CODE ISSUES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
• Does a fluorescent wall mounted retail sign disconnect have to be within
sight of the sign (mounted on trough or lettering) or can it be mounted in
the ceiling area directly behind the sign (accessible only by an access
door and ladder)?
Per article 600.6 (A) 1 the basic rule is YES it must be within sight of the sign,
however, the code also says if the disconnect is not in the line of sight of any
section that’s able to be energized then the disconnect shall be capable of being
locked in the open position. Lock off at breaker is acceptable. If sign is fed with a
circuit that is sharing a neutral, it must simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded
conductors of the circuit. See 600.6 (A) (2) for controller location.
• Table 300.5: When Column 3 is used, is it permissible to bury conduit in a
trench below 2-in. thick concrete or equivalent under any circumstances
or only when rock is encountered? Is the contractor required to have
conduit inspected prior to covering conduit with concrete?
Yes it is permissible under any circumstance, not only when rock is encountered,
provided the proper raceways and burial depths are met. The trench shall be
inspected before and after the concrete is poured.
• When a contractor is using a listed and approved fire alarm system in a
residence in place of the 120 volt smoke detectors, is it permissible to
supply the system with a low voltage transformer that plugs into a wall
receptacle. If not, is it permissible to be supplied by low voltage
transformer that plugs into a receptacle that is built into the cabinet of
the fire alarm system?
Section 313.1 of the NC State Residential code makes direct reference to NFPA 72.
Section 11.6.3 (3) of NFPA 72 states “A restraining means shall be used at the
plug-in of any cord-connected installation.” You will need to consult the
manufacturer’s installation instruction to see if a low voltage transformer plug-in
requires a wall mounted receptacle or one built into the system cabinet.
• How do you size an overcurrent device for residential wall mounted
ovens?
Refer to Article 220-55 and then Table 220.55 of the NEC. Use caution in selecting
the correct heading, column, and notes for your particular installation.
Article 422.10 (A): Branch circuits for household cooking appliances shall be
permitted to be in accordance with Table 220.55
Note 4 of Table 220.55: Branch-Circuit Load. It shall be permissible to calculate the
branch-circuit load for one range in accordance with Table 220.55. The branchcircuit load for one wall-mounted oven or one counter-mounted cooking unit shall
be the nameplate rating of the appliance.
Article 422.11 (B): Household-Type Appliances with Surface Heating Elements.
Household-type appliances with surface heating elements having a maximum
demand of more than 60 amperes calculated in accordance with Table 220.55 shall
have its power supply subdivided into two or more circuits, each of which shall be
provided with overcurrent protection rated at not over 50 amperes.
Article 422.11 (E): Single Non–motor-Operated Appliance. If the branch circuit
supplies a single non–motor-operated appliance, the rating of overcurrent
protection shall:
(1) Not exceed that marked on the appliance.
(2) Not exceed 20 amperes if the overcurrent protection rating is not marked and
the appliance is rated 13.3 amperes or less; or
(3) Not exceed 150 percent of the appliance rated current if the overcurrent
protection rating is not marked and the appliance is rated over 13.3 amperes.
Where 150 percent of the appliance rating does not correspond to a standard
overcurrent device ampere rating, the next higher standard rating shall be
permitted.
AGENDA
• April Meeting Date: Rescheduled from April 2 to April 9th
• Is a female plug permitted on the end of the romex to power rope
lighting or must a box and receptacle be mounted for power?
• Must NM be protected when it is run in a wall between 1x4 studs? There
is no way to get 1 ¼, although it is run in an open space. Is this
considered subject to physical damage?
Romex cable
1x4 Studs
Open space between studs