National Electrical Code

NEC Rules for Industrial Machinery

June 18, 2019

How does Article 670 definite this type of equipment?

Article 670 provides the requirements for this equipment. But what exactly is it? An industrial machine is a power-driven machine that is:

Not portable by hand when working.
Used to process material by any of several specified means, including cutting and forming.

Industrial machinery also can include associated equipment used to transfer material or tooling.

The control equipment enclosure or the machine itself must bear a nameplate that provides the five types of information specified in Sec. 670.3(A)(1) through (5). For example, it must tell you the electrical diagram number(s) or the number of the index to the electrical drawings. Check the industrial equipment nameplates in your facility; do these reference drawings? If not, you have some updates to do for your facility to be NEC-compliant.

The supply conductors must have an ampacity of at least 125% of the full-load current rating of all resistance heating loads plus 125% of the full-load current rating of the highest rated motor plus the sum of the full-load current ratings of all other connected motors and apparatus [Sec. 670.4].

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.