Code Quiz: Ground Fault Protection of Equipment

April 24, 2014
NEC guidelines on ground fault protection of equipment

Which of the following installations does not require ground fault protection of equipment?

A. Branch circuit disconnect rated 1,200A, 480V/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire, in an industrial building where this branch circuit is supplying equipment that is not part of a continuous industrial process where a non-orderly shutdown will introduce additional hazards.

B. Branch circuit disconnect rated 1,200A, 480V/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire, for equipment that is part of a continuous industrial process where a non-orderly shutdown will introduce additional or increased hazards.

C. A service disconnect rated 4,000A, 480V/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire, in a commercial building where a non-orderly shutdown will not introduce additional or increased hazards.

D. A feeder disconnect rated 2,000A, 480V/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire, in an industrial building where this feeder circuit is supplying equipment that is not part of a continuous industrial process where a non-orderly shutdown will introduce additional or increased hazards.

Find the Answer

Answer: B

A change in the 2014 edition of the NEC now requires ground fault protection of equipment for branch circuit disconnects rated 1,000A or more, at greater than 150V to ground, and not exceeding 600V phase-to-phase on solidly grounded systems. This new section of the NEC also has two exceptions, as does Sec. 215.10—and the same exception as included in Sec. 230.95.

Owen is the owner and president of National Code Seminars and the holder of master electrician certifications in 46 states. He can be reached at [email protected].

About the Author

Steven Owen

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...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

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.