Ecmweb 4265 012ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 4265 012ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 4265 012ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 4265 012ecmcqfig1
Ecmweb 4265 012ecmcqfig1

Code Quandaries, December 2010

Dec. 20, 2010
Your most pressing National Electrical Code (NEC) questions answered

All questions and answers are based on the 2008 NEC.

Q. What is the sizing rule for an equipment grounding conductor in a raceway that contains multiple circuits?

A. When multiple circuits are installed in the same raceway, cable, or cable tray, only one equipment grounding conductor is required for the multiple circuits, sized in accordance with 250.122, based on the rating of the largest circuit overcurrent device [250.122(C)]. Single conductors used as equipment grounding conductors in cable trays must be sized 4 AWG or larger [392.3(B)(1)(c)], as shown in the Figure.

Q. What are the GFCI requirements for non-dwelling units?

A. GFCI protection is required for all 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in the following commercial/industrial locations [210.8(B)]:

(1) Bathrooms. See the definition of “Bathroom” in Art. 100.

A 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle isn’t required in a commercial or industrial bathroom, but if one is installed, it must be GFCI-protected.

(2) Kitchens.

All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed in an area with a sink and permanent facilities for food preparation and cooking [Art. 100], even those that don’t supply the countertop surface, must be GFCI-protected. GFCI protection is not required for receptacles rated other than 15A and 20A, 125V in these locations. GFCI protection is not required for hard-wired equipment in these locations.

(3) Rooftops.

A 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle outlet must be installed within 25 ft of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment [210.63].

(4) Outdoors.

(5) Sinks.

All 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles installed within 6 ft of the outside edge of a sink must be GFCI-protected.

There is an exception noted for items (3) and (4) above: GFCI protection isn’t required for a fixed electric snow-melting or deicing equipment receptacle supplied by a dedicated branch circuit, if the receptacle isn’t readily accessible — and the equipment or receptacle has ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE) [426.28].

Q. What is the maximum number of bends in a circular raceway?

A. This answer is found in each individual raceway Article of the Code. Basically, the maximum number of degrees between pull points is limited to 360° for non-flexible circular raceways. For example, 344.26 deals with rigid metal conduit and says: “To reduce the stress and friction on conductor insulation, the maximum number of bends (including offsets) between pull points cannot exceed 360°.”

The same rule exists for other circular raceways and is located in the following sections of the NEC: 342.22, 348.26, 352.26, 353.26, 354.26, 355.26, 358.26, and 362.26.

Note: There is no maximum distance between pull boxes because this is a design issue, not a safety issue.

Q. What are the GFCI protection requirements for swimming pool pump motors?

A. Outlets supplying pool pump motors for a permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub from branch circuits rated 15A or 20A, 120V or 240V must be GFCI-protected [680.22(B)].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.