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March/April 2006
Clean power is the objective, but what about noise on the equipment grounding conductor and other grounding paths? How “clean” is your isolated (insulated) equipment grounding circuit? Chances are if you’ve been involved in the electrical field, you’ve had experiences either installing or inspecting isolated (insulated) equipment grounding circuits and receptacles. Clean power is not [...]
There are several misconceptions with interpretation of the National Electrical Code as it relates to ground rod electrode compliance. The section of the NEC that deals with ground rods is 250.52. The wording of this portion of the Code presently includes conflicting terms, dimensions and interpretations, which hopefully will be addressed in the next code [...]
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand pictures could not have prepared me for the devastation I would see in the following weeks. New Orleans has not only suffered the ravages of Hurricane Katrina, but has been inundated by floodwaters after several of the levees failed, flooding 75 percent of [...]
Electrical inspectors and electrical permitting personnel are seeing increasing numbers of photovoltaic (PV) power systems, both at the permitting stage and at the initial inspection. Both processes go much more smoothly for all concerned when the electrical system is properly documented. Since the typical PV installer has not installed hundreds of the same PV system, [...]
It goes without saying that correct grounding is vital to minimizing the risks of electrical fire or explosion and risks to personal safety. This article reviews some of the grounding methods permitted by the Canadian Electrical Code, their advantages and limitations, and reviews the model for effective grounding. CEC Rule 10-106(1) requires that ac electrical [...]
Your day starts with an early morning phone call: “Hi, This is Phil’s Auto Repair on Chestnut Street. What information do you need to have a permit drawn for installing an automotive service lift?” Your first thought, as an electrical inspector, is to ask, “Is it listed?” You are assured it is, so a permit [...]
Recognizing electricity’s risks Electricity has always posed dangers. In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin brought the world a new understanding of electricity, but others died trying to duplicate his experiments. In the 1880s, electricity began flowing into homes and businesses. Because system installation was inconsistent and often performed by people with minimal understanding, widespread electrical [...]
The Revision Cycle The National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®) is presently being revised on a five-year cycle. The 2007 edition will be published and available for purchase on August 1, 2006. The NESC is published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The 2007 edition shall become effective no later than 180 days [...]
Section 46 of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I governs installation, operation and maintenance of emergency systems. However, the scope of this section might be a bit confusing to some Code users. The scope states that rules of Section 46 apply “to emergency systems intended to supply power, in the event of failure of the [...]
The life of a contractor requires taking breaks from time to time. Each day it is critical to take a one-hour break to get away from the bidding and the day-to-day frenzy. It’s also a good idea to take a break at least once a year so that you’re able to refresh and replenish. But [...]
