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S&B Electrical Program Q&A 1. Does a 2-bulb, single-ballast fluorescent fixture meet the requirement for emergency egress lighting? (Sept 11, 2009)Yes. Two lamps are required. 700.16 indicates that the burning out of a single lamp shall not leave the space in total darkness. 2. When supplying multiple loads from an optional system generator is it required to supply the loads from separate sections of a switchboard? (Sept 11, 2009) No. NEC 445.19 permits suppling multiple loads from separate sections of a switchboard or individual disconnects with overload protection fed from a single feeder, however it is not required. NEC 700.9(B) requires separation of emergency loads from all other wiring unless permitted by 700.9(B)(1) thru (5). 3. Is a disconnecting means required to be installed for a fluorescent fixture upon ballast replacement? (Nov. 18, 2009) No. The state and national electrical code requirements are generally not retroactive. NEC Section 410.130 (G) requires a disconnecting means for fluorescent luminaires (lighting fixtues) that utilize double-ended lamps and that contain ballast(s) that can be serviced in place. The disconnect is required to be located so as to be accessible to individuals servicing the ballast(s). The disconnecting means must simultaneous break all supply conductors to the ballast, including a grounded conductor, if the fixture is supplied by a multi-wire branch circuit. The general requirement for a disconnecting means for applicable luminaires has fIve exceptions. The requirement specifically refers to a disconnecting means-for the luminaire. If the entire luminaire is replaced; the requirement applies. If the luminaire was installed prior to 9/1/05, this requirement does not apply when the ballasts are replaced. 4. NEC 2008, Section 200.2(B) Continuity, states:"The continuity of the grounded conductor shall not depend on a connection to a metallic enclosure, raceway, or cable armor." Are the Cutler-Hammer CH and BR, Main breaker panelboards with a split neutral bus required to meet this requirement? (Nov. 18, 2009) The department has determined that the panelboard construction meets the intent of NEC 2008, Section 200.2(B) Continuity. The department has verified that the split neutral bus construction meets the applicable UL listing Standards. The panelboard has a split neutral bar. The neutral bar on the left side of the panel is connected to the neutral bar on the right side with a bonding strap or " bonding hook. The bonding strap is factory-installed to the main bonding jumper with a green screw that is secured to the back of the panel enclosure. The continuity of the grounded (neutral) conductor is maintained by the factory-installed bonding strap. The neutral current is not carried on the enclosure. The panelboard construction has been tested to and meets UL 67. The bonding strap has been tested for and is sized to carry the maximum unbalanced neutral current. 5. What were the arc-fault and tamper-resistant facets of code changes effective January 1, 2010 (January 28, 2010) The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) effective March 1, 2009. SPS 316.210(4), Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection and SPS 316.406, Tamper- Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units, had a delayed effective date of January 1, 2010. NEC 210.12 requires all 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlor, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type installed to provide protection of the branch circuit. This requirement applies to new installations of branch circuits and not to repairs, replacements, or extensions of existing installations. NEC 406.11 requires all 125-volt, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in all areas specified in 210.52 to be listed tamper resistant receptacles. Section 210.52 includes all receptacles in or on a dwelling unit as well as those receptacles provided in attached or detached garages of single-family dwellings. There are no exceptions to the requirements. County Web sites || City/Town/Village Web sites || State Portal || Build Your Business The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TDD Relay dial 711 in Wisconsin or 800-947-3529. |