Still on the Roof
Attention to the Code requirements in 690 and other articles plus an understanding of PV equipment and how power flows in a PV system should enable these rooftop systems to be installed and operated in a safe manner.
Archive for March, 2009
Section 32 – Fire Pumps
Fire pumps are a special motor drive application and are critical components of life safety systems in buildings. They are a requirement of the National Building Code of Canada and the provincial building codes. Fire pumps are used to maintain adequate water pressure in sprinklers and standpipes during a fire. The building codes specify when [...]
The Challenge of Increasing Electrical Safety, Part 2
Is an electrical inspection in your area viewed as a public safety activity that is respected without compromise? Are the inspection services offered in your area properly funded, or are they under scrutiny for budget cutting? Do the inspectors in your area meet a rigorous set of qualifications and continuing education requirements? Is an inspection [...]
Inspecting to the Commercial Energy Code Provisions
Comprehensive sets of codes—electrical, energy, building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical—were developed to provide understandable requirements that are easily enforced. But codes only work if states and jurisdictions adopt them and designers and builders comply with them. Code officials need to verify that all requirements are achieved, even if states, designers, and builders do their part. [...]
Effect of Rooftop Exposure on Ambient Temperatures Inside Conduits
New requirements for ampacity correction factors for conductors installed in conduits on rooftops were introduced in the 2008 NEC at Section 310.15(B)(2)(c). This new requirement for ampacity correction due to ambient temperature resulted from extensive study and fact-finding efforts that collected data which demonstrated valid concerns about excessive heat exposure for conductors and cables installed [...]
Wiring Methods – Making a Giant Safe
Excitement is building in Arlington, Texas, as the Dallas Cowboys’ new stadium nears completion. The city of Arlington, Texas, with a population of 350,000 is now the home of two major professional sports teams, the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. The Rangers’ ballpark and the new Cowboys’ stadium are centrally located within Arlington’s thriving [...]
CE Code, Section 12 Wiring Methods
Between the 2006 and 2009 Canadian Electrical Code, Section 12 Wiring Methods has seen nine rule changes, and two appendix note changes. The intent of this article is to detail these changes along with rationale for the changes. A new inserted Subrule 12-012(12) was added to read: Where underground raceways or cables are subject to [...]
Relationship between the CE Code and Z462
Lately, the electrical industry in Canada has been buzzing about newly developed CSA standard Z462 which covers requirements for workplace electrical safety. There are many in the industry who feel that this standard will impact on electrical work done under provisions of the CE Code, and that this standard will immediately affect electrical contractors involved [...]
Can Listed cable have dual ratings such as Type TC, 600V, direct burial cable that is also marked NPLF 150V?
Question: UL Listed Cable with Conflicted Ratings I have encountered some UL Listed cable with conflicting ratings marked on the cable and I am not sure how to interpret it. Can Listed cable have dual ratings such as Type TC, 600V, direct burial cable that is also marked NPLF 150V? If so, can I use [...]
Time to Sell…or Time to Buy?
We’re in a recession, which could be severe. Several financial services companies have either collapsed or been bailed out by the government. And the stock market is down about 45 percent since hitting its peak in October of 2007. Is this a “perfect storm” that should blow investors out of the market — or is [...]
Can Horses Teach Humans About Leadership?
Many of us assume leadership is an innate skill; something you’re born with or inherently lacking. But what if you could develop leadership skills by acting like a horse? On the surface, it sounds strange. However, when you consider that horses have roamed the earth for more than fifty-five million years and herd leaders helped [...]
Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me
This was the opening line of the song by Buck Owens and Roy Clark on the TV show “Hee Haw.” It seems to fit in the today’s situation. With the TV newscasters and economic analysts constantly reporting on the sad state of affairs, both economic and military actions, it certainly causes us gloom, despair, and [...]
Does UL have special product categories for these types of LED lights?
Question: Listed LED Lighting Product Categories Light emitting diode (LED) lights seem to be quickly replacing incandescent lighting as well as neon in signs. Does UL have special product categories for these types of LED lights? If so, what categories should we be looking for and where are they in the White Book? Answer Yes, [...]
