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National Electrical Code

NEC Requirements for Pipe Organs

May 7, 2019

A quick overview of Art. 650

Article 650 of the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for pipe organs. The Article defines a pipe organ as “A musical instrument that produces sound by driving pressurized air (called wind) through pipes selected via a keyboard [Sec. 650.2].

This isn’t a long Article, but some key points from it are:

Use a double-insulated DC power supply or bond the DC power supply to the input grounding conductor [Sec. 650.5].
Conductors must be at least 28 AWG for electronic signal circuits, at least 26 AWG for the electromagnetic valve supply, and at least 14 AWG for a main common-run conductor in the electromagnetic supply [Sec. 650.6(A)].
Conductors other than the common-return conductors and those inside the organ must be cabled [Sec. 650.6(B)].
Cables must be securely fastened in place. You can attach them directly to the organ structure without insulating supports; same goes for control equipment and bus bars connecting common-return conductors [Sec. 650.6].
Splices don’t have to be enclosed in boxes or other enclosures [Sec. 650.6].
The wiring of the sounding apparatus must be within the organ chamber [Sec. 650.9].

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.