2011 Code Changes

We are almost near the end of 2011, however a lot of our customers are starting to ask and be effected by the Electrical Code Changes of 2011. Rather than re-write everything I’m just going to post some links and input were I find it relative to the majority of our customers & electricians.  You can also offer some input on our Facebook Page, you can find here [Hank's Electrical Supply].

Anytime there are code changes many of the electrical product manufacturers publish tidbits relevant to their products, to advertise their, & showcase applications of there products relevant to that particular change.  So here are some I found helpful…. (Keep in mind most are also filled with ads)

• Thomas & Betts (Large Download ~ .pdf) 
• Leviton 2011 Pocket Guide
• EC&M Magazine
• Legrand [Pass & Seymour, Wiremold, Etc..]

Noted Changes with our interpretation

>Section 210.12(B) basically says you need AFCI protection every outlet in a dwelling (w/ some exceptions) and that when available, AFCI devices installed as the first device feeding downstream devices may be used.

>Section 404.2(C) requires a grounded circuit conductor of the lighting circuit at the switch location.  (This is to provide proper operation of devices requiring low level current, like Occ. Sensors)  Exceptions include conduit so that in can be installed after the fact…

>Section 404.14(F) Requires Switched receptacles or ‘half-hots’ to be controlled by a switch of the same rating as the over current device feeding the circuit. Properly not a big deal unless you are using a stack switch, or on a 20amp circuit.

>Section 406.4(D)(6) requires listed ‘weather-resistant’ receptacles (including (GFCI) be used in wet & damp locations. Seems obvious, but we previously didn’t have “WR” listed devices.

>Section 210.8(A)(B)(C) must now be installed in ‘readily accessible locations’ as to promote once monthly testing that no one ever does anyway.

> Section 210.8(A)(7) [Page 20 of T&B guide linked above]. Clarification of GFCI requirements to be within 6′ of the outer edge of a sink that may be in a room other than the kitchen or bath. In other words the Kitchen and Bath were already covered by the code, however, if for some reason a sink were installed in a room other than a kitchen or bath, they would have the same requirement.

> Section 210.12x starts requirements for yet to be available AFCI Devices(outlets) to be installed similarly to GFCI devices. See section for details. [Side-note: this is good indication that AFCI device will be available soon]

>Section 314.24 large device(s) (dimmers, Occ. sensors, etc..) have to be taken into account in box fill/depth.

>Section 314.27(A) was clarified but needs more clarification. It says ‘Ceiling outlet boxes boxes’ unless labeled should be able to support 50lbs. However it doesn’t take into consideration older boxes that may offer less support that are not labeled and refers again to ceiling outlet boxes but also vaguely refers to outlet boxes. This one still needs some cleaning up, however it does list exceptions and specifications for luminaires support from device boxes and p-rings to 6lbs. Tread carefully…

> Section 210.52(C)(5) requires outlets be located on or above but no more than 20″ from a counter-top. An example is given of pop-up receptacle in an island counter-top.  But also note the 20″ requirement for a lot of you using plug strips mounted under cabinets.

>Section 210.52(E)(3) Balconies, decks, & porches, accessible from inside the dwelling,  regardless of size must have at minimum 1 receptacle not to be more than 6.5′ above the balcony.  Previously there was an exception for minimum size that was removed.

>Section 225.27 Raceway Seal, underground fed conduits are now required to be sealed in accordance with 300.5(G)

>Section 410.20 allows calculations for wire space to include the canopy, given the volume of the canopy is marked. Real application would be a commonly called ‘pancake’ box now being allowed more wire space allowing ‘daisy-chaining’ given enough listed volume in the canopy(s).

>Section 410.103(G)(1) When replacing a ballast you are supposed to now install a ‘luminaire disconnect’ on the line side terminals. These are the little orange or yellow snap together disconnects you see in all new fluorescent fixtures. This is ludicrous because there is no NEMA standard, and each mnf. uses a different style where as making the ballast change that much more difficult or just as dangerous as not having one, unless you happen to have every type of ‘Luminaire Disconnect’ on the market.

 

Reminder, the Code is the Code and interpreted differently by everyone. We all try to read into it what makes our situation work, but at the end of the day it’s guide and intent is safety first and foremost. Likely we don’t have a say over the inspectors interpretation anyway. Please read and verify carefully as the above comments are only my interpretation!

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