Code Quandaries: Stumped by the Code?

November 2011

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Electrical Construction and Maintenance

Mike Holt

Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

Tue, 2011-11-22 13:26

Your most pressing National Electrical Code (NEC) questions answered

All questions and answers are based on the 2011 NEC.
Q. Does the Code allow the installation of cord-connected equipment above a suspended ceiling?
A. Unless specifically permitted in 400.7, flexible cords must not be concealed by walls, floors, or ceilings, or
located above suspended or dropped ceilings [400.8(5)]. Flexible cords are permitted under a raised floor (with
removable panels) used for environmental air, because this area isnt considered a concealed space. See the
definition of Exposed in Art. 100.
Receptacles are permitted above a suspended ceiling, but a flexible cord isnt. Why install a receptacle above a
ceiling if the flexible cord isnt permitted in this space? Because the receptacle can be used for portable tools; it
just cant be used for cord- and plug-connected equipment fastened in place, such as a projector (click here to
see Figure).
Q. Is a supplemental grounding electrode for a single rod, pipe, or plate electrode always
required?
A. A single rod, pipe, or plate electrode must be supplemented by an additional electrode thats bonded to one of
the following [250.53(A)(2)]:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The single rod, pipe, or plate electrode

The grounding electrode conductor of the single electrode
The neutral service-entrance conductor
The nonflexible grounded service raceway
The service enclosure

Ex: If a single rod, pipe, or plate grounding electrode has an earth contact resistance of 25 ohms or less, the
supplemental electrode isnt required.
Q. How is the ampacity determined for NM-B cable?
A. Conductor ampacity is calculated on the 90C insulation rating of the conductor in accordance with Table
310.15(B)(16); however, the conductors must be sized to the termination temperature rating of 60C [334.80].
Lets work a sample problem to help you better understand these guidelines.
What size Type NM cable is required to supply a 9.60kW, 240V, single-phase fixed space heater with a 3A
blower motor? The terminals are rated 75C.

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Code Quandaries: Stumped by the Code? November 2011

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Step 1: Determine the total load in amperes:

I = VA E = 9,600W 240V + 3A = 40A + 3A = 43A
Step 2: Size the ungrounded conductors and overcurrent device at no less than 125% of the total heating load
[424.3(B)].
Conductor/protection size = load 1.25 = 43A 1.25 = 53.75A
According to Table 310.15(B)(16), a 6 AWG conductor rated 55A at 60C, protected with a 60A overcurrent
device [240.6(A)] will satisfy these requirements.
If multiple Type NM cables pass through the same wood framing opening thats to be sealed with thermal
insulation, caulking, or sealing foam, the allowable ampacity of each conductor must be adjusted in accordance
with Table 310.15(B)(3)(a) [334.80]. This requirement has no effect on conductor sizing if you bundle no more
than nine current-carrying 14 or 12 AWG conductors together. For example, three 14/2 cables and one 14/3
cable (nine current-carrying 14 THHN conductors) are bundled together in a dry location, the ampacity for each
conductor (25A at 90C, Table 310.15(B)(16)) is adjusted by a 70% adjustment factor [Table 310.15(B)(3)(a)].
Adjusted conductor ampacity = 25A 0.70 = 17.50A
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