1

http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2016/03/new-nec-2017-brings-clarity-solar-pv-labeling/

As we move closer to September, the new NEC 2017 will be published and released, giving the
industry a glimpse into many new changes and additions in Article 690. As PV systems grow and
evolve, the required labeling must change with it to ensure safe and informative installations. Like
any evolving process, input from many sources is required to gain a better understanding of what
works and what does not, so the process of change can proceed in a way that makes sense for
everyday use in real world applications.

Code making panel 4 of the NEC 2017 reviewed hundreds of public inputs. Each suggestion was
weighed, reviewed and compared to other similar requests and then voted up or down based on
all relevant data and substantiations. Many suggestions were for improved labeling. In the end, the
panel addressed a number of inputs; some of the changes are outlined in this article.

Please note that just because the new NEC 2017 is in effect, each State and or local jurisdiction
may not automatically adopt the new code. Many are on specific code review cycles and may
continue to enforce earlier revision of the code. Check with your local authorities to be certain
which code revision is currently in force before labeling.

New Bipolar PV System Requirements

Making changes that are relevant to existing and future systems is important. Part of the effort has
involved addressing labeling efficiency and eliminating or reducing labels that no longer serve a
valid purpose. For instance, certain labels are no longer considered necessary, such as the bipolar
label listed under 690.7(E)(3) from the NEC 2014 code. Disconnection of the neutral cannot result
in overvoltage of the array, since the ground-fault detection system is required to separate the
array into two distinct arrays during fault conditions; therefore, condition 3 is unnecessary.

So, to make this more relevant, the NEC 2017 Code Article 690.31(I) will now indicate that a new
label shall be used to clearly mark bipolar photovoltaic systems with a warning notice indicating
that disconnecting the grounded conductor(s) (not the neutral) could result in overvoltage of the
equipment.

This change is linked to the revisions related to solidly grounded and reference grounded systems.
The warning about the disconnection of the grounded conductor in a bipolar system is only
relevant for solidly grounded bipolar systems, which are extremely rare. The revision in 690.31(I)
for the NEC 2017 clarifies (for reference grounded bipolar systems) that these bipolar arrays must
be separated into two distinct monopolar arrays when the grounded conductor is interrupted, so
overvoltage does not occur.

Simplifying Labeling for Power Information

Another example is in NEC 2014 Article 690.35(F). Originally, this marking requirement was seen as
necessary for electricians, based on thinking that ungrounded conductors were somehow safe.

That has never been true and so the requirement for this marking will be eliminated, reducing the
number of labels required on a PV system and simplifying the labeling process even more.

Speaking of simplifying labeling, the following labels are still required, but the words DO NOT
TOUCH TERMINALS have been removed. This is found in 690.17(E) of the NEC 2014 code, but will
be found in 690.13 and 690.15 in the new NEC 2017 revision.

As of the first draft revision of NEC 2017, 690.53 has changed to simplify the required power
information. When editing current code, the panel typically documents the changes as shown in
the bullets you see below. This helps by preserving the current code text, while also showing what
was eliminated or changed.

690.53 DIRECT CURRENT PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE

(1) Rated maximum power-point current.

(2) Rated maximum power-point voltage.

(3) Maximum system

Informational Note to (3): See 690.7(A) for maximum PV system voltage.

(4) Maximum circuit current. Where the PV power source has multiple outputs, items (1) and (4)
shall be specified for each output.

Informational Note to (4): See 690.8(A) for calculation of maximum circuit current.

(5) Maximum rated output current of the charge controller or dc-to-dc converter (if installed).

The following label already exists in Article 690.55 of the NEC 2014, but the language was clarified
slightly so that the new NEC 2017 code now reads: Energy storage systems shall be marked with
the maximum operating voltage, including any equalization voltage. If solidly grounded, grounded
circuit conductor shall be marked to indicate the polarity. The previous code revision simply
indicated: Photovoltaic power systems employing energy storage shall also be marked with the
maximum operating voltage, including any equalization voltage and the polarity of the grounded
circuit conductor.

In the NEC 2014, this section of code required the polarity of the grounded conductor to be
marked in all cases. In the 2017 code, only solidly grounded systems need the polarity to be
marked as part of this provision. Many systems do not have grounded conductors, so the provision
in NEC 2014 did not make sense. Also, other marking requirements in 690.31(B) require general
markings that include polarity, making this polarity marking requirement redundant. NOTE:
SOLIDLY GROUNDED MEANS THAT AC CONDUCTORS ARE USED 99% OF THE TIME.

Changes for Stand-Alone Systems

On a similar note, language was clarified in article 690.56(A) regarding stand-alone systems.
References to the AHJ and related codes were removed.

690.56(A)

A) Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems. Any structure or building with a PV power system that is not
connected to a utility service source and is a stand-alone system shall have a permanent plaque or
directory installed on the exterior of the building or structure at a readily visible location
acceptable to the authority having The plaque or directory shall indicate the location of system
disconnecting means and that the structure contains a stand-alone electrical power system. The
marking shall be in accordance with 690.31(E).

This revision removes subjective content that might be confusing for enforcement personnel. The
AHJ, in this case, could be both the building department and the fire department. These different
AHJs could have different opinions on location. Simply stating that the sign must be in a readily
visible location is preferred. Fire departments are most likely your best choice to consult with on
the best placement of the sign. The reference to the wiring methods section of 690 was not
appropriate for this sign and was deleted in the code revision.

Rapid Shutdown

Regarding the fire department and the fire marshal, one of the more important changes involves
how a system is identified for rapid shutdown. The details around rapid shutdown are still being
discussed but, regardless of the outcome, fire marshals want clear identification regarding rapid
shutdown.

A public input was submitted to NFPA1, which is currently updating the IFC (International Fire
Code) for 2018. This input is described below and also applies to the NEC 2017 revision so that
there is consistency between both documents.

The new language listed in 690.56(C) will require a label that is similar in concept to the two
examples below.

The first label would be required for a PV system that shuts down the array and all conductors
leaving the array, which will represent the NEC 2017 rapid shutdown requirements.

The second label would be for PV systems that only shut down the conductors leaving the array,
which is representative of the current rapid shutdown requirements defined in the NEC 2014
revision.

9
The label shall include a simple diagram of a building or roof. Diagram sections in red signify
sections of the PV system that are not shut down when rapid shutdown switch is operated.
Sections of the diagram in yellow signify sections of the PV system that are shut down when the
rapid shutdown switch is operated. Buildings with both types of rapid shutdown, or a system or a
PV system with one of the rapid shutdown types and a PV system with no rapid shutdown, shall
have a detailed plan view showing each different PV system and a dotted line around areas that
remain energized after the rapid shutdown switch is operated.

Finally, the rapid shutdown switch shall have a label located on or no more than 1 meter (3.3 ft.)
from the switch that will appear as shown below:

99

As you can see, there are many changes both subtle and obvious that are being considered for
the NEC 2017 revision.

The second draft meetings are in November. We will continue to gather feedback so that final
changes can be made using public input and validated by associated code references as well as real
world requirements.

The goal is to continue working toward better code language that helps installers, inspectors and
designers meet the challenges of the future and ensure a safe installation environment.

Todd Fries is a Marketing Manager of Identification Systems with HellermannTyton, North America,
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and also serves on Code Making Panel 4 of the NEC 2017 and is involved
with the changes and additions being discussed in this article.

2
http://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2015/04/30/analysis-of-changes-2017-nec/

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 4,012 public inputs were submitted to NFPA
recommending changes from the 2014 NEC to the 2017 NEC. From those public inputs, 1,235 First
Revisions were created by the different code-making panels. In this article, we will explore the
most notable public inputs as a foreshadowing of the changes to come and as a catalyst for code
discussions. See figure 1 for the scheduling of each step in this process. With that in mind, lets
look at some of the most notable public inputs proposed for the 2017 NEC.

NEW ARTICLES

ARTICLE 425 FIXED RESISTANCE AND ELECTRODE INDUSTRIAL PROCESS HEATING EQUIPMENT

This proposed new article provides requirements for industrial process heating equipment. At
present, the NEC does not provide general and specific requirements for this equipment. The new
article will apply to boilers, electrode boilers, duct heaters, strip heaters, immersion heaters,
process air heaters, or other approved fixed electrical equipment used for commercial and
industrial process heating. It will not apply to heating and room air-conditioning for personnel
spaces.

ARTICLE 691 LARGE-SCALE PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ELECTRIC SUPPLY STATIONS

Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) stations are designed for the supply of merchant power into the
electricity grid. These stations are differentiated from most building-mounted and other
decentralized solar power applications in that they supply power at the utility level, rather than to
local users. They are sometimes referred to as solar farms, especially when located in agricultural
areas. A utility-scale solar system is sometimes used to describe this type of large-scale project.
The rapid increase in the number of large-scale PV electric supply stations presents new challenges
to authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Due to the complexity of these systems, it is unlikely that
the AHJ will have expertise in the design and construction of multi-megawatt PV power plants.
Many of the components of a large-scale PV electric supply station do not and cannot comply with
the current requirements of Article 690 of the NEC. According to the substantiation, the two main
drivers for this proposed new article are: 1) elimination of AHJ professional risk when assessing
compliance of large-scale PV electric supply stations, and 2) enabling system engineers to use
engineering best practices in the design of large-scale PV electric supply stations.

Photo 1

Photo 1: Large-scale PV systems will be covered by new Article 691.

ARTICLE 706 ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

This article is proposed to apply to all permanently installed energy storage systems (ESS) that may
be stand-alone or interactive with other electric power production sources. An energy storage
system is a device, or more than one device assembled together, capable of storing energy for use
at a future time. ESS(s) include but are not limited to electrochemical storage devices (e.g.,
batteries), flow batteries, capacitors, and kinetic energy devices (e.g., flywheels and compressed
air). These systems can have ac or dc output for utilization and can include inverters and converters
to change stored energy into electrical energy. Currently, batteries are addressed in numerous
places in the NEC such as Articles 480 (historically covering lead-acid batteries) and 690
(batteries in general, not just lead acid) to PV systems, which have been appropriate over time. The
current state of energy storage technology, which includes batteries, and the anticipated evolution
of energy storage support the need for a singular set of requirements in the NEC covering such
systems.

ARTICLE 712 DIRECT-CURRENT MICROGRIDS

A direct-current microgrid (dc microgrid) is defined as a power distribution system consisting of

one or more interconnected dc power sources, dcdc converters, dc loads, and ac loads powered
by dcac inverters. A dc microgrid is typically not directly connected to an ac primary source of
electricity, but some dc microgrids interconnect via one or more dcac bi-directional converters or
dcac inverters. DC microgrids are related to the direct utilization of power from dc sources to
direct-current loadssuch as LED lighting, communications equipment, computers and servers,
variable-speed motor drives, HVAC equipment, etc. Direct utilization of dcwhether generated by
PV systems, fuel cells or other means, without intervening dcac and acdc conversion steps
leads to higher efficiencies and potentially smaller and lower-cost equipment than ACcoupled
methods. The need for higher efficiency in telecom and data centers has driven these industries to
implement dc microgrids in hundreds of data centers around the world. It is a trend that will likely
continue as worldwide data centers use about 30 GW of electrical power, with the USA using about
10 GW.

CHAPTER ONE GENERAL

NEW: 110.14(D) ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TIGHTENING TORQUE

A new requirement was recommended to mandate the use of a torque tool to achieve the
indicated torque value at electrical equipment. Many electricians use non-torquing tools to
terminate conductors on set-screw connectors in equipment. Findings of a field study presented to
CMP-1 (and also published in IAEI magazine in July 2010) during the 2011 Code cycle to
substantiate Informative Annex I, Recommended Tightening Torque Tables from UL Standard
486AB, indicated that installers incorrectly tighten electrical terminations at least 75 percent of
the time when not using a torque wrench. Since the reliability and safety of terminations depend
on proper connection, it is essential to require the use of the proper tool. This proposed
requirement would make it clear to installers and inspectors that using torque tools is required
when a torque value is indicated on electrical equipment, such as a panelboard lug.

Photo 2

Photo 2: Torquing tools are invaluable in achieving torque values at electrical equipment.

New: 110.16(B) Arc-Flash Hazard Warning Service Equipment

A new sub-level (B) was added to 110.16 to require additional information to be included in the
arc-flash hazard warning label specifically addressing service equipment, rather than the broader
application of the current text at 110.16 [proposed as 110.16(A)]. These new provisions were made
based on the requirements in the 2015 edition of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace. In addition to the required arc-flash labeling currently in 110.16, this new provision
would require the label for service equipment to contain the nominal system voltage, arc-flash
boundaries, and at least one of the following: available incident energy and the corresponding
working distance, or minimum arc rating of clothing, or site-specific level of PPE. According to the
substantiation, the information necessary to comply with the additional marking on service
equipment is obtainable at or before the time of installation.
Figure 1

Figure 1: New provisions with additional information have been proposed for arc-flash warning
labels.

NEW: 110.21(A)(2) EQUIPMENT MARKING RECONDITIONED EQUIPMENT

A new 110.21(A)(2) is being proposed to require reconditioned equipment to be marked with the
name, trademark, or other descriptive marking, identifying the organization responsible for
reconditioning the electrical equipment. This provision would also require the date of the
reconditioning to be provided as well. This information will provide additional value to
manufacturers, owners and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Reconditioned, refurbished or
remanufactured electrical equipment is widely used in all types of industry to be put back into
service. These refurbishing marking requirements will give traceability of the equipment along with
needed information to the purchaser, operator, and AHJ as to who is responsible for the
reconditioning and when the work was performed.

NEW: 110.26(A)(4) WORKING SPACE ABOUT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LIMITED ACCESS

A new provision for Limited Access was added to address equipment located in a space with
limited access, such as above a suspended ceiling or in a crawl space. This new provision has four
restrictions: (1) where equipment is located above a lay-in ceiling, (2) width of the limited access
working space, (3) doors or hinged panels being capable of opening a minimum of 90 degrees, and
(4) space in front of the enclosure. This proposal was implemented as the result of the work of a
task group appointed by the NEC Correlating Committee to review requirements for working space
of equipment that is often installed in spaces with limited access. The task group was charged with
reviewing the revision to 424.66 during the 2014 NEC Code cycle, and exploring the feasibility of a
new general requirement for the 2017 NEC in Article 110 for clarity and usability for all types of
electrical equipment (not just duct heaters). Without this proposed action for limited access, it is
widely understood that strict compliance with the current 110.26(A)(1), (A)(2) and (A)(3) in ceiling
spaces and crawl spaces is not feasible.

Figure 2

Figure 2: The 2017 NEC will see the inclusion of working space signage.

NEW: 110.26(A)(4) WORKING SPACE ABOUT ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT CLEAR SPACE SIGNS

New provisions are being considered for 110.26(B) calling for permanent and conspicuous signs
to be provided when working space is required by 110.26 around and about electrical equipment.
Unfortunately, electrical equipment rooms and other areas that contain electrical equipment, are
often treated as the catch-all room for mop buckets, trash containers, and extra office equipment
such as a deskto be stored until someone can figure out what to do with such things. This type
of clutter creates a perpetual problem with keeping required work spaces around electrical
equipment clear. A step toward a solution to this continual working space violation has been
recommended in the form of signage. These working space signs would be required to meet the
requirements of 110.21(B) for field-applied hazard markings and would need to read as follows:
NOTICE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WORKING SPACE AND EGRESS AREA NO OBSTRUCTION OR
STORAGE ALLOWED.

CHAPTER TWO WIRING AND PROTECTION

REVISION: 210.8(A) GFCI PROTECTION DWELLING UNITS

GFCI protection has been proposed to be expanded in dwelling units to include not only all 125-
volt, but all 250-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations
specified in 210.8(A), as a shock hazard exists with utilization equipment at these higher voltage
levels as well. Portable tools such as air compressors, miter saws, table saws that are rated at 250
volts are widely used in residential areas that see potential shock hazards from ground-fault
conditions. With the addition of GFCI protection for these higher voltage receptacles that energize
this type of utilization equipment, potentially life-threatening shock hazards could be avoided. It
should be noted that only the voltage rating was raised to include GFCI protection. Utilization
equipment such as a 250-volt, 30-ampere rated clothes dryer would not be affected by this
proposed change.

NEW: 210.8(B)(2)(A) SPGFCI PROTECTION

The opening of paragraph of 210.8(B), Other Than Dwelling Units, has been revised by adding
references to new subsections, and has been subdivided into 210.8(B)(1) and 210.8(B)(2). Section
210.8(B)(1) provides the requirements for the traditional Class A ground-fault circuit-interrupter
(GFCI) protection for personnel. The newly proposed 210.8(B)(2) provides the requirements for
special purpose ground-fault circuit-interrupter (SPGFCI) protection devices. Both of these
subsections have also incorporated provisions for GFCI or SPGFCI protection for three-phase
receptacles in locations specified by 210.8(B). The requirements in this section have been
expanded to recognize the fact that shock hazards are not limited to 15- and 20-ampere, 125-volt
circuits at nondwelling unit locations. UL 943C identifies special purpose ground-fault circuit
interrupters (SPGFCI) to provide personnel protection where the voltage to ground exceeds 150
volts for Class A GFCI devices. SPGFCI devices operate to trip when the current to ground is 20 mA
or higher, but do not trip when the current to ground is less than 15 mA. At 20 mA or less, SPGFCI
prevent fibrillation and require a reliable equipment grounding conductor in the protected circuit
with an internal means within the device to monitor equipment grounding conductor continuity.
SPGFCI devices addressed by UL 943C are divided into three classesClass C, D and Ebased upon
voltage rating and the characteristics of the grounding circuit.

Although these devices cannot be substituted for a Class A GFCI device because of the higher
tripping values (20 mA), these new classes of SPGFCI protection can provide protection at single-
phase receptacle outlets where the receptacles are rated up to 100 amperes and more than 150
volts to ground, but not more than 600 volts between ungrounded conductors and three-phase
receptacles rated up to 100 amperes and more than 150 volts to ground, and up to 600 volts
between ungrounded conductors.

Photo 3

Photo 3: Examples of special purpose ground-fault circuit-interrupter (SPGFCI) protection devices.

Photo courtesy of Littelfuse.

NEW: 210.11(C)(4) DWELLING UNITS GARAGE BRANCH CIRCUITS

A new requirement has been proposed to require at least one 20-ampere rated branch circuit to
supply dwelling unit garage 125-volt receptacle outlet(s). Previously, this branch circuit could be
rated 15- or 20-ampere. Many appliances and tools used in dwelling unit garages are rated at 12-
to 16-amperes or higher and demand at least a 20-ampere rated branch circuit. A 15-ampere rated
branch circuit in the modern dwelling unit garage is typically not sufficient. While most residential
electricians are already installing 20-ampere rated branch circuits in dwelling unit garages, the NEC
currently does not require or demand this 20-ampere rating.

Figure 3

Figure 3: At least one 20-ampere branch circuit is now required to supply dwelling unit garage
receptacle outlet(s).

REVISION: 210.12(A) WHOLE-HOUSE AFCI PROTECTION

The continual expansion for arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection appears to be complete
with the proposed revisions to 210.12(A), which would require AFCI protection for all 120-volt,
single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling
units. The laundry list of rooms or areas requiring AFCI protection was removed, leaving AFCI
protection required for the entire dwelling unit. By the time the 2017 edition of the NEC is
published, the electrical industry will have over 15 years of experience with the manufacture and
installation of AFCI devices, and over 9 years of experience with combination-type (detects both
parallel and series arcing events) AFCI devices. With the expanded requirement in the 2014 NEC,
there were very few 120-volt single-phase 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits in a dwelling unit
(garages and bathrooms) that did not require AFCI protection. This will accomplish the original
objective sought by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to reduce residential
electrical wiring fires from the original AFCI proposals in the early 1990s.

CMP-2 also chose to delete 210.12(A)(4)(d), which required listing both the outlet branch-circuit
(OBC) AFCI outlet device and the branch-circuit overcurrent device as a System Combination. This
revision will basically allow the OBC AFCI outlet device to be installed at the first outlet of a branch
circuit to provide the necessary AFCI protection. Substantiation for this revision provided
significant statistical assurance that the home run portion of the branch circuit is protected from
parallel arcing faults and the arcing for hammer-damaged cable exhibited arcing in less than 10
percent of the surge events and exhibited arcing that lasted over a single half-cycle.

NEW: 210.71 MEETING ROOM RECEPTACLES

New requirements for a minimum number of nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere
receptacles to be installed in nondwelling unit meeting rooms have been proposed. For meeting
rooms with fixed walls, the proposed receptacle outlet provisions are similar to a dwelling unit as
210.52(A)(1) through (A)(4) are referenced. A meeting room that is at least 3.6 m (12 ft) wide and
has a floor area of at least 21 m2 (225 ft2) but not more than 70 m2 (760 ft2) would have to have
at least one floor receptacle at a distance not less than 1.8 m (6 ft) from any fixed wall. Meeting
rooms with moveable room partitions will require at least one floor receptacle outlet to be
installed for each 3.7 linear m (12 linear ft) or major fraction thereof of moveable wall measured
horizontally along the floor line. These floor receptacle outlets would need to be located within
450 mm (18 in.) of the movable partitions. Currently, there is no NEC requirement to provide
receptacle outlets in meeting rooms of commercial occupancies. A design that complies with the
current minimum NEC requirements could result in a meeting room with no receptacle outlets at
all. This proposal addresses the inherent concerns relating to inadequate access to electrical power
in meeting rooms. Receptacle outlets are needed to provide power along wall lines for laptop
computers, displays, coffee pots, heating of catered food, and other electrical/electronic
equipment.

Photo 4

Photo 4: Certain meeting rooms will now require specific receptacle outlet(s) identified at 210.71.

REVISION: 230.29 OVERHEAD SERVICE CONDUCTORS SUPPORTS OVER BUILDINGS

Revisions to 230.29 will require metal support racks or structures to be bonded by means of a
bonding jumper and listed connector to the grounded overhead service conductor for grounded
systems. The bonding jumper used for this bonding purpose would be required to be of the same
conductor size and material as the grounded overhead service conductor. Metal racks or structures
that are mounted on a roof or adjacent to a building and used to support energized conductors
should be adequately bonded to limit potential shock hazards. Currently, there appears to be
nothing in the NEC that would require these roof supports be bonded as they are not part of a
service raceway or enclosure. This proposed language will provide installers clear bonding
provisions and the AHJ a clear requirement for enforcement.

NEW: 240.67 ARC ENERGY REDUCTION (FUSES)

New provisions have been proposed to provide arc energy reduction methods of incident energy
reduction for fusible switches. The benefits of an arc energy reduction requirement that reduces
incident energy for circuit breakers rated 1200 amperes and greater have been well-established at
240.87. Those same methods of incident energy reduction could also be utilized with 1200
amperes and greater fusible switches. The proposed requirements of 240.67 are based upon the
requirements in 240.87 for circuit breakers, but modified to work with fusible switches. Section
240.67(A) details the necessary documentation, and 240.67(B) addresses methods to reduce
clearing times. It should be noted that this arc energy reduction requirement for fusible switches
has a proposed future effective date of January 1, 2020. While de-energizing electrical equipment
prior to examination or work within that equipment is the preferred procedure, NFPA 70E,
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, recognizes and permits workers to perform some
tasks within energized equipment. As with circuit breakers and 240.87, this new proposed
requirement is intended to provide a reduced clearing time when and where justified energized
work may be necessarily performed on equipment supplied by a fusible switch of 1200 amperes or
greater.

REVISION: 250.30(A)(4) GROUNDING SEPARATELY DERIVED AC SYSTEMS GROUNDING

ELECTRODE SYSTEM

Revisions were accepted for the acceptable methods of providing a grounding electrode system for
a separately derived system from a grounded system. Current text at 250.30(A)(4) instills a
pecking order for acceptable grounding electrodes for a separately derived system. Currently,
the grounding electrode shall be the nearest of one of the following: a metal water pipe
grounding electrode or a structural metal grounding electrode. If these two are not available, an
exception will then allow any of the other electrodes identified in 250.52(A) to be used if the two
electrodes mentioned above are not available. The new proposed text at 250.30(A)(4) will allow
any of the building or structure grounding electrodes described at 250.52(A) to be used as the
grounding electrode for the separately derived system without an order of preference. The revised
language also recognizes the water pipe and the structural metal frame as covered in 250.68(C) are
not actually grounding electrodes but rather are conductors extending the grounding electrode
connection.

Photo 5

Photo 5: Grounding provisions of separately derived systems (such as a transformer) have been
revised for the 2017 NEC.

REVISION: 250.52(A)(2) GROUNDING ELECTRODES METAL IN-GROUND SUPPORT STRUCTURE(S)

Section 250.52(A) describes the conducting objects that are required to be used in a grounding
electrode system with the prevailing conditions for each electrode described. In recent code cycles,
performance criteria for these electrodes have been relocated to 250.68(C), leaving only qualifying
conditions. The qualifying conditions for a metal frame of a building or structure [located at
250.52(A)(2)] have gone through numerous changes since the 2002 NEC and beyond. Two
conditions exist in the 2014 NEC in order for a metal frame of a building or structure to qualify as a
grounding electrode. The proposed text for the 2017 NEC leaves only one condition: one or more
metal in-ground support structure(s) in direct contact with the earth vertically for 3.0 m (10 ft) or
more, with or without concrete encasement. The title of this subsection will change to Metal In-
Ground Support Structure(s) to better reflect the definition of a grounding electrode, and the text
will be revised to provide clarity for describing what this electrode is. The current text regarding
hold-down bolts will be relocated to 250.68(C)(2) as performance criteria, not a qualifying
condition. Typically, if a metal frame of a building or structure is driven into the ground and
extends above the ground for any length, a transition from grounding electrode to grounding
electrode conductor is made at the point of emergence from the earth.

Figure 4

Figure 4. Only one condition exists for metal in-ground support structure to qualify as a grounding
electrode in the 2017 NEC.

NEW: 250.52(B)(3) NOT PERMITTED FOR USE AS GROUNDING ELECTRODES

Decisive language was proposed that would prohibit the structures and/or structural reinforcing
steel of an in-ground swimming pool described at 680.26(B)(1) and (B)(2) from being used as a
grounding electrode for a building or structure. Detached buildings or structures with electrical
power from a feedersuch as detached garages, workshops, etc.need a grounding electrode
system installed per the requirements of 250.32(A). Occasionally, these detached structures are
located near in-ground permanently installed swimming pools. In certain areas of the country, the
electrical installer will run a grounding electrode conductor from the electrical subpanel at the
detached structure to the reinforcing steel of the conductive pool shell (belly steel) or to the
structural steel of the perimeter surfaces (deck steel) and classify the pool reinforcing steel as an
other local metal underground system or structure as described at 250.52(A)(8). Sometimes, this
action is at the request of the local AHJ. This practice of using a swimming pool structure as a
grounding electrode would make the swimming pool in question (and its inhabitants) a super
target for any stray currents or ground-fault current introduced on this grounding electrode
system. CMP-5 determined that it was never the intent of the NEC to use a pool bonding grid as a
grounding electrode.

CHAPTER THREE WIRING METHODS

REVISION: TABLE 300.5 MINIMUM COVER REQUIREMENTS

A new General Note to Table 300.5 has been recommended to resolve a potential conflict
between UL 1838, Standard for Safety for Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Systems, and Table
300.5. The proposed footnote would read, A lesser depth [other than specified by Table 300.5]
shall be permitted where specified in the installation instructions of a listed low-voltage lighting
system. UL 1838 permits the use of junior and hard service cords that are not rated for direct
burial. As such, UL 1838 requires that the installation instructions inform the installer that the main
secondary wiring is intended for shallow burial [less 150 mm (6 in.)], unless the manufacturer has
provided wiring intended for direct burial. This appears to create a conflict between NEC 110.3(B)
and Table 300.5 (column 5, row 1) since the installation instructions of listed equipment are to be
followed. Per UL 1838, a conductor not identified as direct burial is to be buried less than 150 mm
(6 in.); but Table 300.5 column 5 row 1 requires low-voltage landscape lighting conductors to be
buried at a minimum of 150 mm (6 in.). The proposed new footnote to the table will eliminate the
conflict between Table 300.5 for listed landscape lighting systems that present no significant risk of
fire or electric shock injury and are intended to be easily accessed for repair or replacement.

REVISION: 310.15(B)(7) SIZING DWELLING UNIT SERVICES AND FEEDERS

For the decades that this dwelling unit service conductor sizing provision has existed in the NEC, it
has always applied to 120/240-volt, single-phase services and limited feeders only. For the 2017
NEC, a First Revision will allow the reduction in size for dwelling unit service conductors and a
feeder that supplies the entire dwelling to also include systems of a 120/208-volt system to qualify
as well. The original data that was used to establish the dwelling unit service conductor reduction
requirements of 310.15(B)(7) was actual utility company data for 120/240-volt 3-wire single-phase
systems only. Previous attempts to include 120/208-volt systems at 310.15(B)(7) have met with the
argument that the grounded (neutral) conductor of a 208-volt system, which supplies only two
phases of a three-phase Wye system will carry near full-line current. Other arguments against
inclusion of a 120/208-volt system have included objections to the additional heat from the
presence of a third current-carrying conductor as the grounded (neutral) conductor in a 120/208-
volt system is a current-carrying conductor. This will be an interesting proposed revision to watch
during the public comment stage.

Figure 6

Figure 5: 208Y/120-volt systems proposed to be added to 310.15(B)(7)

NEW: 314.27(E) OUTLET BOXES SEPARABLE ATTACHMENT FITTINGS

A new subsection (E) has been proposed for 314.27 to address new technology incorporating listed
power supply devices, and listed locking support, and mounting receptacles and supporting means
for luminaires and ceiling-suspended paddle fans to be installed in or to boxes designed for the
purpose. These fittings may now be used to support and power the luminaire or ceiling-suspended
paddle fan directly, thus facilitating replacement of the luminaire or ceiling-suspended paddle fan
when attached in or to the box described at 314.27. This new subsection recognizes new listed
technology designed to power and support luminaires and/or ceiling-suspended paddle fans from
a receptacle and mounting means located in the box, rather than by direct connection to the box.
This listed product will provide a secure mounting mechanism and will facilitate interchange of
luminaires and ceiling-suspended paddle fans in a safe and efficient manner. It should be noted
that this new language concerning locking support and mounting receptacles for luminaires is an
option and not a requirement for mounting luminaires and ceiling-suspended paddle fans.

Photo 6
Photo 6: Example of a locking support and mounting receptacles for luminaires. Device for photo
courtesy of Safety Quick Lighting and Fan Corp.

NEW: 320.6 LISTING REQUIREMENTS CABLE WIRING METHODS

New provisions have been proposed to be added at .06 of several of the cable-type wiring method
articles that would require the wiring method (cable) and associated fittings to be listed and
labeled. Listing is based on compliance with recognized product standards. Non-listed cables and
associated fittings may not have been evaluated for compliance with such requirements; and, in
some cases, lack of such compliance may make it difficult to determine acceptance in the field. For
example, a non-listed cable may not function correctly with listed termination fittings. This
proposed text will ensure that the cable will be evaluated to the appropriate product standard and
be listed for use in accordance with the NEC. The addition of the words and labeled will insure
that the AHJ has clear evidence that the wiring method and fittings are listed by an acceptable
product evaluation organization. This new listing requirement was proposed for 320.6 Type AC
cable; 322.6 Type FC cable; 324.6 Type FCC cable; 328.6 Type MV cable; 330.6 Type MC cable;
332.6 Type MI cable; 334.6 Type NM cable; 336.6 Type TC cable; 338.6 Type SE cable; and 340.6
Type UF cable.

REVISION: 338.10(B)(4) USES PERMITTED TYPE SE CABLE

Provisions have been proposed to limit the restriction of service-entrance (SE) cables ampacity
ratings to the 60C (140F) conductor temperature rating to only 10 AWG sizes and smaller, where
the Type SE cable is installed in thermal insulation as a branch circuit or feeder. The current
restriction applies to all sizes of Type SE cable installed in this manner. This change will align
smaller Type SE cables with Type NM cables as related to heat dissipation when installed in
thermal insulation. Type SE cable is listed according to UL 854 and is typically listed at 75C with
90C insulated conductors. Type SE cable is commonly available in copper 8 AWG and larger and
aluminum 6 AWG and larger. The smaller sizes are often used in residential applications to feed
large appliances, such as rangetops and ovens. The limitations to 60C should only apply to sizes
used for small conductor installations. Appliance receptacles sized 30 amperes and larger are listed
and marked for use at 75C with both copper and aluminum. Therefore, the circuit breaker, Type SE
cable and receptacles are all suitable for use at 75C. Type NM cable is frequently used for smaller
devices, such as receptacles and switches that are listed for use at 60C. If Type SE cable is used for
a similar installation, it would be reasonable to limit its ampacity to correlate with the temperature
limitations of the devices and luminaires. There seems to be no logical or technical reason to
restrict larger sizes of Type SE cable ampacity for larger conductor applications.

NEW: 366.20 AUXILIARY GUTTERS CONDUCTORS CONNECTED IN PARALLEL

New language was proposed for Article 366 with specific instruction on installing conductors in
parallel in auxiliary gutters. There have been documented failures of parallel phase conductors due
to inductive heating, where installed in wireways or auxiliary gutters. In addition to the
requirement of each parallel phase conductor being the same length, the proper grouping of
phases can reduce inductive heating and result in a more balanced load between each conductor
of a parallel phase. Specific language requires parallel conductors to be installed in groups
consisting of not more than one conductor per phase, neutral, or grounded conductor to prevent
current imbalance in the paralleled conductors due to inductive reactance. The same parallel
provisions were also proposed for metal wireways at 376.20 and for nonmetallic wireways at
378.20

This article provides readers with current information about proposed First Revisions (FRs) that
have been approved thus far in the 2017 NEC Code development process. To become part of the
First Draft edition of the 2017 NEC, these FRs need a 2/3 majority vote. Some of the changes we
have reported on might not receive that 2/3 majority vote in the written ballot. Other proposed
changes have the opportunity to be reversed by a Public Comment (PC), which will be open from
July through September 25, 2015 (electronic submittal).

Part 2 of this article, covering changes in Chapters 48, will appear in the July-August issue of IAEI
magazine.

CHAPTER FOUR EQUIPMENT FOR

GENERAL USE
NEW: 404.22 ELECTRONIC LIGHTING
CONTROL SWITCHES
A new provision was proposed requiring all electronic lighting control
switches to be listed. This new provision goes on to prohibit these electronic
lighting control switches from introducing current on the equipment
grounding conductor during normal operation. This proposal would have a
future effective date of January 1, 2020. Section 404.2(C) generally requires
a grounded (neutral) conductor to be installed at switch locations that
control lighting loads. When CMP-9 initiated 404.2(C) in the 2011 NEC, it was
intended to begin a process that would ultimately result in no current being
intentionally introduced onto the equipment grounding system as a result of
the installation of electronic switching devices, such as an occupancy
sensor. Currently, existing listed products, per the manufacturers
instructions, direct the installer to utilize the green or bare equipment-
grounding conductor to be connected to the device to act as the grounded
conductor to power the electronics with 120 volts. The equipment-grounding
conductor should not be used to complete this circuit under any
circumstance. This proposed new section would require the insulated
grounded conductor to be installed and used with the proper listed
electronic device. The future effective date provides the manufacturers a
reasonable time frame to produce these switching devices with grounded
conductor compatibility while being able to use existing inventory.

NEW: 406.3(F) RECEPTACLE WITH USB

CHARGER
New provisions have been proposed for Article 406 pertaining to 125-volt 15-
or 20-ampere receptacles that additionally provide Class 2 power in the form
of a USB charger. These new provisions require these devices to be listed
and constructed such that the Class 2 circuitry is integral with the
receptacle. Currently, Article 406 contains requirements for an assortment
of different types of receptaclessuch as an isolated-ground type
receptacle, weather-resistant and tamper-resistant type receptaclesbut no
provisions exist requiring a receptacle providing power to Class 2 equipment
to be listed. Outlet devices consisting of a Class 2 power supply and Class 2
output connector(s) are presently readily available to the public. Some of
these assemblies are intended to be secured and directly connected to a
duplex receptacle. The combination of the Class 2 assembly and duplex
receptacle has not been investigated to national standards. The product
standard for receptacles, ANSI/UL 498, Attachment Plugs and Receptacles,
corresponds to the required construction and to the performance
requirements to evaluate the suitability of a receptacle with integral power
supply with Class 2 output connectors. Requiring the use of a listed
receptacle with an integral power supply with Class 2 output connectors will
confirm that the installed device complies with the appropriate product
standard.
 Photo 1. Receptacle outlet with USB charger Photo courtesy of Leviton

REVISION: 406.12 TAMPER-RESISTANT

RECEPTACLES
The requirements and locations for tamper-resistant receptacles have been
proposed to be expanded. Currently, tamper-resistant receptacles are
required at dwelling units, guest rooms and guest suites of hotels and
motels, and in child care facilities. The proposed expansion would bring
these safety devices to preschools and elementary education facilities;
business offices, corridors, waiting rooms and the like in clinics, medical
and dental offices and outpatient facilities; to assembly occupancies such
as places of awaiting transportation, gymnasiums, skating rinks,
auditoriums; and to dormitories. These expanded locations are areas that
small children frequently occupy. The current exception will also be
extended to these new locations. Tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles are
currently limited to nonlocking-type 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles.
In the proposed new text, 125-volt has been removed to include all non-
locking 15- and 20-ampere receptacles (not just 125-volt rated). Another
interesting change to the tamper-resistant receptacle requirements is a
reference to 550.13, as well as to 210.52 for areas of the dwelling unit where
tamper-resistant receptacles are required. This will clarify that tamper-
resistant receptacles are, indeed, required in mobile and manufactured
homes.

REVISION: 408.3(A)(2) BARRIERS AT

SERVICE PANELBOARDS, SWITCHBOARDS,
AND SWITCHGEAR
Panelboards have been added to the type of service equipment, along with
switchboards and switchgear, that will require barriers to be placed in these
service enclosures to prohibit uninsulated, ungrounded service busbars or
service terminals from being exposed to inadvertent contact by persons or
maintenance equipment while servicing load terminations. Access to
uninsulated live parts on the line side of a service disconnect within
panelboards has been identified as a safety concern for several Code cycles.
The proposed addition of panelboards would introduce a level of isolation
from service-side uninsulated live parts for service panelboards in a manner
similar to that currently afforded service switchboards and switchgear.
Providing such protection is more readily achieved for those panelboards
designed for a single-service disconnect, but is less practical for
panelboards designed for multiple-service disconnects. With this in mind,
the proposed exception would exempt this barrier provision for service
panelboards with provisions for more than one service disconnect within a
single enclosure as permitted by 408.36, Exceptions 1, 2, and 3. This
revision is intended to complement the new construction requirement in UL
67, Panelboards, and address the safety concern of access to ungrounded,
uninsulated live parts. This requirement for barrier-type panelboards has
been in place for Canadian service equipment for many years. This will now
allow an electrically safe work condition, as defined in NFPA 70E, to be
established when performing electrical work in service equipment while
energized.
Photo 2: Service panelboards with barriers for Canadian service equipment.
Photo courtesy of Square D/Schneider Electric.

NEW: 409.23 AVAILABLE FAULT CURRENT

(INDUSTRIAL CONTROL PANELS)
New provisions were proposed for a field marking requirement for industrial
control panels indicating the available fault current. This proposed field
marking would be similar to the available fault-current field marking
requirements of 110.24(A). If this provision is successful, whenever an
industrial control panel was marked with a short-circuit current rating in
accordance with 409.110(4), the available short-circuit current at the
industrial control panel and the date the short-circuit current calculation
was performed would be required to be documented and made available to
those authorized to inspect the installation. Typically, listed industrial
control panels are being properly marked with the short-circuit current
rating by the manufacturer, but there is currently no information on the job
site as to the available short circuit at the industrial control panel for the
authority having jurisdiction to assure that the equipment is properly sized
and being properly protected.

REVISION: 422.16(B)(2) BUILT-IN

DISHWASHERS
A built-in dishwasher is allowed to be cord- and plug-connected. Proposed
revisions would allow only the receptacle outlet for a cord- and plug-
connected dishwasher to be located in the space adjacent to the
dishwasher. Current provisions will allow this receptacle outlet to be placed
in the same space as the dishwasher or in the space adjacent to the
dishwasher. UL Product Standard 749, Household Dishwashers, was referenced
as the main reason for this proposed change. UL 749 requires the receptacle
outlet to be installed in a location adjacent to the dishwasher and will not
allow this receptacle outlet in the same space as the dishwasher, as the
present edition of the NEC allows. This product standard also calls for a
receptacle outlet to be installed within 1.83 m (6 ft) of the appliance. With
this in mind, it was proposed to lengthened the cord for a built-in dishwasher
from 0.9 m to 1.2 m (3 ft to 4 ft) to 0.9 m to 2.0 m (3 ft to 6 ft), measured
from the face of the attachment plug to the plane of the rear of the
appliance. Some will argue that this adjacent space requirement will often
lead to the cord passing through a cabinet divider or wall and would be in
conflict with requirements in 400.8 that will not allow a flexible cord to be
run through walls. This one will be interesting to watch throughout the
2017NEC development process.

Figure 1. Requirements for cord- and plug-connected built-in dishwashers

have been revised.
REVISION: 445.11 MARKING
(GENERATORS)
In addition to the nameplate information currently required for a generator,
the marking and nameplate requirements for all stationary generators and
portable generators rated more than 15 kW have been proposed to be
revised to include not only the power factor, the subtransient, and the
insulation system class but also the transient reactances, and the maximum
short-circuit current. The term transient reactances was changed from
transient impedances to provide the correct industry term. Having the
generator marked with the maximum short-circuit current rating will assist
the enforcement community as well as the installer when verifying proper
overcurrent protection in the field. According to CMP-13, newer generators
are being manufactured with inverter-based designs. Determining fault-
current ratings for these generators is difficult and is best marked on the
generator by the manufacturer. Stationary and portable generators will also
be required to be marked to indicate if the generator is protected against
overload by inherent design, an overcurrent protective relay, circuit breaker,
or fuse. This information will assist the authority having jur-isdiction (AHJ)
in determining compliance with 445.13 for the ampacity of the conductors.

CHAPTER FIVE SPECIAL

OCCUPANCIES
RELOCATION: 500.2 DEFINITIONS:
HAZARDOUS (CLASSIFIED) LOCATIONS
The existing definitions presently located at 500.2 have been proposed to be
relocated to Article 100 to comply with the NEC Style Manual, which states
that a definition used in two or more articles is required to be located in
Article 100. Some of these definitions are already located in Article 100 and
duplicated at 500.2. Other definitions that applied to two or more articles in
Articles 501 through 516 were placed at 500.2 for convenience to the users
of these hazardous (classified) location articles; this placement also
violates the NEC Style Manual. Some in the electrical industry will argue that
definitions that are only applicable to NEC Chapter 5 need to remain within
the .2 sections within the articles in Chapter 5 so that the information
needed for the hazardous location user is readily available, since these
users typically dont get too far outside of NEC Chapter 5. This will be
another interesting change to follow during the 2017 NEC Code development
process.

REVISION: 501.10(B)(1) WIRING METHODS

FOR CLASS I, DIVISION 2
The wiring methods permitted for Class I, Division 2 locations have been
proposed to be expanded to include rigid metal conduit (RMC) and
intermediate metal conduit (IMC) with listed threadless fittings, along with
the addition of electrical metallic tubing (EMT) with listed fittings. According
to CMP-14, these wiring methods provide an appropriate level of safety for a
Class I, Division 2 location. There seems to be little validation for currently
requiring only threaded couplings and fittings for RMC and IMC in Class I,
Division 2 locations since the present Code requirements permit cables with
threadless fittings to be installed in Class I, Division 2 locations. EMT was
added as this wiring method offers greater physical protection than some of
the wiring methods currently allowed at 501.10(B)(1). Sealing with threaded
connections at the Class I, Division 2 boundaries is already addressed at
501.15(B)(2). Cablebus was also proposed to be added as it provides a level
of safety equivalent to the other wiring methods permitted for Class I,
Division 2 locations. According to the substantiation, cablebus is similar to
installed cable tray with spacing on the conductors. Cable tray is already
allowed in a Class I, Division 2 location, so cablebus with insulated cables
should be an allowed wiring method as well.
 Figure 2: Additional wiring methods proposed for Class I, Division 2.

NEW: TABLES 511.3(C) AND 511.3(D)

TABLES FOR MAJOR AND MINOR REPAIR
GARAGES
Two new tables have been proposed to be added at 511.3. These tables
contain detailed information on the extent of the classified locations for
major and minor repair garages with heavier-than-air fuel and the extent of
classified locations for major repair garages with lighter-than-air fuel,
respectively. In order to align with NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing
Facilities and Repair Garages, 511.3(C) and 511.3(D) are proposed to be
replaced respectively in their entirety with a new 511.3(C) covering both
major and minor repair garages where heavier than air gaseous Class I
liquids are transferred or dispensed, and a new 511.3(D) covering major
repair garages where vehicles using lighter than air gaseous fuels are
repaired or stored. These new tables are replicas of the corresponding
portions of Table 8.3.2 of NFPA 30A. These tables are similar in structure to
the tables in Article 514 and should provide the same user-friendly format
as their Article 514 counterparts.
 Figure 3: Two new tables in Article 511 will help simplify requirements for
commercial repair garages.

REVISIONS: 517.2 DEFINITIONS:

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Several definitions for health care facilities were proposed to be updated to
match recent changes to definitions in NPFA 99, Health Care Facilities Code,
and to update extracted material references. One of the more interesting
revised definitions was to the term,Health Care Facilities. This term now will
include buildings, portions of buildings, or mobile enclosures in which
human medical, dental, psychiatric, nursing, obstetrical, or surgical care are
provided. Previously, it was difficult to include a mobile recreational vehicle
(RV) or a mobile home being used on a temporary basis as a medical health
care facility because mobile enclosures were not in the definition of a
health care facility. For the 2015 edition of NFPA 99, the list of examples of
occupancies that may qualify as a health care facility was removed,
resulting in the same change in NEC Article 517. A new informational note
has been proposed to follow the definition of Health Care Facilities as this
list is valuable to installers and inspectors in identifying certain types of
occupancies that may qualify and require compliance with Article 517.
REVISION: 517.31(B) ESSENTIAL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TRANSFER
SWITCHES
Revisions to 517.31(B) [previously 517.30(B)(2)] have proposed that the
transfer equipment for all three branches of the essential electrical system
of a health care facility meet the emergency system requirements in
700.5(A), (B), and (C) where commercially available. Current Code text
requires only the transfer equipment for the life safety branch to meet
requirements of Article 700 for emergency systems (see 517.26). Transfer
switch malfunctions are a huge concern when essential electrical systems
fail. Assuring that all transfer switches of all of the branches of the essential
electrical system meet the same requirements as emergency systems found
in other types of occupancies will help the health care facilitys essential
electrical system protect patients and health care personnel during times of
emergencies and/or disasters.

Figure 4: Emergency system requirements added for essential electrical

system transfer switches.
CHAPTER SIX SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
NEW: 600.34 PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)
POWERED SIGNS
A new section and a new definition have been proposed to be added to
Article 600 to cover signs that are powered by a solar photovoltaic (PV)
system. These types of signs are defined as a complete sign powered by
solar energy consisting of all components and subassemblies for installation
either as an off-grid stand-alone, on-grid interactive or non-grid interactive
system. The installation rules for the PV system are found in Article 690.
Signs are a special application of PV equipment requiring special
installation instructions. These PV-powered signs are described and covered
by UL Standard 48, Electric Signs, Section 4.4.4.12. This new section
of NEC Article 600 will provide rules for field wiring and the installation and
safe usage of PV-powered signs. This section is also intended to harmonize
Article 600 with Article 690 and the end use of PV signs constructed per UL
48.

Photo 3: PV-powered sign

DELETION: TABLE 680.10 MINIMUM
COVER DEPTHS SWIMMING POOLS
Do the requirements for underground wiring related to swimming pools
located in 680.10 apply outside the 1.5 m (5 ft) radius of a swimming pool?
These and other questions have been proposed to be answered as Section
680.10 (now proposed to be 680.11) has been revised to clarify which
underground wiring can or cannot be installed under and around swimming
pools. This also clarifies that the wiring methods underground near
swimming pools must be installed in a manner to withstand the conditions
unique to the pool environment, and that only wiring related to swimming
pools may be run under the pool to feed such things as underwater wet-
niche luminaires, etc. The revised text resolves some possibly conflicting
language stating that only swimming pool-related wiring may be installed
underground within 1.5 m (5 ft); and then in the next sentence, 680.10
permits other wiring within the 1.5 m (5 ft) zone limited to pool-related
wiring. CMP-17 determined that all underground wiring should be installed
per the burial depths of Table 300.5, thus eliminating the requirement for
Table 680.10.

NEW: ARTICLE 680 PART VIII

ELECTRICALLY POWERED POOL LIFTS
A new Part VIII and a new definition have been proposed to address an ever
growing concern for safety involving electrically powered pool lifts being
installed all across the country around swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
The proposed definition is:Electrically powered pool lifts are an electrically
powered lift that provides accessibility to and from a pool or spa for people
having disabilities. Installation of these pool lifts has been occurring, and
continues to occur, all across the country for compliance with Department
of Justice and Building Code requirements. These lifts allow persons with
disabilities to have access to public pools, spas, and hot tubs. This
equipment is currently being installed without compliance to
current NEC requirements, such as equipotential bonding. This proposed new
part to Article 680 attempts to permit a compliant installation with adequate
safety requirements for all swimming pool users, and would cover such
things as listing and labeling requirements, GFCI protection for personnel,
bonding requirements, switching devices, and nameplate information and
requirements.

Photo 4: Electrically powered pool lifts provide accessibility to and from a

pool or spa for people with disabilities.

REVISION: 690.8(A)(1) CALCULATION

OF MAXIMUM PV SOURCE CIRCUIT
CURRENT
Proposed revisions to the calculation methods for photovoltaic (PV) systems
would allow engineering supervision to be used in calculating maximum
source circuit current for PV systems with a generating capacity of 100
kilowatts or greater. Current provisions only allow this current to be
calculated by the sum of parallel PV module rated short-circuit currents
multiplied by 125 percent. The substantiation of this revision points out that
an engineer qualified to design PV systems is capable of making the
necessary calculations or running the necessary simulations to develop
accurate maximum circuit currents of PV source circuits based on the
specifics of an installation location. While the use of short-circuit current
method as the maximum current is still allowed, recent improvements in
ground-fault protection could make the use of short-circuit current as the
maximum current an obsolete concept. The new proposed text allowing the
calculated maximum current value using the engineering supervision
method is not permitted to be less than 70 percent of the value calculated
using rated short-circuit currents methods.

NEW: 695.15 SURGE PROTECTION FOR FIRE

PUMPS
A new provision was proposed for fire pumps that would require a listed
surge protection device to be installed in or on the fire pump controller. A
surge protection device (SPD) is necessary to provide protection for the fire
pump controller. According to the substantiation for this new SPD
requirement, a study titled, Data Assessment for Electrical Surge
Protective Devices commissioned by the NFPA Fire Protection Research
Foundation, showed that 12% of the fire pumps tested had damage due to
voltage surges. Much of this damage could have been prevented with
properly sized surge protective devices. With fire pumps being so critical for
life-safety, SPDs are a small price to pay to ensure these precarious devices
remain in good working condition.

CHAPTER SEVEN SPECIAL

CONDITIONS
NEW: 700.3(F) TEMPORARY SOURCE OF
POWER FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR
OF THE ALTERNATE SOURCE OF POWER
FOR EMERGENCY SYSTEMS
New prescriptive language was proposed to be added to 700.3 detailing
requirements, along with an exception, that recognizes whether a
permanent switching means to connect temporarily an alternate source of
power (such as a generator) is or is not required. If the emergency system
relies on a single alternate source of power and this system must be
disabled for maintenance or repair, the emergency system must include
permanent switching means to connect a temporary alternate source of
power for the duration of the maintenance or repair. The existing last
paragraph in 700.4(B) provides a performance-based requirement for a
portable or temporary alternate source to be available whenever the
emergency generator is out of service for major maintenance or repair. The
term major is very subjective, and no prescriptive requirements currently
exist for this situation. Minor maintenance such as an oil change would not
be considered major maintenance but could disable a generator source for
several hours.

NEW: 700.25 BRANCH CIRCUIT

EMERGENCY LIGHTING TRANSFER SWITCH
A new section was proposed to be added to Article 700. This would permit
emergency lighting loads supplied by branch circuits, rated at not greater
than 20 amperes, to be transferred from the normal branch circuit to
an emergency branch circuit using a listed branch-circuit emergency-lighting
transfer switch. This provision goes on to clarify that the mechanically held
requirements of 700.5(C) are not to apply to listed branch-circuit emergency-
lighting transfer switches. This addition is intended to accommodate a new
class of transfer switching devices intended for operation of individual
branch circuits in an emergency lighting system.

During the 2011 Code cycle, 700.24 (now 700.25) was added to the NEC. This
section covers the requirements for automatic load control relays (ALCR).
The section specifically states: The load control relay shall not be used as
transfer equipment. These devices are evaluated in accordance with UL
924, Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment. These ALCRs were
never intended for use as general-purpose transfer equipment, even though
these devices fall within the NEC definition of transfer equipment.

Currently, listed ACLRs with transfer features are being installed in the field
in violation of current NEC 700.25. Most of these devices have undergone no
evaluation as emergency transfer switches. These devices, along with
transfer-capable ALCRs, are now being listed and evaluated under UL
Product Standard 1008, Transfer Switch Equipment as Branch Circuit
Emergency Lighting Transfer Switches (BCELTS).

BCELTS devices will now be evaluated for comparable performance and

construction requirements as those applied to traditional emergency-
transfer switches when used on branch circuits rated up to 20 amperes.
REVISION: 770.24 MECHANICAL
EXECUTION OF WORK: OPTICAL FIBER
CABLES
Revisions to 770.24 were proposed to require protection against physical
damage to optical fiber cables in accordance to all of 300.4not just
300.4(D) through (G) as is currently required. The text was also revised to
reference 300.4 in its entirety as optical fiber cables need to be protected
from all sources of damage. This revision is necessary with the ever
expanding use of optical fiber cables in critical circuits such as fire alarm,
and not just in communications circuits. Physical protection requirements
will now apply to areas such as bored holes structural joints in conjunction
with optical fiber cables. The last sentence of 770.24 was also revised by
adding in accordance with 800.170(C).

The NEC reader/user should be alerted to the additional listing information

for nonmetallic cable ties for use in other space used for environmental air
(plenums) contained in 800.170(C). Some of these same revisions were
proposed for 800.24, 820.24, and 830.24.
 Photo 5: Optical fiber cable is required to be protected against physical
damage per NEC 300.4.

CHAPTER EIGHT COMMUNICATION

SYSTEMS
REVISION: 840.48 UNLISTED WIRES AND
CABLES ENTERING BUILDINGS FOR
PREMISES-POWERED BROADBAND
COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
In order to expand the coverage of Article 840, there is a proposal to
recognize both twisted pair and coaxial cable-based systems in addition to
optical fiber-based systems. In addition to the current reference to 770.48
for installations of unlisted optical fiber cables entering buildings, new
references have been added for 800.48 unlisted communications wires and
unlisted multi-paired communications cables entering buildings, and 820.48
for unlisted coaxial cables entering buildings.

The term optical network terminal (ONT) at 840.2 was revised to network
terminal, and the definition was revised to accommodate twisted pair-based
and coaxial cable-based systems in addition to optical fiber-based systems.

INFORMATIVE ANNEX D EXAMPLES

REVISION/NEW: EXAMPLE D7 SIZING OF
SERVICE CONDUCTORS FOR DWELLING(S)
The example for sizing of service conductor for dwelling units at Example D7
was proposed to be revised to clarify the use of correction and adjustment
factors. The example would now include provisions for sizing dwelling unit
service conductors with no required adjustment or correction factors, and
provisions with required temperature correction factors such as ambient
temperature correction factors at Table 310.15(B)(2)(a). The previous table
information that was located in Table 310.15(B)(7) prior to the 2014 NEC was
re-inserted at Example D7. This table was added to show the dwelling-unit
service conductor sizes required if there were no adjustment or correction
factors to be applied.

This article is an effort to provide readers with current information about

proposed revisions that have been approved thus far in the 2017 NEC
Code development process. Part 1 of these revisions covering key proposed
changes located in NEC Chapters 1 through 3 was published in the May-June
2015 issue of IAEI magazine. These proposed changes are not set in stone
as we are still in the middle of the 2017 NEC development process and are
subject to changes based on Public Comments, etc. The final version of the
2017 NEC is scheduled be published in September 2016. These changes and
many others will be featured in IAEIs Analysis of Changes,
2017 NEC scheduled to be published during the same time frame as the
2017 NEC.

3
http://solarbuildermag.com/news/nec-2017-code-changes-pv-labels/

Many changes are occurring with labeling requirements covered by Article 690 as we
move toward the release of the NEC 2017 code revision. PV systems grow and
evolve, and the required labeling must change with them to ensure safe and
informative installations. Like any evolving process, input from many sources is
required to gain a better understanding of what works and what does not, so the
process of change can proceed in a way that makes sense for everyday use in real
world applications.

Code Making Panel 4 of the NEC 2017 has reviewed hundreds of public inputs. Each
suggestion is weighed, reviewed and compared to other similar requests and then
voted up or down based on all relevant data and substantiations. Many suggestions
were for improved labeling. The panel has addressed a number of inputs; some of the
changes are outlined in this article.

New Bipolar PV System Requirements

Making changes
that are relevant to existing and future systems is important. Part of the effort has
involved addressing labeling efficiency and eliminating or reducing labels that no
longer serve a valid purpose. For instance, certain labels are no longer considered
necessary, such as the bipolar label listed under 690.7(E)(3) from the NEC 2014 code.
Disconnection of the neutral cannot result in overvoltage of the array, since the
ground-fault detection system is required to separate the array into two distinct arrays
during fault conditions; therefore, condition 3 is unnecessary.
 To make this more
relevant, the NEC 2017 Article 690.31(I) will now indicate that a new label shall be
used to clearly mark bipolar PV systems with a warning notice indicating that
disconnecting the grounded conductor(s) (not the neutral) could result in overvoltage
of the equipment.

This change is linked to the revisions related to solidly grounded and reference
grounded systems. The warning about the disconnection of the grounded conductor in
a bipolar system is only relevant for solidly grounded bipolar systems, which are
extremely rare. The revision in 690.31(I) for the NEC 2017 clarifies (for reference
grounded bipolar systems) that these bipolar arrays must be separated into two
distinct monopolar arrays when the grounded conductor is interrupted, so overvoltage
does not occur.

Simplifying Power Information

Originally, the NEC 2014 Article 690.35(F) marking requirement was seen as
necessary for electricians, based on thinking that ungrounded conductors were
somehow unsafe.
 Fig. A

That has never been true, and so the requirement for this marking will be eliminated,
reducing the number of labels required on a PV system and simplifying the labeling
process even more (Fig. A).
Speaking of simplifying labeling, the following labels are still required, but the words
DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS have been removed. This is found in 690.17(E) of the
NEC 2014 code, but will be found in 690.13 (B) of the NEC 2017 revision (Fig. B).

Fig. B

As of the first draft revision of NEC 2017, 690.53 has changed to simplify the required
power information. The examples on pg. 36 show what was preserved in the current
code text while also showing what was eliminated or changed (Fig. C).

The following label already exists in Article 690.55 of the NEC 2014, but the language
was clarified slightly so that the new NEC 2017 code now reads: Energy storage
systems shall be marked with the maximum operating voltage, including any
equalization voltage. If solidly grounded, grounded circuit conductor shall be marked to
indicate the polarity.
 Old label

The previous code revision simply indicated: Photovoltaic power systems employing
energy storage shall also be marked with the maximum operating voltage, including
any equalization voltage and the polarity of the grounded circuit conductor.

In the NEC 2014, this section of code required the polarity of the grounded conductor
to be marked in all cases. In the 2017 code, only solidly grounded systems need the
polarity to be marked as part of this

New Label

provision. Many systems do not have grounded conductors, so the provision in NEC
2014 did not make sense. Also, other marking requirements in 690.31(B) require
general markings that include polarity, making this polarity marking requirement
redundant.

Note: Solidly grounded means that AC conditions are

Fig. C: In these examples, power requirements were simplified.

used 99 percent of the time.

Changes for Stand-Alone Systems
Language was clarified in article 690.56(A) regarding stand-alone systems.
References to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and related codes were removed.
It now reads:

A) Facilities with
Stand-Alone Systems. Any structure or building with a PV power system that is not
connected to a utility service source and is a stand-alone system shall have a
permanent plaque or directory installed on the exterior of the building or structure at a
readily visible location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The plaque or
directory shall indicate the location of system disconnecting means and that the
structure contains a stand-alone electrical power system. The marking shall be in
accordance with 705.10.

This revision removes subjective content that might be confusing for enforcement
personnel. The AHJ, in this case, could be both the building department and the fire
department. These different AHJs could have different opinions on location. Simply
stating that the sign must be in a readily visible location is preferred. Fire departments
are most likely your best choice to consult with on the best placement of the sign. The
reference to the wiring methods section of 690 was not appropriate for this sign and
was deleted in the code revision.
Updated Rapid Shutdown labeling
Regarding the fire department and the fire marshal, one of the more important
changes involves how a system is identified for rapid shutdown. The details around
rapid shutdown are still being discussed but, regardless of the outcome, fire marshals
want clear identification regarding rapid shutdown.

A public input was submitted to NFPA1, which is currently updating the IFC
(International Fire Code) for 2018. This input is described below and also applies to
the NEC 2017 revision so that there is consistency between both documents.

The new language

listed in 690.56(C) will require a label that is similar in concept to those shown here.

The first label would be required for a PV system that shuts down the array and all
conductors leaving the array, which will represent the NEC 2017 rapid shutdown
requirements.

The second label would be for PV systems that only shut down the conductors leaving
the array, which is representative of the current rapid shutdown requirements defined
in the NEC 2014.
 The label shall
include a simple diagram of a building or roof. Diagram sections in red signify sections
of the PV system that are not shut down when the rapid shutdown switch is operated.
Sections of the diagram in yellow signify sections of the PV system that are shut down
when the rapid shutdown switch is operated. Buildings with both types of rapid
shutdown, or a PV system with one of the rapid shutdown types and a PV system with
no rapid shutdown, shall have a detailed plan view showing each different PV system
and a dotted line around areas that remain energized after the rapid shutdown switch
is operated.

Finally, the rapid shutdown switch shall have a label located on or no more than 1
meter (3.3 ft) from the switch that reads Rapid Shutdown Switch for Solar PV
System.

As you can see, there are many changes both subtle and obvious that are being
considered for the NEC 2017 revision. We will continue to gather feedback so that final
changes can be made using public input and validated by associated code references
as well as real world requirements.
The goal is to continue working toward better code language that helps installers,
inspectors and designers meet the challenges of the future and ensure a safe
installation environment.
 4
http://www.nfpa.org/newsandpublications/nfpa-journal/2016/may-june-
2016/features/nec-changes

Decentralization
Revolution
As electrical generation and transmission becomes
less utility-centric, the NEC keeps pace with a host
of new provisions focused on emerging
technologies.
BY JESSE ROMAN
FOR OVER A CENTURY, electrical generation and distribution in the United
States was mostly tidy and consolidated. Big utility-owned power plants on the
outskirts of urban centers generated electricity and fed it into a network of
transmission lines that distributed it far and wide.
Listen to the NFPA Journal Podcast to hear NFPA electrical engineers Mark
Earley and Jeffrey Sargent talk about the proposed changes to the 2017 NEC
In this century, that centralized model has begun to change. Improved technology
and plummeting costs have driven a surge in privately owned wind and solar
power generation as more businesses and individuals view energy self-
sufficiency as economical and strategically smart. This hodgepodge of new
electrical generation is an ever-growing and important piece of the nations
energy pie, supplementing power from traditional utilities.

Ten years ago nobody
would've imagined the
amount of infrastructure we
have built out in this space,
said Bill Burke, division
manager, electrical
engineering, at NFPA.
The changing landscape has
caused electrical experts to
reimagine the future of the
electrical grid, and has been
one of the main drivers for
three of the most important
proposed additions to
the2017 National Electrical
Code (NEC). More and
larger consumer-owned
power generation has caused
the NECs code-making
panels to consider systems
and circumstances they
never had previously.
Since its inception in 1896,
the NECs scope has been
limited to electrical
considerations on the
customer side of the meter
that is, the codes rules do
not apply to utility-owned-
and-operated generation and
distribution equipment.
Back when big utilities
controlled virtually all
generation and distribution,
the line of demarcation was
relatively simple: the NEC
regulated the generation and
transmission of electrical
power, and NEC rules took
NFPA Conference
Session
NFPA Conference & Expo, Las Vegas, June
13-16, 2016
NFPA 70-2017, National Electrical Code:
Changes (Panel 1 of 3)
Monday, June 13, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Michael Johnston, National Electrical
Contractors Association (NECA); Keith
Lofland, International Association of
Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
Energy Storage SystemsInstallation and
Operation Safety Requirements
Monday, June 13, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Jack Lyons, National Electrical
Manufacturers Association
NFPA 70-2017, National Electrical Code
(NEC): New Articles for Energy Storage
Systems, DC Microgrids, and Stand-Alone
Systems
Tuesday, June 14, 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
John Kovacik, UL
NFPA 70-2017, National Electrical Code:
Changes (Panel 2 of 3)
Tuesday, June 14, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Michael Johnston, NECA; Keith Lofland,
IAEI
Microgrid System Deployment
Tuesday, June 14, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Chad Kennedy, Schneider Electric
PV + Storage: The Path of Rapid
Shutdown and ES Safety Gaps
Tuesday, June 14, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Matt Paiss, International Association of Fire
Fighters; Paul Rogers, Fire Department of
over at the point where the electricity entered the customers property, typically a
building.
In the NEC we call that the service point, where the utilitys responsibility ends
and where we begin, says Jeff Sargent, a regional NEC code specialist at NFPA.
But that line of demarcation is dynamic and it is moving. As energy
decentralization has pushed the utilitys responsibility farther away from the
owners electrical system, the NEC has had to address different and higher
voltage systems.
Three of the five new proposed articles in the 2017 NEC are a direct consequence
of this trend: Article 691, Large-Scale Photovoltaic; Article 712, Direct-
Current Micro-grids; and Article 706, Energy Storage Systems.
(Very) large-scale PV
Photovoltaic panels, or PV, are hardly new, first appearing in the NEC in 1984.
Those systems generated little power and adoption was scarce.
The large-scale systems covered under the proposed Article 691 are another
matter entirely, says Mark Earley, NFPAs chief electrical engineer. By definition,
large-scale PV arrays are systems that produce at least 5 megawatts (MW) of
power, roughly enough to power 800 average U.S. homes. But the systems can be
much larger than that, according to Earley. During the summer of 2014, Earley
and a few members of the NEC technical committee travelled to the Sonoran
Desert in California to visit a solar farm there called Desert Sunlight. When its
completed, the array will have an estimated 6 million panels and produce 550
MW of power, enough to power 160,000 homes, according to the facilitys
website.
The scale was really rather surprising, Earley says. Driving down the center, it
stretches for something like five miles in each direction, and all you can see to
the horizon in both directions is this sea of PV.
Aside from its magnitude, the Desert Sunlight facility is also unique in that its a
private investment venture and is not owned by a utility. The energy generated at
the facility is fed into the electric grid and sold to utilities. It is essentially a
privately owned power plant and falls within the scope of the NEC. The problem,
though, according to Sargent, is that the NECs current PV requirements dont
adequately cover installations of this magnitude.
Thats largely because solar arrays topping 5 MW did not even exist until 2007,
and the truly massive arrays exceeding 100 MW have all been built since 2012,
according to the Solar Energies Industry Association (SEIA). There are now nine
solar arrays in the U.S. larger than 100 MW, all of them in California and
Arizona, according to SEIA.
In addition to setting some basic requirements for installation, the NECs
proposed large-scale PV article actually eases or removes some of the traditional
PV requirements found in the code. Despite the size of these systems, there are
aspects that make them safer than a typical home array, Earley says. Nearly all
these big arrays, for instance, are located in isolated areas far from communities,
making some NEC PV requirements moot.
Most of these arrays are in fenced off areas so the only people with access are
PV professionals, Earley says. There are a few requirements you dont need
because these panels are not mounted on a building, such as rapid shutdown. But
because these facilities are usually in fenced-in areas, there are some
requirements for grounding of fences, and things like that.
Direct-current microgrid
Direct-current (DC) microgrids are another example of electrical infrastructure
that has traditionally been utility owned, but is migrating to the consumer side.
Essentially independent power distribution networks, microgrids are becoming
popular around the world among certain kinds of large facilities and campuses
as a means to increase energy efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain critical
business continuity.
Independence from the grid is appealing as a hedge against fluctuating energy
prices and power interruptions that threaten business. But for certain large
companies, private DC energy generation and distribution can also save hundreds
of thousands of dollars per year.
Ever since George Westinghouse prevailed over Thomas Edison in the electric
current wars of the late 19th century, utilities have delivered electricity as
alternating current (AC). However, computer equipment, electronics, LED
lighting, communications equipment, and other critical systems run on DC
power, meaning electricity from the grid must be converted to DC before those
devices can use it. That conversion, however, results in the loss of some
electricity, which, in the case of a big tech or telecommunications company
operating huge data centers, can add up to significant sums.
The clear benefits have led to hundreds of DC microgrids to be deployed around
the world, at data centers, airports, college campuses, and more. This is like
creating a little utility at the building, Sargent says.
All that activity caused the NEC technical committee to take notice. The current
NEC covers basic requirements for wiring, overcurrent protection, and
grounding, but does not cover all of the issues involved when multiple DC
sources and DC loads are interconnected, justifying the need for a new NEC
Article, the DC Task Group of the NEC technical correlating committee wrote
in its substantiation for the creation of the new chapter. The task group wrote that
it sees this new article as an important first step, and a place-holder for future
requirements in this rapidly developing area.
Energy storage systems
As detailed in the January/February 2016 NFPA Journal cover story, Power to
Spare, energy storage systems (ESS) are swiftly transforming the energy
landscape. Because of the enormous flexibility the systems provide, adoption is
expected to expand rapidly across multiple sectors, and even into the residential
consumer market. ESS enables the storage of renewable energy for use when the
wind isnt blowing and the sun isnt shining. ESS also allows consumers to buy
and store electricity from the grid when prices are low (such as at night) and use
it when demand and prices rise. Hospitals, data centers, airports, and other
facilities with critical operations can use battery power to ensure business
continuity in an outage. For utilities, storing large amounts of energy in batteries
means extra energy is available to carry the electricity load during infrequent
spikes in demand, eliminating the need to build more power plants.
The NEC has had some requirements for batteries since the 1897 edition, but
nothing as comprehensive as the proposed NEC Article 706, Earley says. The
proposed article has a lot of detail for a new facet of the code, he says, and
includes rules on equipment, installation of single and multiple ESS,
disconnection and shutdown, safety labeling, and more. The article covers
electrochemical storage batteries, flow batteries, capacitors, and kinetic energy
devices such as flywheels and compressed air.
As comprehensive as this first attempt is, Sargent admits its just a start, and that
ESS is a significant new category still in its infancy. This is our first shot at it
as these systems become more mainstream, the safety rules will evolve much like
photovoltaic, Sargent says. Its hard to anticipate or create in a test lab what is
going to happen in the real world, but the technology isnt waiting for the codes
and standards. The technology is going to move forward.
Safety first
New and changing technology isnt the only driver of change in the NEC. As in
all editions, there was a healthy amount of input and revision. All told, the NECs
code-making panels received more than 4,000 public inputs on the code, which is
on the high side, Earley says. Among those changes that made it into the
document are new requirements designed to improve safety for electrical workers
and first responders. Heres a brief rundown of a few of the proposed changes:
External shutoff for first responders: This new requirement, which would go
into effect in 2020, would require all new one- and two-family residential
structures to have external switches to cut the power to a residence. Currently
the NEC requires a means to disconnect electrical service, but does not specify
where the switch should be. The fire service has long supported an external
shutoff switch requirement to avoid having to enter a burning or flooded
building to cut power if necessary. Typically, the fire service calls the utility
company to disconnect service if needed, but in some rural areas that can take a
half hour or more and in many situations time is of the essence.

Better labeling: A few new proposed revisions are intended to better align the
NEC with NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

The new requirements will help us implement the safe work practices that 70E
calls forif we have a safe initial installation, it will help facilitate safe work
practices, Sargent says. Thats how the two documents work together.
One revision calls for more detailed labeling on equipment, such as the nominal
voltage, incident energy, and the level of personal protection equipment needed.
By giving maintenance workers specific information unique to that electrical
system they will have a better sense of what precautions should be taken, Sargent
says. Right now, all we are requiring is a basic warning such as Danger Arc
Flash Hazard, he says.
Another revision designed to address worker safety would establish minimum
front and side space clearances for installation of certain electrical equipment.
The rule is meant to ensure that workers arent in danger when working in tight
spaces packed with equipment, such as above a ceiling or in a crawl space.
We want to avoid a situation where a worker has to get in that space and
troubleshoot, or test the leads and meter, and cant fully open enclosure doors, or
has to work up against a grounded surface, Sargent said.
In other changes, a new Article 425 addresses rules for industrial process heating
equipment, such as electrode boilers, duct heaters, strip heaters, immersion
heaters, and other approved fixed electrical equipment for commercial and
industrial process heating. A new Article 710 gives specific rules for stand-alone
energy systems that are not connected to the grid. Some of these stand-alone
systems include PV systems, wind-powered systems, fuel cells, engine
generators, and others. Finally, new rules were added regarding electrically
powered pool lifts that provide accessibility to a pool or spa for people with
disabilities.
The deadline for submitting notices of intent to make a motion on the NEC was
April 29, as this issue of Journal was going to press. More information on the
process for the 2017 edition of the NEC can be found at the NEC document
information webpage.