NEC Code-Making Panel 1 Second Draft Meeting Agenda November 12-14, 2015 San Diego, CA ...

124 Pages·2015·1.25 MB·English

National Fire Protection Association
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NEC Code-Making Panel 1

Second Draft Meeting Agenda

November 12-14, 2015

San Diego, CA

Item No. Subject

15-11 -1 Call to Order

15-11-2 Introduction of Members and Guests

15-11-3 Approval of A2016 First Draft Meeting Minutes

15-11-4 Review of Meeting Procedures and Revision Schedule

15-11-5 Task Group Reports

15-11-6 Process Public Comments and Develop Second Revisions

15-11-7 Fire Protection Research Foundation Requests

15-11-8 Old Business

15-11-9 New Business

15-11-10 Adjournment
Public Comment No. 1063 Global Input Lawrence Ayer 0
Public Comment No. 280 Global on Resolved PI 107 John Robert Davis 0
Public Comment No. 1690 Article 90 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1505 Section No. 90.2(A) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 123 Section No. 90.2(B) BRIAN BAUGHMAN 0
Public Comment No. 1882 Section No. 90.2(B) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 573 Section No. 90.7 Robert Osborne 0
Public Comment No. 127 Article 100 BRIAN BAUGHMAN 0
Public Comment No. 576 Article 100 David Wechsler 0
Public Comment No. 1039 100, Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). Chad Kennedy 0
Public Comment No. 1731 100, Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). submitted 0
Public Comment No. 199 100, Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). DON GANIERE 0
Public Comment No. 300 100, Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). TIMOTHY CROUSHORE 0
Public Comment No. 549 100, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). ALFIO TORRISI 0
Public Comment No. 1618 100,  Disconnecting Means. submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1242 100,  Flood definitions submitted
Public Comment No. 1732 100, Building. submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1520 100, Equipment. submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1744 100, Equipment. submitted 0
Public Comment No. 175 100,  Exposed (to Accidental Contact). JAMES BRUNSSEN 0
Public Comment No. 217 100,  Exposed (to Accidental Contact). JAMES BRUNSSEN 0
Public Comment No. 227 100,  Exposed (to Accidental Contact). JAMES BRUNSSEN 0
Public Comment No. 228 100,  Exposed (to Accidental Contact). JAMES BRUNSSEN 0
Public Comment No. 1812 100, Exposed Conductive Surfaces. submitted 0
Public Comment No. 497 100, In Sight From (Within Sight From, Within Sight). Phil Simmons 0
Public Comment No. 532 100, Labeled. JEFFREY FECTEAU 2
Public Comment No. 548 Section No. 110.2 ALFIO TORRISI 0
Public Comment No. 814 Section No. 110.3 VINCE BACLAWSKI 1
Public Comment No. 938 Section No. 110.3 Michael Johnston 0
Public Comment No. 1366 Section No. 110.3(A) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1529 Section No. 110.3(A) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1671 Section No. 110.3(A) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1746 Section No. 110.3(A) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 531 Section No. 110.3(B) JEFFREY FECTEAU 1
Public Comment No. 949 Section after 110.3(B) James Dollard 0
Public Comment No. 1248 Section No. 110.11 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1253 Section No. 110.11 submitted 2
Public Comment No. 495 Section No. 110.12 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections] Michael Johnston 0
Public Comment No. 1551 Section No. 110.14 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections] submitted 0
Public Comment No. 976 Section No. 110.14(B) JEFFREY FECTEAU 1
Public Comment No. 1078 Section No. 110.14(C)(1) Barry Schuster 0
Public Comment No. 690 Section No. 110.14(C)(1) Barry Schuster 0
Public Comment No. 87 Section No. 110.14(C)(1) Mike Miller 0
Public Comment No. 1458 Section No. 110.14(D) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1747 Section No. 110.16 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1058 Section No. 110.16(B) Chad Kennedy 0
Public Comment No. 1701 Section No. 110.16(B) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 266 Section No. 110.16(B) DON GANIERE 0
Public Comment No. 327 Section No. 110.16(B) TERRANCE MCKINCH 0
Public Comment No. 345 Section No. 110.16(B) Andy Sherrill 0
Public Comment No. 356 Section No. 110.16(B) MIKE HOLT 0
Public Comment No. 766 Section No. 110.16(B) JOHN MASARICK 0
Public Comment No. 86 Section No. 110.16(B) Aaron Adamczyk 0
Public Comment No. 937 Section No. 110.16(B) Michael Johnston 0
Public Comment No. 951 Section No. 110.16(B) James Dollard 0
Public Comment No. 1540 Section No. 110.21 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1550 Section No. 110.21 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 582 Section No. 110.21(A)(2) Robert Osborne 0
Public Comment No. 707 Section No. 110.21(A)(2) Christel Hunter 0
Public Comment No. 767 Section No. 110.21(A)(2) JOHN MASARICK 0
Public Comment No. 1748 Section No. 110.24 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 496 Section No. 110.24(A) Phil Simmons 0
Public Comment No. 85 Section No. 110.24(A) Aaron Adamczyk 0
Public Comment No. 708 Section No. 110.26(A)(4) Christel Hunter 0
Public Comment No. 1568 Section No. 110.26(B) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 768 Section No. 110.26(B) JOHN MASARICK 0
Public Comment No. 1511 Section No. 110.26(C)(2) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1469 Section No. 110.26(E)(2) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1749 Section No. 110.26(E)(2) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 1575 Section No. 110.26(F) submitted 0
Public Comment No. 812 Section No. 110.26(F) James Dollard 0
Public Comment No. 709 Section No. 110.27(A) Christel Hunter 0
Public Comment No. 92 Section No. 110.28 Aaron Adamczyk 0
Public Comment No. 39 Section No. 110.31 Aaron Adamczyk 0
Public Comment No. 657 Section No. 110.31 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections] ALLAN STPETER 0
Public Comment No. 800 Section No. 110.31(A)(5) Marcelo Hirschler 0
Public Comment No. 302 Section No. 110.31(D) TIMOTHY CROUSHORE 0
Public Comment No. 710 Section No. 110.31(D) Christel Hunter 0
Public Comment No. 711 Section No. 110.34(E) Christel Hunter 0
Public Comment No. 1582 Section No. 110.41 submitted 0
Public Comment No. 303 Section No. 110.73 TIMOTHY CROUSHORE 0
Public Comment No. 712 Section No. 110.73 Christel Hunter 0
Public Comment No. 38 Annex A Aaron Adamczyk 0
10/6/2015 National Fire Protection Association Report
Public Comment No. 1063­NFPA 70­2015 [ Global Input ]
Article 100 Definitions
Voltage, Nominal…..
Informational Note No. 3: Certain 48­volt DC battery units have a charging float voltage
up to 58 volts. In DC applications 60 volts is used to cover the entire range of float
voltages.
Article 110
110.27 Guarding of Live Part 
(A) Live Parts Guarded Against Accidental Contact. Except as elsewhere required or
permitted by this Code, live parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts AC/60 volts
DC or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by approved enclosures or by any of
the following means:
Article 200 Use and Identification of Grounded Conductors
200.7
(B) Circuits of Less Than 50 Volts AC. A conductor with white or gray color insulation or
three continuous white stripes or having a marking of white or gray at the termination for
circuits of less than 50 volts AC shall be required to be grounded only as required by
250.20(A).
C) Circuits of 50 Volts AC or More. The use of insulation that is white or gray or that has
three continuous white or gray stripes for other than a grounded conductor for circuits of 50
volts AC or more shall be permitted only as in (1) and (2).
Article 215 Feeders
215.12(C)(2) Feeders Supplied from Direct­Current Systems. 
Where a feeder is supplied from a dc system operating at more than 50 60 volts, each
ungrounded conductor of 4 AWG or larger shall be identi?ed by polarity at all
termination, connection, and splice points by marking tape, tagging, or other approved
means; each ungrounded conductor of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identi?ed by polarity
at all termination, connection, and splice points in compliance with 215.12(C)(2)(a) and
(b). The identi?cation methods utilized for conductors originating within each feeder
panelboard or similar feeder distribution equipment shall be documented in a manner
that is readily available or shall be permanently posted at each feeder panelboard or
similar feeder distribution equipment.
Article 430 Motors, Motor Circuits, and Controllers
430.232 Where Required. Exposed live parts of motors and controllers operating at 50 volts
DC or more between terminals shall be guarded against accidental contact by enclosure or by
location as follows:
430.233 Guards for Attendants. Where live parts of motors or controllers operating at over 50
volts AC to ground are guarded against accidental contact only by location as specified in
430.232, and where adjustment or other attendance may be necessary during the operation of
the apparatus, suitable insulating mats or platforms shall be provided so that the attendant
cannot readily touch live parts unless standing on the mats or platforms.
Article 445 Generators
445.14 Protection of Live Parts. Live parts of generators operated at more than 50 volts
AC/60 volts DC to ground shall not be exposed to accidental contact where accessible to
unquali?ed persons.
Article 460 Capacitors
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dc shall be marked in accordance with 625.15(C) and shall be switched, and the
mechanical ventilation system shall be electrically interlocked through the switch
supply power to the electric vehicle supply equipment.
Article 669 Electroplating
669.6 Wiring Methods. Conductors connecting the electrolyte tank equipment to the
conversion equipment shall be in accordance with 669.6(A) and (B).
(A) Systems Not Exceeding 50 60 Volts Direct Current. Insulated conductors shall be
permitted to be run without insulated support, provided they are protected from physical
damage. Bare copper or aluminum conductors shall be permitted where supported on
insulators.
(B) Systems Exceeding 50 60 Volts Direct Current. Insulated conductors shall be
permitted to be run on insulated supports, provided they are protected from physical
damage. Bare copper or aluminum conductors shall be permitted where supported on
insulators and guarded against accidental contact up to the point of termination in
accordance with 110.27.
A rticle 720 Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less than 50 Volts
Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less Than 50 Volts AC/60 Volts DC.
720.1 Scope. This article covers installations operating at less than 50 volts, alternating
current, or 60 volts direct current or alternating current.
720.11 Mechanical Execution of Work. Circuits operating at less than 50 volts AC
or 60 volts DC shall be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner. Cables shall be
supported by the building structure in such a manner that the cable will not be
damaged by normal building use.Type your content here ...
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Over the past decade numerous code articles have been placed into the NEC as a result of the 
increased resurgence of DC systems.   These systems, similar to their AC counterpart, have 
mandated code requirements that must be met when the system voltage exceeds a certain 
threshold. For years the system threshold for many of the requirements has been kept at the 50 volt 
level.  While this is appropriate for AC systems, it can create confusion to the user of the document 
when applied to a 48 DC batteries during charging where a “float voltage” is common at 58 volts.  
The float voltage can vary significantly depending on battery chemistry, battery construction, and the 
actual ambient temperature.   This voltage may be constant for the entire duration of the charge or 
can fluctuate.  Some 48 volt DC systems stay above the 50 volt threshold for 99% of the time for 
applications such as telecommunications, UPS systems and emergency lighting.
This elevated voltage may create confusion since various AHJ’s might see 58 volts and mandate 
that a code rule must be followed since the 50 volt threshold has been increased.  To resolve these 
issues a DC task group was formed to research the DC systems found in the NEC and to correlate 
the various DC topics that were being added to the NEC.   The task group recommended the use of 
60 volt DC throughout the code to eliminate the confusion that could arise from the elevated float 
voltage. The intent of the task group was to provide a consistent use of the voltage threshold within 
the NEC document.
For the 2017 NEC Revision Cycle, a task group was formed to correlate the use of the 50/60V 
threshold and provide public comments for the second draft.   The task group members Larry Ayer 
(Chair), Bill Cantor, Donny Cook, Jim Dollard (Co­Chair), John Kovacik (DC Task Group Chair), 
Ernie Gallo, Vince Saporita, and Jim White provided input and guidance for these recommendations.
To correlate  the use of 50 volts for AC systems and 60 volts for DC systems,  the recommended 
NEC changes are based on the following:
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Public Comment No. 280-NFPA 70-2015 [ Global Input ]
This is a request for clarification on the panel resolution statement on Public Input 107-NFPA 70-2014.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Resolution on my PI stated: The issue of foreign systems installed in electrical wiring enclosures is addressed in Section 300.8.
Electrical equipment enclosures should be installed in accordance with their associated installation instructions. Restricting foreign
equipment such as pneumatic piping and other types of systems from entering industrial equipment enclosures and process control
equipment is not practical in all instances or conditions.
Section 300.8 states: Raceways Can’t Be Used For Multitasking- which goes on to state that Raceways are to be used only for electrical
conductors and cables. Nonelectrical components such as pipes or tubes for Steam, Water, and Gas must not be installed in electrical
raceways or cable trays.
Observation from years of experience: Raceways, Cable Trays, Combined Electrical Process Control Panels, and Industrial Equipment
Enclosures all have the same common denominator, Remote Power Sources running through them. Where Motor Control Centers main
power is fed via Cable Trays, the Motor Control Centers feeds 120v/60hz to pressure switches, transmitters, lightning/surge protection
and step down transformers that are located in these process control panels and industrial equipment enclosures via internal terminal
blocks. What is also common in all is the wires are installed in conduits. Now when a Pressurized Water Line is installed in a Process
Control Panel or an Industrial Equipment Enclosure and it leaks or burst, the water can travel back to the sources such has a Power
Panel, Motor Control Center, and even a Power Transformer.
Clarification Request: When the Committee stated restricting foreign equipment such Pneumatic Piping and other types of systems was
not practical, was that supposed to have included Pressurized Water Lines? It appeared that Pressurized Water Lines wording was
totally omitted from the Resolution.
Related Item
Public Input No. 107-NFPA 70-2014 [Global Input]
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name:John Robert Davis
Organization: Davis Instrumentation Services
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date: Wed Jul 22 13:19:15 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1690-NFPA 70-2015 [ Article 90 ]
Article 90 Introduction
Sections 90.1, 90.2, 90.3, 90.4, 90.5, 90.6, 90.7, 90.8, 90.9
90.1 Purpose.
(A) Practical Safeguarding.
The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity.
This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.
(B) Adequacy.
This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance result
in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or
future expansion of electrical use.
Informational Note: Hazards often occur because of overloading of wiring systems by methods or usage not in
conformity with this Code. This occurs because initial wiring did not provide for increases in the use of electricity. An
initial adequate installation and reasonable provisions for system changes provide for future increases in the use of
electricity.
(C) Relation to Other International Standards.
The requirements in this Code address the fundamental principles of protection for safety contained in Section 131 of
International Electrotechnical Commission Standard 60364-1, Electrical Installations of Buildings.
Informational Note: IEC 60364-1, Section 131, contains fundamental principles of protection for safety that encompass
protection against electric shock, protection against thermal effects, protection against overcurrent, protection against
fault currents, and protection against overvoltage. All of these potential hazards are addressed by the requirements in
this Code.
90.2 Scope.
(A) Covered.
This Code covers the installation and removal of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceways; signaling and
communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and optical fiber cables and raceways for the following:
(1) Public and private premises, including buildings, structures, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and floating buildings
(2) Yards, lots, parking lots, carnivals, and industrial substations
(3) Installations of conductors and equipment that connect to the supply of electricity
(4) Installations used by the electric utility, such as office buildings, warehouses, garages, machine shops, and recreational
buildings, that are not an integral part of a generating plant, substation, or control center
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(B) Not Covered.
This Code does not cover the following:
(1) Installations in ships, watercraft other than floating buildings, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles other
than mobile homes and recreational vehicles
Informational Note: Although the scope of this Code indicates that the Code does not cover installations in ships,
portions of this Code are incorporated by reference into Title 46, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 110–113.
(2) Installations underground in mines and self-propelled mobile surface mining machinery and its attendant electrical trailing
cable
(3) Installations of railways for generation, transformation, transmission, energy storage, or distribution of power used
exclusively for operation of rolling stock or installations used exclusively for signaling and communications purposes
(4) Installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications utilities located outdoors or in
building spaces used exclusively for such installations
(5) Installations under the exclusive control of an electric utility where such installations
a. Consist of service drops or service laterals, and associated metering, or
b. Are on property owned or leased by the electric utility for the purpose of communications, metering, generation,
control, transformation, transmission, energy storage, or distribution of electric energy, or
c. Are located in legally established easements or rights-of-way, or
d. Are located by other written agreements either designated by or recognized by public service commissions, utility
commissions, or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction for such installations. These written agreements shall
be limited to installations for the purpose of communications, metering, generation, control, transformation,
transmission, energy storage, or distribution of electric energy where legally established easements or rights-of-way
cannot be obtained. These installations shall be limited to federal lands, Native American reservations through the
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, military bases, lands controlled by port authorities and state
agencies and departments, and lands owned by railroads.
Informational Note to (4) and (5): Examples of utilities may include those entities that are typically designated or
recognized by governmental law or regulation by public service/utility commissions and that install, operate, and
maintain electric supply (such as generation, transmission, or distribution systems) or communications systems (such as
telephone, CATV, Internet, satellite, or data services). Utilities may be subject to compliance with codes and standards
covering their regulated activities as adopted under governmental law or regulation. Additional information can be found
through consultation with the appropriate governmental bodies, such as state regulatory commissions, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission.
(C) Special Permission.
The authority having jurisdiction for enforcing this Code may grant exception for the installation of conductors and equipment
that are not under the exclusive control of the electric utilities and are used to connect the electric utility supply system to the
service conductors of the premises served, provided such installations are outside a building or structure, or terminate inside at
a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
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90.3 Code Arrangement.
This Code is divided into the introduction and nine chapters, as shown in Figure 90.3. Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4 apply generally.
Chapters 5, 6, and 7 apply to special occupancies, special equipment, or other special conditionsand may supplement or
modify the requirements in Chapters 1 through 7.
Chapter 8 covers communications systems and is not subject to the requirements of Chapters 1 through 7 except where the
requirements are specifically referenced in Chapter 8.
Chapter 9 consists of tables that are applicable as referenced.
Informative annexes are not part of the requirements of this Code but are included for informational purposes only.
Figure 90.3 Code Arrangement.
90.4 Enforcement.
This Code is intended to be suitable for mandatory application by governmental bodies that exercise legal jurisdiction over
electrical installations, including signaling and communications systems, and for use by insurance inspectors. The authority
having jurisdiction for enforcement of the Code has the responsibility for making interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the
approval of equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission contemplated in a number of the rules.
By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction may waive specific requirements in this Code or permit alternative
methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety.
This Code may require new products, constructions, or materials that may not yet be available at the time the Code is adopted.
In such event, the authority having jurisdiction may permit the use of the products, constructions, or materials that comply with
the most recent previous edition of this Code adopted by the jurisdiction.
90.5 Mandatory Rules, Permissive Rules, and Explanatory Material.
(A) Mandatory Rules.
Mandatory rules of this Code are those that identify actions that are specifically required or prohibited and are characterized by
the use of the terms shall or shall not.
(B) Permissive Rules.
Permissive rules of this Code are those that identify actions that are allowed but not required, are normally used to describe
options or alternative methods, and are characterized by the use of the terms shall be permitted or shall not be required.
(C) Explanatory Material.
Explanatory material, such as references to other standards, references to related sections of this Code, or information related
to a Code rule, is included in this Code in the form of informational notes. Such notes are informational only and are not
enforceable as requirements of this Code.
Brackets containing section references to another NFPA document are for informational purposes only and are provided as a
guide to indicate the source of the extracted text. These bracketed references immediately follow the extracted text.
Informational Note: The format and language used in this Code follows guidelines established by NFPA and published in
the NEC Style Manual. Copies of this manual can be obtained from NFPA.
(D) Informative Annexes.
Nonmandatory information relative to the use of the NEC is provided in informative annexes. Informative annexes are not part
of the enforceable requirements of the NEC, but are included for information purposes only.
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