National Electrical Code

NEC Rules for Irrigation Machines

July 2, 2019

Article 675 highlights

Article 675 provides the requirements for electrically driven or controlled irrigation machines, and their branch circuits and controllers.

But exactly what are these machines? According to the NEC, they

Have an electric motor
Are not hand-portable
Are used primarily to transport and distribute water for irrigation.

Drive along the Interstate in the “farm belt” (but not near large cities), and you will likely see these machines.

Some highlights from this section of the Code include:

To interconnect enclosures on the structure of the machine, only conductors of an insulation type listed in Table 310.104(A) can be used [675.4(A)].
An interconnection cable can contain power, control, and grounding conductors [675.4(A)].
Irrigation cable must be supported at intervals not exceeding 4 ft [675.4(C)].
For ampacity adjustments per 310.15(B)(3)(a), count only the power cables [675.5].
The main disconnect for the machine must provide overcurrent protection, be at the point of connection of electric power to the machine, be in sight from the machine, and be readily accessible and lockable [675.8(B)].
Requirements for collector rings used for power are in 675.11.

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.