12 Things You Need to Know NOW About the 2017 NEC Code Changes
Worker Safety and new technology is of rising importance in the new edition of NFPA 70. The 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduces this into one of the more significant updates in the recent years. With many major provisions added, here is a summary of some of the key changes that contractors should definitely know now:
Section 110.16 (B) Arc Flash Hazard Marking.
Arc flash labels will now be required to have very specific arc flash information: nominal system voltage, the actual available fault current, and the clearing time of overprotective device(s) based on the available fault current. There are incorporated exceptions and ampere ratings that apply.
Section 210.8 (B) Other than Dwellings (GFCI)
Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) Protection has expanded requirements to apply to larger circuits and some additional locations
Section 210.11 (C)(4) Garage Branch Circuits
Modern garages likely have lots of tools used, so now a dedicated 20 A branch circuit is required, supplying receptacle outlets only. It’s also now permissible to feed any readily accessible outdoor receptacle within range as well.
Section 210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection
As it’s already well known, dwelling units currently require AFCI protection. Now the 2017 NEC is expanding protection to guest rooms and dormitory bathrooms and circuits supplying outlets and devices.
Section 210.64 Electrical Service Areas
The 2014 requirement is that a 125 V 15 A or 20A receptacle has to be located within 50 feet. 2017 has expanded this by limiting the distance to within 25 feet and in an accessible location. This is a big benefit to electrical contractors installing services where 120V may not otherwise even be required.
Section 210.71 Meeting Room Receptacle Outlets
This is the first time the NEC has specifically addressed outlets in meeting rooms. The new requirement covers meeting rooms needing many more outlets than older rooms have to offer.
Section 230.95(C) Performance Testing (GFPE)
Primary current injection testing is now required after installation. Unlike GFCI which protects people from electrical shock, GFPE protects expensive equipment from damage in the case of a ground fault. This will represent a significant additional cost for the electrical contractor.
Section 240.87 Arc Energy Reduction
Highlighting greater personnel protection for the electrical contractor, this code adds two arc energy reduction methods to the several already available: an instantaneous trip and an instantaneous override.
Section 310.15 (B)(7) Single Phase Dwelling Feeders
A change in the adjustment factor provides welcome relief to contractors feeding apartment or condominium complexes with three-phase systems. This makes wire bending easier and reduces installation costs.
Section 312.8 (B) Power Monitoring Equipment
With the higher consciousness of energy efficiency, sensors and devices within power equipment will now have provisional rules for installation and ensured safety.
Section 408.3(A)(2) Service Panelboards
An addition of electrical shock hazard protection brings requirements for service panelboards into alignment with what was already in place for switchboards and switchgear.
Section 555.3 Ground-Fault Protection for Marinas and Boatyards
There’s an incumbent electrical hazard that continues to arise in marinas – this code seeks to further minimize the risk by reducing the trip level for floating buildings.
UPDATES TO NFPA 70
The NEC® (NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE) IS UPDATED EVERY THREE YEARS in keeping with the latest technological and regulatory/installation requirements. In 2017, NFPA 70® noticeably raised the bar for electrical safety in commercial, residential, and manufacturing properties and industries.
These are some, but by no means not all of the changes:
DEFINITIONS REVISED (ARTICLE 100)
- Arc Flash Hazard: The term “dangerous condition” was changed to “a source of possible injury or damage to health.”
- Boundary, Arc Flash: The revised definition changes “at a distance” to “approach limit,” and changed “second degree burn” to read, “at which incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm2.” The revised informational note references Stoll’s SKIN BURN INJURY IN ARC FLASH HAZARD ANALYSIS.
- Electrical Hazard: “Arc” was added to blast for “arc blast.”
- Electrical Safety: “Recognizing” hazards was changed to “Identifying hazards.” The text “so that hazards do not cause injury or death” was updated to: “to reduce the risk associated with those hazards.”
- Electrically Safe Work Condition: “Ensure” was changed to “verify.”
- Qualified Person: “Identify and avoid the hazards involved” was changed to “identify the hazards and reduce the associated risk.”
NEW DEFINITIONS (ARTICLE 100)
- Fault Current: The amount of current delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition.
- Fault Current, Available: The largest amount of current capable of being delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition.
- Working Distance: The distance between a person’s face and chest area and a prospective arc source.
ADDITIONAL, NOTABLE CHANGES
- 105.3 Responsibility: This section was revised/subdivided into “Employer Responsibility” and “Employee Responsibility.”
- 105.4 Priority: This new addition emphasizes that hazard elimination will be the first priority in implementing safety-related work practices.
- 110.1(H)(2) Human Error: This addresses the potential for human error and its negative consequences on people, processes, the work environment and equipment.
- 110.1(J) Incident Investigation: This new section requires the electrical safety program to include elements to investigate electrical incidents.
- 110.2(C)(2)(d) First Aid, Emergency Response, and Resuscitation: The reference to refresher training occurring “annually” was changed to “at a frequency that satisfies the requirements of the certifying body.”
- 120.2(A) General: This states the requirements of Article 120 must be met in order to have an electrically safe work condition.
- 130.2 Electrically Safe Work Condition: New text, “operating at voltages equal to or greater than 50 volts,” was added.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY UP-TO-DATE
There is a lot of information to process in the 2017 National Electrical Code. With the stronger emphasis on investigating and preventing potential hazards, employees who are knowledgeable about the changes in code can lead the effort to lower the human margin of error. Some of the revisions your employees should be aware of include:
- New labeling requirements
- New minimum space clearances
- Revised provisions for AFCI (Arc-fault circuit interrupter) and GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) electrical and fire safety in residences
Your business can’t afford the risks of not knowing what could be a relatively minor piece of information that could make a huge difference in safety compliance. From everything as simple as installing a new security camera to setting overloads on a motor starter, NEC code compliance is mandatory.
TRAINING FOR SAFETY COMPLIANCE
Telling your employees to “download and read” the .pdf files online isn’t going to cut it. UNDERSTANDING THE 2017 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE® AND NEC® APPLICATIONS is a 3-day course that provides the latest information and practical application exercises, effective for new employees as well as experienced electricians seeking Code updates.
NFPA 70 NEC - 2017: NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, NEC
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the foundation for electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. The 2017 edition of this trusted Code presents the latest comprehensive regulations for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and installation of equipment.
NOTE: The educational literature , as a customer you are paying for a secure (D/L) link/pdf file that is tested and free from all virus guarantee for all electronic devices Mac/pc.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Hundreds of changes in the 2017 edition NEC® bring you up-to-code and ready to address new sources of electrical power.
Throughout the United States and around the world, NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC) sets the foundation for electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. The 2017 edition of this trusted Code presents the latest comprehensive regulations for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and installation of equipment.
Major additions reflect the continuing growth in renewable power technology.
The newest NEC addresses the advancement of privately owned wind and solar power generation and distribution equipment -- including coverage of higher voltage systems that were once only the utilities' domain. The new consumer role is a major factor in energy decentralization, and expanded NEC coverage is vital for designers, engineers, contractors, and AHJs.
- Large-Scale Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Power Production Facility (New Article 691) covers systems that produce at least 5 megawatts (MW) of power, or enough to power 800+ U.S. homes.
- Energy Storage Systems (New Article 706) governs ESS installation, disconnection, shutdown, and safety labeling.
- Stand-Alone Systems (New Article 710) covers power production sources that are not connected to the grid, including PV and wind-powered systems.
- Direct Current Microgrids (New Article 712) concerns independent energy distribution networks that allow the utilization of power from dc sources to direct-current loads. Microgrids are on the rise worldwide.
Other NEC revisions protect the public and workers from deadly hazards.
- New labeling, such as detailed arc flash hazard warning on equipment, helps workers and supervisors assess electrical risks.
- New minimum space clearances for equipment installation clarify the safeguards needed to protect installers and maintainers.
- Fixed Resistance and Electrode Industrial Process Heating Equipment (New Article 425) presents needed regulations for industry.
- Revised provisions for AFCI and GFCI protection improve electrical and fire safety in homes.
Be prepared to protect lives and property in the ever-changing electrical landscape. Order the 2017 National Electrical Code.
Work with the latest requirements governing public and private buildings, homes, and structures; outdoor yards and lots; utility equipment; installations that connect to the power grid; and consumer-owned power generation systems and equipment. The 2017 NEC is better aligned with the safe work practices in NFPA 70E®,Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®. (Print, 888 pp., 2017)
Part Number: 2017 NEC CODE BOOK
Part: W Marketing 2017 NEC CODE BOOK NEC Code Book 2017, NFPA 70
National Electrical Code Book, 2017, Binding: Paperback, Page Count: 1500, Author: Christopher D Coache, Mark Cloutier, Gil Moniz and Derek Vigstol.
Mfr: W Marketing
UPC: Not Available
Type: Code Books, NEC
This Product is a (non-shippable) (D/L) .pdf Ebook. After full payment is made, within one min you will receive an email with the (D/L) link to retrieve your purchase, no activation key needed. NOTE: The educational literature , as a customer you are paying for a secure (D/L) link/pdf file that is tested and free from all virus guarantee for all electronic devices Mac/pc. All sales are final. This (D/L) is Non Cancelable and Non Returnable. no support is provided, it's self-explanatory.
