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Tip of the Week: Insights from NEC Article 110, Part 1

Sept. 25, 2017
The requirements in this Article apply to all installations.

The requirements of Art. 110 in the National Electrical Code (NEC) apply to all installations. The sheer number of violations of this Article’s requirements indicates a need to be very familiar with it.

What it covers:

  • Approval.
  • Examination.
  • Installation.
  • Use.
  • Access to electrical conductors and equipment.
  • Spaces about electrical conductors and equipment.
  • Enclosures for personnel entry.
  • Tunnel installations.

Let’s look at “approval” first. The conductors and equipment used in an installation are acceptable only if “approved” [110.2]. But approved by whom? What are the criteria?

Article 100 tells us that “approved” means “acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).”

Throughout the NEC, you’ll find the requirement that equipment be “listed” and in other places “labeled.” These are two things the AHJ needs to see, except where specifically exempted in the NEC. Article 100 defines “listed” and “labeled,” also.

AHJ approval is why, for example, you can use a Chapter 3 wiring method to enclose conductors, but you can’t use pipe that is intended for plumbing. And those conductors have to be Chapter 3 conductors.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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