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December 1, 2020

Inspector’s Perspective

Field problems

Q – What are some Sealants Approved by NEC Code to keep rodents and water out.

A – NEC Article 227.8-spray foam insulation is not NEC approved. Ductseal is NEC  approved. Polywater is also acceptable.

Q – What is the interpretation of the New 2020  NEC Article 250.109 when it comes down to Bonding Metal Enclosures?

A – Metal enclosures are permitted to be used to connect bonding jumpers or equipment grounding conductors, or both, together to become a part of an effective ground-fault current path.

Code Change Summary: New code section permits a metal enclosure to serve as an effective ground-fault current path.

There are several examples in Article 250 of metal boxes and other enclosures being part of the effective ground-fault current path but until now, Article 250 has never officially recognized it.

  • NEC 250.110 requires enclosures of fixed equipment containing ungrounded conductors to be connected to an equipment grounding conductor.
  • Part V of Article 250 requires bonding to ensure electrical continuity and the capacity of an enclosure to conduct safely any fault current likely to be imposed on it.
  • Section 250.97 considers a metal raceway carrying a 277/480 circuit as properly bonded if it is connected to a box with listed fittings.

But what about the metal box itself? Is there any language in the NEC officially allowing a metal box or enclosure to be part of an effective ground-fault current path?

In the 2020 NEC, metal enclosures are now permitted to be used to connect bonding jumpers or equipment grounding conductors, or both, together to become a part of an effective ground-fault current path.

There were several similar public inputs (code change proposals) this cycle to recognize metal boxes and enclosures as an “equipment grounding conductor” by adding another line item to Section 250.118. This section provides a list of fourteen different items that are considered an “equipment grounding conductor”.

The new code language was placed in a new section and was worded carefully so as not to give the impression that a metal box or enclosure is technically an “equipment grounding conductor” since not all metal boxes or enclosures are listed as grounding and bonding equipment.

Q – Are local jurisdictions enforcing the 2020 addition to 230.71b

 A- Yes – Most jurisdictions started the adoption 8/1/2020 – Please see below references.

2017 Code Language:

230.71 Maximum Number of Disconnects.

(A) General. The service disconnecting means for each service permitted by 230.2, or for each set of service-entrance conductors permitted by 230.40, Exception No. 1, 3, 4, or 5, shall consist of not more than six switches or sets of circuit breakers, or a combination of not more than six switches and sets of circuit breakers, mounted in a single enclosure, in a group of separate enclosures, or in or on a switchboard or in switchgear. There shall be not more than six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location.

For the purpose of this section, disconnecting means installed as part of listed equipment and used solely for the following shall not be considered a service disconnecting means:

(1) Power monitoring equipment

(2) Surge-protective device(s)

(3) Control circuit of the ground-fault protection system

(4) Power-operable service disconnecting means

(B) Single-Pole Units. Two or three single-pole switches or breakers, capable of individual operation, shall be permitted on multiwire circuits, one pole for each ungrounded conductor, as one multipole disconnect, provided they are equipped with identified handle ties or a master handle to disconnect all conductors of the service with no more than six operations of the hand.

IECRM Self-Pay Tuition Policy

 

Self-pay students who are employed with a member company must register and pay through the member company using the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process in order to qualify for member rates.

Self-pay students that are employed with a member company but that do not register and pay through the member will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who are employed with a member company and require a payment plan will not qualify for the member rate and will be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


Self-pay students who do not work for a member company will continue to be charged the non-member rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.


To maximize association/membership benefits, ALL member companies are encouraged to register and pay for all enrolled apprentices utilizing internal payment arrangements and processes between employer and employee.


We value our IECRM members and apprentice community. We encourage all apprentices to be enrolled in the four-year apprenticeship program, earning, and learning their way toward Journeyworker licensure. We encourage all members to utilize the member discount for tuition, books and applicable fees to ensure the long-term support and success of the next-generation electrician.


(Payment Plans are available, please reference the Self Pay Payment Plan Policy.)


Self-Pay Payment Plan Policy


We offer the following arrangements for students that are unable to pay in full at the time of registration.


● Self-pay students will be charged the non-member rate.
● A 50% down payment of total semester tuition, books and applicable fees are due at registration.
● Remaining balance can be divided up to 3 additional monthly payments ($10.00 processing fee applies on each installment)
● All payments that are declined will incur a $20.00 NSF fee.

 

We encourage all students who are employed with a member company to work with their employer to register and pay through the IECRM Flashpoint Enrollment Portal/Process. This will ensure the student is paying the lowest possible rate for tuition, books and applicable fees.