May 05, 2021
The average consumer does not understand the potential dangers related to electricity and pools, so they rely on you, the electrical professional, to do it right. There have been 98 verifiable water deaths from electricity since 1986, but that is likely just the tip of a very large iceberg. A small amount of current can cause muscular paralysis and drowning. We have put together a basic checklist for electrical safety-related to pools. This list is not exhaustive. We will focus our attention on three important areas: grounding and equipotential bonding, GFCI protection, and corrosive environments.
Sep 26, 2019
Prior to 2017, only two items were prohibited for use as grounding electrodes, underground gas piping and aluminum. For 2017, another item has been added to the list of prohibited items. For the 2017 code cycle, the structures as well as steel reinforcement materials that pertain to swimming pools have been added to the list found in 250.52(B)(3) of components that are prohibited from being used as grounding electrodes for an electrical system.
Dec 10, 2018
Why are you permitted to go no larger than #6 cu for the GEC attached to a driven rod or driven pipe that is being used as a grounding electrode, but you have to use Table 250.66, and all of the proposed size increases in it when using a metal water piping system in the earth, as my grounding electrode conductor?
Aug 28, 2018
Let's take a look at what is happening on the other end of that equipment grounding conductor, and what it is that enables this conductor to effectively carry current at such a rate that it will instantaneously trip a circuit-breaker or fuse, in the event of a ground-fault. It is normal to assume that a conductor will carry current, but in the matter of fault-current it is important to know why an equipment grounding conductor is able to do its job.
Jul 31, 2018
Reader question about "Grounding VS Bonding Part 1" article
Jul 17, 2018
Portable generators are useful for when temporary or remote power is needed. Knowing when to ground a generator is critical for operator safety.
Jun 15, 2018
The terms Grounding and Bonding are found throughout the NEC text, and while they are seemingly interchangeable terms, they are actually two distinct procedures when it comes to the National Electrical Code, as well as the installation of electrical equipment.
Apr 20, 2016
Supply-Side grounded and bonding conductors are sized from Table 250.102(C)(1) in the 2014 NEC. In earlier Codes, all these conductors, as well as the Grounding Electrode Conductor, were selected from Table 250.66. Table 250.102(C)(1) from the 2014 NEC. It is very helpful to have a separate Table for selecting the size of...
Jan 28, 2016
Upgrading wiring in older homes usually includes replacing old two-wire, non-grounding type receptacles. Replacing a two-wire receptacle with a grounding-type receptacle and not providing an equipment ground or GFCI protection is a serious NEC violation. Extending a two-wire circuit without an equipment ground is also prohibited, even if protected by...
Jul 20, 2015
Here are some common items that can cause the electrical inspection to fail at swimming pools.
Apr 29, 2015
In the past few blog posts we have discussed some of the more important issues related to the PV system including PV modules, PV source circuits, PV output circuits, and inverters. Now let’s talk about PV grounding. Equipment GroundingIn most PV installations, the PV modules are fastened to a metal rack-type...
Jun 12, 2013
Today John Hauck and David Burtt discuss the identification of equipment grounding conductors according to the 2011 National Electrical Code. This is part 3 of a 3 part series on identifying conductors. How are equipment grounding conductors identified?250.119. Equipment grounding conductors can be bare, covered or insulated. If insulated...
May 23, 2013
Today John Hauck and David Burtt discuss the identification of grounded conductors according to the 2011 National Electrical Code. This is part 2 of a 3 part series on identifying conductors. How are grounded conductors required to be identified?200.6(A). In sizes No. 6 AWG and smaller, an insulated grounded...
May 16, 2013
Today John Hauck and David Burtt discuss the identification of ungrounded conductors according to the 2011 National Electrical Code. This is part 1 of a 3 part series on identifying conductors. Does the National Electrical Code have a required color code? No. The National Electrical Code does not have a...
Apr 04, 2013
Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), is used to convey flammable gas inside or outside of a building. It is not mentioned in the 2011 NEC by name, but Informational Note No. 2 to 250.104(B) cites NFPA 54, the National Fuel Gas Code, as a source for additional information for gas...
