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Quizzes on the Code

Jan 1, 2002 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

General Requirements of the NEC

Choose the best answer:

Service laterals installed by an electrical contractor must be installed in accordance with the NEC.
(a) True
(b) False
Communications wiring within a building is not required to comply with the installation requirements of Chapters 1 through 7, except when specifically referenced therein.
(a) True
(b) False
A Code rule may be waived or alternative methods of installation approved contrary to the NEC, if the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) gives verbal or written consent.
(a) True
(b) False
Where no statutory requirement exists, the AHJ could be a property owner or his agent, such as an architect or engineer.
(a) True
(b) False
A qualified person has received safety training on the hazards involved with electrical systems, but is not required to have the skill or knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and its installation.
(a) True
(b) False
Unused cable or raceway openings in boxes, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, cutout boxes, meter socket enclosures, or equipment cases must be effectively _____ by a fitting that will provide protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment.
(a) Covered
(c) Sealed
(b) Closed
(d) None of the above
The identification of disconnects is required only for those disconnects that are mandated by the Code.
(a) True
(b) False
Dedicated equipment space located indoors must have a free space of up to ___ ft above switchboards, panelboards, distribution boards, and motor control centers, except that suspended ceilings with lift-out panels can be in this space.
(a) 2
(c) 6
(b) 4
(d) None of the above

Answers and Discussion

1. a, True. Per 90.2(B)(5).

2. a, True. Per 90.3, communications systems (Chapter 8) need not comply with the requirements of Chapters 1 through 7.

3. b, False. Per 90.4, the NEC requires written consent whenever a Code rule is waived or an alternative method is permitted.

4. a, True. Per Art. 100, typically, the AHJ is the local electrical inspector who has been given statutory authority by a city, county, or state ordinance. Where no statutory requirement exists, a property owner or his/her agent, such as an architect or engineer, can act as AHJ.

5. b, False. Per Art. 100, a person is no longer considered qualified simply by being familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved. A qualified person must also have received safety training on the hazards involved.

6. b, Closed. Per 110.12(A), a fitting must provide protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment by effectively closing unused cable or raceway openings in boxes, auxiliary gutters, cabinets, cutout boxes, meter socket enclosures, or equipment cases. The section allows ventilation or other openings that are a legitimate part of equipment design.

7. b, False. Revised text in the 2002 NEC (110.22) makes it clear that each disconnect used must be identified, even if it's not required by the Code.

8. c, 6. The intent of the requirements for “dedicated equipment space” indoors [110.26(F)(1)] was revised, clarifying that the space above switchboards, panelboards, distribution boards, and motor control centers (up to 6 ft) must be kept clear of foreign items. However, suspended ceilings with lift-out panels may be installed in this space.

Excerpted from Mike Holt's 2002 NEC Code Change Workbook.

Are you still confused by the Code? For additional information on Code-related topics please visit www.mikeholt.com or send an e-mail directly to the author at mike@mikeholt.com.