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GFCI
The NEC has long required GFCI protection of electric space heating cables that heat floors in bathrooms and
hydromassage locations. Now this requirement also includes kitchen floors [424.44(G)] (click here to see Fig.
1).
Motors
Article 430 (see Article 430 Issues on page 37) didnt change very much in the 2011 NEC. However, there was a
change in the requirements for cord- and plug-connected motors. While portable motors typically plug into
receptacles, often theyre connected to the cord connector of a pendant cord or a flanged surface inlet. Though
210.50(A) addresses cord connectors attached to a pendant cord, 430.109(F) now addresses these as well.
For a motor disconnecting means, you can use any of the following if they have a horsepower rating not less than
the motor rating:
Horsepower-rated attachment plug and receptacle.
Flanged surface inlet and cord connector.
Attachment plug and cord connector.
Generators
Generators are basically motors that operate in reverse they produce electricity when rotated instead of
rotating when supplied with electricity. Article 430, which covers motors, is the longest article in the NEC.
Article 445, which covers generators, is one of the shortest. At first, this might not seem to make sense, but you
dont need to size and protect conductors to a generator. You do need to size and protect them to a motor.
Generators need overload protection, and its necessary to size the conductors that come from the generator.
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However, these considerations are more straightforward than the equivalent considerations for motors.
The Scope section for Art. 445 has been revised to be more accurate. Previously, it said, This article covers the
installation of generators. Now it says, This article contains installation and other requirements for
generators. [445.1]
While Art. 445 does cover the installation of generators, it also covers the location, marking, overcurrent
protection, internal bushing requirements, terminal housings, and disconnecting means for generators. In
addition, it covers the ampacity of conductors from the generator terminal to the first disconnecting means with
overcurrent protection. Instead of including this long list of items, the Code-Making Panel decided to shorten it
by stating that Art. 445 covers installation and other requirements for generators.
Generators, associated wiring, and equipment must be installed in accordance with the following requirements,
depending on their use:
Article 695, Fire Pumps
Article 700, Emergency Systems
Article 701, Legally Required Standby Systems
Article 702, Optional Standby Systems
Transformers
Article 450 opens by saying, This article covers the installation of all transformers. Then it lists eight
exceptions. So what does Art. 450 really cover? Essentially, it covers power transformers and most kinds of
lighting transformers.
The prevention of overheating is a major concern with transformers. The NEC doesnt completely address this
issue, because the NEC isnt a design manual [90.1(C)].
Proper transformer selection, which the NEC doesnt address, is an important part of preventing transformer
overheating. You need to select a transformer suitable for the load characteristics, the application, and the
environment.
Once youve done that, Art. 450 takes you through the next logical steps providing overcurrent protection,
making the proper connections, meeting ventilation requirements, and allowing for accessibility.
Part I contains the general requirements such as guarding, marking, and accessibility.
Part II contains the specific provisions for different types of transformers.
Part III covers transformer vaults.
Article 450 doesnt go into acceptance testing or maintenance. For those, youll need to refer to other standards.
Disconnecting Means
A new section, 450.14, requires a disconnecting means for most transformers. In previous NEC editions,
transformers didnt require a disconnecting means. Although there were no documented injuries to warrant this
change, its obvious that this requirement should enhance safety.
For transformers other than Class 2 and Class 3, you must provide a means to disconnect all transformer
ungrounded primary conductors. The disconnecting means must be within sight of the transformer unless the
location of the disconnect is field-marked on the transformer, and the disconnect is lockable (click here to see
Fig. 3).
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Disconnecting
We just ran through an overview of changes to eight NEC articles. We were able to do that in so little space
because the changes werent extensive. Did you notice a recurring theme here? The 2011 NEC requires
disconnects where previously they werent required.
Adding more disconnects will slightly increase construction costs if they were not already included by designers.
In addition to the safety benefits, reduced maintenance costs will also provide savings to offset the increased
construction costs. This is why engineering best practices required disconnects even where the NEC previously
did not.
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