National Electric Code Important Revisions to...– Defined within National Electrical Code (NFPA...
Transcript of National Electric Code Important Revisions to...– Defined within National Electrical Code (NFPA...
Understanding the
National Electric Code and
Important Revisions to
the 2017 NEC
®
®
National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics
Enforcement & Licensure
National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions
Codes, Standards & Technology
Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat
Agenda
Rick Foster RCDD, TLT
• Director of IT Infrastructure and Commissioning Services , Innovative Engineering Services, Wallingford, CT.
• Over 30 years experience across in ICT industry in distribution, contracting and design.
• Licensed Low Voltage contractor and designer.
• Participation on various industry committees and boards including BICSI, NFPA and State of Connecticut.
Acknowledgements
Andy Jimenez – Anixter
Randy Ivans – Underwriters Lab
Joshua Krantz – Valley Communications
Dick Reed– InfoComm
Roy Chamberlain – Leviton
Patrick McLaughlin – Cabling Installation & Maintenance
What is the Industry Saying about the NEC ® ?
A recent survey * was conducted by Cabling Installation & Maintenance and the results provide some useful insight to our topics ---------
➢ 66 % of respondent indicated they were only vaguely familiar or not familiar with the new NEC 2017 changes around cable heating and its impact.
* Provided by
➢ 93 % of respondent indicated it is important or very important to understand those changes.
➢ Also of note; 58 % of respondents when asked what technology subjects were of most interest
“Answer Is” - Audio/Video
➢ Is the National Electric Code (NEC) a Code or Standard?
➢ Are Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and HDBaseT (PoH) a communication
circuit or Class 2 circuit according to the NEC 2017 ?
➢ With the adoption of the 2017 NEC only an electrician will be able to
install low voltage communication cables.
National Electric Code®
®
®
®
Points To Ponder
National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics
Enforcement & Licensure
National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions
Codes, Standards & Technology
Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat
Agenda
We are in a Converged world of devices needing combined Power, Data and Video on the same IT infrastructure.
New technologies … New thinking ... New challenges
PE
RF
OR
MA
NC
E
CODES & STANDARDS
GAP
TIME
Design & Technology Integration
Are established as a basis to compare, measure, or judge:
• Capacity• Quantity• Value• Quality
• Performance• Limits• Interoperability
Standards
Safety Codes Code adoption and compliance is intended to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public through legislation or statues.
➢ Enforceable
➢ Established by a regulatory or legislative body
➢ Construction guidelines & practices
➢ Can carry Fines & Penalties
➢ Occupational & Trade Licensure qualifications
13
Cisco® UPOE 60 Watts
Source – Leviton
Powering Over Communication Cabling (PoCC)
Performance - 5-Play - Audio, Video, Power, Control, Ethernet
Power 100 Watts
Technical & Performance Challenges
• Bandwidth• Signal to Noise Ration (SNR)
Utilizes Traditional 4pr Pair LAN / Category X Cables
HDBaseT Alliance
Software Defined Video Over Ethernet – A/V over IP Network
Power – new 802.3 bt expected to be up to up to 100 Watts
Technical & Performance Challenges
• Bandwidth – 10G• Ethernet network
Utilizes Traditional 4pr Pair LAN / Category X Cables
SDVoE Alliance
National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics
Enforcement & Licensure
National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions
Codes, Standards & Technology
Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat
Agenda
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
NEC: National Electrical Code
Citizens
Authorities Having
Jurisdiction (AHJs)
NRTL: National Recognized
Testing Laboratory
Safety Process in the US
Original Code was developed in 1897 by a group of
industry related businesses.
– Insurance
– Electrical
– Architectural
– Construction companies
– Fire Engineers
National Electric Code – NEC (NFPA-70®)
Revised every three years
• 2014• 2011• 2008
Source: NFPA website
➢ Public Inputs
➢ Public Comments
➢ NFPA Technical Meeting
➢ Standards Council Appeals and Issuance of Standard
NFPA® Process
Consensus Organization
The Code Making Panels review Public Inputs and Comments during the revision cycle. These are acted on and may eventually be included in the next code.
NFPA 70: The National Electric Code (NEC)
What does NFPA 70 address?The NEC addresses the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceways; signaling and communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and optical fiber cables and raceways in commercial, residential, and industrial occupancies
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
What does NFPA 72 address?Rules cover the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components. Provisions are expressed in prescriptive requirements with performance-based design methods and risk analysis requirements provided and essential for the proper design and integration of mass notification systems.
Source NFPA website www.nfpa.org
National Electric Code® - Code or Standard ?
It is a Standard - NFPA 70® National Electric Code ®
However It becomes a Code when adopted by a regulatory agency or legislative body.
Source NEC 2017
National Electric Code® Adoption
Current Legislation cycles with anticipated adoption to be 47 States
Current Adoption 19 States
“Article 90 is the Introduction to the National
Electrical Code. As with most introductions, this
article is often skipped. To understand the NEC
and is application better, it is very important that
you thoroughly read and review this article.”
- Mike Holt
National Electric Code® Article 90 – Introduction
NEC 2017
➢ Section 90.1 Purpose ➢ Section 90.3 Code Arrangement ➢ Section 90.4 Enforcement
90.1 Purpose (A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of
persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.
Article 90 – Introduction
* NFPA-70 NEC 2017 Edition
This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.
Chapter 7 – Special Conditions
ARTICLE 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
Part I. General
725.1 Scope. This article covers remote-control, signaling,and power-limited circuits that are not an integral part of adevice or of utilization equipment.
Informational Note: The circuits described herein are characterized by usage and electrical power limitations that differentiate them from electric light and power circuits; therefore, alternative requirements to those of Chapters 1 through 4 are given with regard to minimum wire sizes, ampacity adjustment and correction factors, overcurrent protection, insulation requirements, and wiring methods and materials.
Source NEC 2017
Chapters ➢ Articles
➢ Sections (Often referred to as Articles)
➢ Subdivisions
Definitions
Informational Notes
Tables & Annexes
Chapters ➢ Articles
➢ Sections (Often referred to as
Articles)
➢ Subdivisions
Definitions
Informational Notes
Tables & Annexes
National Electric Code® Article 90.2 –Code Arrangement
Source: NEC 2017
Previous Edition stated Chapters 1-4
National Electric Code® Article 90 – Introduction
90.4 Enforcement. This Code is intended to be suitable
for mandatory application by governmental bodies that exercise
legal jurisdiction over electrical installations, including
signaling and communications systems, and for use by
insurance inspectors. The authority having jurisdiction for
enforcement of the Code has the responsibility for making
interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of
equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission
contemplated in a number of the rules.
By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction
may waive specific requirements in this Code or permit
alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives
can be achieved by establishing and maintaining
effective safety.
NEC 2017
National Electric Code® Article 90.4 – Enforcement
Article 90.4 Enforcement – Who?
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) An organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
Article 100 Definitions ( pg. 70-33)NEC 2017
National Electric Code® Article 90.4 – Enforcement
Who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?
• OSHA • Joint Commission • Public Utility Department • Federal Communication Commission • Department of Energy• Environmental Protection Agency • Building Owner
• Fire Marshall• Building Inspector • Labor Department • Health Department • State Agencies or Departments • Local or County Agency • Insurance Inspector
Who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?
They ALL could be an AHJ !!!!
• OSHA • Joint Commission • Public Utility Department • Federal Communication Commission • Department of Energy• Environmental Protection Agency • Building Owner
• Fire Marshall• Building Inspector • Labor Department • Health Department • State Agencies or Departments • Local or County Agency • Insurance Inspector
National Electric Code® - Handbook
The NEC Handbook provides editorial notes , illustrations and is often referenced as an “expert opinion”. It is not Code but often used by inspection community. Source NFPA
➢ The NEC sets “minimum” requirements for installation practices
➢ Local Jurisdictions often amend the NEC .
➢ These amendments can include new materials or systems.
National Electric Code® - Amendments
“Code Interpretation” of Article 800.21
You cannot lay cables on top of ceiling tiles OR you must leave adequate spacing above a ceiling tile that allows its removal ?
“CodeSpeak” – How the Code is written
“Code Reality- Article 800.21” - Field Implementation, Installation Practices and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Example:Article 800.21 Access to Electrical Equipment Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of wires and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling tiles.
Similar language in Section 725.21 & Section 640.5
“Code Reality”- Field Implementation, Installation Practices and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
If you were the AHJ would you fail these installations ? Why? Why Not?
Article 800.21 Access to Electrical Equipment Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of wires and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling tiles.
NEC 2017
National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics
Enforcement & Licensure
National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions
Codes, Standards & Technology
Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat
Agenda
What is a Circuit ?
LOAD
Basic
Electric Circuit
Switch
Conductor Conductor
A circuit provides the path for
current to flow.
Conductor Material that allows
the flow of an electrical current
Electrical Branch Circuit
Source – Mike Holt Enterprises
• Class 2 Power
– Defined within National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)
– 30VAC, 60VDC, 100VA
– Due to its power limitations, a Class 2 circuit is considered safe from a fire
initiation standpoint and provides acceptable protection from electrical shock
• Class 2 and 3 systems do not require the same wiring methods as power, light, and
Class 1 systems
– There are cases when a 2-in. separation is required between these systems.
Chapter 7 – Special Conditions NEC Article 725 - Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and
Power-Limited Circuits
Power Limited Circuit
800.1 Scope. This article covers communications circuits and equipment.
Informational Note No. 1: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of communications circuits and equipment that are not covered.Informational Note No. 2: For further information for remote- control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, see Article 725.
Informational Note No. 3: For further information for fire alarm systems, see Article 760.
800.2 Definitions See Part 1 of Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.
Communications Circuit. The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the customer’s communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answering machine.
NEC 2017
Chapter 8 – Communications
Current & Wattage
The heat or thermal energy is either dissipated or “trapped” and can be measured in watts.
Heat
Dissip
ates
Heat
When a current passes through a conductor, the conductor heats up.
LOAD
Basic
Electric Circuit
Switch
Conductor Conductor
Temperature Rise
Generally, heat will dissipate until a steady state is reached with the temperature of the cable bundle higher than the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment.
Temperature of the cabling will rise due to heat generation of the conductors.
Cable Bundles
Cable Bundles
Ampacity: The maximum current , in
amperes, that a conductor can carry
continuously under the conditions of
use without exceeding its
temperature rating.
NEC – Article 100-Definitions *
Ampacity
* NEC 2017 Edition pg 70-33
Table 310.15(B)(17)
Source – Fluke Networks White Paper
Cable Type DC ResistanceInitial
DC ResistanceAfter 24 Hours
CalculatedTemperature Delta
Category 5e
Category 6
120 milliohms
88 milliohms
124 milliohms
90 milliohms
10%
4%
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400-8
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
db
/10
0m
Category 6Category 5e
Bottom line: There is a 25 percent increase in signal loss with Category 5e vs. Category 6 cable.
➢ Conductive properties of copper change
➢ DC resistance a function of conductor size
➢ DC resistance increases with temperature
➢ Impact on cable performance has traditionally been addressed
➢ Cable heating in bundles cause for concern
Cable Heating & Performance
• What Contributes to Heat Generation?
– Bundle Size
– Power Source
– Ambient Air temperature
– Environmental Conditions
– Type of Pathways
– Firestopping
– Number of energized conductors/pairs
– Cable Construction
– Workmanship
– Installation Practices
Heat Generation = Temperature Rise
National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics
Enforcement & Licensure
National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions
Codes, Standards & Technology
Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat
Agenda
NFPA 70® is an ANSI Standard and was approved on
August 24,2016.
National Electric Code®
4 (pr.) Pair Cable Heating was the Hot Topic
How did the 2014 NEC address power on traditional 4/pair 24 AWG LAN cables today ?
IT Did NOT * !
The 2017 NEC now addresses power on traditional 4-pair 24 AWG LAN cables as a result of the CMP work and the NFPA process.
National Electric Code®
* Chapter 9 Tables (11B) are considered default for defining thresholds of V/A for Class 2 & 3. * Current Ampacity Table does not address wire conductors smaller than 18 ga.
To support Proposals from these initial Public Inputs Underwriters Labs (UL) was commissioned to provide a Fact-Finding Report.
DEFINITION: FACT-FINDING REPORT (INVESTIGATION)A formal record of an investigation of the features and properties of a product, assembly or system undertaken by UL for the purpose of providing an Applicant with a means for seeking amendment of a nationally recognized installation code or Standard toward which UL’s work is oriented.
National Electric Code®
• Investigate the effects of higher levels of power applied over communications cables under typical installation practices permitted by the NEC
• Support Public Inputs
• Determination and evaluation of realistic worse-case conditions
• Gather data for the development of comments related to the first revisions to the NEC including:
– Conductor Ampacities
– Bundle Sizes
– Installation Practices
• Mitigate safety concerns
• Focus on power (volts, watts, amps), not applications
Purpose of the UL Fact Finding Report
➢ Important to remember that Chapter 8 stands alone.
➢ However, it will direct you to specific sections and articles that are mandatory requirements
Article 840.160 Premise –Powered Broadband Communications Circuits
Chapter 8 – Communications Systems
Section 840.2 Definition - Premises Communications Circuit.The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), and outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the service provider’s network terminal to the customer’s communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment, such as a telephone, a fax machine, or an answering machine.
Section 840.2 Definition - Network Terminal.A device that converts network-provided signals (optical, electrical, or wireless) into component signals, including voice, audio, video, data, wireless, optical, and interactive services, and is considered a network device on premises that is connected to a communications service provider and is powered at the premises.
Section 840.160 Powering CircuitsCommunication cables, in addition to carrying the communications circuit, shall also be permitted to carry circuits for powering communications equipment. Where the power supplied over a communications cable to communications equipment is greater than 60 watts, communications cables and the power circuit shall comply with 725.144 where communications cables are used in place of Class 2 and Class 3 tables.
➢ Points to Article 725 for guidance above 60 watts.
➢ New Ampacity Table for traditional LAN cable wire gauges
Chapter 8 – Article 840 – New Section -840.160
Chapter 7 – Special Conditions NEC Article 725 - Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and
Power-Limited Circuits
Article 725.121 Power Sources for Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits.
A) Power Source. A power source for a Class 2 or Class 3 circuit shall be as specified in 725.121(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), (A)(4), or(A)(5):
(1) A Listed Class 2 transformer(2) A Listed Class 2 power supply(3) Other listed equipment marked to identify the Class 2 power source
(4) Listed Information Technology (computer) equipment
limited power circuits (5) Dry Cell Battery
Article 725.1 Scope This article covers remote-control, signaling, and power limited circuits that are not part of a device or appliance.
(4) Listed audio/video information technology (computer) communications, and industrial
equipment limited - power circuits
NEC® 2017 Changes
(A)(4) Listed audio/video information technology (computer) communications and industrial equipment limited-power circuits.
Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements for listing of information technology(computer) equipment is to refer to UL 60950-1-2011, Standard for Safety of Information TechnologyEquipment. Typically such circuits are used to interconnect information technology equipment for the purposeof exchanging information (data).
Section 725.121 Power Sources for Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits
NEC Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
➢ IEEE 802.3af (PoE), UPOE, & HDBaseT define power levels for a circuit.
➢ Article 725.121 points you to the type of the power source to define the type of circuit (Class 2, Class 3) to determine wiring and code requirements.
NEC 2017
Intended to aid in determining future equipment power needs and safety factor for existing cable plants
(C) Marking The power sources for limited power circuits for listed audio/video, information technology(equipment) and listed equipment in 725.121(A)(4) shall have a label indicating the maximum voltage and current output for each connection point. The effective date shall be January 1, 2018.
NEC Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
New in NEC 2017 - 725.121 ( C ) Marking
Source NEC 2017
New Section 725.144 Transmission of Power and Data
NEC Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
725.144 Transmission of Power and Data. The requirements of 725.144(A) and (B) shall apply to Class 2 and Class 3 circuits that transmit power and data to a powered device. The requirementsof Parts I and III of Article 725 and 300.11 shall apply to Class 2 and Class 3 circuits that transmit power and data. The conductors that carry power for the data circuits shall becopper. The current in the power circuit shall not exceed the current limitation of the connectors.
Informational No. 1: One example of the use of cables thattransmit power and data is the connection of closed-circuit TVcameras (CCTV).Informational Note No. 2: The 8P8C connector is in widespreaduse with powered communications systems. These connectorsare typically rated at 1.3 amperes maximum.
Source NEC 2017
New Ampacity Table 725.144
Looney Tunes ©
8 Conductors
Source NEC 2017
Ampacity Table 725.144
LAN wire gauges
Bundle Sizes 4-Pair Cables
Cable Temperature Rating Choices
Ambient Air
Correction for Energized Pairs
New Ampacity Table 725.144
Engineering Supervision
24 Gauge
23 Gauge
22 Gauge
Ampacity Table - Cheat Sheet
Amperage per conductor Wattage Optional
LP Listing
.5 amp per conductor 100 W LP(0.5A)
.6 amp per conductor 120W LP(0.6A)
.7 amp per conductor 140 W LP(0.7A)
.8 amp per conductor 160W LP(0.8A)
.9 amp per conductor 180 W LP(0.9A)
1 amp per conductor 200 W LP(1.0A)
4 pair LAN Cable = 8 Conductors
New Ampacity Table 725.144
Source NEC 2017
24 Gauge
23 Gauge
22 Gauge
Ampacity Table - Cheat Sheet
Amperage per conductor Wattage Optional
LP Listing
.5 amp per conductor 100 W LP(0.5A)
.6 amp per conductor 120W LP(0.6A)
.7 amp per conductor 140 W LP(0.7A)
.8 amp per conductor 160W LP(0.8A)
.9 amp per conductor 180 W LP(0.9A)
1 amp per conductor 200 W LP(1.0A)
4 pair LAN Cable = 8 Conductors
New Ampacity Table 725.144
Source NEC 2017
➢ Permits taking advantage of cable innovations in cable design and
construction
➢ An additional, optional rating that may be added to traditional cables like “CM”, “CMR”, “CMP”
➢ Not required or mandatory for new or legacy installations
National Electric Code – “LP” Cable Listing 725.179(I) Limited Power Cables. Limited power (LP) cables shall be listed as suitable for carrying power and data circuits up to a specified current limit for each conductor without exceeding the temperature rating of the cable where the cable is installed in cable bundles in free air or installed within a raceway, cable tray, or cable routing assembly. The cables shall be marked with the suffix “-LP” with the ampere limit located immediately following the suffix LP, where the current limit is in amperes per conductor.
Example LP Surface Marking
68
Optional wiring method based on maximum temperature of cable rating not installation methods ie.. bundle size
Other Notable Changes to the NEC 2017
➢ Painting of could alter the cables properties as Informational Note in Articles 770, 800 and 820
➢ Section 110.3(C) - Listing. Product testing, evaluation, and listing (product certification) shall be performed by recognized qualified electrical testing laboratories and shall be in accordance with applicable product standards recognized as achieving equivalent and effective safety for equipment installed to comply with this Code. (Also a new Informational Note)
➢ Section 110.21 (A) - Reconditioned equipment must be marked (labeled)
➢ Section 110.26 (A) (4) - Working on energized equipment above a ceiling
Source NEC 2017
➢ One floor receptacle is required for
every 215 sq/ft for meeting rooms at
least 12 feet wide
➢ Location determined by
owner/designer
➢ Opportunity to add voice/data/video
components
Article 210.71 Meeting Rooms – Floor Receptacles
Source IAEI Magazine Courtesy of Legrand
Other Notable Changes to the NEC 2017
HDBaseT Alliance and UL Launch New Cable Certification Program to Support PoH Installations
NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 31, 2017 – UL the safety science company dedicated to promoting safe living and working environments, and The HDBaseT Alliance, the cross-industry group tasked with promoting and advancing the HDBaseT standard, today announced a Certification Program for Power over HDBaseT (PoH) Cables.
This program, targeted at cable manufacturers, addresses the increased performance and safety requirements related to heating due to current levels being carried under PoH of audiovisual installations. With increasingly complex installations and the proliferation of power over HDBaseT (PoH) equipment, AV vendors, manufacturers and professionals have indicated the need for standardization and consistency for high performance, regardless of the size of cable bundles. The new certification program evaluates the cable’s ability to carry DC power of up to 100 watts over the four pairs of the cable and to maintain HDBaseT data transmission performance.Under the new certification program, UL will evaluate the cables in accordance with the soon-to-be published UL 4299, Outline of Investigation for Power over HDBaseT (POH) cables. The cables will be covered under UL’s Follow-Up Services surveillance program that includes both regular inspections at cable manufacturing facilities as well as ongoing testing determine continued compliance. Once published, UL 4299 will be available at https://standardscatalog.ul.com/.
National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics
Enforcement & Licensure
National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions
Codes, Standards & Technology
Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat
Agenda
Inspections & Enforcement
The following material in this presentation is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be –nor is the content to be construed in any manner as legal advice.
Licensure regulations are up to the individual or organization to determine before starting any work.
Inspection - (noun)
1. The act of looking at something closely in order to learn more about it, to find problems, the act of inspecting something
2. An official visit to a school, hospital, etc., in order to see if rules are being followed and in their proper condition.
Enforce – (verb)
1. To compel observance of or obedience to: enforce a law.
2. To impose (a kind of behavior, for example): enforce military discipline.
Inspections & Enforcement – Definitions
Enforcement is a process.
➢ Inspections – Field observations, multiple intervals
➢ Identification of deficiencies or violations
➢ Remediation – can it be fixed ?
➢ Fines & Penalties – legal implications
Inspections & Enforcement
AHJ generally “inspects” what the permit has been issued for to insure compliance with previous approvals or permit requirement's.
Inspections & Enforcement
➢ The AHJ is not trained nor expected to review electrical or data communication systems designs.
➢ They are trained to report on installation deficiencies. If these are a result of
improper design in their opinion they will engage with the engineer of record or
permittee to resolve or clarify.
Source NEC 2017
90.1 Purpose
(A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.
Inspections & Enforcement
90.4 Enforcement. This Code is intended to be suitable
for mandatory application by governmental bodies that exercise
legal jurisdiction over electrical installations, including
signaling and communications systems, and for use by
insurance inspectors. The authority having jurisdiction for
enforcement of the Code has the responsibility for making
interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of
equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission
contemplated in a number of the rules.
By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction
may waive specific requirements in this Code or permit
alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives
can be achieved by establishing and maintaining
effective safety. Source NEC 2017
Article 90 – Introduction
➢ The “Challenge” is how to assist legislators, regulatory agencies and the AHJ to keep current with the new technologies utilizing low voltage distribution
➢ Innovations like DC power utilizing the ceiling grid and advances in PoE based LED lighting are just some examples of that employ “non-traditional” wiring.
Inspections - Enforcement & New Technologies
➢ Electrical licensing or Trade licensing is generally
established by a government agency. Typically at
the state level. However, in some instances
qualifications can be set or modified by local
jurisdictions.
➢ A license is a legal credential. A license is often
required by law or ordinance for workers in various
building trades, including architecture, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering,
some low-voltage trades and other building design,
engineering and construction roles.
Trade or Occupational Licensing
➢ Licensing qualifications generally require the individual to prove
work experience and competency. Recently safety training has been
added to license requirements.
➢ Experience and knowledge can be in the form of apprentice
programs, trade schools and hours of field work (OJT).
➢ Competency is generally measured by passing a test issued by a
regulatory agency in order to obtain a license for the work
performed.
➢ Many agencies now require Continuing Education.
Trade or Occupational Licensing
National Electric Code & Electrical Licensing
The NEC does not define what is required for an “electrical license” or who may obtain one.
The NEC does define who is a “Qualified Person *”
“Qualified Person. One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid hazards involved.” *
* Chapter 1 – Article 100 -DEFINITIONS Page 70-40 NEC 2017
Key words – “Skills” , “Knowledge” & “Safety Training”
National Electric Code & Electrical Licensing
Electrical Licensing & Low Voltage Installers
➢ Electrical License designations and qualifications vary from state to state. Many
states have different classes, subsets or specialty license categories pertaining to
“low voltage” work.
➢ Many of these subsets or classifications pertain to data-comm, alarm, telecomm,
energy or other “low voltage” systems.
➢ These subsets or categories are often defined by voltage/current levels and
systems.
➢ InfoComm has compiled a directory of licensing by state for both electrical and
communication systems. Visit www.infocomm.com – Government Relations for
more information.
Electrical Licensing & Low Voltage Installers
Source: infoComm
Electrical Licensing & Low Voltage Installers
➢All 50 States have a regulation for Electrical Licensing
➢ 48 States have a regulation for Alarm Licensing
➢ Some states and jurisdictions do not have licensing requirements for telecommunications work.
➢ States and jurisdictions with licensing requirements for telecommunications work provide clearer guidelines and safeguards for the “low voltage” contractor base.
Electrical Licensing & Low Voltage Installers
Source: InfoComm
Always Check the Local Requirements and Qualifications for Installation
➢ Is the National Electric Code (NEC) a Code or Standard?
➢ Are Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and HDBaseT (PoH) a communication circuit
or Class 2 circuit according to the NEC 2017 ?
➢ With the adoption of the 2017 NEC only an electrician will be able to install
low voltage communication cables.
National Electric Code®
®
®
®
Points To Ponder
States or local jurisdictions define Trade Licensure qualifications – not codes or standards
It becomes a Code when adopted by a regulatory body.
® The 2017 NEC set limits on wattage in Chapters 8 and Chapter 7 – not applications
The NEC 2017 set ampacity limits on traditional small gauge cables and conductors typically used for communication
Key Takeaways
Designer’s, Integrators and Installers need to balance code requirements for safety and systems data transmission performance for reliable data transmission.
Heat is the enemy – Installation practices will require mitigation techniques in the field and design phase.
Key Takeaways
Stay tuned – Codes & Standards will continue to evolve for Power Over Communications Cables (PoCC) as converged technologies continue to take advantage of power and data on a single physical infrastructure
Engage with the AHJ early in any project that may include “non-traditional” or unfamiliar systems – become an educator !
Look to professional organizations such as infoComm and manufactures' for guidance and updates.
Summary - So Where Are We Going?
Bandwidth, Transmission Speeds & Data Reliability
Volts, Amps & Watts
Opportunity or
Train Wreck ?
Thank You