Code Quiz of Day

Defining Objectionable Current

Jan. 8, 2015

The topic of objectionable current is covered in Sec. 250.6 of the 2014 NEC.

Currents that introduce noise or data errors in electronic equipment are considered objectionable currents in the context of 250.6(D) of the NEC.

a) True
b) False

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) False

The topic of objectionable current is covered in Sec. 250.6 of the 2014 NEC. However, as noted in Sec. 250.6(D), "The provisions of this section shall not be considered as permitting electronic equipment from being operated on AC systems or branch circuits that are not connected to an equipment grounding conductor as required by this Article. Currents that introduce noise or data errors in electronic equipment shall not be considered the objectionable currents addressed in this section."

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.