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Ecmweb 15124 Carnival Electrocution Pr
Ecmweb 15124 Carnival Electrocution Pr
Ecmweb 15124 Carnival Electrocution Pr
Ecmweb 15124 Carnival Electrocution Pr
Ecmweb 15124 Carnival Electrocution Pr

Permanent Amusement Attractions

Aug. 7, 2018
A primer on Article 522 of the National Electrical Code

Article 522 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the requirements for the control systems found on permanent amusement attractions. This Article covers the installation of control circuit power sources and control circuit conductors for electrical equipment that is integral to a permanent amusement park attraction [Sec. 522.1].

Power sources for control circuits are either power-limited or non-power limited. A source that supplies:

  • Power-limited control circuits must not exceed 50V and 1,000VA [Sec. 522.10(A)].
  • Non-power-limited circuits must not exceed 300V [Sec. 522.10(B)]

The transformers for these power supplies must conform with the applicable parts of Art. 450 [Sec. 522.10(A)(1) and Sec. 522.10(B)(1)].

These power sources, other than transformers, must be protected by overcurrent devices rated at not more than:

  • 167% of the VA rating of the source divided by the rated voltage, if power-limited [Sec. 522.10(A)(2)].
  • 125% of the VA rating of the source divided by the rated voltage, if non-power-limited [Sec. 522.10(B)(2)]

Insulated control circuit conductors must be copper [Sec. 522.20]. Conductors can be as small as 30AWG in a listed and jacketed multiconductor cable if within an enclosure or operator station [Sec. 522.21(B)], but must be at least 26 AWG if installed outside an enclosure or operator station [Sec. 522.21(C)].

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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