Code Basics

Understanding the foundation of the National Electrical Code and applying its principles on the job and in the field

Highlights

Fig. 1. Rigid metal conduit requirements can be found in NEC Art. 344.

NEC Requirements for Metal Conduits

April 14, 2023
Do you know the rules for installing the four types of metal conduit listed in the NEC?
Fig. 1. Shorter conductors and minimal bends improve SPD performance by helping to reduce conductor impedance during high-frequency transient events.

NEC Requirements for Overvoltage Protection

March 10, 2023
Don’t rely on a single type of surge protection device; implement a strategy based on tiered protection.
Fig. 1. The width of the working space can be measured from left to right, from right to left, or simply centered on the equipment.

NEC Requirements for Working Clearances

Feb. 9, 2023
Don’t let adequate working space be “the final frontier” at your facility.
Fig. 1. When all conductors within a raceway are the same size and have the same insulation type, you can use Annex C (Table 1) to determine the number of conductors permitted for a specific raceway size.

Wiring Methods, Part 2 of 2

Jan. 12, 2023
Following the conductor and raceway installation rules makes for a safer installation process and a better final product.
Fig. 1. Not all underground conductors of the same circuit have to be installed in the same raceway.

Wiring Methods, Part 1 of 2

Dec. 16, 2022
Do you know the rules for installing cables, conductors, and raceways?
Fig. 1. Overcurrent is defined in Art. 100 of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Overcurrent Protection Basics

June 15, 2022
Do you understand enough about overcurrent protection to be confident you get it right every time?
Fig. 1. Electrical installations for storable pools, spas, hot tubs, and immersion pools must comply with Part I and Part III of Art. 680.

Keeping Pools and Spas Safe – Part 2 of 2

May 6, 2022
Do you know the requirements for manmade bodies of water other than permanently installed pools?
Fig. 1. Any replacement pool pump motor must be provided with GFCI protection.

Keeping Pools and Spas Safe — Part 1 of 2

April 13, 2022
Are you familiar with the requirements for permanently installed pools?
Fig. 1. The distance between raceway entries enclosing the same conductor must be at least 6 times the trade size of the largest raceway.

Taking the Mystery Out of Sizing Pull Boxes and Junction Boxes

March 2, 2022
Make sure you know the proper sizing requirements for pull boxes, junction boxes, and conduit bodies to avoid damaging the conductor insulation when installing conductors 4 AWG...