Mike, Where can find residental and commerical branch circuit panel distribution wire color code on quick reference cards ?

I will use these "Top 101 Rules" in my code classes, they sure focus on the important NEC Articles. Thanks Mike, this publication is helpful to anyone working with the NEC.

Mike,

Before you publish part 2, the 2 most common Code violations that I see in new services in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area are 230.54(C) and 230.54(F). A lot of electricians and linemen around here are still placing overhead service splices above the weatherhead even though that was outlawed about 30 years ago because stranded conductor acts as a poor excuse for a water hose. Compact stranded conductor is an even poorer excuse for a water hose.

There is even a place down my street where a 120Y208 volt weatherhead is above the point of attachment and Cleveland Electric Illuminating Comapny's linemen somehow placed the splices ABOVE the weatherhead!

The exception to 230.54(C) needs to be tightened up. There is ALWAYS a way for a weatherhead on a building to be above the point of attachment and First Energy regulations require a minimum of 12 inches above the point of attachment. NEC 230.24(A) exception no. 4 allows a weatherhead to be above the edge of a flat roof.

The ONLY time that a weatherhead MUST be mounted below the power source is when the weatherhead is mounted on a utility-owned pole and the service conductors connect directly to a transformer secondary or the utility requires the weatherhead to be below secondary conductors that are mounted on their pole. In both cases the service conductors should contain a strand blocking compound, be spliced to pigtails that contain a strand blocking compound, or the conductors be connected to a transformer with crimped or welded connectors that have a skirt that prevents water from entering the wire strands. An example of a strand blocking compound is Pirelli Strandseal which prevents water and gas flow between wire strands.

One of the ways that water can enter a splice is through the bare neutral in triplex and quadples service drop cables. There is a common crimp splices that has a groove running from one end to the other and this allows water to sneak underneath electrical tape. This groove cannot be reliably packed with silicone sealant to stop water flow. Also, snap on insulating cover kits can either allow a splice to drain or allow water in.

Mike Cole mc5w at earthlink dot net

We have a lot of electricians and electrical inspectors around here who are somehow 30 years behind NEC.

I love the stuff but being retired and not having my own coputer I find I never have time to read or ponder but your effort to make better the whole field is great, I wish there was such a thing when I was getting started thanks Jim

The "Top 101 Rules" i received from you will be used in my jurisdiction for handouts for home owners and contractors alike. I feel that it will be very useful. Thanks for this publication.

Richard F. Abrams

Mike,

I am having problems with opening this download. My computer does not know the program. Can you advise?

Thank you,

Bob Shearon

Good stuff, thank you!

Once again, thank you very much Mike for putting another useful tool up on the newsletter. You are the best.

Mahalo

Hi Mike. Well, once again yu've gone over the top with a free service to the industry. It's really appreciated, thanks. I hope all is well with the famly, especially the sailor. Ed

Really, the effort exerted is highly apperciated, Thanks alot

Hossam

Mike This is a great idea, on the 101 project

Dave Humphrey

Good job Mike. This could be used as an introduction to those unfamiliar with the NEC but wanting to know more.

I do have some differences of opinion (and that's all it is, my opinion).

1) I believe 110.12 "Mechanical Execution of Work" should be considered as an important rule "for every electrician to know". Also one that I see grossly violated on virtually all construction projects in this region, especially parts (A) and (C). So obviously, it's one that electricians don't know. But it has large safety implications.

2) I also believe 110.14 "Electrical Connections" bears some consideration as a "top 101" because many engineers and electricians miss the importance of paying attention to conductor and terminal temperature ratings and the implications to conductor sizing.

3) I don't think 110.16 should be on the list because it's nothing more than a sticker that states the obvious. Every electrician should already know that energized parts are dangerous. Do I disagree with the requirement, of course not, but is it worthy of "top 101" status or more important than 110.12 or 110.14? Not in my opinion.

Dear Mike, Thanks for all these helpfull downloads, they make the inturpritation of the code much easier to digest, and use.Keep them coming and thanks again. Jeffrey Mattheson Master Electrician Hampton NH.

Very much appreciate the time & work involved in this type of project.

You do a great service !!

I do wish parts 2, 3, & 4 were available now. Can't wait.

very informative article, well written.

Dear Mike and staff,

Thank you very much making this valuable document free to the electrical industry and to the public.

I want to comment on 110.16 - I believe this should be in the list because this is a very important safety requirement. The only concern is that right now the code just require a generic label, but the good thing is it refers to NFPA 70E for detials of the information that need to be in the label. It is very important because OSHA uses NFPA 70E as reference if you comply with their requirment of performing an electrical hazard assesment. Every electrical worker when performing work on energized equipment/panel should know what the hazards are and what PPE is required.

Thanks again, Sonny

Hi Mike,

I have to say I am continually ammased at the quality of the educational materials you are able to turn out to aid the electrical industry. The graphics in the "101 Rules" is outstanding and I for one am gatfull for your efforts. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work. Hope your recovery for last seasons storms is going well.

GREG