Ecmweb 8037 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8037 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8037 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8037 Nec Logo 2013
Ecmweb 8037 Nec Logo 2013

Tip of the Week: The Basics of Chapter 8 in NFPA 70 (NEC)

Feb. 8, 2016
This chapter's guidelines apply to communications equipment.

The first four Chapters of the NEC apply to all installations, except as modified by Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8. Chapter 8 modifies other Chapters when the installation involves communications equipment (as defined in Art. 100). Even though it’s grown over the past few Code cycles, Chapter 8 remains the smallest Chapter in the NEC.

It consists of only five Articles:

• 800 — Communications circuits.
• 810 — Radio and television equipment.
• 820 — Community antenna television and radio distribution systems.
• 830 — Network-powered broadband communications systems.
• 840 — Premises-powered broadband communications systems.

These last two Articles are arranged with the same Sections. Article 840 was new with the 2011 NEC. Article 830 was around a while before that.

Chapter 8 has made significantly more progress than the other Chapters in revising the use of “ground” and ”bonding” and their derivations. With the 2015 NEC revision, this process took a huge leap forward.

Some of the questions that Chapter 8 Articles answer:

• What are the clearance requirements for outside conductors?
• What are the requirements for conductors entering a building?
• What sort of protection must I provide to the conductors?
• How and where do I ground and bond?
• Which installation methods are permitted?

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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