NEC 2011 Code Changes Articles 280.21-300.50 CHANGES FROM 2008 TO 2011 CODE ARE IN RED Chapter 2 - Wiring and Protection ARTICLE 280 Surge Arresters, Over 1kV III. Connecting Surge Arresters 280.21 Connection (NEC 2008) The arrester grounding conductor will be connected to one of the following: (1)Grounded service conductor (2) Grounding electrode conductor (3) Grounding electrode for the service (4) Equipment grounding terminal in the service equipment 280.21 Connection (NEC 2011) The arrester will be connected to one of the following: (1)Grounded service conductor (2) Grounding electrode conductor (3) Grounding electrode for the service (4) Equipment grounding terminal in the service equipment 2012 All Star Training Inc. 1
280.24 Interconnections (NEC 2008) The grounding conductor of a surge arrester protecting a transformer that supplies a secondary distribution system will be interconnected as specified in section 280.24(A), (B), or (C). (A) Metallic Interconnections A metallic interconnection will be made to the secondary grounded circuit conductor or the secondary circuit grounding conductor provided that, in addition to the direct grounding connection at the surge arrester, the following also occurs: (B) Through Spark Gap or Device Where the surge arrester grounding conductor is not connected as listed in section 280.24(A) or where the secondary is not grounded as listed in section 280.24(A) but is otherwise grounded as listed in section 250.52, an interconnection will be made through a spark gap or listed device as required by section 280.24(B)(1) or (B)(2): 280.24 Interconnections (NEC 2011) The surge arrester protecting a transformer that supplies a secondary distribution system will be interconnected as specified in section 280.24(A), (B), or (C). (A) Metallic Interconnections A metallic interconnection will be made to the secondary grounded circuit conductor or the secondary circuit grounding electrode conductor provided that, in addition to the direct grounding connection at the surge arrester, the following occurs: (B) Through Spark Gap or Device 2012 All Star Training Inc. 2
Where the surge arrester grounding electrode conductor is not connected as in section 280.24(A) or where the secondary is not grounded as in section 280.24(A) but is otherwise grounded as in section 250.52, an interconnection will be made through a spark gap or listed device as required by section 280.24(B)(1) or (B)(2): 280.25 Grounding Conductor Connections and Enclosures (NEC 2008) Except as indicated in this article, surge-arrester grounding conductor connections will be made as shown in Article 250, Parts III and X. Grounding conductors installed in metal enclosures will adhere to section 250.64(E). 280.25 Grounding Electrode Conductor Connections and Enclosures (NEC 2011) Except as indicated in this article, surge-arrester grounding electrode conductor connections will be made as shown in Article 250 Parts III and X. Grounding electrode conductors installed in metal enclosures will adhere to section 250.64(E). ARTICLE 285 Surge-Protective Devices (SPD s), 1 kv or Less III. Connecting SPD s 285.23 Type 1 SPD s (Surge Arresters) (NEC 2008) (B) At the Service When installed at services, the grounding conductor of a Type 1 SPD will be connected to one of the following grounds: (1) Grounded service conductor 2012 All Star Training Inc. 3
(2) Grounding electrode conductor (3) Grounding electrode for the service (4) Equipment grounding terminal in the service equipment 285.23 Type 1 SPD s (Surge Arresters) (NEC 2011) (B) At the Service When installed at services, Type 1 SPD s will be connected to one of the following grounds: (1) Grounded service conductor (2) Grounding electrode conductor (3) Grounding electrode for the service (4) Equipment grounding terminal in the service equipment 285.25 Type 3 SPD s (NEC 2008) Type 3 SPD s (TVSS s) will be allowed to be anywhere on the load side of branch circuit overcurrent protection up to the equipment served, provided the connection is a minimum of 10 m (30 ft.) of conductor distance from the service or separately derived system disconnect. 285.25 Type 3 SPD s (NEC 2011) Type 3 SPD s (TVSS s) will be allowed to be installed on the load side of branch circuit overcurrent protection up to the equipment served. If included in the manufacturer s instructions, the Type 3 SPD connection will be a minimum of 10 m (30 ft.) of conductor distance from the service or separately derived system disconnect. 2012 All Star Training Inc. 4
285.27 Connection Between Conductors (NEC 2008) An SPD (surge arrester or TVSS) will be allowed to be connected between any two conductors ungrounded conductors, grounded conductor, grounding conductor. During a surge the grounded conductor and the grounding conductor will be interconnected only by the normal operation of the SPD (surge arrester or TVSS). 285.27 Connection Between Conductors (NEC 2011) An SPD (surge arrester or TVSS) will be allowed to be connected between any two conductors ungrounded conductors, grounded conductor, equipment grounding conductor, or grounding electrode conductor. During a surge the grounded conductor and the equipment grounding conductor will be interconnected only by the normal operation of the SPD (surge arrester or TVSS). 285.28 Grounding Conductor Connections and Enclosures (NEC 2008) Except as indicated in this article, SPD grounding connections will be made as shown in Article 250 Part III. Grounding conductors installed in metal enclosures will adhere to section 250.64(E). 285.28 Grounding Electrode Conductor Connections and Enclosures (NEC 2011) Except as indicated in this article, SPD grounding connections will be made as shown in Article 250 Part III. Grounding electrode conductors installed in metal enclosures will adhere to section 250.64(E). Chapter 3 - Wiring Methods and Materials 2012 All Star Training Inc. 5
ARTICLE 300 Wiring Methods 300.3 Conductors (NEC 2008) (A) Single Conductors Single conductors specified in Table 310.13(A) will only be installed if they are part of a recognized wiring method of Chapter 3. (B) Conductors of the Same Circuit All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors will be installed within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable tray, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless otherwise allowed in accordance with section 300.3(B)(1) through section 300.3(B)(4). (1) Paralleled Installations Conductors will be allowed to be run in parallel according to section 310.4. The requirement to run all circuit conductors within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable tray, trench, cable, or cord will apply separately to each portion of the paralleled installation, and the equipment grounding conductors will adhere to section 250.122. Parallel runs in cable tray will adhere to section 392.8(D). (C) Conductors of Different Systems (1) 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less Conductors of ac and dc circuits, rated 600 volts, nominal, or less, will be allowed to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway. All conductors will have an insulation 2012 All Star Training Inc. 6
rating equal to at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway. Further Information #2: No listing in 2008 300.3 Conductors (A) Single Conductors Single conductors specified in Table 310.104(A) will only be installed if they are part of a recognized wiring method of Chapter 3. (B) Conductors of the Same Circuit (1) Paralleled Installations Conductors will be allowed to run in parallel according to section 310.10(H). The requirement to run all circuit conductors within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable tray, trench, cable, or cord will apply separately to each portion of the paralleled installation, and the equipment grounding conductors will adhere to section 250.122. Parallel runs in cable tray will adhere to section 392.8(D). (C) Conductors of Different Systems (1) 600 Volts, Nominal, or Less Conductors of ac and dc circuits, rated 600 volts, nominal, or less, will be allowed to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway. All conductors will have an insulation rating equal to at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway. 2012 All Star Training Inc. 7
Further Information #2: See 690.4(B) for photovoltaic source and output circuits. 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage (NEC 2008) If subject to physical damage, conductors will be protected (E) Cables and Raceways Installed Under Roof Decking A cable-type or raceway-type wiring method, installed in exposed or concealed locations under metal-corrugated sheet roof decking, will be installed and supported so that the nearest outside surface of the cable or raceway is not less than 38 mm (1 ½ in.) from the nearest surface of the roof decking. (G) Insulated Fittings If raceways contain 4 AWG or larger insulated circuit conductors and these conductors enter a cabinet, box, enclosure, or raceway, the conductors will be protected by a substantial fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface, unless the conductors are separated from the fitting or raceway by substantial insulating material that is securely fastened. (H) Structural Joints No listing in 2008 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage (NEC 2011) If they are subject to physical damage, conductors, raceways, and cables will be protected. (E) Cables, Raceways, or Boxes Installed in or Under Roof Decking 2012 All Star Training Inc. 8
A cable raceway, or box, installed in exposed or concealed locations under metal-corrugated sheet roof decking, will be installed and supported so that there is no less than 38 mm (1 ½ in.) measured from the lowest surface of the roof decking to the top of the cable, raceway, or box. A cable, raceway, or box will not be installed in concealed locations in metal-corrugated, sheet decking-type roof. (G) Insulated Fittings Where raceways contain 4 AWG or larger insulated circuit conductors and these conductors enter a cabinet, box, enclosure, or raceway, the conductors will be protected by an identified fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface, unless the conductors are separated from the fitting or raceway by identified insulating material that is securely fastened in place. (H) Structural Joints A listed expansion/deflection fitting or other approved means will be used where a raceway crosses a structural joint intended for expansion, contraction or deflection, used in buildings, bridges, parking garages, or other structures. 300.5 Underground Installation (NEC 2008) (C) Underground Cables Under Buildings Exception #1: Not listed in 2008 Exception #2: Not listed in 2008 (I) Conductors of the Same Circuit 2012 All Star Training Inc. 9
Exception #1: Conductors in parallel in raceways or cables will be allowed, but each raceway or cable must contain all conductors of the same circuit including equipment grounding conductors. Exception #2: Isolated phase, polarity, grounded conductor, and equipment grounding and bonding conductor installations will be allowed in nonmetallic raceways or cables with a nonmetallic covering or non metallic sheath in close proximity where conductors are paralleled as allowed in section 310.4, and where the conditions of section 300.20(B) are met. 300.5 Underground Installation (NEC 2011) (C) Underground Cables Under Buildings Exception #1: Type MI Cable will be allowed under a building without insulation in a raceway where embedded in concrete, fill or other masonry according to section 332.10(6) or in underground runs where suitably protected against physical damage and corrosive conditions according to section 332.10(10) Exception #2: Type MC Cable listed for direct burial or concrete encasement will be allowed under a building without installation in a raceway according to section 330.10(A)(5) and in wet locations according to section 330.10(11). (I) Conductors of the Same Circuit Exception #1: Conductors will be allowed to be installed in parallel in raceways, multiconductor cables, or direct-buried single conductor cables. Each raceway or multi-conductor cable will contain all conductors of the same circuit, including equipment grounding conductors. Each direct-buried single conductor cable will be located in close proximity in the trench to the 2012 All Star Training Inc. 10
other single conductor cables in the same parallel set of conductors in the circuit, including equipment grounding conductors. Exception #2: Isolated phase, polarity, grounded conductor, and equipment grounding and bonding conductor installations will be allowed in nonmetallic raceways or cables with a nonmetallic covering or non metallic sheath in close proximity where conductors are paralleled as allowed in section 310.10(H), and where the conditions of section 300.20(B) are met. 300.7 Raceways Exposed to Different Temperatures (NEC 2008) (A) Sealing If portions of a cable raceway or sleeve are known to be subjected to different temperatures, and where condensation is known to be a problem, the raceway or sleeve will be filled with an approved material to prevent the circulation of warm air to a colder section of the raceway or sleeve. An explosion proof seal will not be required for this purpose. 300.7 Raceways Exposed to Different Temperatures (NEC 2011) (A) Sealing If portions of a raceway or sleeve are known to be subjected to different temperatures, and where condensation is known to be a problem, the raceway or sleeve will be filled with an approved material to prevent the circulation of warm air to a colder section of the raceway or sleeve. An explosion proof seal will not be required for this purpose. 300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations Abovegrade (NEC 2008) 2012 All Star Training Inc. 11
Where raceways are installed in wet locations abovegrade, the interior of these raceways will be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations abovegrade will adhere to section 310.8(C). 300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations Abovegrade (NEC 2008) Where raceways are installed in wet locations abovegrade, the interior of these raceways will be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations abovegrade will adhere to section 310.10(C). 300.11 Securing and Supporting (NEC 2008) (2) Non-Fire Rated Assemblies Wiring located within the cavity of a non-fire-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly will not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support will be provided and will be attached to the assembly. 300.11 Securing and Supporting (NEC 2011) (2) Non-Fire Rated Assemblies Wiring located within the cavity of a non-fire-rated floor-ceiling or roof-ceiling assembly will not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support will be provided and will be attached to the assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they will be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means. 300.15 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings Where Required (NEC 2008) 2012 All Star Training Inc. 12
A box will be installed at each outlet and switch point for concealed knob-and-tube wiring. Fittings and connectors will be used only with the wiring methods for which they are designed. Where the wiring method is conduit, tubing, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, Type MI cable, non-metallic-sheathed cable, or other cables, a box or conduit body will be installed at each conductor splice point, or pull point, unless otherwise allowed in section 300.15(A) through section 300.15(M). 300.15 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings Where Required (NEC 2011) A box will be installed at each outlet and switch point for concealed knob-and-tube wiring. Fittings and connectors will be used only with the wiring methods for which they are designed. Where the wiring method is conduit, tubing, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, Type MI cable, non-metallic-sheathed cable, or other cables, a box or conduit body will be installed at each conductor splice point, or pull point, unless otherwise allowed in section 300.15(A) through section 300.15(L). 300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion (NEC 2008) Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts will be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around electrical insertions, through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings will be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating. 300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion (NEC 2011) 2012 All Star Training Inc. 13
Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation of air-handling ducts will be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around electrical insertions into or through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings will be fire stopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating. 300.22 Wiring in Ducts Plenums and Other Air-Handling Spaces (NEC 2008) The provisions of this section will apply to the installation and uses of electrical wiring and equipment in ducts, plenums, and other air-handling spaces. (B) Ducts or Plenums Used for Environmental Air Only wiring methods consisting of Type MI cable, Type MC cable employing a smooth or corrugated impervious metal sheath without an overall non-metallic covering, electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, or rigid metal conduit without an over all non-metallic covering will be installed in ducts or plenums specifically fabricated to transport environmental air. Flexible metal conduit will be allowed, in lengths not to exceed 1.2 m (4 ft.), to connect physically adjustable equipment and devices allowed to be in these ducts and plenum chambers. The connectors used with flexible metal conduit will close any openings in the connection. Equipment and devices will be allowed within such ducts or plenum chambers only if necessary for their direct action upon, or sensing of, the contained air. Where equipment or devices are installed and illumination is necessary to facilitate maintenance and repair, enclosed gasketed-type luminaries will be allowed. (C) Other Space Used for Environmental Air 2012 All Star Training Inc. 14
This section applies to space used for environmental air-handling purposes other than ducts and plenums as specified in 300.22(A) and section 300.22(B). It does not include habitable rooms or areas of buildings, the prime purpose of which is not air handling. Further Information #2: The space over a hung ceiling used for environmental air-handling purposes is an example of the type of other space to which this section applies. (1) Wiring Methods The wiring methods for such other space will be limited to totally enclosed, non-ventilated insulated busway having no provisions for plug-in connections, Type MI cable, Type MC cable without an overall non metallic covering, Type AC cable, or other factory-assembled multiconductor control or power cable that is listed for the use, or listed prefabricated cable assemblies of metallic manufactured wiring systems without nonmetallic sheath. Other types of cables, conductors, and raceways will be allowed to be installed in electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, and intermediate metal conduit, rigid metal conduit without an overall nonmetallic covering, flexible metal conduit, or, where accessible, surface metal raceway or metal wireway with metal covers or solid bottom metal cable tray with solid metal covers. (2) Equipment Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure or with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for the use and having adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteristics, and associated wiring material suitable for the ambient temperature will be allowed to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code. Further Information: No listing in 2008 2012 All Star Training Inc. 15
Exception: Integral fan systems will be allowed where specifically identified for such use. 300.22 Wiring in Ducts Not Used for Air-Handling Fabricated Ducts for Environmental Air, and Other Spaces for Environmental Air (Plenums) (NEC 2011) The provisions of this section will apply to the installation and uses of electrical wiring and equipment in ducts used for dust, loose stock, or vapor removal; ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air; and other spaces used for environmental air (plenums). (B) Ducts Specifically Fabricated for Environmental Air Only wiring methods consisting of Type MI cable, or Type MC cable, employing a smooth or corrugated impervious metal sheath without an overall non-metallic covering, electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, or rigid metal conduit without an over all non-metallic covering will be installed in ducts specifically fabricated to transport environmental air. Flexible metal conduit will be allowed, in lengths not to exceed 1.2 m (4 ft.), to connect physically adjustable equipment and devices allowed to be in these fabricated ducts and plenum chambers. The connectors used with flexible metal conduit will effectively close any openings in the connection. Equipment and devices will be allowed within such ducts only if necessary for the direct action upon, or sensing of, the contained air. Where equipment or devices are installed and illumination is necessary to facilitate maintenance and repair, enclosed gasketed-type luminaries will be allowed. (C) Other Space Used for Environmental Air (Plenums) 2012 All Star Training Inc. 16
This section applies to space not specifically fabricated for environmental air-handling purposes but used for air-handling purposes as a plenum. This section will not apply to habitable rooms or areas of buildings, the prime purpose of which is not air handling. Further Information #2: The phase Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenum) as used in this section correlates with the use of the term plenum in NFPA 90A-2009, Standars for the Installation od Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and other mechanical codes where the plenum is used for return air purposes, as well as some other air-handling spaces. (1) Wiring Methods The wiring methods for such other spaces will be limited to totally enclosed, non-ventilated insulated busway having no provisions for plug-in connections, Type MI cable, Type MC cable without an overall non metallic covering, Type AC cable, or other factory-assembled multiconductor control or power cable that is listed for use within an air-handling space, or listed prefabricated cable assemblies of metallic manufactured wiring systems without nonmetallic sheath. Other types of cables, conductors, and raceways will be allowed to be installed in electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, and intermediate metal conduit, rigid metal conduit without an overall nonmetallic covering, flexible metal conduit, or, where accessible, surface metal raceway or metal wireway with metal covers. (2) Cable Tray Systems The provision in (a) or (b) will apply to the use of metallic cable tray systems in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums), where accessible as follows: 2012 All Star Training Inc. 17
(a) Metal Cable Tray Systems. Metal cable tray systems will be allowed to support the wiring methods in section 300.22(C)(1). (b) Solid Side and Bottom Metal Cable Tray Systems. Solid side and bottom metal cable tray systems with solid metal covers will be allowed to enclose wiring methods and cables, not already covered in section 300.22(C)(1), according to section 392.10(A) and (B). (3) Equipment Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure, or electrical equipment with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for use within an air-handling space and having adequate fire-resistant and lowsmoke-producing characteristics, and associated wiring material suitable for the ambient temperature will be allowed to be installed in such other spaces unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code. Further Information: One method of defining adequate fire-resistant and low-smoke producing characteristics for electrical equipment with a nonmetallic enclosure is in ANSI/UL 2043-2008, Fire Test Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Insulated in Air-Handling Spaces. Exception: Integral fan systems will be allowed where specifically identified for use within an air-handling space. II. Requirements for over 600 Volts, Nominal 300.37 Aboveground Wiring Methods (NEC 2008) Aboveground conductors will be installed in rigid metal conduit, in intermediate metal conduit, in electrical metallic tubing, in rigid nonmetallic conduit, in cable trays, as busways, as cablebus, 2012 All Star Training Inc. 18
in other identified raceways, or as exposed runs of metal-clad cable suitable for the use and purpose. In locations accessible to qualified persons only, exposed runs of Type MV cables, bare conductors, and bare busbars will also be allowed. Busbars will be allowed to be either copper or aluminum. 300.37 Aboveground Wiring Methods (NEC 2011) Aboveground conductors will be installed in rigid metal conduit, in intermediate metal conduit, in electrical metallic tubing, in RTRC and PVC conduit, in cable trays, in auxiliary gutters as busways, as cablebus, in other identified raceways, or as exposed runs of metal-clad cable suitable for the use and purpose. In locations accessible to qualified persons only, exposed runs of Type MV cables, bare conductors, and bare busbars will also be allowed. Busbars will be allowed to be either copper or aluminum. 300.50 Underground Installations (NEC 2008) (B) Protection from Damage Conductors emerging from the ground will be enclosed in listed raceways. Raceways installed on poles will be of rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or equivalent, extending from the minimum cover depth specified in Table 300.50 to a point 2.5 m (8ft.) above finished grade. Conductors entering a building will be protected by an approved enclosure or raceway from the minimum cover depth to the point of entrance. Where directburied conductors, raceways, or cables are subject to movement by settlement or frost, they will be installed to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors or to the equipment connected to the raceways. Metallic enclosures will be grounded. 2012 All Star Training Inc. 19
300.50 Underground Installations (NEC 2011) (B) Wet Locations The interior of enclosures or raceways installed underground will be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in these enclosures or raceways in underground installations will be listed for use in wet locations and will adhere to section 310.10(C). Any connections or splices in an underground installation will be approved for wet locations. (C) Protection from Damage Conductors emerging from the ground will be enclosed in listed raceways. Raceways installed on poles will be of rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, RTRC-XW Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or equivalent, extending from the minimum cover depth specified in Table 300.50 to a point 2.5 m (8ft.) above finished grade. Conductors entering a building will be protected by an approved enclosure or raceway from the minimum cover depth to the point of entrance. Where direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables are subject to movement by settlement or frost, they will be installed to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors or to the equipment connected to the raceways. Metallic enclosures will be grounded. 2012 All Star Training Inc. 20