Land Use & Environmental Services Agency
QUESTIONS
1.
(Q) We were turned down for not having a receptacle on a screened porch. We had one beside the porch on the deck.
What was the problem?
(A) Balcony/Porch/Deck receptacles are required as per NEC
210.52(E)(3). If the porch was accessible from the inside of the dwelling a receptacle would be required within the porch perimeter.
2.
(Q) We passed the plumbing inspection but were turned down for access at the hydromassage tub by the electrical inspector.
Why is there a difference?
(A) For electrical considerations NEC 680.71 requires a readily accessible GFCI. Readily accessible means - Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, and so forth.
NEC 680.73 requires that equipment shall be accessible without damaging building structure or finish. Accessible means - Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.
The above differs from the plumbing code requirements.
3.
(Q)We were turned down on a service change for the rating of the breakers in an existing sub-panel. How are we responsible for the existing condition?
(A) The equipment rating must exceed the available fault current.
Generally the fault current decreases as you proceed downstream in the riser system due to the resistance factors of the conductors and equipment. Most plans have the fault current listed at the service or serving transformer. If the bracing of the equipment is reduced a calculation is to be provided showing how the reduction in fault current level has been obtained. The level of the breakers must have been less than the available fault current shown/stated. Protection must be

Electrical Consistency Team Meeting
October 7th, 2009
Page 2 of 4 maintained throughout the system whether or not equipment is existing.
4.
(Q) We have experienced varying enforcement of appropriate
GFCI requirements with regards to commercial kitchens. What is the correct approach?
(A) While capable of carrying the locked rotor current has long been the standard for most applications. fire pump breakers at the genset are allowed at 250% instead of locked rotor OCP units per NEC 695.4B which refers us to NEC 430.62.
6. (Q) There seems to be confusion on the requirement for fire pump disconnects being sufficiently remote from other disconnects. What is the correct code application?
Fire pump disconnects are required to be sufficiently remote from other disconnects per NEC 695.4 (B) (2) (4). If the disconnect is on the generator of the system this requirement may be exempted if the genset is listed for the purpose. (NCDOI interpretation pending)
(A) NEC 210.8 (B) (2) – Kitchens; GFCI is required in kitchens (an area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking). We require the GFCI per the definition. If the cooking equipment is integral to the business we will consider it as a permanent provision. Installations such as an office break room with a nonattached microwave, refrigerator and sink, will not be considered as integral and therefore will not qualify as a kitchen. Notice that the area has to have both a (1) sink and (2) permanent provisions for food prep and cooking.
5.
(Q) What is the correct way to size OCP for a fire pump?
7. (Q) Are GFCI units required to be accessible?
(A) GFCI units are not required to be readily accessible except for hydromassage tub receptacles and circuit breaker types, the rest must be accessible only. (this is expected to change in the next code cycle)
8. (Q) When are selective overcurrent studies required?
(A) Supply the inspector with the required sealed Selective OCP studies before electrical systems are energized. See NEC Articles 517, 620,
700, 701 & 708 for specific conditions that require these reports.

Electrical Consistency Team Meeting
October 7th, 2009
Page 3 of 4
9. (Q) What is the current code requirement for protections when
oil filled transformers are in or near the building?
(A) The NCBCC RULED IN OUR FAVOR IN THE OIL FILLED
TRANSFORMER APPEAL, which should make the issue clearer. NEC
450.26 & .27 are enforceable have been a part of the code for at least back to the1971 edition. Due to the increasing use of infill lots, super block style development, the IBC code definition of inside and outside of the building, and focus on density developments, we are seeing more and more challenges and violations. Per the code we are protecting the buildings from the dangers imposed by oil filled transformers. As an alternate method of compliance we will readily accept Duke Energy’s Standard or FM Global Data Sheets 5-4. We will consider any alternate methods and means submitted per Section 105 of the NC Administrative Code.
10. (Q) We were turned down for not having a disconnect at the building for a temporary & portable genset connection to back up the building service. Why can’t the disconnect be supplied with the genset?
Per the NEC the system must include the disconnect, transfer and grounding when installed. Notes for disconnect or transfer on the equipment to be brought in will not be acceptable in that the installation would then be incomplete.
11. (Q) We were turned down because the transfer switch could not carry the entire house load. Why?
(A) It would depend on the type of switch used. If manual there is no requirement to carry the full load, if automatic there is.
Per the NEC 702.5 Capacity and Rating
(A) Available Short-Circuit Current. Optional standby system equipment shall be suitable for the maximum available short-circuit current at its terminals.
(B) System Capacity. The calculations of load on the standby source shall be made in accordance with Article 220 or by another approved method.
(1) Manual Transfer Equipment. Where manual transfer equipment is used, an optional standby system shall have adequate capacity and rating for the supply of all equipment intended to be operated at one time. The user of the optional standby system
shall be permitted to select the load connected to the system.

Electrical Consistency Team Meeting
October 7th, 2009
Page 4 of 4
(2) Automatic Transfer Equipment. Where automatic transfer equipment is used, an optional standby system shall comply with
(2)(a) or (2)(b).
(a) Full Load. The standby source shall be capable of supplying the full load that is transferred by the automatic transfer equipment.
(b) Load Management. Where a system is employed that will automatically manage the connected load, the standby source shall have a capacity sufficient to supply the maximum load that will be connected by the load management system.
1.
We continue working with DOI on fire pump interpretations for required separation
2.
Bill H1409 is in committee and rewrites are probable
3.
We’re still having questions regarding PPE impact on service time. Please remember to structure inspection request to avoid energized equipment and help us inform your clients.
4.
The Re Org process is ongoing, brown bags & staff meetings are to be scheduled.
5. Inspectors will try to accommodate AM/PM inspection when possible. If
you have to get the inspection per an imperative schedule use the IBA
program.
6. LV permit process;
Please help us to be proactive in resolving issues and getting the w ord out
 inspection result entries – We will not fail or RT other contractors work for unpermitted LV. An electrical CO hold will be issued.
When the permit for LV is issued we will release the hold.
 stickers & notes on jobs – Notes on site and in system should qualify to everyone what’s done and what needs to be done. Notes are to differentiate between interior and exterior LV systems. Notes are to differentiate between LV and Line voltage systems.
 permit options – a) listed on master permit, b) added to master permit, c) (stand alone) Trade permit.

Code Consistency Questions
1. I have an industrial warehouse condominium in a single story building divided into 20 tenants with 20 meters and 20 disconnect switches (6 mains or less). I would like to install the entire electrical service on a 6 feet high concrete wall which is approximately 20 feet long and located 6 feet away from the main building. Since the wall is not part of the building, is this an allowable installation or would this wall have to be connected to the main building such that it were considered part of the building?
First I believe we need to look in Article 100 at the definition of structure.
It states, that which is built or constructed. The installation is allowable but requires that we now have to set a disconnect means at the entrance to the building per NEC 225.30, 31, and 32 . Additionally we would have to reground at the building per NEC 250.32
. I don’t believe that is what the author of the question desires to do. If the wall where made to be part of the building
(generally in or on the footprint) then the price of the additional disconnects and grounding could be eliminated.
2. An electrical contractor has mounted a panelboard with the main installed vertically to one end. It seems though that the handle is now upside down. You must move the handle down to turn on the power and up to turn it off. To me this is in violation of the NEC . What is your interpretation?
Yes it’s a violation per the NEC 404.7
Indicating.
General-use and motor-circuit switches, circuit breakers , and molded case switches, where mounted in an enclosure as described in 404.3, shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position.
Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the

(on) position.
Exception No. 1: Vertically operated double-throw switches shall be permitted to be in the closed (on) position with the handle in either the up or down position.
Exception No. 2: On busway installations, tap switches employing a centerpivoting handle shall be permitted to be open or closed with either end of the handle in the up or down position. The switch position shall be clearly indicating and shall be visible from the floor or from the usual point of operation.
3. I’m wiring a machine shop where the equipment is located in a generally open area. The only way to wire this equipment is from the bar joists to the equipment disconnect switch. I ran IMC with threaded couplings from a junction box on the bar joist to the disconnect. The
Inspector says I have to support the conduit better. How do I do that, it is going to cost too much to add braces?
NEC 342.30 allows for this type installation in (B) (3)
Exposed vertical risers from industrial machinery or fixed equipment shall be permitted to be supported at intervals not exceeding 6 m (20 ft) if the conduit is made up with threaded couplings, the conduit is supported and securely fastened at the top and bottom of the riser, and no other means of intermediate support is readily available.
4. If a single family residence has a single receptacle on its exterior for a water softener or chemical pump and it is a 120-volt, 15-ampere or 20-ampere, would this receptacle be acceptable as the one required for servicing the A/C equipment if it is within 20 feet of the A/C Unit?
NEC 210.63
requires an outlet for servicing the a/c units. It must be within 25 feet, on the same level, not on the load side of the disconnect means; and GFCI
The code does not require a dedicated circuit protected per NEC 210.8. and therefore the outlet could be on the same circuit as the equipment as long as it does not violate the requirements of NEC 210.23
.
5. Is it permissible to use UF cable for interior wiring method instead of NM cable?
NEC 340.10 (4) allows this use;
(4) Installed as nonmetallic-sheathed cable. Where so installed, the installation and conductor requirements shall comply with Parts II and III of
Article 334 and shall be of the multiconductor type.

6. Can I hard wire an electric-discharge luminaire to a junction box using flexible cord?
No, NEC 410.62
(C) 1 (1) and (2) describe the method of installation required.
C) Electric-Discharge Luminaires.
(1) Cord-Connected Installation. A luminaire or a listed assembly shall be permitted to be cord connected if the following conditions apply:
(1) The luminaire is located directly below the outlet or busway.
(2) The flexible cord meets all the following: a. Is visible for its entire length outside the luminaire b. Is not subject to strain or physical damage c. Is terminated in a grounding-type attachment plug cap or busway plug, or is a part of a listed assembly incorporating a manufactured wiring system connector in accordance with 604.6(C), or has a luminaire assembly with a strain relief and canopy having a maximum 152 mm (6 in.) long section of raceway for attachment to an outlet box above a suspended ceiling.
However if it is an adjustable electric-discharge luminaire the 410.62 (B) allows the installation without cord cap. (Code Panel 18)
7. I am working with a client that has multiple pieces of industrial equipment they want to have exempted. Is there a standard form for listing the equipment? Can they submit one request with multiple pieces of equipment listed for exemption?
There is no standard form, and yes you can have multiple pieces on one request.
We need to know what product is being produced (product-in…product-out), and we need electrical nameplate data from each piece of equipment along with the data mentioned on our website. Any cut sheets, specs, pictures etc. are a plus.
Please include the project name, address, and electrical permit number in the letter. Also note that we need to see the equipment installed before any final decision is made.
8. Are service receptacles required on the same level and within 25 feet of heating and air-conditioning equipment (electric duct heaters, VAV units and the like) installed in hollow spaces above suspended ceilings in commercial buildings? Will a general purpose receptacle located on the wall (18 inches AFF nominal) in the space below and within 25 feet of mechanical equipment installed in hollow spaces above suspended

ceilings in commercial buildings meet the intent of the NEC ?
Yes and Yes per NEC 210.63
. The word level is the key, level equates to floor level (as in a multi floor building) and if in the required 25’, all is well.
210.63 Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Equipment Outlet.
A 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere-rated receptacle outlet shall be installed at an accessible location for the servicing of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle shall be located on the same level and within 7.5 m (25 ft) of the heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle outlet shall not be connected to the load side of the equipment disconnecting means.
Exception: A receptacle outlet shall not be required at one- and two-family dwellings for the service of evaporative coolers.
1) NCBCC, DECEMBER 10 TH
EVENTS & UPDATES
MTG. - HAD AGENDA ITEM FOR ADOPTION OF 2009
IRC AS 2012 NC RESIDENTIAL CODE, SMOKE DETECTOR RULES PROPOSED TO
CHANGE, INSPECTION ACCESS CHANGE PROPOSED TO CHANGE
2) PER DUKE ANY SELF CONTAINED METER SERVICE WILL BE LIMITED TO
10000 AIC
3) FIRE PUMP ISSUES; WE’RE STILL AWAITING NCDOI INPUT
4) ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

Code Consistency Questions
1.
(Q)Does the requirement for AFCI protected receptacles being those listed in 210.52 mean that extra receptacles would not be required to be AFCI protected?
(A)The code addresses all receptacles in those areas and they are to be AFCI protected.
NEC 210.12 (B) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit.
2.
(Q)We were turned down on a job for installing a track light installation because it was not listed. The main track was clearly listed but some pieces were not labeled. What was the reason for this?
(A)Per the UL White Book page 149, certain manufactured pieces “are not acceptable for use with a listed track lighting system: 1) receptacle adaptors that when inserted into a track section will accommodate attachment plugconnected products and 2) power supply cord connectors that when inserted into the end of a track section enables the track system to serve as a power supply cord connected to its source of power”

3.
(Q)We had a problem with a cover for a porch receptacle cover.
Some are requiring the bubble covers and some are not. How can we get together on this issue?
(A)Generally bubble covers are needed when the receptacle is in a wet location and where not protected from weather.
NEC 406.8 Receptacles in Damp or Wet Locations.
(A) Damp Locations. A receptacle installed outdoors in a location protected from the weather or in other damp locations shall have an enclosure for the receptacle that is weatherproof when the receptacle is covered (attachment plug cap not inserted and receptacle covers closed).
An installation suitable for wet locations shall also be considered suitable for damp locations.
A receptacle shall be considered to be in a location protected from the w eather w here located under roofed open porches, canopies, marquees, and the like, and w ill not be subjected to a beating rain or w ater runoff. All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles shall be a listed weather-resistant type.
FPN: The types of receptacles covered by this requirement are identified as 5-15,
5-20, 6-15, and 6-20 in ANSI/NEMA WD 6-2002, National Electrical
Manufacturers Association Standard for Dimensions of Attachment Plugs and
Receptacles.
(B) Wet Locations.
(1) 15- and 20-Ampere Receptacles in a Wet Location. 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt receptacles installed in a w et location shall have an enclosure that is w eatherproof w hether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. All 15- and 20-ampere, 125- and 250-volt nonlocking receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type.
FPN: The types of receptacles covered by this requirement are identified as 5-15,
5-20, 6-15, and 6-20 in ANSI/NEMA WD 6-2002, National Electrical
Manufacturers Association Standard for Dimensions of Attachment Plugs and
Receptacles.]

Exception: 15- and 20-ampere, 125- through 250-volt receptacles installed in a wet location and subject to routine high-pressure spray washing shall be permitted to have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.
(2) Other Receptacles. All other receptacles installed in a wet location shall comply with (B)(2)(a) or (B)(2)(b).
(a) A receptacle installed in a w et location, w here the product intended to be plugged into it is not attended w hile in use, shall have an enclosure that is w eatherproof w ith the attachment plug cap inserted or removed.
(b) A receptacle installed in a wet location where the product intended to be plugged into it will be attended while in use (e.g., portable tools) shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.
(C) Bathtub and Shower Space. Receptacles shall not be installed within or directly over a bathtub or shower stall.
(D) Protection for Floor Receptacles. Standpipes of floor receptacles shall allow floor-cleaning equipment to be operated without damage to receptacles.
(E) Flush Mounting with Faceplate. The enclosure for a receptacle installed in an outlet box flush-mounted in a finished surface shall be made weatherproof by means of a weatherproof faceplate assembly that provides a watertight connection between the plate and the finished surface.
4.
(Q)We recently had a problem with the classification of a garage that affected the wiring methods and ventilation requirements.
We were approaching the project as a minor garage and the inspector turned us down saying it was a major repair garage.
(A)We hope to address this issue in plan review by requiring a statement from the designer of record as to the classification. It could be that the process was affected by incomplete info between the owner and his team as to what the actual procedures of the garage would be. The job must be installed for the correct usage as defined in the NEC.
511.2 Definitions.
Major Repair Garage. A building or portions of a building where major repairs, such as engine overhauls, painting, body and fender work, and repairs that require draining of the motor vehicle fuel tank are performed on motor vehicles, including associated floor space used for offices, parking, or showrooms.
[30A:3.3.12.1]
Minor Repair Garage. A building or portions of a building used for lubrication, inspection, and minor automotive maintenance work, such as engine tune-ups, replacement of parts, fluid changes (e.g., oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, air-conditioning refrigerants), brake system repairs, tire rotation, and

similar routine maintenance work, including associated floor space used for offices, parking, or showrooms. [30A:3.3.12.2]
5. (Q)What wiring methods are acceptable to run across roofs to feed equipment located on the roof?
(A)We need to consider the conditions that are present and probable.
Per NEC 300.4
conductors are to be protected. Roofs of most commercial buildings would allow for the system to be subject to physical damage and possibly severe physical damage especially when re-roofed, and as such acceptable wiring methods would be: (1) rigid conduit 334.10
, (2) intermediate conduit 342.10
, (3) MI cable 332.10
, (4) or the system could be put in other raceways suitable for the environment and with other suitable physical protection acting as a guard.
6. (Q) Explain what type of equipment is required to be listed and labeled and how these requirements can be met. Example: A machine shop has been in business for many years and has out grown its’ present location. The owner of the machine shop builds a new building and moves his existing equipment into the new building and the electrical inspector will not final the building because the machine shop equipment does not have a third party label or listing. The owner states he has been using this equipment for many years and feels the electrical contractor is responsible for this problem .
(A)Per the General Statutes there are basically five methods to approve equipment.
(1) The statutes allows the CEO to accept the listing of a NRTL, NEC 90.7
(2) The equipment could be wired to meet all the applicable NEC requirements
(3) The CEO could approve the equipment per his own authority NEC 110.2, but most authorities would refer clients to acceptable NRTL field labeling services as they were not trained or experienced in these types of evaluations
(4) The CEO can accept and approve the equipment per a certification report of a registered professional engineer
(5) The owner can ask that the equipment be exempted per GS 143-138(b) which exempts industrial machinery from inspections by code enforcement officials

7. (Q) Are you required to provide arc-fault protection for an outside flood light circuit, which has a 3-way wall switch control in the bed room?
(A)No. The arc fault requirement applies only to outlets and the switch is a device. NEC references are 210.12 and Article 100 , definitions of outlet and device.
8. (Q)Do temporary construction pole services require the new
“in use” covers for receptacles mentioned in
406.8(B)?
NEC Section
(A)No. NEC 406.8 (B) (2) (b) states that for attended use for portable equipment that the only weatherproof cover required is one that is weatherproof when the attachment plug is removed.
9. (Q) NEC Sections 110.10, 250.4(A)(5), the heading to Table
250.122 and a Note at the bottom of this Table, warn us that the
equipment grounding conductor shall be large enough to provide
a low impedance path so that in the event of a ground fault the
overcurrent device will operate to limit damage to the
equipment. How can the proper size be determined and how can
these sections be complied with by contractors and electricians
in the field?
(A)In most cases where the grounding system is in average condition the Table
250.122 will suffice. The next step for increased capability of the grounding conductor is to size it equal to the current carrying conductors. Typically without extreme conditions of length or excessive fault current the return path is assured. In cases where distances of the return path are extremely long and the fault current is excessive the contractors project engineer may need to run a calculation to certify the grounding conductor’s capability. Additionally we need to remember that per NEC 250.122 (B) that if we increase the phase conductors for any reason that the grounding conductor shall be increased by the same proportional circular mill area.
10. (Q)Distributors continue to market equipment in our state that only has a CE mark of identification. They have sought help from the Chamber of Commerce, and other public officials in forcing the
Inspection Departments to just accept this label. According to them, CE is the same mark as any other “third party label” placed on

electrical equipment by a NRTL. After all, these are big companies and expensive equipment and they say we are wrong in our interpretation of third party listing and labeling and we are the
“ only State in the Union ” requiring evaluation of equipment for
SAFETY . They insist there is no problem with unlisted equipment
and all manufacturers and distributors must be reputable and would never sell a product in this country before it was rigorously tested. As a contractor, what can we do when we encounter these projects?
(A)Probably the best we can do is to attempt to educate our customers. The CE label is not an indication of any nationally recognized testing lab. In their own charter the label has no effect outside the chartered nations of Europe.
The NCBCC has not recognized the mark as an approved agency for NC. The manufactures in the CE program do not participate in a jointly standardized safety listing program and only guarantee their equipment’s safety by their own claim. We also need to inform them of the exemption of industrial equipment that was created by our General Assembly if applicable.
11. (Q)Several changes in the NEC have raised questions about the disconnecting means on an outdoor generator being used to serve as the disconnecting means for a building. Many Inspectors have claimed that to allow those disconnects at the generator only, they shall be rated for service and comply with NEC Article 225. Why are we directed to NEC Article 225?
(A)225 is the feeder and branch circuit article. The conductors from the genset are generally feeders per definition in Article 100 . Per Article 90.3 the code chapters 1 thru 4 applies to all installations where not amended by chapters 5 thru 7. Article 445 does not modify the requirements if the overcurrent device is installed at the genset. However this question says disconnect and does not specify overcurrent protection. 445.13
requires that the feeder now be sized for
115% of the rating of the genset output. There is an exception for this requirement and if load conditions are controlled by design and operation to prevent operation at more than 100%. Article 225 section II would tell us how to deal with disconnect requirements at the building or structure.
225.36
states that the disconnect shall be rated for use as service equipment.
12. (Q)As a contractor we are mainly doing commercial work. We install many 480/277-volt systems and know about the bonding requirements when eccentric or concentric knockouts are encountered. We maintain that as long as one end of the run meets the requirements in NEC Article 250 we should not be concerned

about the other end when using metallic conduits such as rigid, intermediate, and EMT, even though at the other end we have concentric or eccentric knockouts. What is the interpretation of the
NEC ?
(A) NEC in 250.97
requires bonding of raceways for systems operating at over
250 volts. If concentric or eccentric knockouts are encountered we are to use the methods specified in NEC 250.92 (B) except (B) (1). 250.96 (A) states that metal raceways that serve as grounding conductors shall be effectively bonded where necessary to ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed on them. Additionally if the raceway is being used as the grounding conductor 250.120
applies and states that the grounding method shall be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of this code and 250.120 (A) requires using fittings approved for the use and made tight with suitable tools. All of these references point to us that both ends would need to be bonded.
13. (Q) Please explain to me how to size disconnecting means for fire pumps. I ran a feeder from the service equipment panel over to a disconnect beside the fire pump controller. The fire pump has a
FLA of 100-amperes. The Inspector is trying to make me install a
600-ampere disconnect. Why would he think I needed such a big disconnect?
(A) Many installations we now see are feed from the utility directly to a listed controller for a given horsepower motor. This installation depicts the one additional overcurrent device that is allowed by NEC 695.4(B). NEC 695.4 (B)
(1) states that the overcurrent device shall be capable of carrying indefinitely the locked rotor currents of the fire pump, maintenance pump and associated equipment. The locked rotor requirement is the reason for the 600 amp disconnect as the locked rotor current is generally six times the FLA of the motor.
14.(Q)I have an industrial warehouse condominium in a single story building divided into 20 tenants with 20 meters and 20 disconnect switches (6 mains or less). I would like to install the entire electrical service on a 6 feet high concrete wall which is approximately 20 feet long and located 6 feet away from the main building. Since the wall is not part of the building, is this an allowable installation or would this wall have to be connected to the main building such that it were considered part of the building?
(A)First I believe we need to look in Article 100 at the definition of structure.

It states, that which is built or constructed. The installation is allowable but requires that we now have to set a disconnect means at the entrance to the building per NEC 225.30, 31, and 32 . Additionally we would have to reground at the building per NEC 250.32
. I don’t believe that is what the author of the question desires to do. If the wall where made to be part of the building
(generally in or on the footprint) then the price of the additional disconnects and grounding could be eliminated.
15. (Q)An electrical contractor has mounted a panelboard with the main installed vertically to one end. It seems though that the handle is now upside down. You must move the handle down to turn on the power and up to turn it off. To me this is in violation of the NEC . What is your interpretation?
Yes it’s a violation per the NEC 404.7
Indicating.
General-use and motor-circuit switches, circuit breakers , and molded case switches, where mounted in an enclosure as described in 404.3, shall clearly indicate whether they are in the open (off) or closed (on) position.
Where these switch or circuit breaker handles are operated vertically rather than rotationally or horizontally, the up position of the handle shall be the
(on) position.
Exception No. 1: Vertically operated double-throw switches shall be permitted to be in the closed (on) position with the handle in either the up or down position.
Exception No. 2: On busway installations, tap switches employing a centerpivoting handle shall be permitted to be open or closed with either end of the handle in the up or down position. The switch position shall be clearly indicating and shall be visible from the floor or from the usual point of operation.
16. (Q)I’m wiring a machine shop where the equipment is located in a generally open area. The only way to wire this equipment is from the bar joists to the equipment disconnect switch. I ran IMC with threaded couplings from a junction box on the bar joist to the disconnect. The Inspector says I have to support the conduit better.
How do I do that, it is going to cost too much to add braces?
(A)NEC 342.30 allows for this type installation in (B) (3)
Exposed vertical risers from industrial machinery or fixed equipment shall be permitted to be supported at intervals not exceeding 6 m (20 ft) if the conduit is made up with threaded couplings, the conduit is supported and securely

fastened at the top and bottom of the riser, and no other means of intermediate support is readily available.
17. (Q)If a single family residence has a single receptacle on its exterior for a water softener or chemical pump and it is a 120-volt,
15-ampere or 20-ampere, would this receptacle be acceptable as the one required for servicing the A/C equipment if it is within 20 feet of the A/C Unit?
(A) NEC 210.63
requires an outlet for servicing the a/c units. It must be within
25 feet, on the same level, not on the load side of the disconnect means; and
GFCI protected per NEC 210.8. The code does not require a dedicated circuit and therefore the outlet could be on the same circuit as the equipment as long
. as it does not violate the requirements of NEC 210.23
18.(Q)Is it permissible to use UF cable for interior wiring method instead of NM cable?
(A) NEC 340.10 (4) allows this use;
(4) Installed as nonmetallic-sheathed cable. Where so installed, the installation and conductor requirements shall comply with Parts II and III of
Article 334 and shall be of the multiconductor type.
EVENTS UPDATE
• The re-org has been approved by the executive management team and we expect to implement by sometime in January