2020 National Electrical Code

2020 NEC, Section 800.44 | Installing Overhead Communications Wiring

In the past, Chapter 8 of the NEC has not gotten the attention it deserves. Article 800, General Requirements for Communications Systems, sets the ground rules for the installation of specific types of systems, such as broadband communications systems.

Read Article

Most Recent

2020 NEC, Section 712.2 DC | Microgrids and System Directories

Here’s how the 2020 NEC Article 712 has changed and expanded the identification requirements for microgrids and system directories.

Read Article
NEC Section 210.11(C)(4) | Required Branch Circuits in a Dwelling Unit Garage

Here’s a look at how the 2020 NEC has changed when it comes to electric vehicle charging in residential garages, and what changes may lie ahead in 2023!

Read Article
2020 NEC Article 605 | Office Furnishings

Modular office furnishings present a special set of electrical hazards and requirements. To ensure a safe and functional installation, it’s vital for electrical professionals to familiarize themselves with these requirements.

Read Article
NEC Article 230, Services

Let’s take a closer look at Article 230 and the NEC 2020 Code changes, which covers service conductors and equipment for control and protection of services.

Read Article

Recently in 2020 National Electrical Code

Short-Circuit Current-Rating (SCCR) VS. Available Fault Current: Understanding the Maze and What’s New for 2020

Section 408.6: A Brand-New Addition to the 2020 NEC
NEC section 408.6 states: Switchboards, Switchgear, and Panelboards shall have a short-circuit current rating (SCCR) not less than the available fault current.  In other than one- and two-family dwelling units, the available fault current and the date the calculation was performed shall be field marked on the enclosure at the point of supply. The marking shall comply with 110.21(B)(3).

Making NEC 408.6 Simple
This new Code Section simply means that electrical panels including main-breaker and main-lug type panels and switchboards & switchgear equipment must be rated (in amps) to withstand the high levels of current that will flow should a short-to-ground or other fault occur at the equipment. In ALL locations other than dwelling units, that anticipated fault current must be marked on the equipment enclosure near where the supply conductors enter in, along with the date that the calculation producing that number was performed. The new Code Section also says the markings on the equipment must comply with 110.21(B)(3). Section 110.21(B)(3) tells us that markings must be sufficiently durable to withstand the environment.

Read Article

GFCI Protection Requirements: Mobile & Manufactured Homes 2020 NEC – 550.13(B)

The 2020 NEC now recognizes that GFCI protection for mobile and manufactured homes must be equal to that of stick-built and modular type dwellings. Construction Codes, in general, have always been less restrictive for mobile-type dwellings. This may be because mobile homes are often titled with the Motor Vehicle Department, and this type of housing is built, inspected, tested, and listed off-site at a manufacturing plant.

Read Article

Understanding Motor Branch-Circuit Overcurrent Protection Devices

The primary intent of this discussion is to explain how overcurrent protection devices are determined for single motor branch-circuits. References will be taken from the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC). These references will apply to general single motor applications for a continuous duty NEMA Design B energy efficient motor, unless otherwise noted.

Read Article

The 2020 NEC Allows Electrical Inspectors to Periodically Inspect Swimming Pools and Similar Equipment, after Installation.

The 2020 Code Making Panel has introduced a new and unprecedented Code section for this 2020 Code cycle that may prove controversial once time allows this directive to play out.

This new requirement found in Section 680.4 of the 2020 NEC allows the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to return to a home or business for follow-up inspection(s) even after the swimming pool, fountain, or similar has passed final inspection, and the job is complete.

Read Article

NEC 2020 – What to Expect: Significant Changes and Adoptions by State

It seems like we just started using the 2017 National Electrical Code, and now the 2020 version is available. There have been significant changes, accomplished through public comment and hard work by the Code Making Panels and others. What are some of the important changes that will affect installers, electricians, and AHJ’s? We are eager to know what has been changed. Just as importantly, when can we reasonably expect that the new version of the Code will be adopted? Each state must decide when to move to the next edition of the NEC.

Read Article

2020 NEC Changes to 430.122 Conductors – Minimum Size and Ampacity

Changes to the 2020 NEC include the addition of several paragraphs in section 430.122. These changes will help the user to determine the correct ampacity for conductors used with power conversion equipment. The Adjustable Speed Drive is one type of power conversion equipment that provides a means of adjusting the speed of an electric motor, 100. A Variable Frequency Drive, VFD, is an adjustable speed drive that controls the speed, the RPM, of a motor by controlling the frequency and voltage supplied to a motor. The changes made in 430.122 Conductors – Minimum Size and Ampacity apply to Adjustable Speed Drive Systems.

Read Article

Grounding Systems Permitted to Be Connected on the Supply Side of the Disconnect

Section 250.25 is brand new for the 2020 Code cycle. It has been created to establish grounding and bonding rules for add-on disconnects, such as a PV system disconnect acting as that PV system’s service equipment, when the disconnect is attached to conductors on the supply side (meaning before the main cut-off) of the utility service disconnect.

Section 230.82 provides electricians with a list of equipment/systems that can legally connect to the conductors on the supply side of an electrical system serving a home or business. The new Section 250.25 outlines grounding and bonding rules for a disconnect serving just such an add-on system.

Read Article

New Articles in the 2020 NEC

There will be four new article additions to the 2020 NEC:
1. Article 242 Overvoltage Protection
2. Article 311 Medium Voltage Conductors and Cable
3. Article 337 Type P Cable
4. Article 800 General Requirements for Communications Systems

Read Article