Code Quiz of Day

Routing of SPD Conductors

June 24, 2015

The conductors used to connect the surge protective device to the line or bus and to ground shall not be any longer than _____ and shall avoid unnecessary bends.

Mike Holt

The conductors used to connect the surge protective device to the line or bus and to ground shall not be any longer than _____ and shall avoid unnecessary bends.

a) 6 in.
b) 12 in.
c) 18 in.
d) necessary

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: d) necessary

Article 285 covers general installation and connection requirements for surge-protective devices (SPDs). As noted in Sec. 285.12, "The conductors used to connect the SPD to the line or bus shall not be any longer than necessary and shall avoid unnecessary bends."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.