Print this page 2014 National Electric Code
Thomas Mason, PE
Course Outline
The underlying structure of this course is the 2014 revision of NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code. Selected portions are presented out of order to couple them with related topics. For example, voltages, circuit currents and grounding are discussed first, including there later sections on the same topics.
Later Chapters, specifics of wire and raceway types, sizing protection for motors, transformers, capacitors specialized equipment and high-voltage installations are omitted, as they are extensive, each deserving a 4-hour presentation (which is actually available from PDHonline). Concepts of hazardous areas and healthcare facilities are presented in the most brief form. Generators, photovoltaics, wind turbines and fuel cells are not addressed. Special rules for dwelling units are not mentioned.
The course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will know the rules, how to apply the rules and the underlying reasoning for each of the following topics:
- Is the NEC the final arbiter for acceptable vs non-acceptable installations?
- Is UL approval required by the NEC for electrical materials?
- Is it 110, 115, 120 or 125 VAC?
- Can you use tap settings to get between 207 and 220V and satisfy NEMA limits for both 208/3 and 240/3?
- Must the Utility available fault current be marked on the service disconnect switch?
- Is 42”(d) x 30”(w) a reasonable minimum for maintenance access to electrical equipment?
- May motion controls be installed in the electric room?
- Is a safety ground conductor required on a large delta AC system or on a large DC system?
- Does the NEC permit separate ground references for power, data, communications and lightning protection?
- Understand the difference between Utility conductor “protection” and NEC-required conductor protection;
- Is there technical controversy over use of dwelling GFCI or AFCI?
- Can you load a 20A circuit on a 20A breaker with 20A wire to 20A?
- Should a restaurant tack flexible cable to the table top to feed a lamp on the table?
Intended Audience
This course is intended for technical persons with an interest in what an electrical design engineer is thinking about when he creates specifications and drawings for building construction.
Benefit to Attendees
It is the responsibility of the electrical engineer to comply with the National Electrical Code. In addition, though, others on the design team can help identify errors and omissions before they cost money in a Change Order.
Course Introduction
The National Electrical Code has evolved for over one hundred years. Along the way, it has adopted a unique language called, "Code Speak". Words are used in ways differently than common language and sentence construction tends to be long and convoluted. The organization is worse than haphazard and the Table of Contents and Index are almost useless. The PDF word search feature is the best available method to find a relevant section - but only if you know the peculiar word usage.
Course Content
You may download the following PDF documents as references for this webinar:
Lecture Notes for 2014 National Electric Code
Note A: Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your record. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader from your computer.
Course Summary
This course attempted to present a comprehensive summary of the critical requirements of the 2014 revision of the National Electric Code. Compression was severe, but the action items given are accurate. Many assumptions, exceptions, alternatives and details were omitted, along with entire sections. Please use the Code reference numbers to access the actual Code wording in making engineering decisions.
Related Links and References
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
www.NFPA.com - The National Fire Protection Association sells the Code, Code Handbook related standards and training materials
www.IAEI.com - The International Association of Electrical Inspectors is a very highly-regarded voluntary organization with excellent publications and many local chapters.
www.NECA-NEIS.com - The National Electrical Contractors Association, in association with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers publishes a series of very readable guides on the installation of different types of equipment. ANSI/NECA 1-2010, Standard Practices for Good Workmanship in Electrical Contracting is cited in NEC section 110.12.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
