QUALITY INSPECTIONS!
JAN. 13th, 2016
OUR NEXT MEETING IS Feb. 10th
I. Customer Service Reminder – Supervisor / Manager
II. Consistency Questions
1) What is our policy on elevator inspections?
Mullis
Per NCOSFM,
We inspect RESIDENTIAL elevators to the last part,
for the electrical systems installed to meet Article
620. Note that Type NM Cable and SE Cable are
not permitted for any of the wiring methods. The
Building Inspector is required to inspect the rest of
the installation and obtain a letter of Certification
from the contractor installing the elevator.
For COMMERCIAL elevators we stop at the
disconnects in the machine room. We do inspect
the pit for wiring installed there to meet 620, such
as the receptacle and light. NCDOL will let you
know if they are on site as to what point they start
their inspection.
Ron Chilton
2) A 200 ampere, 277/480 volt feeder is installed in
50 feet of 2½", Schedule 80, PVC Rigid Nonmetallic
Conduit on the south side of a steel building.
During the winter months, the outdoor temperature
differs by as much as 50 degrees (°F). How much
will the conduit expand in length with this change of
temperature? And would an expansion type of
fitting be required? Barnes
The answer depends on the characteristics of the
conduit run. Based on the 50 degree temperature
differential, the conduit will change about 1 inch in
length. Where a length changes greater than 0.25
(1/4) inch occurs in a straight run of PVC conduit
between securely fastened conduit termination
points such as boxes or cabinets, an expansion
fitting(s) must be installed to provide for the
movement that will occur in the run of conduit.
Expansion fittings must be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions and the
conduit securing and supporting means must allow
for the calculated movement of the conduit.
Reference: 352.44 & Table 352.44/UL product
category is “Conduit Fittings” (DWTT)
3) 2011 NEC 250.32 Buildings or Structures Supplied
by a Feeder(s) or Branch Circuit(s) requires that an
EGC be installed with the feeder conductors and
bonded to the subpanel in the outbuilding. In
addition, a GEC is to be installed to all available
electrodes at the separate structure. If there are no
available electrodes and a ground rod is driven and
an appropriately sized GEC installed, is it required
that this ground rod be supplemented as required in
Article 250.53(A)(2), or can the one ground be
considered supplemented by the main structure’s
electrode system using the EGC to bond them
together? Dellinger
No. Based on 250.121 in the 2011 NEC the
equipment grounding conductor cannot be used as
a grounding electrode conductor. It should be
noted that the NEC does not prohibit a single
grounding electrode system from being used at
more than one building or structure but it is
certainly intended that the electrode system be
“at” the building or structure being supplied. For
instance, two ground rods being used to ground a
dwelling service and a feeder run to a detached
structure located adjacent to the dwelling.
In the 2014 NEC, 250.121 has been revised by
adding an exception that permits a wire-type EGC
to also be used as a GEC. In this case the conductor
is being used as a “bonding jumper” to connect two
electrodes together in addition to being the EGC
which is certainly similar to the conductor being a
GEC and an EGC. The combined use conductor has
to meet all requirements for both the GEC and EGC.
See 250.50, 250.121
4) In many sections of Article 680 (swimming pools)
there is a requirement for an insulated equipment
grounding conductor. In some cases, as in a single
family dwelling, the branch circuit for a pool pump
may be allowed to be run in NM cable as long as it is
in the interior of the dwelling. Please explain why
an insulated equipment grounding conductor is
required otherwise? I understand why UF cable is
not allowed for pool equipment on the outside of
the building but why the requirement for the
insulation. I do realize that once cable is eliminated,
the equipment grounding conductor will almost
always be insulated anyway but it is spelled out for a
reason. Hartman
Section 680.21(A)(4) permits a cable assembly to
contain an uninsulated equipment grounding
conductor if enclosed within the outer sheath
assembly to supply the pool pump motor.
All other equipment grounding conductors must be
insulated to provide extra protection against
deterioration of the equipment grounding
conductor.
Loss of the equipment grounding conductor can
affect the equipotential grounding plane for the
pool area and create a potential capacitance with
possible shock and disorientation issues.
5) The new inspector is turning my jobs down for
using 30 amp breakers on 4500 watt water heaters.
4500 X 125% = 5625/240= 23.4375. Article 240 does
allow you go to the next standard size breaker
which is a 25 amp breaker. Article 422 does allow
you to use 150% anything over 13 amps or so.
4500/240 = 18.75
18.75 X 150% = 28.125. So why should the new
inspectors keep turning my job down when this
meets the minimum code by using a 30 amp
breaker? Kale
As stated the job should have been approved by
the inspector. Your calculations are correct. If a
208v system is used, then we would have a
different outcome. Additionally, we have to
follow the nameplate data and installation
instructions.
6) When installing a service for a pond pump, am I
allowed to mount it like a typical saw service or am I
required to build something more permanent? King
A permanent power pole needs to be a substantial
structure to support the service. Duke and others
have condition requirements that need to be
followed.
For installations in the Duke Energy service area
see website: http://www.duke-
energy.com/pdfs/Service-RequirementsManual.pdf
7) I was recently failed on a TU inspection for power
to a commercial remodel site due to the fact that I
had not installed a 120 volt GFCI protected
receptacle. The building had temp power from an
exterior SS and all I needed energized at the time
was the HVAC equipment. Was this correct?
Simpson
The GFCI is a requirement of the State Electrical
Code.
10.8 TEMPORARY POWER
10.8.1 Scope. The provisions of this
section apply to the utilization of portions
of the wiring system within a building to
facilitate construction.
10.8.2 Provisions for Temporary Power.
The Code enforcement official shall give
permission and issue a permit to energize
the electrical service when the provisions of
10.8 and the following requirements have
been met:
1) The service wiring and equipment,
including the meter socket enclosure, shall
be installed, the service wiring terminated,
and the service equipment covers installed.
2) The portions of the electrical system that
are to be energized shall be complete and
physically protected.
3) The grounding electrode system shall be
complete.
4) The grounding and the grounded
conductors shall be terminated in the
service equipment.
5) At least one receptacle outlet with
ground fault circuit interrupter protection
for personnel shall be installed with the
circuit wiring terminated.
6) The applicable requirements of the
North Carolina Electrical Code apply.
8) I have a client that wishes to repair the wiring to
his older residence. It was installed in knob and
tube in the thirties and has deteriorated over the
years and now the insulation is bad and crumbling
throughout. The question is, he wishes to replace
the existing wiring but does not want to install
additional receptacles to meet current code. What
will be the extent of the requirements when the
wall finish will not be replaced? Bathrooms?
Kitchens? Thanks Rains
For systems that met the code at the time it was
installed repairs can be made to the wiring per our
State Codes. If you add wiring or replace devices,
fixtures, etc. you will need to follow the current
code. Our closest policy reference is below.
SUBJECT: Remodel Jobs CODE REFERENCE: Policy
SUBMITTED BY: Electrical Department
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately – 01/06/10, revised
9/3/15
PROBLEM: How much replacement wiring is
required on a remodel job?
SOLUTION:
If the existing wiring met code at the time of
installation, none is required. All new wiring shall
meet current code. Changes in layout of walls or
kitchen and bath cabinetry shall meet current
code.
9) I installed a 4500 kw water heater, using #10
copper wire, 30 amp OCP. I called for inspection
and the inspector turned me down because the
manufacture installation instructions recommended
a 25 amp OCP. He made me change the OCP before
I could pass. Was he correct? West
We must follow the installation instructions as
well as the code (110.3 B). The key word here is
recommended, we may need to confirm this with
manufacturer and the NRTL. If we can’t then 25
amp seems to be our best option.
10) Can I use a metal octagon box supported to the
structure to hang a ceiling fan, or will I be required
to purchase a fan approved box. Mullis
No, boxes must be listed for support. The fan may
be supported by the structure independently from
the box. See 314.27 C. Remember the residential
requirement for a fan support box if we have the
extra switch leg.
11) Inspector turned me down for having my switch
over the 4th thread step going up to the 2nd floor. So
I moved the switch over by the front door 14ft away
because I didn’t have the wall space to put it next to
the steps [due to pilaster, column support]. He
turned me down again because it wasn’t next to the
steps but it was on the same level. So what can I
do? Barnes
The NCRC requires a wall switch at each floor level,
and the NEC requires the same. Risers are not a
floor level so the installation was prohibited. At
the second location the inspector was incorrect in
his/her call.
12) I have a hot tub with a perimeter surface 12"
wide between the hot tub and a wall. I can't put the
EQP bond wire 18"-24" from the tub. What can I
do? Dellinger
a) move the tub or the house wall?????
b) install it as required on the three sides and as
far as you can on the 12” side. If the wall could be
conductive it to should be bonded.
13) Concerning the TIA on hot tub EQP bonding, are
perimeter surfaces only the horizontal surfaces?
Hartman
No, the TIA states perimeter surfaces.
14) Can a power tool replacement cord be used on
dishwashers and disposals? (They are sufficiently
rated for the load). Kale
The cord needs to be listed for the use and comply
with the code. NEC Table 400.4 has SRD, SRDT and
SRDE shown for dryers and ranges. NEC 400.4
states that cables other than those in the table will
need to be investigated. NEC 422.16 addresses
cord use for appliances and states they shall be
identified for the purpose.
15) Please explain how an E09 code can be used to
restore power to a job that has been disconnected
by customer request without having an inspection
before restoring power. (such as large breaker
replacement, residential service relocation, etc.)
King
These situations require a RF inspection with the
contractor on site to evaluate how the disc/rec.
will be handled. When the inspector and
contractor reach an agreed to plan the E09 can be
issued and the contractor needs to request the
final as soon as possible. The inspector should
schedule an inspection for the near future as a
safeguard in case the contractor does not schedule
one. Inspectors need to note the agreement in
their RF notes.
16) I was hired to connect an old mobile home. This
mobile home had two SO cords that plugged it to an
existing service that had 50A receptacles. Is this ok?
Rains
Current code allows one 50 amp feeder. We
would need more info as to what code was in
place when this unit was placed.
17) I am pulling a replacement permit for an expired
permit 6 years old. It passed the RF but never got
the final. Can I get a final on the code the original
permit was under or do I need to bring it up to
current code? Simpson
A new permit and current code would be required.
18) Can EMT be used as a service mast? West
Yes, if not carrying the load of the service drop.
For drop loading see 230.28. Many utilities have
conditions of service that must be followed in
addition to the code.
19) In a fountain, do the wire
connectors/terminations in a submerged junction
box have to be approved for wet locations? Mullis
Per 110.3 B they have to be listed for the use.
20) When the 2014 NEC is adopted will 210.8(D)
apply to hard wired dishwashers? Barnes
No! Per NC Amendment GFCI will not be required.
Item 6.4: Remove GFCI requirement for kitchen
dishwasher branch circuit. This was not a
requirement in the 2011 NEC. – No Cost Impact
210.8 (D) Kitchen Dishwasher Branch Circuit. GFCI
protection shall be provided for outlets that supply
dishwashers installed in dwelling unit locations.
21) I was recently failed for installing a Hot Tub in a
finished residential basement area. I ran a new 20
amp circuit and installed a 20 amp receptacle, the
hot tub was supplied with a 20 amp cord with a
listed GFCI device as part of the cord end. The
inspector failed me stating the receptacle must be
the GFCI type, what is the difference? Dellinger
NEC 680.43 requires the receptacle to have GFCI
protection. The type unit used having its own GFCI
does not delete the code requirement.
22) Is the informative Annex B enforceable? [see
the 2014 NEC, NOTE 1 on page 787 for max depth of
duct bank]? Hartman
Annexes are not enforceable per 90.5 D
23) Can cut-in boxes be used to support lights on a
sheet rock ceiling? Kale
Yes, if all components are rated for the
installation. Carefully review the manufacturer’s
instructions. No if not, which is most likely.
24) I have a drawing showing receptacles daisy
chained with the load in the panel schedule shown
as 180 watts per outlet. Also there are some
outlets with dedicated circuits with the panel
loading shown as 180 watts. Should these
dedicated outlets be calculated at the load required
for the equipment to be powered by the
outlet? And do these outlets qualify for the
demand reduction allowed by 220.44? King
See NEC 220.14 A. Receptacles for specific loads
shall be calculated based on the appliance or load
served. No demands apply.
25) NEC 700.12 (B) (6) makes it clear that an
Outdoor Generator requires a disconnecting means
either at the Generator or where the conductors
enter the building. If the building is an assembly
occupancy for not less than 1000 persons or a
building above 75’ in height with any of the
occupancy classes listed in 700.10(D), then we must
protect those conductors and equipment from fire
by the requirements of 700.10(D) (1) Feeder-Circuit
Wiring, and (2) for Feeder-Circuit Equipment. Those
conductors have OCP either at the Generator or
where they enter the building per 700.12 (B) (6).
With that in mind, where is the requirement for the
OCP of the conductors from the Generator to the
Feeder-Circuit Equipment when the Generator is
housed within the said building? Rains
While Articles 700 and 445 specify requirements
for this system so do Chapters One through Four of
the Code as stated in 90.3 Code Arrangement.
The source for the answer is NEC 240.21 requiring
OCP at the point of supply. This requirement is not
amended by the Articles above.
26) When applying the requirements of NEC 210.60
(B) for the placement of outlets in a motel room,
how do we count the receptacles when they are
ganged together? Simpson
The prescribed method would indicate counting
each receptacle placement required by 210.52 and
then having that same amount of locations to
comply with this section. This would be a good
place to suggest better language for a code
change.
27) Many stadium, parking lot, and roadway
installations include metal or concrete light poles to
support lighting. Those metal or concrete poles are
often used for support of security cameras and /or
speakers for public address and audio systems. Does
the NEC allow power wiring for lighting and Class 2
wiring for the security and /or audio in the same
pole? West
Yes, but if the power conductors are run as single
conductors in the interior raceway channel of the
pole, the Class 2 circuit conductors or CCTV cables
will have to be installed in some type of flexible
raceway or cable assembly in order to provide
adequate isolation/separation of the limited
energy circuit conductors from the power circuit
conductors.
Reference: (2011 & 2014) 410.30(B), 725.136(I)(1),
820.133(A)(1)(c) Exception No. 1 (permanent
barrier)
28) Am I required to use a certain color grommet
when protecting low voltage cables, I used a yellow
grommet and was turned down, stating I could only
use black grommet’s. Mullis
No color code applies, items must be used as listed
and per manufacturer installation instructions.
29) When is an Arc Energy Reducing Maintenance
Switch Required? Barnes
At 1200 amps or higher. The 2014 Code in 240.87
requires these to lessen the likelihood of an arc fed
accident. The devices reduce the clearing time to
remove the fault.
30) Are bond bushings required on concentric
knockouts on 277/480V systems? If so, is it
required on both ends of conduit if concentric so
are encountered on both ends? Dellinger
Maybe. If both ends concentric, yes one end to be
bonded for the raceway. If using the raceway as
EGC both ends will need bonding. Boxes are on
the market that are listed for bonding with
concentric KOs.
31) What is our current policy concerning TCOs
when modular offices are not installed but are
shown on the plans? Hartman
TCO means that area meets the code. The cube
farm needs to be installed if on the plans.
32) I wired some exam/procedure rooms in a
hospital. These rooms had exam tables not beds. I
was turned down for not having receptacles within
6 feet of a sink GFCI protected. When did this
change and does this apply to dentist offices to?
Kale
210.8 B 5 requires the GFCI in both instances.
Exception 2 changed in the 2011 edition.
33) I'm wiring a 480 to 208/120 transformer. I ran
EMT for the transformer secondary to a breaker
enclosure. I had planned on connecting the system
bonding jumper and GEC in the breaker enclosure
but the inspector said I could only do this if I ran
PVC? Am I or the inspector confused? King
Your installation would meet code requirements.
Seems the inspector is confused.
34) Is a separate HVAC unit required for an elevator
machine room or can the HVAC for the common
areas serve this? Rains
Not per NEC. Per the building code under 3006.2 a
separate unit is required if the equipment is solid
state.
35) What size Main Bonding Jumper is required to
bond a metal service gutter with 4-200amp services
attached all 3-3/0 copper conductors, and the utility
company fed it with a 350 kcmil aluminum. I
bonded it with a #1/0 al and the inspector failed it
and told me it should have been 4/0 aluminum?
Simpson
The inspector is correct. See 250.28 D 1 and
250.66.
167800x4=671200, 250.66 shows 2/0 copper or 4/0
aluminum.
1/11/16