Code Quiz: Audio Signal Processing, Amplification and Reproduction Equipment

When is it permissible to use an equipment grounding conductor, not larger than 14 AWG copper or its equivalent, to ground a wireway or auxiliary gutter?

A. Where the wireway or auxiliary gutter does not contain power-supply wires and the wireway or auxiliary is part of audio signal processing, amplification, and reproducing equipment

B. When the wireway or auxiliary gutter is nonmetallic

C. When the wireway or auxiliary gutter metal is 1/8 in. thick

D. It is never permitted to use a 14 AWG equipment grounding conductor in a wireway or auxiliary gutter. A 12 AWG conductor is always the minimum size allowed.

Answer: A

As noted in 640.7(A) of the 2011 NEC, where the wireway or auxiliary gutter does not contain power-supply wires and the wireway or auxiliary is part of audio signal processing, amplification, and reproducing equipment, it is permissible to use an equipment grounding conductor, not larger than  14 AWG copper or its equivalent, to ground a wireway or auxiliary gutter.

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].