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NEC Questions 011

Q1. Is AFCI protection required for circuits located in the bedroom of a hotel guest unit type room with sleeping space that has permanent provisions for cooking (2-burner cooktop)? Our guest unit rooms do not have true spaces for eating.

A1. Sorry, if the space has space for eating, sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation, then it's a dwelling unit as defined by Article 100. Since it's a dwelling unit, 210.12(B) requires all branch circuits that supply 125V, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets to be AFCI protected.

Q2. My inspection approved the rough-in, now he failed me for the final because I have a panel in an 8 x 5 walk-in closet. The homeowner isn't paying the final and he won't pay to have it moved. How can I convince the inspector to approve the installation?

A2. I'm sorry you didn't know that 240.24(D) prohibits overcurrent devices in the vicinity of easily ignitible material, such as in clothes closets.

Q3. Are AFCI receptacles available?

A3. AFCI receptacles are not available, because they do not meet the AFCI protection requirements of 210.12(B).

Q4. Is GFCI protection required for a hardwired pool pump motor rated 230V?

A4. No, GFCI protection is only required for receptacles that supply pool pump motors rated 15 or 20A, 120V through 240V.

Q5. Is the smoke detector circuit required to be AFCI protected?

A5. Section 210.12(B) requires all branch circuits that supply 125V, single-phase, 15 and 20A outlets in dwelling unit bedroom to be AFCI protected. This includes the smoke detector circuit. However, the 2005 NEC might prohibit AFCI protection on the smoke detector circuit.

Q6. I have been unable to find in the NEC that prohibits the stacking of transformers. For example, I have a 300kVA 480/208 transformer and a 75kVA 480/208 transformer that I need to fit in one electric room. There is not sufficient floor space to accommodate both. Can the transformers be stacked on top of each other with the smaller supported by a steel rack?

A6. As long as the working space requirements of 110.26 are maintained, this should be fine.

Q7. Can I connect the earth rods for the lightning protection system with the grounding system of the building?

A7. Actually the NEC in 250.106 requires the bonding of the lightning protection system ground terminals to the building or structure grounding electrode system, but it does not specify the conductor size to be used for this purpose.

Q8. We have difference of opinions with local inspectors when it comes to supporting lay-in light fixtures in a drop ceiling. We would like to know what the code says about this.

A8. The Code requires lay-in luminaires to be securely fastened to the ceiling-framing member by mechanical means such as bolts, screws, or rivets. Also listed clips identified for use with the type of ceiling framing member and luminaire can be used for this purpose [410.16(C)].

Q9. Do 125V duplex receptacles on commercial job have to be rated 20A when placed on a 20A circuit?

A9. No. 15A, 125V duplex receptacles can be installed on a 20A branch circuit [210.21(B)(3)].

Q10. Can the reduce feeder conductor sizes listed in Table 310.15(B)(6) 310.15 be use for individual dwelling units located in a multifamily dwelling-unit? What if the voltage to each dwelling unit is 120/208V single-phase?

A10. Yes Table 310.15(B)(6) can be used for the individual dwelling unit feeders, but only if the system voltage is 120/240V single-phase.

For more information please click here to review Mike's published works on this subject.

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