November 9-14, 2015, San Diego, CA

Transcription

November 9-14, 2015, San Diego, CA
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471
Phone: 617-770-3000 • Fax: 617-770-0700 • www.nfpa.org
NEC Code-Making Panel 5
Second Draft Meeting Agenda
November 9-14, 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
Public Comment No. 1766
Public Comment No. 1546
Public Comment No. 397
Public Comment No. 1389
Public Comment No. 1558
Public Comment No. 1767
Public Comment No. 560
Public Comment No. 404
Public Comment No. 1561
Public Comment No. 1768
Public Comment No. 443
Public Comment No. 1571
Public Comment No. 1769
Public Comment No. 1574
Public Comment No. 1770
Public Comment No. 321
Public Comment No. 364
Public Comment No. 740
Public Comment No. 741
Public Comment No. 407
Public Comment No. 601
Public Comment No. 212
Public Comment No. 1584
Public Comment No. 1738
Public Comment No. 1771
Public Comment No. 1587
Public Comment No. 1527
Public Comment No. 1532
Public Comment No. 1541
Public Comment No. 1772
Public Comment No. 365
Public Comment No. 1538
Public Comment No. 1773
Public Comment No. 677
Public Comment No. 789
Public Comment No. 1592
Public Comment No. 335
Public Comment No. 366
Public Comment No. 489
Public Comment No. 1600
Public Comment No. 1774
Public Comment No. 1609
Public Comment No. 1775
Public Comment No. 301
Public Comment No. 319
Public Comment No. 1776
Global Input
Section No. 250.4(A)(1)
Section No. 250.4(B)(1)
Section after 250.6(C)
Section after 250.10
Section No. 250.22
Section No. 250.22
Section No. 250.24(A)(1)
Section No. 250.24©
Section No. 250.30(A)(4)
Section No. 250.30(A)(4)
Section No. 250.30(A)(4)
Section No. 250.30(A)(5)
Section No. 250.30(A)(5)
Section No. 250.30(A)(6)
Section No. 250.30(A)(6)
Section No. 250.30(A)(6)
Section No. 250.30(A)(6)
Section No. 250.30(A)(6)
Section No. 250.35(B)
Section No. 250.36 Section No. 250.52(A)(1)
Section No. 250.52(A)(3)
Section No. 250.52(A)(8)
Section No. 250.52(A)(8)
Section No. 250.52(A)(8)
Section No. 250.52(B)
Section No. 250.53(G)
Section No. 250.53(G)
Section No. 250.58
Section No. 250.60
Section No. 250.60
Section No. 250.62
Section No. 250.64(A)
Section No. 250.64(A)
Section No. 250.64(A)
Section No. 250.64(B)
Section No. 250.64(B)(3)
Section No. 250.64(E)(1)
Sections 250.66(A), 250.66(B), 250.66(C)
Section No. 250.66
Section No. 250.66
Section No. 250.68(C)
Section No. 250.68(C)
Section No. 250.68(C)
Section No. 250.68(C)
Section No. 250.80
Public Comment No. 1625
Public Comment No. 556
Public Comment No. 704
Public Comment No. 1777
Public Comment No. 1183
Public Comment No. 368
Public Comment No. 1778
Public Comment No. 1634
Public Comment No. 1649
Public Comment No. 1779
Public Comment No. 165
Public Comment No. 88
Public Comment No. 336
Public Comment No. 369
Public Comment No. 337
Public Comment No. 1459
Public Comment No. 1780
Public Comment No. 933
Public Comment No. 1663
Public Comment No. 1781
Public Comment No. 679
Public Comment No. 791
Public Comment No. 118
Public Comment No. 1782
Public Comment No. 338
Public Comment No. 490
Public Comment No. 771
Public Comment No. 792
Public Comment No. 81
Public Comment No. 1783
Public Comment No. 901
Public Comment No. 186
Public Comment No. 1667
Public Comment No. 1784
Public Comment No. 245
Public Comment No. 1672
Public Comment No. 1785
Public Comment No. 1404
Public Comment No. 292
Public Comment No. 291
Public Comment No. 1676
Public Comment No. 408
Public Comment No. 293
Public Comment No. 1786
Public Comment No. 1679
Public Comment No. 1787
Public Comment No. 491
Section No. 250.86
Section No. 250.86
Section No. 250.94
Section No. 250.94 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections]
Section No. 250.94(A)
Section No. 250.94(B)
Section No. 250.102(A)
Section No. 250.102(C)(2)
Section No. 250.104
Section No. 250.104(A) [Excluding any Sub‐Sectio
Section No. 250.104(B)
Section No. 250.104(B)
Section No. 250.104(C)
Section No. 250.104(C)
Section No. 250.104(D) [Excluding any Sub‐Sectio
Section No. 250.119(B)
Section No. 250.119(B)
Section No. 250.119(B)
Section No. 250.120(B)
Section No. 250.120(B)
Section No. 250.120(B)
Section No. 250.120(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(B)
Section No. 250.122(F)
Section No. 250.122(F) [Excluding any Sub‐Sectio
Section No. 250.122(F)(1)
Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections
Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections
Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub‐Sections
Section No. 250.186
Section No. 250.186
Section No. 250.187(B)
Section No. 250.191
Section No. 250.194
Section No. 280, Part I.
Section No. 280.1
Section No. 280.4
Section No. 280.12
Section No. 280.24
Section No. 280.24(A)
Section No. 280.24(A)
Public Comment No. 1687
Public Comment No. 824
Public Comment No. 9
Public Comment No. 987
Public Comment No. 1691
Public Comment No. 13
Public Comment No. 11
Section No. 285, Part I.
Section No. 285.1
Section No. 285.1
Section No. 285.5
Sections 285.5, 285.6
Section No. 285.13
Section No. 285.3
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Public Comment No. 1063-NFPA 70-2015 [ Global Input ]
Article 100 Definitions
Voltage, Nominal…..
Informational Note No. 3: Certain 48-volt 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 Direct-Current 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
460.6 (A) Time of Discharge. The residual voltage of a capacitor shall be reduced to 50 volts DC , nominal, or less within 1
minute after the capacitor is disconnected from the source of supply.
460.28(A) Means for Discharge. A means shall be provided to reduce the residual voltage of a capacitor to 50 volts DC or less
within 5 minutes after the capacitor is disconnected from the source of supply.
Article 480 Storage Batteries
480.5 Overcurrent Protection for Prime Movers. Overcurrent protection shall not be required for conductors from a battery
with a nominal voltage of 60 volts DC or less if the battery provides power for starting, ignition, or control of prime
movers. Section 300.3 shall not apply to these conductors.
480.6 DC Disconnect Methods. (A) Disconnecting Means. A disconnecting means shall be provided for all ungrounded
conductors derived from a stationary battery system with a nominal voltage over 60 volts DC. A disconnecting means
shall be readily accessible and located within sight of the battery system.
Article 522 Control Systems for Permanent Amusement Attractions
522.25 Ungrounded Control Circuits. Separately derived ac and 2-wire dc circuits and systems 50 volts AC/60 volts DC or
greater shall be permitted to be ungrounded, provided that all the following conditions are met:
Article 625
625.18 Interlock. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be provided with an interlock that de-energizes the electric
vehicle connector whenever the electrical connector is uncoupled from the electric vehicle. An interlock shall not be
required for portable cord-and-plug-connected electric vehicle supply equipment intended for connection to
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receptacle outlets rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes. An interlock shall not be required for dc
supplies less than 50 60 volts dc.
625.19 Automatic De-Energization of Cable. The electric vehicle supply equipment or the cable-connector
combination of the equipment shall be provided with an automatic means to de-energize the cable conductors and
electric vehicle connector upon exposure to strain that could result in either cable rupture or separation of the cable
from the electric connector and exposure of live parts. Automatic means to de-energize the cable conductors and
electric vehicle connector shall not be required for portable cord-and-plug-connected electric vehicle supply
equipment intended for connection to receptacle outlets rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes. An
interlock shall not be required for dc supplies less than 50 60 volts dc.
625.44 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Connection.
Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be permitted to be cord and plug-connected to the premises wiring system in
accordance with one of the following:
(A) Connections to 125-Volt, Single-Phase, 15 and 20-Ampere Receptacle Outlets. Electric vehicle supply equipment intended
for connection to non-locking, 2-pole,3-wire grounding-type receptacle outlets rated at 125 V, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes
or from a supply of less than 50 60 volts dc.
(4) Supply Circuits. The supply circuit to the mechanical ventilation equipment shall be electrically interlocked with
the electric vehicle supply equipment and shall remain energized during the entire electric vehicle charging cycle.
Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be marked in accordance with625.15. Electric vehicle supply equipment
receptacles rated at 125 volts, single phase, 15 and 20 amperes shall be marked in accordance with 625.15 and
shall be switched, and the mechanical ventilation system shall be electrically interlocked through the switch supply
power to the receptacle. Electric vehicle supply equipment supplied from less than 50 60 volts 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 (Co-Chair), 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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1. Where a code section refers to AC systems only and indicates 50 volts the acronym “AC” was added to provide clarity.
2. Where a code section refers to a requirement used only in a DC system at a 50 volt threshold, the voltage is revised to 60 volts and
the term “DC” is added
3. Where a code section indicates a 50 volt threshold, and the section is a requirement for both AC and DC systems, the text is revised
as “50 volts AC/60 volts DC”.
4. When a code section refers to DC systems, and the term “nominal” is used, it will be deleted since the voltage threshold is increased
to 60 volts.
5. A fine print note is being recommended in Article 100 below the definition for “Nominal Voltage” to provide additional information on
float voltage.
NEC changes are being recommended for the following code sections:
1. *Add informational note after “Voltage, Nominal”. Informational note to read as follows:*
*Informational Note No. 3: Certain 48-volt DC battery units use a charging float voltage up to 58 volts. In DC applications 60 volts is
used to cover the entire range of float voltages.*
2. For section 110.27, “50 volts” is being changed to “50 volts AC/60 volts DC”. This will clarify the voltage threshold for AC and DC
systems.
3. Section 200.7 (B) and (C) applies to conductor marking for AC systems only. “AC” is added after 50 volts to clarify that this
requirement is only for AC systems.
4. Section 210.5(C)(2) was revised in the First draft that changed “50 volts” to “60 volts” to correlate with the new microgrid article.
Revise section 215.12(C) from“50 volts” to “60 volts” to correlate with section 210.5(C)(2).
5. In section 445.14, revise “50 volts” to 50 volts AC/60 volts DC” to clarify that this requirement pertains to both AC and DC systems.
6. In sections 480.5 and 480.6 “50 volts” was changed to “60 volts” since these pertain to DC batteries and DC systems.
7. In section 522.25, “50 volts” is being changed to “50 volts AC / 60 volts DC” to clarify that this section pertains to both AC and DC
systems and distinguishes between the two voltage systems and thresholds.
8. Article 625, Electrical Vehicle Charging System. Revise the text from “50 volts” to“60 volts” since these are DC systems.
9. Section 669.6(A) and (B) are DC systems. Revise the text from“50 volts” to “60 volts”
10. Section 690.71 (B) is a DC system with a threshold of 50 volts. Revise the text from “50 volts” to “60 volts DC”.
11. Article 720 Circuits and Equipment Operating at Less Than 50 Volts covers both AC and DC systems. To correlate the Title has
been changed to “50 Volts AC/60 Volts DC”. The Scope 720.1 and section 720.11 have been modified to clarify that this Article applies
to both systems with the corresponding voltage.
Related Item
Public Input No. 3681-NFPA 70-2014 [Global Input]
Submitter Information Verification
Submitter Full Name: Lawrence Ayer
Organization:
Biz Com Electric, Inc.
Affilliation:
IEC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Sep 23 14:39:50 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1766-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.4(A)(1) ]
(1) Electrical System Grounding.
Electrical systems that are grounded shall be connected to earth in a manner that will limit the voltage imposed by lightning,
line surges, or unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines and that will stabilize the voltage to earth during normal operation.
Informational Note No. 1: An important consideration for limiting the imposed voltage is the routing of bonding and
grounding electrode conductors so that they are not any longer than necessary to complete the connection without
disturbing the permanent parts of the installation and so that unnecessary bends and loops are avoided.
Informational Note No. 2: See NFPA 780-2017, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, for
information on lightning protection system grounding.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
the Correlating Committee directs that the panel give further consideration to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1203.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1203-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.4(A)(1)]
Submitter Information Verification
389 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:18:27 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1546-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.4(B)(1) ]
(1)
Grounding Electrical Equipment.
Non–current-carrying conductive materials enclosing electrical conductors or equipment, or forming part of such equipment,
shall be connected to earth in a manner that will limit the voltage imposed by lightning or unintentional contact with highervoltage lines and limit the voltage to ground on these materials.
Informational Note No. 1: See NFPA 780-2017, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, for information on
lightning protection grounding
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the information note was omitted from the ballot as noted in the ballot comments of Charles Mello. This note
is to be the same as in 250.4(A)(1)
Related Item
First Revision No. 1203-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.4(A)(1)]
Submitter Information Verification
390 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:00:30 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 397-NFPA 70-2015 [ New Section after 250.6(C) ]
TITLE OF NEW CONTENT
Exception
When objectional ground fault current may be inposed on communication cables.
The installation must comply with 250.6 (A) & (B)
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Description
Trough_Bonding.JPG
The pic shows a trough with the panel feed, control wiring and an Ethernet communications cable
to support a valve control panel. The several conduits would not physically fit in the panel . The
trough intercepted the associated conduits and condensed them to (3) sealtights going to the
control panel. The completed installation had the communication wiring was separated by 2" from
power & control wiring. The communication conduit did not have a ground wire as required by
514.8 ex 2 last sentence. The grounding and bonding was achieved by other approved means.
This proposed amendment to 514.8 ex 2 would clarify that it is acceptable to ground and bond by
other means.
Approved
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
In underground situations where rigid steel conduit transitions to PVC underground and emerges as rigid conduit on both ends. A
ground wire is included to bond both ends of the raceway. When there are several conduits in the same enclosure and all are Rigid steel
/ PVC and some are for communications, the conduit can be bonded to ground without running a ground wire in the conduit with
communication cables. If a ground wire was run in with communication cables, the ground fault currents of other circuits could be
imposed on the communication cables and damage equipment. The exception to 250.6 (C) would enable the grounding conductor to be
removed from the communication conduit. A note should be added that it comply with 250.6 (A) & (B)
This would also go along with a proposed change for 514.8 exception 2 to eliminate the requirement of a grounding conductor if it was
for a communication cable and the conduit could be bonded by other approved means.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1205-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.6(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
391 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: GERALD DALEY
Organization:
Daley Electric Company
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Aug 11 22:03:44 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1389-NFPA 70-2015 [ New Section after 250.10 ]
TITLE OF NEW CONTENT
NEC Code Change Proposal
09/21/15
Article 250 grounding and Bonding
I am proposing a change in the wording and implementation of the following articles:
250.10 Protection of Ground Clamps and Fittings
Ground clamps or other fittings exposed to physical damage shall be in metal, wood or equivalent covering.
Ground clamps or other fittings exposed to physical damage shall be incased in a protective covering.
250.53 (G) Rod and Pipe Electrodes (excerpt)
The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or below ground level unless the aboveground end and the
electrode conductor attachment are protected against physical damage as specified in 250.10.
The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or below ground level and the electrode conductor attachment shall
be protected against physical damage as specified in 250.10.
250.62
The grounding electrode conductor shall be copper, aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or items permitted in 250.68(C). The
material selected shall be resistant to any corrosive condition existing at the installation or shall be protected against
corrosion. Conductors of the wire type shall be solid or stranded, insulated, covered, or bare.
The grounding electrode conductor shall be copper, aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or items permitted in 250.68(C). The
material selected shall be resistant to any corrosive condition existing at the installation and shall be protected against
corrosion. Conductors of the wire type shall be solid or stranded, insulated, covered, or bare.
110.14 Electrical Connections
(Dissimilar Metals) (excerpt)
Conductors of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact between
dissimilar metals.
Conductors of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact between
dissimilar metals. (Exception) Where the connection is protected against any galvanic corrosion by incasing
connection from an electrolyte.
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
2017_NEC_Change_Proposal.pdf
Description Approved
2017 proposal
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
392 of 2079
Submitted by:
Dan Tharp
Owner and Master Electrician of Big “D” Electric
PO Box 414
Longville, MN. 56655
As a Master electrician for over 30 years, I have witnessed and dealt with the effects of poor grounding. A large part of this stems from
the connection point of the GEC to the Grounding Electrode. Section 110.14 of the NEC Handbook describes this issue, yet does not
address it completely. Dissimilar metal connections are used frequently in the electrical industry. copper to galvanized ground rods,
copper to steel rebar, aluminum to copper ground rods.
Even with “listed” connectors the industry does not address the facts that to dissimilar metals create a battery of such to sacrifices the
anode to the cathode.
(see attached article)
This is creating a loose and unstable connection point that can lead to a great hazard to both life and property.
The industry also has been led to believe by the creators of exothermic welding that their connections are 100% free from galvanic
corrosion. This is proving not to be the case, thus companies such as Century Link, civil engineering firms in St. Louis, Mo and US Dept.
of the Interior – Mining and others are requiring a sealant over their exothermic welding connections which are then either buried deep
beneath the soil or in concrete. Many companies such as Enbridge and Monsanto require annual inspections of these connections to
check that the connection is still sound.
Since the grounding system is dormant a large part of it’s life we as electricians tend to over look it till it’s too late. Once the grounding
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system is needed do to a fault or lightning strike occurs we want to have the peace of mind knowing our grounding system is working
properly.
Studies show that nearly 86% of all electrical problems stem from poor grounding. While proper installation of grounding equipment is
closely regulated, post installation inspection has been largely overlooked. Recent growth spurts in the electrical industry have been
bringing attention to these issues, with safety being the utmost concern.
All electrical systems rely on a good ground connection to ensure safe and reliable operation. Making sure there is minimal resistance at
the grounding point ensures that any potential hazards are avoided.
The safest and simplest way to achieve these goals are by encapsulating the connection point. As read in the attached paper “ Galvanic
Corrosion in the Electrical Industry” put together by John Langholtz EE/PE graduate of South Dakota State University.
Related Item
Public Input No. 4181-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.10]
Submitter Information Verification
393 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: dan tharp
Organization:
Big D Electric
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 08:52:24 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1558-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.22 ]
250.22
Circuits Not to Be Grounded.
The following circuits shall not be grounded:
(1)
Circuits for electric cranes operating over combustible fibers in Class III locations, as provided in 503.155
(2)
Circuits in health care facilities as provided in 517.61 a nd 517.160
(3)
Circuits for equipment within electrolytic cell working zone as provided in Article 668
(4)
Secondary circuits of lighting systems as provided in 411.6(A)
(5)
Secondary circuits of lighting systems as provided in 680.23(A)(2)
(6)
Class 2 load side circuits for suspended ceiling low - voltage suspended ceiling power grid distribution systems as
provided in 393.60(B)
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The text is revised to reflect that actual text in 393.60(B)
Related Item
First Revision No. 1208-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.22]
Submitter Information Verification
394 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:14:26 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1767-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.22 ]
250.22 Circuits Not to Be Grounded.
The following circuits shall not be grounded:
(1) Circuits for electric cranes operating over combustible fibers in Class III locations, as provided in 503.155
(2) Circuits in health care facilities as provided in 517.61 a nd 517.160
(3) Circuits for equipment within electrolytic cell working zone as provided in Article 668
(4) Secondary circuits of lighting systems as provided in 411.6(A)
(5) Secondary circuits of lighting systems as provided in 680.23(A)(2)
(6) Class 2 load side circuits for low-voltage suspended ceiling power distribution systems as provided in 393.60(B)
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
the Correlating Committee directs that the panel give further consideration to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1208.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1208-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.22]
Submitter Information Verification
395 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:19:23 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 560-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.24(A)(1) ]
(1) General.
The grounding electrode conductor connection shall be made at any accessible point from the load end of the overhead service
conductors, service drop, underground service conductors, or service lateral to, including the terminal or bus to which the
grounded service conductor is connected at the service disconnecting means. For the purpose of this section, connection of
the grounding electrode conductor in an enclosure that will be sealed or locked by the utility providerer shall not be considered
accessible, unless such connection is required by the utility provider.
Informational Note: See definitions of Service Conductors, Overhead; Service Conductors, Underground; Service Drop;
and Service Lateral in Article 100 .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
If the grounding electrode conductor terminates inside a meterbase, C. T. enclosure, service gutter or similar enclosure that is sealed by
the utility company, it is no longer accessible for inspection and maintenance by the electrical inspector or electrical professional. This
seal or lock prevents the inspector or electrical personnel from close approach to verify this connection when a modification or repair is
done to service equipment. The utility companies seal and sometimes lock all enclosures containing access to conductors on the line
side of the metering equipment to prevent tampering and theft of electricity. Over the last 50 years as electricity has become more
costly, the problem of theft of service has been an increasing concern to the utility companies.
As inspectors, we are not authorized to break a utility company seal and may have to wait days in order to schedule a utility person to
meet on site to remove and re-seal the enclosures, just to insure the grounding electrode connection. This creates a hardship and
waists valuable time for the inspector, the utility provider and the electrical personnel who need to get approval from the AHJ to energize
the equipment. A connection inside a sealed enclosure is no longer accessible as defined in Article 100. Additional language has been
added to the original proposal to exempt this requirement where the connection inside the metering enclosure is required by the utility
provider.
Related Item
Public Input No. 4313-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.24(A)(1)]
Submitter Information Verification
396 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Rodney Jones
Organization:
Clackamas County, Oregon
Affilliation:
Self
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 04 18:09:25 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 404-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.24(C) [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
Where an ac system operating at 2000 at 1000 volts or less is grounded at any point, the grounded conductor(s) shall be
routed with the ungrounded conductors to each service disconnecting means and shall be connected to each disconnecting
means grounded conductor(s) terminal or bus. A main bonding jumper shall connect the grounded conductor(s) to each service
disconnecting means enclosure. The grounded conductor(s) shall be installed in accordance with 250.24(C)(1) through
250.24(C)(4).
Exception: Where two or more service disconnecting means are located in a single assembly listed for use as service
equipment, it shall be permitted to connect the grounded conductor(s) to the assembly common grounded conductor(s)
terminal or bus. The assembly shall include a main bonding jumper for connecting the grounded conductor(s) to the assembly
enclosure.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The voltage level should remain at 1000 volts. Making the change to 2000 volts may allow additional items to comply with low voltage
requirements without substantiation and may create safety issues. Although the change in voltage does not directly impact the
grounding requirements in Article 250, it creates inconsistency with other Articles throughout the code, as other CMP's did not accept
these Public Inputs.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 407-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.36 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Public Comment No. 408-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.1]
Related Item
First Revision No. 1232-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.24(C) [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
First Revision No. 1233-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.36 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
First Revision No. 1244-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.1]
Submitter Information Verification
397 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE OMEARA
Organization:
Edison Electric Institute
Affilliation:
EEI Electric Light & Power NEC Task Force
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Aug 13 13:32:22 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1561-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(4) ]
(4)
Grounding Electrode.
The building or structure grounding electrode system shall be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived
system. If located outdoors, the grounding electrode shall be in accordance with 250.30(C).
Exception: If a separately derived system originates in equipment that is listed and labeled as suitable for use as service
equipment, the grounding electrode used for the service or feeder equipment shall be permitted to be used as the grounding
electrode for the separately derived system.
Informational Note No. 1: See 250.104(D) for bonding requirements for interior metal water piping in the area served by
separately derived systems.
Informational Note No. 2: See 250.50 and 250.58 for requirements for bonding all electrodes together if located at the
same building or structure.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The term "and labeled" is required to provide the identification the equipment is Suitable for Use as Service Equipment. List along does
not provide sufficient information to the installer, inspector or user that the equipment has this rating.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1219-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(4)]
Submitter Information Verification
398 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:20:07 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1768-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(4) ]
(4) Grounding Electrode.
The building or structure grounding electrode system shall be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived
system. If located outdoors, the grounding electrode shall be in accordance with 250.30(C).
Exception: If a separately derived system originates in equipment that is listed as suitable for use as service equipment, the
grounding electrode used for the service or feeder equipment shall be permitted to be used as the grounding electrode for the
separately derived system.
Informational Note No. 1: See 250.104(D) for bonding requirements for interior metal water piping in the area served by
separately derived systems.
Informational Note No. 2: See 250.50 and 250.58 for requirements for bonding all electrodes together if located at the
same building or structure.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that the panel give further consideration to the Comments expressed in voting on FR 1219.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1219-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(4)]
Submitter Information Verification
399 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:20:38 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 443-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(4) ]
(4) Grounding Electrode.
The building or structure grounding electrode system shall be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived
system. If located outdoors, the grounding electrode shall be in accordance with 250.30(C).
Exception No.1 : If a separately derived system originates in equipment that is listed as suitable for use as service
equipment, the grounding electrode used for the service or feeder equipment shall be permitted to be used as the grounding
electrode for the separately derived system.
Exception No.2: If a separately derived system is part of mobile system the equipment grounding conductor from the service
shall be permitted to be used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system
Informational Note No. 1: See 250.104(D) for bonding requirements for interior metal water piping in the area served by
separately derived systems.
Informational Note No. 2: See 250.50 and 250.58 for requirements for bonding all electrodes together if located at the
same building or structure.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
In my facility we have numerous test stands that are moved throughout the various labs. These are connected to 480V 3 phase
receptacles. On many of the test stands we have a small (generally less the 5 kVA) transformers installed that are used to create
120/240V for a computer, monitor, lab power supply, etc. that are connected to receptacles installed in the bench. To date we have
taken a dedicated grounding electrode conductor from the grounded conductor in the derived system to a clamp to building steel to
serve as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system.
I have two concerns with this; one due to the portable nature of the test stands it is possible for the dedicated grounding electrode
conductor to NOT be connected to building steel as an operator may forget or assume that the equipment grounding conductor in the
receptacle does accomplishes this and/or the building steel is poorly bonded and does not serve as “good” a grounding electrode as
one would hope.
I would like to require only the equipment grounding conductor that supplies the entire receptacle (and therefore the bench) as the
grounding electrode to ensure that any time the bench is connected to the 3 phase 480V receptacle the grounded conductors of the
separately derived system are connected to a suitable equipment grounding conductor.
Related Item
Public Input No. 443-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 210.64]
Submitter Information Verification
400 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Cullen Hall
Organization:
Donaldson Company Inc.
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Aug 27 14:49:16 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1571-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(5) ]
(5)
Grounding Electrode Conductor, Single Separately Derived System.
A grounding electrode conductor for a single separately derived system shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 for the derived
ungrounded conductors. It shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the derived system to the grounding electrode in
accordance with 250.30(A)(4), or as permitted in 250.68(C)(1) and (2). This connection shall be made at the same point on the
separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or busif bus if the equipment grounding terminal,
bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding electrode
shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding electrode
conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the equipment is
not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding electrode
connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
Exception No. 3: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or Class
3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the grounded conductor is
bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the
transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Editorial correction to put space between the terms "bus" and "if".
Related Item
First Revision No. 1214-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(5)]
Submitter Information Verification
401 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:30:43 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1769-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(5) ]
(5) Grounding Electrode Conductor, Single Separately Derived System.
A grounding electrode conductor for a single separately derived system shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 for the
derived ungrounded conductors. It shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the derived system to the grounding
electrode in accordance with 250.30(A)(4), or as permitted in 250.68(C)(1) and (2). This connection shall be made at the same
point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or busif the equipment grounding terminal, bar,
or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding
electrode shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding
electrode conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the
equipment is not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding
electrode connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
Exception No. 3: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or
Class 3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the grounded conductor is
bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the
transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that the panel give further consideration to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1214
Related Item
First Revision No. 1214-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(5)]
Submitter Information Verification
402 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:21:41 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1574-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(6) ]
(6)
Grounding Electrode Conductor, Multiple Separately Derived Systems.
A common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems shall be permitted. If installed, the common
grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the
grounding electrode as specified in 250.30(A)(4). A grounding electrode conductor tap shall then be installed from each
separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. Each tap conductor shall connect the grounded
conductor of the separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. This connection shall be made at the
same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor tap to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus, provided the equipment grounding
terminal, bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or Class
3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the system grounded conductor is
bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the
transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134.
(a) Common Grounding Electrode Conductor. The common grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be one of
the following:
(2)
A conductor of the wire type not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
(3) A metal water pipe that complies with 250.68(C)(
2) or is connected
(1) 1) or the metal structural frame of the building or structure that complies with 250.68(C)(2) or connected to the grounding
electrode system by a conductor
that shall not be smaller
(1) not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
(d) Tap Conductor Size. Each tap conductor shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 based on the derived ungrounded
conductors of the separately derived system it serves.
Exception: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding electrode
shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding electrode
conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the equipment is
not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding electrode
connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
(e) Connections. All tap connections to the common grounding electrode conductor shall be made at an accessible
location by one of the following methods:
(6)
(7)
(8)
A connector listed as grounding and bonding equipment.
Listed connections to aluminum or copper busbars not smaller than 6 mm thick × 50 mm wide ( 1 ⁄ 4 in. thick × 2 in.
wide) and of sufficient length to accommodate the number of terminations necessary for the installation. If aluminum
busbars are used, the installation shall also comply with 250.64(A) .
The exothermic welding process.
Tap conductors shall be connected to the common grounding electrode conductor in such a manner that the common grounding
electrode conductor remains without a splice or joint.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
403 of 2079
Due to transcription errors in the draft the text is revised to reflect CMP-5 action as reflected in the ballot comment by Charles Mello.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1218-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(6)]
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Submitter Information Verification
404 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:35:20 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1770-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(6) ]
(6) Grounding Electrode Conductor, Multiple Separately Derived Systems.
A common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems shall be permitted. If installed, the common
grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the
grounding electrode as specified in 250.30(A)(4). A grounding electrode conductor tap shall then be installed from each
separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. Each tap conductor shall connect the grounded
conductor of the separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. This connection shall be made at
the same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor tap to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus, provided the equipment grounding
terminal, bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or
Class 3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the system grounded
conductor is bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No.
3, and the transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134 .
(a) Common Grounding Electrode Conductor. The common grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be one
of the following:
(1) A conductor of the wire type not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
(2) A metal water pipe that complies with 250.68(C)(2) or is connected to the grounding electrode system by a conductor that
shall not be smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
(b) Tap Conductor Size. Each tap conductor shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 based on the derived ungrounded
conductors of the separately derived system it serves.
Exception: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding
electrode shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding
electrode conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the
equipment is not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding
electrode connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
(c) Connections. All tap connections to the common grounding electrode conductor shall be made at an accessible
location by one of the following methods:
(1) A connector listed as grounding and bonding equipment.
(2) Listed connections to aluminum or copper busbars not smaller than 6 mm × 50 mm (1⁄4 in. × 2 in. wide) and of sufficient
length to accommodate the number of terminations necessary for the installation. If aluminum busbars are used, the
installation shall comply with 250.64(A) .
(3) The exothermic welding process.
Tap conductors shall be connected to the common grounding electrode conductor in such a manner that the common
grounding electrode conductor remains without a splice or joint.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1218.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1218-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(6)]
Submitter Information Verification
405 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 321-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(6) ]
(6)
Grounding Electrode Conductor, Multiple Separately Derived Systems.
A common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems shall be permitted. If installed, the common
grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the
grounding electrode as specified in 250.30(A)(4). A grounding electrode conductor tap shall then be installed from each
separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. Each tap conductor shall connect the grounded
conductor of the separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. This connection shall be made at the
same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor tap to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus, provided the equipment grounding
terminal, bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or Class
3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the system grounded conductor is
bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the
transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134.
(a) Common Grounding Electrode Conductor. The common grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be one of
the following:
(2)
A conductor of the wire type not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
A metal
(1)
The metal frame of the building or structure, or a continuous metal water pipe that complies with 250.68(C)(2) or is
connected to the grounding electrode system by a conductor that shall not be smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil
aluminum
(c) Tap Conductor Size. Each tap conductor shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 based on the derived ungrounded
conductors of the separately derived system it serves.
Exception: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding electrode
shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding electrode
conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the equipment is
not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding electrode
connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
(d) Connections. All tap connections to the common grounding electrode conductor shall be made at an accessible
location by one of the following methods:
(5)
(6)
(7)
A connector listed as grounding and bonding equipment.
Listed connections to aluminum or copper busbars not smaller than 6 mm × 50 mm ( 1 ⁄ 4 in. × 2 in. wide) and of
sufficient length to accommodate the number of terminations necessary for the installation. If aluminum busbars are used,
the installation shall comply with 250.64(A) .
The exothermic welding process.
Tap conductors shall be connected to the common grounding electrode conductor in such a manner that the common grounding
electrode conductor remains without a splice or joint.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
This is a revision to 250.30 (A) (6) (a) (2) to add back the metal from of the building or structure and to assure the metal water pipe is
continuous. As it appears from the Committee Statement that metal frame of the building was not intended to be omitted from this
section. In addition, the added words continuous related to the metal water pipe is a requirement that 250.68(C)(2) explains how to
accomplish.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1218-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(6)]
Submitter Information Verification
407 of 2079
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
National Fire Protection Association Report
408 of 2079
http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...
Submitter Full Name: TIMOTHY CROUSHORE
Organization:
FIRSTENERGY
Affilliation:
FirstEnergy
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Jul 30 10:34:07 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 364-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(6) ]
(6)
Grounding Electrode Conductor, Multiple Separately Derived Systems.
A common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems shall be permitted. If installed, the common
grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the
grounding electrode as specified in 250.30(A)(4). A grounding electrode conductor tap shall then be installed from each
separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. Each tap conductor shall connect the grounded
conductor of the separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. This connection shall be made at the
same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor tap to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus, provided the equipment grounding
terminal, bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or Class
3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the system grounded conductor is
bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the
transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134.
(a) Common Grounding Electrode Conductor. The common grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be one of
the following:
(2)
(3)
A conductor of the wire type not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
A metal water pipe that complies with 250.68 ? (C)(2) or is connected to the grounding electrode system by a conductor
that shall not be smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
(d) Tap Conductor Size. Each tap conductor shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 based on the derived ungrounded
conductors of the separately derived system it serves.
Exception: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding electrode
shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding electrode
conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the equipment is
not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding electrode
connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
(e) Connections. All tap connections to the common grounding electrode conductor shall be made at an accessible
location by one of the following methods:
(6)
(7)
(8)
A connector listed as grounding and bonding equipment.
Listed connections to aluminum or copper busbars not smaller than 6 mm × 50 mm ( 1 ⁄ 4 in. × 2 in. wide) and of
sufficient length to accommodate the number of terminations necessary for the installation. If aluminum busbars are used,
the installation shall comply with 250.64(A) .
The exothermic welding process.
Tap conductors shall be connected to the common grounding electrode conductor in such a manner that the common grounding
electrode conductor remains without a splice or joint.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
New rule references 250.68(C)(2), I'm sure this is not the reference the Panel intended, since 68(C)(2) addresses metal structure frame.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1218-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(6)]
Submitter Information Verification
409 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE HOLT
Organization:
MIKE HOLT ENTERPRISES INC
Street Address:
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 740-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.30(A)(6) ]
(6)
Grounding Electrode Conductor, Multiple Separately Derived Systems.
A common grounding electrode conductor for multiple separately derived systems shall be permitted. If installed, the common
grounding electrode conductor shall be used to connect the grounded conductor of the separately derived systems to the
grounding electrode as specified in 250.30(A)(4). A grounding electrode conductor tap shall then be installed from each
separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. Each tap conductor shall connect the grounded
conductor of the separately derived system to the common grounding electrode conductor. This connection shall be made at the
same point on the separately derived system where the system bonding jumper is connected.
Exception No. 1: If the system bonding jumper specified in 250.30(A)(1) is a wire or busbar, it shall be permitted to connect
the grounding electrode conductor tap to the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus, provided the equipment grounding
terminal, bar, or bus is of sufficient size for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: A grounding electrode conductor shall not be required for a system that supplies a Class 1, Class 2, or Class
3 circuit and is derived from a transformer rated not more than 1000 volt-amperes, provided the system grounded conductor is
bonded to the transformer frame or enclosure by a jumper sized in accordance with 250.30(A)(1), Exception No. 3, and the
transformer frame or enclosure is grounded by one of the means specified in 250.134.
(a) Common Grounding Electrode Conductor. The common grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to be one of
the following:
(2)
A conductor of the wire type not smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum
(3) A metal water pipe that complies
with
(1) with 250.68(C)(
2
(1) 1 ) or is connected to the grounding electrode system by a conductor that shall not be smaller than 3/0 AWG copper or
250 kcmil aluminum
(d) Tap Conductor Size. Each tap conductor shall be sized in accordance with 250.66 based on the derived ungrounded
conductors of the separately derived system it serves.
Exception: If the source of a separately derived system is located within equipment listed and identified as suitable for
use as service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor from the service or feeder equipment to the grounding electrode
shall be permitted as the grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, if the grounding electrode
conductor is of sufficient size for the separately derived system. If the equipment grounding bus internal to the equipment is
not smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor for the separately derived system, the grounding electrode
connection for the separately derived system shall be permitted to be made to the bus.
(e) Connections. All tap connections to the common grounding electrode conductor shall be made at an accessible
location by one of the following methods:
(6)
(7)
(8)
A connector listed as grounding and bonding equipment.
Listed connections to aluminum or copper busbars not smaller than 6 mm × 50 mm ( 1 ⁄ 4 in. × 2 in. wide) and of
sufficient length to accommodate the number of terminations necessary for the installation. If aluminum busbars are used,
the installation shall comply with 250.64(A) .
The exothermic welding process.
Tap conductors shall be connected to the common grounding electrode conductor in such a manner that the common grounding
electrode conductor remains without a splice or joint.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
411 of 2079
250.30(A)(6)(a)(2) proposes to permit the common grounding electrode conductor to be a metal water pipe that complies with
250.68(C)(2). This referenced section [250.68(C)(2)] describes the proper connection of a grounding electrode conductor or bonding
jumper to a metal structural frame of a building (not a connection to a metal water pipe). In the 2014 NEC, 250.30(A)(6)(a)(2) did
reference the metal frame of a building and compliance to 250.52(A)(2). However, this was proposed to be changed to a metal water
pipe with FR 1218. May I suggest that the correct reference in this text be changed to 250.68(C)(1) rather than 250.68(C)(2).
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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250.68(C)(1) is more appropriate for the proposed text and references connection to a metal water pipe.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1218-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.30(A)(6)]
Submitter Information Verification
412 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: L. Keith Lofland
Organization:
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
Affilliation:
None
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 18 15:06:36 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 741-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.35(B) ]
(B) Nonseparately Derived System.
If the (1) When a generator is installed as a nonseparately derived system, and overcurrent protection is not integral with the
generator assembly, a supply-side bonding jumper shall be installed between the generator equipment grounding terminal and
the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or bus of the disconnecting mean(s). It shall be sized in accordance with 250.102(C)
based on the size of the conductors supplied by the generator.
(2) A non-separately derived generator shall not supply more than one transfer switch (TS) under the following conditions
(1) One TS supplying a Service disconnect and one TS supplying feeder conductors that are supplied from other service
entrance conductors.
(2) Two or more feeders supplied from different sets of service entrance conductors, with a TS suppling each feeder
(3)
Two or more feeders that are each individually supplied from two different separately derived sources, with a TS suppling
each feeder.
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
img044.jpg
Description
Approved
Parallel path
img045.jpg
Ground to neutral connection
img046.jpg
neutral hazard and overload
img047.jpg
Kirchhoff's Law
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
This was originally submitted in 702.10 (PI 2813) However I believe the panel did not understand the parallel path and objective current
issues, and assume the performance base directive in 250.6 would be a sufficient deterrent. please review this issue to see if has merit
to be included as a requirement . I have attached four illustrations.
250.35 (B) speaks to when not if
250.35 (B) (2) A non-separately derived generator supplying any down stream feeder panels supplied from different main service
disconnects will see the neutral to ground connection (main bonding connection) from the main service disconnect of the other main
service disconnect creating a parallel path and a violation of 250.6, even folks that understand section 250.6 do not realize the other
service main bonding jumper creates a neutral to ground connection downstream in a feeder panel when supplied from a
non-separately derived generator connection. Section 250.24 (A) (5) address the load side of a main service disconnect neutral to bond
connection. This is not a load side connection but one from another main service panel. Connecting the generator non-separately
derived will create a parallel path and if one of the panels lost a neutral the other service neutral would be overloaded. Another hazard
would occur when working on one panels circuit neutrals when a potential from the other panels branch circuit is energized.
This section will NOT preclude more than two main services panels supplied from a common service from being supplied by a
non-separately derived generator This new section will make it clear this type of installation is not permitted.
see Kirchhoff's first Law.
Thank you for this consideration.
Related Item
Public Input No. 2813-NFPA 70-2014 [New Section after 702.10]
Public Input No. 2159-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.35(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
413 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: ALFIO TORRISI
Organization:
Master
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 18 16:04:04 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 407-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.36 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
High-impedance grounded neutral systems in which a grounding impedance, usually a resistor, limits the ground-fault current to
a low value shall be permitted for 3-phase ac systems of 480 volts to 2000 to 1000 volts if all the following conditions are met:
(1)
The conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation.
(2)
Ground detectors are installed on the system.
(3)
Line-to-neutral loads are not served.
High-impedance grounded neutral systems shall comply with the provisions of 250.36(A) through (G).
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The voltage level should remain at 1000 volts. Making the change to 2000 volts may allow additional items to comply with low voltage
requirements without substantiation and may create safety issues. Although the change in voltage does not directly impact the
grounding requirements in Article 250, it creates inconsistency with other Articles throughout the code, as other CMP's did not accept
these Public Inputs.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 404-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.24(C) [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Public Comment No. 408-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.1]
Related Item
First Revision No. 1233-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.36 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
First Revision No. 1232-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.24(C) [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
First Revision No. 1244-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.1]
Submitter Information Verification
414 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE OMEARA
Organization:
Edison Electric Institute
Affilliation:
EEI ELectric Light & Power NEC Task Force
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Aug 13 13:51:38 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 601-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.52(A)(1) ]
(1)
Metal Underground Water Pipe.
A If the power source feeding the building or structure is a dedicated source only to that building or structure. A metal
underground water pipe in direct contact with the earth for 3.0 m (10 ft) or more (including any metal well casing bonded to the
pipe) and electrically continuous (or made electrically continuous by bonding around insulating joints or insulating pipe) to the
points of connection of the grounding electrode conductor and the bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s), if installed.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Some neighborhoods have metal water pipes throughout. Many of these homes have transformers feeding more than one home.
When more than one structure is served by these transformers and each building bonds their first means of disconnect and then the
grounding electrodes utilized are the water pipes, the neutral current imbalance can follow the water pipes into the other structures back
to the neutral of the source. This would be a violation of article 250.6. This practice causes objectionable current on the grounding
systems and should be only used when the transformers are dedicated for one structure.
Related Item
Public Input No. 2173-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.6]
Submitter Information Verification
415 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: James Lyon
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Sep 10 22:44:41 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 212-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.52(A)(3) ]
(3)
Concrete-Encased Electrode.
A concrete-encased electrode shall consist of at least 6.0 m (20 ft) of either (1) or (2):
(1)
One or more bare or zinc galvanized or other electrically conductive coated steel reinforcing bars or rods of not less than
13 mm ( 1⁄2 in.) in diameter, installed in one continuous 6.0 m (20 ft) length, or if in multiple pieces connected together by
the usual steel tie wires, exothermic welding, welding, or other effective means to create a 6.0 m (20 ft) or greater length;
or
(2)
Bare copper conductor not smaller than 4 AWG
Metallic components shall be encased by at least 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete and shall be located horizontally within that portion
of a concrete foundation or footing that is in direct contact with the earth or within vertical foundations or structural components
or members that are in direct contact with the earth. If multiple concrete-encased electrodes are present at a building or
structure, it shall be permissible to bond only one into the grounding electrode system.
Informational Note 1 : Concrete installed with insulation, vapor barriers, films or similar items separating the concrete
from the earth is not considered to be in “direct contact” with the earth.
Informational Note 2: Copper, the metal usually used for grounding, is a noble metal and can have serious corrosive
effects on underground structures made of iron or steel that are electrically connected to the copper.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
PI No. 1412 Addressed this proposal and was rejected. I'm proposing it again for reconsideration. The Committee statement is not
entirely correct. IEEE 142-2007 does indeed state: “It should be noted that steel rebar, when encased in concrete, has approximately
the same potential as copper and thus will not corrode.” This is a true statement only when the steel rebar and the copper are not
connected together to form a corrosion cell. If the concrete encased steel rebar is used solely as the grounding electrode and doesn't
have an electrical connection to copper, other than through the earth, then it will be perfectly fine. There will be very little to no
corrosion.
The problem arises when one connects large amounts of copper to large amounts of concrete encased steel. In these situations, the
steel rebar becomes an anode and will sacrifice it itself to the copper. Instead of relying on one sentence in IEEE 142 that is seemingly
being taken out of context, please consider basic chemical principles and add this note to alert users and inspectors of the potential
corrosion problem. Most users and inspection authorities are unaware of this issue since it's not an electrical safety issue. Even though
this isn't an electrical safety issue if foundation rebar or structural steel corrodes there could be a structural safety issue.
Related Item
Public Input No. 1412-NFPA 70-2014 [New Section after 250.52(A)(3)]
Submitter Information Verification
416 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: PAUL GUIDRY
Organization:
FLUOR ENTERPRISES INC
Affilliation:
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 13 13:46:02 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1584-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.52(A)(8) ]
(8)
Other Local Metal Underground Systems or Structures.
Other local metal underground systems or structures such as piping systems, underground tanks, and underground metal well
casings that are not bonded to a metal water pipe. The structures and structural reinforcing steel described at 680.26(B)(1)
and (B)(2) shall not be considered as a grounding electrode described by this section.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the added text is not in 250.52(A)(8) but was revised and added into 250.52(B) as new list item 3. See ballot
comments from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1220-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.52(A)(8)]
Submitter Information Verification
417 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:44:35 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1738-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.52(A)(8) ]
(8) Other Local Metal Underground Systems or Structures.
Other local metal underground systems or structures such as piping systems, underground tanks, and underground metal well
casings that are not bonded to a metal water pipe. The structures and structural reinforcing steel described at 680.26(B)(1)
and (B)(2) shall not be considered as a grounding electrode described by this section.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Delete the last sentence added during the first revision. The language in 680.26(B) refers to "remote" panelboards, service equipment
or electrodes and does not apply to all situations.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1220-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.52(A)(8)]
Submitter Information Verification
418 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Paul Dobrowsky
Organization:
Innovative Technology Services
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 11:17:42 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1771-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.52(A)(8) ]
(8) Other Local Metal Underground Systems or Structures.
Other local metal underground systems or structures such as piping systems, underground tanks, and underground metal well
casings that are not bonded to a metal water pipe. The structures and structural reinforcing steel described at 680.26(B)(1)
and (B)(2) shall not be considered as a grounding electrode described by this section.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1220.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1220-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.52(A)(8)]
Submitter Information Verification
419 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:23:23 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1587-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.52(B) ]
(B)
Not Permitted for Use as Grounding Electrodes.
The following systems and materials shall not be used as grounding electrodes:
(1)
Metal underground gas piping systems
(2)
Aluminum
(3)
The structures and structural reinforcing steel described at 680.26(B)(1) and (B)(2)
Informational Note: See 250.104(B) for bonding requirements of gas piping.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors this text was incorrectly placed in 250.52(A)(8) and this comment reflects the panel action. See ballot
comment from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1220-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.52(A)(8)]
Submitter Information Verification
420 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:47:31 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1527-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.53(G) ]
(G)
Rod and Pipe Electrodes.
The electrode shall be installed such that at least 2.44 m (8 ft) of length is in contact with the soil. It shall be driven to a depth of
not less than 2.44 m (8 ft) except that, where rock bottom is encountered, the electrode shall be driven at an oblique angle not
to exceed 45 degrees from the vertical or, where rock bottom is encountered at an angle up to 45 degrees, the electrode shall
be permitted to be buried in a trench that is at least 750 mm (30 in.) deep. The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or
below ground level unless the aboveground end and the grounding electrode conductor attachment are shall be protected
against physical damage as specified in 250.10 .
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Description Approved
2017_NEC_Change_Proposal.pdf
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
As a Master electrician for over 30 years, I have witnessed and dealt with the effects of poor grounding. A large part of this stems from
the connection point of the GEC to the Grounding Electrode. Section 110.14 of the NEC Handbook describes this issue, yet does not
address it completely. Dissimilar metal connections are used frequently in the electrical industry. copper to galvanized ground rods,
copper to steel rebar, aluminum to copper ground rods.
Even with “listed” connectors the industry does not address the facts that to dissimilar metals create a battery of such to sacrifices the
anode to the cathode.
(see attached article)
This is creating a loose and unstable connection point that can lead to a great hazard to both life and property.
The industry also has been led to believe by the creators of exothermic welding that their connections are 100% free from galvanic
corrosion. This is proving not to be the case, thus companies such as Century Link, civil engineering firms in St. Louis, Mo and US Dept.
of the Interior – Mining and others are requiring a sealant over their exothermic welding connections which are then either buried deep
beneath the soil or in concrete. Many companies such as Enbridge and Monsanto require annual inspections of these connections to
check that the connection is still sound.
Since the grounding system is dormant a large part of it’s life we as electricians tend to over look it till it’s too late. Once the grounding
system is needed do to a fault or lightning strike occurs we want to have the peace of mind knowing our grounding system is working
properly.
Studies show that nearly 86% of all electrical problems stem from poor grounding. While proper installation of grounding equipment is
closely regulated, post installation inspection has been largely overlooked. Recent growth spurts in the electrical industry have been
bringing attention to these issues, with safety being the utmost concern.
All electrical systems rely on a good ground connection to ensure safe and reliable operation. Making sure there is minimal resistance at
the grounding point ensures that any potential hazards are avoided.
The safest and simplest way to achieve these goals are by encapsulating the connection point. As read in the attached paper “ Galvanic
Corrosion in the Electrical Industry” put together by John Langholtz EE/PE graduate of South Dakota State University.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 1532-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.53(G)]
Related Item
Public Input No. 4181-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.10]
Submitter Information Verification
421 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: dan tharp
Organization:
Big D Electric
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 13:37:57 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1532-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.53(G) ]
(G)
Rod and Pipe Electrodes.
The electrode shall be installed such that at least 2.44 m (8 ft) of length is in contact with the soil. It shall be driven to a depth of
not less than 2.44 m (8 ft) except that, where rock bottom is encountered, the electrode shall be driven at an oblique angle not
to exceed 45 degrees from the vertical or, where rock bottom is encountered at an angle up to 45 degrees, the electrode shall
be permitted to be buried in a trench that is at least 750 mm (30 in.) deep. The upper end of the electrode shall be flush with or
below ground level unless the aboveground end and the grounding electrode conductor attachment are protected
attachment shall be protected against physical damage as specified in 250.10 .
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Description Approved
2017_NEC_Change_Proposal.pdf
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
As a Master electrician for over 30 years, I have witnessed and dealt with the effects of poor grounding. A large part of this stems from
the connection point of the GEC to the Grounding Electrode. Section 110.14 of the NEC Handbook describes this issue, yet does not
address it completely. Dissimilar metal connections are used frequently in the electrical industry. copper to galvanized ground rods,
copper to steel rebar, aluminum to copper ground rods.
Even with “listed” connectors the industry does not address the facts that to dissimilar metals create a battery of such to sacrifices the
anode to the cathode.
(see attached article)
This is creating a loose and unstable connection point that can lead to a great hazard to both life and property.
The industry also has been led to believe by the creators of exothermic welding that their connections are 100% free from galvanic
corrosion. This is proving not to be the case, thus companies such as Century Link, civil engineering firms in St. Louis, Mo and US Dept.
of the Interior – Mining and others are requiring a sealant over their exothermic welding connections which are then either buried deep
beneath the soil or in concrete. Many companies such as Enbridge and Monsanto require annual inspections of these connections to
check that the connection is still sound.
Since the grounding system is dormant a large part of it’s life we as electricians tend to over look it till it’s too late. Once the grounding
system is needed do to a fault or lightning strike occurs we want to have the peace of mind knowing our grounding system is working
properly.
Studies show that nearly 86% of all electrical problems stem from poor grounding. While proper installation of grounding equipment is
closely regulated, post installation inspection has been largely overlooked. Recent growth spurts in the electrical industry have been
bringing attention to these issues, with safety being the utmost concern.
All electrical systems rely on a good ground connection to ensure safe and reliable operation. Making sure there is minimal resistance at
the grounding point ensures that any potential hazards are avoided.
The safest and simplest way to achieve these goals are by encapsulating the connection point. As read in the attached paper “ Galvanic
Corrosion in the Electrical Industry” put together by John Langholtz EE/PE graduate of South Dakota State University.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 1527-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.53(G)]
Related Item
Public Input No. 1527-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 445.10]
Submitter Information Verification
423 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: dan tharp
Organization:
Big D Electric
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 13:49:10 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1541-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.58 ]
250.58 Common Grounding Electrode.
Where an ac system is connected to a grounding electrode in or at a building or structure, the same electrode shall be used to
ground conductor enclosures and equipment in or on that building or structure. Where separate services, feeders, or branch
circuits supply a building and are required to be connected to a grounding electrode(s), the same grounding electrode(s) shall
be used. Where two or more buildings or structures with individual services are present on the same premise and have
common electrical or communications systems, the grounding electrodes serving the buildings or structures shall be bonded
together.
Two or more grounding electrodes that are bonded together shall be considered as a single grounding electrode system in this
sense.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
In PI 1465, the submitter requested that the grounding electrodes of multiple buildings on the same property be bonded together. The
panel responded that the submitter did not provide adequate substantiation to require all cases of multiple buildings or structures on one
property to have the grounding electrodes of the buildings connected together. In the submitter's example, the separate buildings each
had a service, but shared common lighting, fire alarm and communications systems. In this specific case, it would be prudent to bond
the grounding electrodes together.
Related Item
Public Input No. 1465-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.58]
Submitter Information Verification
425 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Christel Hunter
Organization:
General Cable
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 13:57:00 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1772-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.60 ]
250.60 Use of Strike Termination Devices.
Conductors and driven pipes, rods, or plate electrodes used for grounding strike termination devices shall not be used in lieu of
the grounding electrodes required by 250.50 for grounding wiring systems and equipment. This provision shall not prohibit the
required bonding together of grounding electrodes of different systems.
Informational Note No. 1: See 250.106 for spacing from lightning protection system components. See 800.100(D) ,
810.21(J) , and 820.100(D) for bonding of electrodes.
Informational Note No. 2: Bonding together of all separate grounding electrodes will limit voltage differences between
them and between their associated wiring systems.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 7510.
Related Item
First Revision No. 7510-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.60]
Submitter Information Verification
426 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:24:28 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 365-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.60 ]
250.60
Use of Strike Termination Devices.
Conductors and driven pipes, rods, or plate electrodes used for grounding strike termination devices shall not be used in lieu of
the grounding electrodes required by 250.50 for grounding wiring systems and equipment. This provision shall not prohibit the
required bonding together of grounding electrodes of different systems.
Informational Note No. 1: See 250.106 for spacing from the bonding requirement of the lightning protection system
components. See 800.100(D) , 810.21(J) , and 820.100(D) for bonding of electrodes. electrode to the building or
structure grounding electrode system.
Informational Note No. 2: Bonding together of all separate grounding electrodes will limit voltage differences between
them and between their associated wiring systems.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Note No. 1 was always wrong, 250.106 has nothing to do with spacing of lighting protection systems, it has to do with bonding of LPS
electrode to the building/structure electrode. Also deleting the references to Chapter 8 rules removes references that have nothing to do
the LPS electrodes, that is covered in 250.106.
Related Item
First Revision No. 7510-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.60]
Submitter Information Verification
427 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE HOLT
Organization:
MIKE HOLT ENTERPRISES INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Aug 04 16:24:35 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1538-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.62 ]
250.62
Grounding Electrode Conductor Material.
The grounding electrode conductor shall be of copper, aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or the items as permitted in
250.68(C). The material selected shall be resistant to any corrosive condition existing at the installation or installation and shall
be protected against corrosion. Conductors of the wire type shall be solid or stranded, insulated, covered, or bare.
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Description Approved
2017_NEC_Change_Proposal.pdf
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
As a Master electrician for over 30 years, I have witnessed and dealt with the effects of poor grounding. A large part of this stems from
the connection point of the GEC to the Grounding Electrode. Section 110.14 of the NEC Handbook describes this issue, yet does not
address it completely. Dissimilar metal connections are used frequently in the electrical industry. copper to galvanized ground rods,
copper to steel rebar, aluminum to copper ground rods.
Even with “listed” connectors the industry does not address the facts that to dissimilar metals create a battery of such to sacrifices the
anode to the cathode.
(see attached article)
This is creating a loose and unstable connection point that can lead to a great hazard to both life and property.
The industry also has been led to believe by the creators of exothermic welding that their connections are 100% free from galvanic
corrosion. This is proving not to be the case, thus companies such as Century Link, civil engineering firms in St. Louis, Mo and US Dept.
of the Interior – Mining and others are requiring a sealant over their exothermic welding connections which are then either buried deep
beneath the soil or in concrete. Many companies such as Enbridge and Monsanto require annual inspections of these connections to
check that the connection is still sound.
Since the grounding system is dormant a large part of it’s life we as electricians tend to over look it till it’s too late. Once the grounding
system is needed do to a fault or lightning strike occurs we want to have the peace of mind knowing our grounding system is working
properly.
Studies show that nearly 86% of all electrical problems stem from poor grounding. While proper installation of grounding equipment is
closely regulated, post installation inspection has been largely overlooked. Recent growth spurts in the electrical industry have been
bringing attention to these issues, with safety being the utmost concern.
All electrical systems rely on a good ground connection to ensure safe and reliable operation. Making sure there is minimal resistance at
the grounding point ensures that any potential hazards are avoided.
The safest and simplest way to achieve these goals are by encapsulating the connection point. As read in the attached paper “ Galvanic
Corrosion in the Electrical Industry” put together by John Langholtz EE/PE graduate of South Dakota State University.
Related Item
Public Input No. 4189-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.62]
Public Input No. 4181-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.10]
Submitter Information Verification
428 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: dan tharp
Organization:
Big D Eletric
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 13:54:20 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1773-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.64(A) ]
(A) Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode conductors shall not be used where in direct contact with
masonry or the earth. Where installed outside of a building or enclosure, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding
electrode conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth unless the termination method is listed as a
sealed wire-connector system. Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for outdoor use shall be permitted within
450 mm (18 in.) of the earth.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1222 and FR 1223.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1222-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(A)]
First Revision No. 1223-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
429 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:25:46 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 677-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.64(A) ]
(A)
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode conductors shall not be used where in direct contact with masonry
or the earth. Where installed outside of a building or enclosure, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode
conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth unless the termination method is listed as a sealed
wire-connector system. Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for outdoor use shall be permitted within 450 mm
(18 in.) of the earth. . The term "suitable" is not a recognized term, and not defined.
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Description
Public_Input_Section_250.64.docx
Public Input Section 250.64(A)
Approved
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
There is no reason to approve the change to the language of the 2014 NEC. The device is not listed for exterior exposure and would
present a safety issue if corrosion of an aluminum conductor occurred, as is likely within 18 inched of the earth. The term "suitable" is
not a recognized term and is not defined.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1222-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(A)]
Submitter Information Verification
430 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: David Brender
Organization:
Copper Development Association
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Sep 16 16:37:44 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
Section 250.64 (A)
Sealed wire connection systems are not listed for outdoor exposure and does not protect conductor
material. The sealed system is not listed for UV exposure. Such use would violate the UL listing.
The submitter has not provided any substantiating evidence that the change is allowable or warranted.
There is no reason to change the Code.
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Public Comment No. 789-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.64(A) ]
(A) Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode conductors shall not be used where in direct contact with masonry
or the earth. Where installed outside of a building or enclosure, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding electrode
conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth unless the termination method is listed as a sealed
wire-connector system. Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for outdoor use shall be permitted within 450 mm
(18 in.) of the earth. .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Listed sealed wire connection systems have not been evaluated for sealing of bare or uninsulated conductors. The following information
is from the UL White Book in ZMWQ:
This category covers sealed wire-connector systems intended for wet or damp locations and other installations, such as direct burial,
below grade, or above grade where protected from direct exposure to sunlight. These systems may also be used indoors or in dry
locations.
Sealed wire-connector systems are intended for use in installations covered by ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code."
Sealed wire-connector systems have not been investigated for direct exposure to sunlight. Additional performance considerations to
show equivalency to the connected conductors should be considered for UV exposure.
Sealed wire-connector systems have not been investigated for direct exposure to salt or seawater.
This category covers a complete system or insulating caps, covers, resins, tubing and tapes that are part of the system for use with
specific wire connectors where the seal is made at the conductor. Pressure wire connectors may or may not be provided with the
system.
In addition, the phrase in the last sentence relative to the use of the term "suitable" is inappropriate and not defined in the NEC. This
substantiates the deletion of the last sentence.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1222-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(A)]
Submitter Information Verification
431 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Phil Simmons
Organization:
Simmons Electrical Services
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Sun Sep 20 16:59:24 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1592-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.64(B) ]
(B)
Securing and Protection Against Physical Damage.
Where exposed, a grounding electrode conductor or its enclosure shall be securely fastened to the surface on which it is
carried. Grounding electrode conductors shall be permitted to be installed on or through framing members. 300.5 .
(1)
Not Exposed to Physical Damage.
A 6 AWG or larger copper or aluminum grounding electrode conductor not exposed to physical damage shall be permitted to be
run along the surface of the building construction without metal covering or protection.
(2)
Exposed to Physical Damage.
A 6 AWG or larger copper or aluminum grounding electrode conductor exposed to physical damage shall be protected in rigid
metal conduit (RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit (PVC) XW-type , reinforced
thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC-XW ), electrical metallic tubing (EMT), or cable armor.
(3)
Smaller Than 6 AWG.
Grounding electrode conductors smaller than 6 AWG shall be protected in RMC, IMC, PVC XW-type, RTRC-XW, EMT, or cable
armor
(4)
In Contact with the Earth.
Grounding electrode conductors and grounding electrode bonding jumpers in contact with the earth shall not be required to
comply with 300.5, but shall be buried or otherwise protected if subject to physical damage.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the Draft test was not reflected from the Panel actions. See ballot comment from Charles Mello. In list item
3, the "XW-type" was added to be consistent with the requirements in list item 2.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1223-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
432 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 14:57:21 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 335-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.64(B)(3) ]
(3) Smaller Than 6 AWG.
Grounding electrode conductors smaller than 6 AWG shall be protected in
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
You either have to eliminate the word "in" or tell us what the GEC smaller than #6 needs to be protected in.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1223-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
433 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: DON GANIERE
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jul 31 19:40:34 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 366-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.64(E)(1) ]
(1)
General.
Ferrous metal raceways and enclosures for grounding electrode conductors shall be electrically continuous from the point of
attachment to cabinets or equipment to the grounding electrode and shall be securely fastened to the ground clamp or fitting.
Ferrous metal raceways and enclosures shall be bonded at each end of the raceway or enclosure to the grounding electrode or
grounding electrode conductor to create a an electrically parallel path. Nonferrous metal raceways and enclosures shall not be
required to be electrically continuous.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
I think adding the word 'electrically' would be a good idea...
Related Item
First Revision No. 1225-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.64(E)(1)]
Submitter Information Verification
434 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE HOLT
Organization:
MIKE HOLT ENTERPRISES INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Aug 04 16:33:13 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 489-NFPA 70-2015 [ Sections 250.66(A), 250.66(B), 250.66(C) ]
Sections 250.66(A), 250.66(B), 250.66(C)
(A) Connections to a Rod, Pipe, or Plate Electrode(s).
Where If the grounding electrode conductor connected to a single or multiple rod, pipe, or plate electrode(s) , or any
combination thereof , as permitted in 250.52(A)(5) or (A)(7) , does not extend on to other types of electrodes, the
electrodes that require a larger size of conductor then the grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to be larger than
6 AWG copper wire or 4 AWG aluminum wire.
(B) Connections to Concrete-Encased Electrodes.
Where If the grounding electrode conductor connected to a single or multiple concrete-encased electrode(s) , as permitted in
250.52(A)(3), does does not extend on to other types of electrodes that require a larger size of conductor , then the
grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to be larger than 4 AWG copper wire.
(C) Connections to Ground Rings.
Where If the grounding electrode conductor connected to a ground ring , as permitted in 250.52(A)(4) , does not extend on to
other types of electrodes that require a larger size of conductor , then the grounding electrode conductor shall not be required
to be larger than the conductor used for the ground ring.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The term "that require a larger size of conductor" was included in B and C but not A. There is no indication in the proposal or the CMP
statement that would lead to the conclusion that this term was not supposed to be in all 3 sections and was just inadvertently left off of A.
Removed a number of commas and changed "Where" to "If" to make the sentences a little more readable.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1227-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 250.66(A), 250.66(B), 250.66(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
439 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MARVIN HAMON
Organization:
HAMON ENGINEERING INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Sep 01 17:57:23 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1600-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.66 ]
250.66
Size of Alternating-Current Grounding Electrode Conductor.
The size of the grounding electrode conductor at the service, at each building or structure where supplied by a feeder(s) or
branch circuit(s), or at a separately derived system of a grounded or ungrounded ac system shall not be less than given in
Table 250.66, except as permitted in 250.66(A) through (C).
Table 250.66 Grounding Electrode Conductor for Alternating-Current Systems
Size of Largest Ungrounded Service-Entrance Conductor or Equivalent
Area for Parallel Conductors a (AWG/kcmil)
Copper
Size of Grounding Electrode
Conductor (AWG/kcmil)
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum
Copper
Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminum b
2 or smaller
1/0 or smaller
8
6
1 or 1/0
2/0 or 3/0
6
4
2/0 or 3/0
4/0 or 250
4
2
Over 3/0 through 350
Over 250 through 500
2
1/0
Over 350 through 600
Over 500 through 900
1/0
3/0
Over 600 through 1100
Over 900 through 1750
2/0
4/0
Over 1100
Over 1750
3/0
250
Notes:
1. If multiple sets of service-entrance conductors connect directly to a service drop, set of overhead service conductors, set of
underground service conductors, or service lateral, the equivalent size of the largest service-entrance conductor shall be
determined by the largest sum of the areas of the corresponding conductors of each set.
2. Where there are no service-entrance conductors, the grounding electrode conductor size shall be determined by the
equivalent size of the largest service-entrance conductor required for the load to be served.
aThis table also applies to the derived conductors of separately derived ac systems.
bSee installation restrictions in 250.64(A).
(A)
Connections to a Rod, Pipe, or Plate Electrode(s).
Where the If the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper connected to a single or multiple rod, pipe, or plate
electrode(s), or any combination thereof, as permitted in 250.52(A)(5) or (A)(7), does not extend on to other types of electrodes,
the grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to be larger than 6 AWG copper wire or 4 AWG aluminum wire.
(B)
Connections to Concrete-Encased Electrodes.
Where the If the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper connected to a single or multiple concrete-encased
electrode(s), as permitted in 250.52(A)(3), does not extend on to other types of electrodes that require a larger size of
conductor size conductor , the grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to be larger than 4 AWG copper wire.
(C)
Connections to Ground Rings.
Where the If the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper connected to a ground ring, as permitted in 250.52(A)(4),
does not extend on to other types of electrodes that require a larger size of conductor, the grounding electrode conductor shall
not be required to be larger than the conductor used for the ground ring.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the Draft text did not reflect the panel action. See ballot comments of Charles Mello.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1227-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 250.66(A), 250.66(B), 250.66(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
435 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1774-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.66 ]
250.66 Size of Alternating-Current Grounding Electrode Conductor.
The size of the grounding electrode conductor at the service, at each building or structure where supplied by a feeder(s) or
branch circuit(s), or at a separately derived system of a grounded or ungrounded ac system shall not be less than given in
Table 250.66, except as permitted in 250.66(A) through (C).
Table 250.66 Grounding Electrode Conductor for Alternating-Current Systems
Size of Largest Ungrounded Service-Entrance Conductor or Equivalent
Area for Parallel Conductorsa (AWG/kcmil)
Copper
Size of Grounding Electrode
Conductor (AWG/kcmil)
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum
Copper
Aluminum or Copper-Clad
Aluminumb
2 or smaller
1/0 or smaller
8
6
1 or 1/0
2/0 or 3/0
6
4
2/0 or 3/0
4/0 or 250
4
2
Over 3/0 through 350
Over 250 through 500
2
1/0
Over 350 through 600
Over 500 through 900
1/0
3/0
Over 600 through 1100
Over 900 through 1750
2/0
4/0
Over 1100
Over 1750
3/0
250
Notes:
1. If multiple sets of service-entrance conductors connect directly to a service drop, set of overhead service conductors, set of
underground service conductors, or service lateral, the equivalent size of the largest service-entrance conductor shall be
determined by the largest sum of the areas of the corresponding conductors of each set.
2. Where there are no service-entrance conductors, the grounding electrode conductor size shall be determined by the
equivalent size of the largest service-entrance conductor required for the load to be served.
aThis table also applies to the derived conductors of separately derived ac systems.
bSee installation restrictions in 250.64(A).
(A) Connections to a Rod, Pipe, or Plate Electrode(s).
Where the grounding electrode conductor connected to a single or multiple rod, pipe, or plate electrode(s), or any combination
thereof, as permitted in 250.52(A)(5) or (A)(7), does not extend on to other types of electrodes, the grounding electrode
conductor shall not be required to be larger than 6 AWG copper wire or 4 AWG aluminum wire.
(B) Connections to Concrete-Encased Electrodes.
Where the grounding electrode conductor connected to a single or multiple concrete-encased electrode(s), as permitted in
250.52(A)(3), does not extend on to other types of electrodes that require a larger size of conductor, the grounding electrode
conductor shall not be required to be larger than 4 AWG copper wire.
(C) Connections to Ground Rings.
Where the grounding electrode conductor connected to a ground ring, as permitted in 250.52(A)(4), does not extend on to
other types of electrodes that require a larger size of conductor, the grounding electrode conductor shall not be required to be
larger than the conductor used for the ground ring.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1227.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1227-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 250.66(A), 250.66(B), 250.66(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
437 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1609-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.68(C) ]
(C)
Grounding Electrode Connections.
Grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers shall be permitted to be connected at the following locations and used to
extend the connection to an electrode(s):
(1)
Interior Connection to interior metal water piping shall be located not more than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point of entrance
to the building
Exception: In industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings or structures, if conditions of maintenance and
supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, interior metal water piping located more than 1.52
m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building shall be permitted as a bonding conductor to interconnect electrodes
that are part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor, if the entire length, other than
short sections passing perpendicularly through walls, floors, or ceilings, of the interior metal water pipe that is being
used for the conductor is exposed.
(2)
The metal structural frame of a building shall be permitted to be used as a conductor to interconnect electrodes that are
part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor. Hold-down bolts securing the structural
steel column that are connected to a concrete-encased electrode that complies with 250.52(A)(3) and is located in the
support footing or foundation shall be permitted to connect the metal structural frame of a building or structure to the
concrete encased grounding electrode. The hold-down bolts shall be connected to the concrete-encased electrode by
welding, exothermic welding, the usual steel tie wires, or other approved means.
(3)
A rebar type concrete-encased electrode installed in accordance with 250.52(A)(3) with an additional rebar section
extended from its location within the concrete to an accessible location that is not subject to corrosion shall be permitted
for connection of the grounding electrode conductor. The rebar extention shall not be exposed to contact with the earth
without corrosion protection.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Edited text in the Draft was not from the committee action and result was incorrect requirement. Revised text provided to meet editorial
requirements and clarify this item.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1228-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.68(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
440 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 15:12:41 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1775-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.68(C) ]
(C) Grounding Electrode Connections.
Grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers shall be permitted to be connected at the following locations and used to
extend the connection to an electrode(s):
(1) Interior metal water piping shall be located not more than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building
Exception: In industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings or structures, if conditions of maintenance and
supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, interior metal water piping located more than 1.52
m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building shall be permitted as a bonding conductor to interconnect electrodes
that are part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor, if the entire length, other than
short sections passing perpendicularly through walls, floors, or ceilings, of the interior metal water pipe that is being
used for the conductor is exposed.
(2) The metal structural frame of a building shall be permitted to be used as a conductor to interconnect electrodes that are
part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor. Hold-down bolts securing the structural
steel column that are connected to a concrete-encased electrode that complies with 250.52(A)(3) and is located in the
support footing or foundation shall be permitted to connect the metal structural frame of a building or structure to the
concrete encased grounding electrode. The hold-down bolts shall be connected to the concrete-encased electrode by
welding, exothermic welding, the usual steel tie wires, or other approved means.
(3) A rebar type concrete-encased electrode installed in accordance with 250.52(A)(3)with an additional rebar section
extended from its location within the concrete to an accessible location that is not subject to corrosion shall be permitted
for connection of the grounding electrode conductor. The rebar extention shall not be exposed to contact with the earth
without corrosion protection.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1228.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1228-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.68(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
441 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:31:00 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 301-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.68(C) ]
(C) Other Than Grounding Electrode Connections.
Grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers shall be permitted to be connected at the following locations and used to
extend the connection to an electrode(s):
(1)
Interior metal water piping shall be , continuous with a metal underground water pipe electrode, located not more than
1.52 m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building
Exception: In industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings or structures, if conditions of maintenance and
supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, interior metal water piping located more than 1.52
m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building shall be permitted as a bonding conductor to interconnect electrodes
that are part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor, if the entire length, other than
short sections passing perpendicularly through walls, floors, or ceilings, of the interior metal water pipe that is being
used for the conductor is exposed.
(2)
The metal structural frame of a building shall be permitted to be used as a conductor to interconnect electrodes that are
part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor. Hold-down bolts securing the structural
steel column that are connected to a concrete-encased electrode that complies with 250.52(A)(3) and is located in the
support footing or foundation shall be permitted to connect the metal structural frame of a building or structure to the
concrete encased grounding electrode. The hold-down bolts shall be connected to the concrete-encased electrode by
welding, exothermic welding, the usual steel tie wires, or other approved means.
(3)
A rebar type concrete-encased electrode installed in accordance with 250.52(A)(3) with an additional rebar section
extended from its location within the concrete to an accessible location that is not subject to corrosion shall be permitted
for connection of the grounding electrode conductor and bonding jumpers . The rebar extention extension shall not be
exposed to contact with the earth without corrosion protection.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The title modification clarifies these connections are "other than" direct to a grounding electrode as permitted under 250.64(F).
Revised text in (1) clarifies the interior metal water piping must be continuous with a qualifying metal underground water pipe electrode.
Revised text in (3) allows connection of bonding jumpers to this location.
Changed "extention" to the proper spelling: "extension".
Related Item
First Revision No. 1228-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.68(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
442 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: JOSEPH HREN
Organization:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 27 08:59:29 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 319-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.68(C) ]
(C) Grounding Electrode Connections.
Grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers shall be permitted to be connected at the following locations and used to
extend the connection to an electrode(s):
(1)
Interior metal water piping shall be located not more than 1.52 m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building shall not
be used as part of the grounding electrode system or as a conductor used to interconnect electrodes of the grounding
electrode system.
Exception: In industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings or structures, if conditions of maintenance and
supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, interior metal water piping located more than 1.52
m (5 ft) from the point of entrance to the building shall be permitted as a bonding conductor to interconnect electrodes
that are part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor, if the entire length, other than
short sections passing perpendicularly through walls, floors, or ceilings, of the interior metal water pipe that is being
used for the conductor is exposed.
(2)
The metal structural frame of a building shall be permitted to be used as a conductor to interconnect electrodes that are
part of the grounding electrode system, or as a grounding electrode conductor. Hold-down bolts securing the structural
steel column that are connected to a concrete-encased electrode that complies with 250.52(A)(3) and is located in the
support footing or foundation shall be permitted to connect the metal structural frame of a building or structure to the
concrete encased grounding electrode. The hold-down bolts shall be connected to the concrete-encased electrode by
welding, exothermic welding, the usual steel tie wires, or other approved means.
(3)
A rebar type concrete-encased electrode installed in accordance with 250.52(A)(3) with an additional rebar section
extended from its location within the concrete to an accessible location that is not subject to corrosion shall be permitted
for connection of the grounding electrode conductor. The rebar extention shall not be exposed to contact with the earth
without corrosion protection.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The language in this PI was not adapted correctly from the submitted original proposal in the PI first draft. The current language as
shown is confusing and inaccurate. Corrections have been made to clarify the language and the original intent of the submitter. In
general, the first 5-feet of a utility water pipe allowed for use as a grounding electrode in 250.52(A)(1), measured from the point where
the pipe enters the building, has in previous editions of the code been permitted to be used as a grounding electrode and
interconnection point for grounding electrode conductors. Metal piping beyond 5-feet from the entrance to the building must be bonded
in compliance with 250.104 but is not allowed to be used as a grounding electrode or an interconnecting point for a grounding electrode
conductor. The language currently shown in 250.68(C)(1) (2014 edition) provides permissive language and suggests code users can
use metal piping further than 5-feet as a grounding electrode and/or interconnection point for grounding electrode conductors. Proper
language of this section needs revision to provide clarity for code users and to ensure proper installation techniques for safe
installations. The danger of allowing metal piping further than 5-feet from the point of entry into a building as a grounding electrode or an
interconnection point for grounding electrode conductors may be present if sections of the metal water pipe are removed and replace
with plastic piping products, thus eliminating the metallic pathway to the earth ground.
Related Item
Public Input No. 2768-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.68(C)]
Submitter Information Verification
443 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: GARY BECKSTRAND
Organization:
UTAH ELECTRICAL JATC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Jul 30 08:47:27 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1776-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.80 ]
250.80 Service Raceways and Enclosures.
Metal enclosures and raceways for service conductors and equipment shall be connected to the grounded system conductor if
the electrical system is grounded or to the grounding electrode conductor for electrical systems that are not grounded.
Exception: Metal components that are installed in a run of underground nonmetallic raceway(s) and are isolated from
possible contact by a minimum cover of 450 mm (18 in.)to all parts of the metal components shall not be required to be
connected to the grounded system conductor, supply side bonding jumper, or grounding electrode conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1206.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1206-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.80]
Submitter Information Verification
444 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:31:44 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1625-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.86 ]
250.86
Other Conductor Enclosures and Raceways.
Except as permitted by 250.112(I), metal enclosures and raceways for other than service conductors shall be connected to the
equipment grounding conductor.
Exception No. 1: Metal enclosures and raceways for conductors added to existing installations of open wire, knob-and-tube
wiring, and nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding conductor where
these enclosures or wiring methods comply with (1) through (4) as follows:
(1)
Do not provide an equipment ground
(2)
Are in runs of less than 7.5 m (25 ft)
(3)
Are free from probable contact with ground, grounded metal, metal lath, or other conductive material
(4)
Are guarded against contact by persons
Exception No. 2: Short sections of metal enclosures or raceways used to provide support or protection of cable assemblies
from physical damage shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding conductor.
Exception No. 3: A metal elbow Metal components shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding
conductor or supply side bonding jumper where it is installed in a run of nonmetallic raceway and is (s) and are isolated
from possible contact by a minimum cover of 450 mm (18 in.) to any part of the elbow or is metal components or are encased
in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the panel change in this section to mirror the same changes in 250.80 were missed. See ballot comments
from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1206-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.80]
Submitter Information Verification
445 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 15:31:25 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 556-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.86 ]
250.86 Other Conductor Enclosures and Raceways.
Except as permitted by 250.112(I), metal enclosures and raceways for other than service conductors shall be connected to the
equipment grounding conductor.
Exception No. 1: Metal enclosures and raceways for conductors added to existing installations of open wire, knob-and-tube
wiring, and nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding conductor where
these enclosures or wiring methods comply with (1) through (4) as follows:
(1)
Do not provide an equipment ground
(2)
Are in runs of less than 7.5 m (25 ft)
(3)
Are free from probable contact with ground, grounded metal, metal lath, or other conductive material
(4)
Are guarded against contact by persons
Exception No. 2: Short sections of metal enclosures or raceways used to provide support or protection of cable assemblies
from physical damage shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding conductor.
Exception No. 3: A metal elbow or sections of metal conduit shall not be required to be connected to the equipment grounding
conductor where it is installed in a run of nonmetallic raceway and is isolated from possible contact by a minimum cover of
450 mm (18 in.) to any part of the elbow or conduit or is encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
I have seen requirements in contract notes on more than one occasion to provide Rigid Metal Conduit (under driveways only) along a
street lighting PVC run spanning a block or more. Although I believe that PVC buried more than 18" (in this case 24") would not be a
physical protection issue under a driveway, the engineer is requiring short sections of RMC under each driveway. Section 250.86
Exception #3 states "elbows" are not required to be grounded. I would like to see this exception include "short sections of RMC conduit"
added.- as grounding these sections causes unnecessary additional costs and effective grounding issues.
Related Item
Public Input No. 2165-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.86]
Submitter Information Verification
446 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Michael Brinster
Organization:
Brinster Electric LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 04 16:38:47 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 704-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.94 ]
250. 94 95 Bonding for Non- Communication Systems.
Communications system bonding For non-communications systems (such as gas piping), the bonding terminations shall be
connected in accordance with (A) or (B).
(A)
The Intersystem Bonding Termination Device.
the following:
An intersystem bonding termination (IBT) for connecting intersystem bonding conductors shall be provided external to
enclosures at the service equipment or metering equipment enclosure and at the disconnecting means for any additional
buildings or structures. If an IBT is used, it shall comply with the following:
(1)
Be accessible for connection and inspection.
(2)
Consist of a set of terminals with the capacity for connection of not less than three intersystem bonding conductors.
(3)
Not interfere with opening the enclosure for a service, building or structure disconnecting means, or metering equipment.
(4)
At the service equipment, be securely mounted and electrically connected to an enclosure for the service equipment, to
the meter enclosure, or to an exposed nonflexible metallic service raceway, or be mounted at one of these enclosures and
be connected to the enclosure or to the grounding electrode conductor with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor
(5)
At the disconnecting means for a building or structure, be securely mounted and electrically connected to the metallic
enclosure for the building or structure disconnecting means, or be mounted at the disconnecting means and be connected
to the metallic enclosure or to the grounding electrode conductor with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor.
(6)
The terminals shall be listed as grounding and bonding equipment.
Exception: In existing buildings or structures where any of the intersystem bonding and grounding electrode conductors
required by 770.100(B)(2) , 800.100(B)(2) , 810.21(F)(2) , 820.100(B)(2) , and 830.100(B)(2) exist, installation of the
intersystem bonding termination is not required. An accessible means external to enclosures for connecting intersystem
bonding and grounding electrode conductors shall be permitted at the service equipment and at the disconnecting means for
any additional buildings or structures by at least one of the following means:
(1)
Exposed nonflexible metallic raceways
(2)
An exposed grounding electrode conductor
(3)
Approved means for the external connection of a copper or other corrosion-resistant bonding or grounding electrode
conductor to the grounded raceway or equipment
Informational Note No. 1: A 6 AWG copper conductor with one end bonded to the grounded nonflexible metallic
raceway or equipment and with 150 mm (6 in.) or more of the other end made accessible on the outside wall is an
example of the approved means covered in 250.94 , Exception item (3).
Informational Note No. 2: See 770.100 , 800.100 , 810.21 , 820.100 , and 830.100 for intersystem bonding and
grounding requirements for conductive optical fiber cables, communications circuits, radio and television equipment,
CATV circuits and network-powered broadband communications systems, respectively.
(B)
Other Means.
Connections to an aluminum or copper busbar not less than 6 mm thick × 50 mm wide ( 1 ⁄ 4 in. thick × 2 in. wide) and of
sufficient length to accommodate at least three terminations for communication systems in addition to other connections. The
busbar shall be securely fastened and shall be installed in an accessible location. Connections shall be made by a listed
connector. If aluminum busbars are used, the installation shall also comply with 250.64(A) .
Exception to (A) and (B): Means for connecting intersystem bonding conductors are not required where communications
systems are not likely to be used.
Informational Note: The use of an IBT can reduce electrical noise on communication systems.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
447 of 2079
Substantiation: The rejection of the original PI (3837 and 3838) by CMP-5 was based on the revised definition and limitation of the
Intersystem Bonding Termination (IBT) to communication systems only. However, the 2011 NEC acknowledged the possibility of
additional bonding requirements for gas piping in an Informational Note located in Section 250.104(B). With the change in 2009 NFPA
54 Code requiring the additional bonding of CSST gas piping systems to the grounding electrode system, an IBT for non-communication
systems provides a viable and appropriate connection for this purpose. Over six million existing homes have CSST installed without
this additional bonding conductor. The National Association of State Fire Marshals has been actively promoting a public safety
campaign within the NFPA community to encourage retroactive installation of the CSST bonding conductor. In some states, the
bonding of CSST systems can be performed by someone other than a licensed electrician. The allowance for this bonding conductor to
be installed at an IBT will aid in keeping unqualified persons out of potentially hazardous situations inside an energized panel board
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while attempting to terminate the CSST gas piping bonding conductor. The requirement for extra bonding of CSST systems has been
reconfirmed by the NFPA 54 Technical Committee in both the 2012 and 2015 editions. Allowing an additional IBT will not interfere with
the functioning of the communications only IBT, and will it improve electrical safety for the gas piping system.
Related Item
Public Input No. 3837-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.94]
Submitter Information Verification
448 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: ROBERT TORBIN
Organization:
CUTTING EDGE SOLUTIONS LLC
Affilliation:
Omega Flex, Inc
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Sep 17 18:26:54 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1777-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.94 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
Communications system bonding terminations shall be connected in accordance with (A) or (B).
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1215.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1215-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.94]
Submitter Information Verification
449 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:33:31 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1183-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.94(A) ]
(A)
The Intersystem Bonding Termination Device.
An intersystem bonding termination (IBT) for connecting intersystem bonding conductors shall be provided external to
enclosures at the service equipment or metering equipment enclosure and at the disconnecting means for any additional
buildings or structures. If an IBT is used, it shall comply with the following:
(1)
Be accessible for connection and inspection.
(2)
Consist of a set of terminals with the capacity for connection of not less than three intersystem bonding conductors.
(3)
Not interfere with opening the enclosure for a service, building or structure disconnecting means, or metering equipment.
(4)
At the service equipment, be securely mounted and electrically connected to an enclosure for the service equipment, to
the meter enclosure, or to an exposed nonflexible metallic service raceway, or be mounted at one of these enclosures and
be connected to the enclosure or to the grounding electrode conductor with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor
(5)
At the disconnecting means for a building or structure, be securely mounted and electrically connected to the metallic
enclosure for the building or structure disconnecting means, or be mounted at the disconnecting means and be connected
to the metallic enclosure or to the grounding electrode conductor with a minimum 6 AWG copper conductor.
(6)
The terminals shall be listed as grounding and bonding equipment, and listed for the environment in which they are
installed .
Exception: In existing buildings or structures where any of the intersystem bonding and grounding electrode conductors
required by 770.100(B)(2), 800.100(B)(2), 810.21(F)(2), 820.100(B)(2), and 830.100(B)(2) exist, installation of the
intersystem bonding termination is not required. An accessible means external to enclosures for connecting intersystem
bonding and grounding electrode conductors shall be permitted at the service equipment and at the disconnecting means for
any additional buildings or structures by at least one of the following means:
(1)
Exposed nonflexible metallic raceways
(2)
An exposed grounding electrode conductor
(3)
Approved means for the external connection of a copper or other corrosion-resistant bonding or grounding electrode
conductor to the grounded raceway or equipment
Informational Note No. 1: A 6 AWG copper conductor with one end bonded to the grounded nonflexible metallic raceway
or equipment and with 150 mm (6 in.) or more of the other end made accessible on the outside wall is an example of the
approved means covered in 250.94 , Exception item (3).
Informational Note No. 2: See 770.100, 800.100 , 810.21, 820.100 , and 830.100 for intersystem bonding and grounding
requirements for conductive optical fiber cables, communications circuits, radio and television equipment, CATV circuits
and network-powered broadband communications systems, respectively.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Since the Code Panel made reference to an Exception, there must be confusion as to what this change would be. Googling these
intersystem bonding terminals on the internet one can see just how many are offered. The concern is finding one listed but not for a
wet location and having questionable terminals as to that environment. It would seem only a reminder for the wet location listing or
identifying, where the entire Code provides for that in many areas already. Is the Code Making Panel suggesting there is no need for
this testing as a part of the listing?
And what Exception would this interfere with?
Related Item
Public Input No. 2734-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.94]
Submitter Information Verification
450 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Ron Chilton
Organization:
North Carolina Code Clearing Committee
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Sep 24 10:37:13 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 368-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.94(B) ]
(B)
Other Means.
Connections to an aluminum or copper busbar not less than 6 mm thick × 50 mm wide ( 1⁄4 in. thick × 2 in. wide) and of sufficient
length to accommodate at least three terminations for communication systems in addition to other connections. The busbar
shall be securely fastened and shall be installed in an accessible location. Connections shall be made by a listed connector. If
aluminum busbars are used, the installation shall also comply with 250.64(A) .
Exception to (A) and (B): Means for connecting intersystem bonding conductors are not required where communications
systems are not likely to be used.
Informational Note: The use of an IBT can reduce electrical noise on communication systems.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
I'm sure none of the Panel 5 members could actually draw out a circuit to demonstrate how an ITBT could reduce noise on
communications' systems. In addition, I'm sure if the Panel actually took some time, they would not be able to come up with the
definition of electrical noise. As a matter of fact, the ITBT would actually add to the issue of 'noise' if there were multiple neutralto-ground connections in a premises. How about we just not add information to the NEC that is not true or a fact.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1215-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.94]
Submitter Information Verification
451 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE HOLT
Organization:
MIKE HOLT ENTERPRISES INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Aug 04 16:44:36 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1778-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.102(A) ]
(A) Material.
Bonding jumpers shall be of copper, aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or other corrosion-resistant material. A bonding jumper
shall be a wire, bus, screw, or similar suitable conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 7509.
Related Item
First Revision No. 7509-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.102]
Submitter Information Verification
452 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:35:57 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1634-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.102(C)(2) ]
(2)
Size for Parallel Conductor Installations in Two or More Raceways or Cables.
Where the ungrounded supply conductors are paralleled in two or more raceways or cables, and an individual supply-side
bonding jumper is used for bonding these raceways or cables, the size of the supply-side bonding jumper for each raceway or
cable shall be selected from Table 250.102(C)(1) based on the size of the ungrounded supply conductors in each raceway or
cable. A single supply-side bonding jumper installed for bonding two or more raceways or cables shall be sized in accordance
with 250.102(C)(1) .
Informational Note: The term supply conductors includes ungrounded conductors that do not have overcurrent protection
on their supply side and terminate at service equipment or the first disconnecting means of a separately derived system.
Table 250.102(C)(1) Grounded Conductor, Main Bonding Jumper, System Bonding Jumper, and Supply-Side Bonding Jumper
for Alternating-Current Systems
Size of Largest Ungrounded Conductor or Equivalent Area for
Parallel Conductors
(AWG/kcmil)
Copper
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum
Size of Grounded Conductor or Bonding Jumper*
(AWG/kcmil)
Copper
Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum
2 or smaller
1/0 or smaller
8
6
1 or 1/0
2/0 or 3/0
6
4
2/0 or 3/0
4/0 or 250
4
2
Over 3/0 through 350
Over 250 through 500
2
1/0
Over 350 through 600
Over 500 through 900
1/0
3/0
Over 600 through 1100
Over 900 through 1750
2/0
Over 1100
Over 1750
4/0
See Notes
Notes:
1. . If multiple sets of service-entrance conductors are used as permitted in 230.40, Exception No. 2, or if multiple sets of
ungrounded supply conductors are installed for a separately derived system, the equivalent size of the largest ungrounded
supply conductor(s) shall be determined by the largest sum of the areas of the corresponding conductors of each set.
2. If there are no service-entrance conductors, the supply conductor size shall be determined by the equivalent size of the
largest service-entrance conductor required for the load to be served.
3. If the ungrounded supply conductors are larger than 1100 kcmil copper or 1750 kcmil aluminum, the grounded conductor or
bonding jumper shall have an area not less than 12 1⁄2 percent of the area of the largest ungrounded supply conductor or
equivalent area for parallel supply conductors. The grounded conductor or bonding jumper shall not be required to be larger
than the largest ungrounded conductor or set of ungrounded conductors.
2 4 . If the ungrounded supply conductors are larger than 1100 kcmil copper or 1750 kcmil aluminum and if the ungrounded
supply conductors and the bonding jumper are of different materials (copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum), the
minimum size of the grounded conductor or bonding jumper shall be based on the assumed use of ungrounded supply
conductors of the same material as the grounded conductor or bonding jumper and will have an ampacity equivalent to that of
the installed ungrounded supply conductors.
3. If multiple sets of service-entrance conductors are used as permitted in 230.40, Exception No. 2, or if multiple sets of
ungrounded supply conductors are installed for a separately derived system, the equivalent size of the largest ungrounded
supply conductor(s) shall be determined by the largest sum of the areas of the corresponding conductors of each set.
4. If there are no service-entrance conductors, the supply conductor size shall be determined by the equivalent size of the
largest service-entrance conductor required for the load to be served.
*For the purposes of applying this table and its notes , the term bonding jumper refers to main bonding jumpers, system
bonding jumpers, and supply-side bonding jumpers.
Informational Note: See Chapter 9, Table 8, for the circular mil area of conductors 18 AWG through 4/0 AWG.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the rearrangement and changes to the notes to Table 250.102(C)(1) did not reflect the panel action. See
ballot comments from Charles Mello.
Related Item
First Revision No. 7509-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.102]
Submitter Information Verification
453 of 2079
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1649-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.104 ]
250.104
(A)
Bonding of Piping Systems and Exposed Structural Metal.
Metal Water Piping.
The metal water piping system shall be bonded as required in (A)(1), (A)(2), or (A)(3) of this section.
(1)
General.
Metal water piping system(s) installed in or attached to a building or structure shall be bonded to any of the following:
(1)
Service equipment enclosure
(2)
Grounded conductor at the service
(3)
Grounding electrode conductor where of sufficient size
(4)
One or more grounding electrodes used, if the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to the grounding
electrode is of sufficient size.
The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized be installed in accordance with 250.64(A), 250.64(B), and 250.64(E) . The points of
attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible. The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.66
except as permitted in 250.104(A)(2) and 250.104(A)(3) .
(2)
Buildings of Multiple Occupancy.
In buildings of multiple occupancy where the metal water piping system(s) installed in or attached to a building or structure for
the individual occupancies is metallically isolated from all other occupancies by use of nonmetallic water piping, the metal water
piping system(s) for each occupancy shall be permitted to be bonded to the equipment grounding terminal of the switchgear,
switchboard, or panelboard enclosure (other than service equipment) supplying that occupancy. The equipment bonding jumper
shall be sized in accordance with 250.102(D).
(3)
Multiple Buildings or Structures Supplied by a Feeder(s) or Branch Circuit(s).
The metal water piping system(s) installed in or attached to a building or structure shall be bonded to any of the following:
(a)
Building or structure disconnecting means enclosure where located at the building or structure
(b)
Equipment grounding conductor run with the supply conductors
(c)
One or more grounding electrodes used
The bonding jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.66, based on the size of the feeder or branch-circuit
conductors that supply the building or structure. The bonding jumper shall not be required to be larger than the largest
ungrounded feeder or branch-circuit conductor supplying the building or structure.
(B)
Other Metal Piping.
If installed in or attached to a building or structure, a metal piping system(s), including gas piping, that is likely to become
energized shall be bonded to any of the following:
(1)
Equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize the piping system
(2)
Service equipment enclosure
(3)
Grounded conductor at the service
(4)
Grounding electrode conductor, if of sufficient size
(5)
One or more grounding electrodes used, if the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to the grounding
electrode is of sufficient size
The bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.122, and equipment grounding conductors
shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.122 using the rating of the circuit that is likely to energize the piping system(s). The
points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible.
Informational Note No. 1: Bonding all piping and metal air ducts within the premises will provide additional safety.
Informational Note No. 2: Additional information for gas piping systems can be found in Section 7.13 of NFPA 54-2012,
National Fuel Gas Code.
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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(C)
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Structural Metal.
Structural metal that is not intentionally grounded or bonded and is likely to become energized shall be bonded to any of the
following:
(1)
Service equipment enclosure
(2)
Grounded conductor at the service
(3)
Disconnecting means for buildings or structures supplied by a feeder or branch circuit
(4)
Grounding electrode conductor, if of sufficient size
(5)
One or more grounding electrodes used, if the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to the grounding
electrode is of sufficient size
The bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.66 and . It shall be installed in
accordance with 250.64(A) , (B), and (E). The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible unless installed
in compliance with 250.68(A) Exception No. 2.
(D)
Separately Derived Systems.
Metal water piping systems and structural metal shall be bonded to separately derived systems in accordance with
250.104(D)(1) through 250.104(D)(3)
(1)
Metal Water Piping System(s).
The grounded conductor of each separately derived system shall be bonded to the nearest available point of the metal water
piping system(s) in the area served by each separately derived system. This connection shall be made at the same point on the
separately derived system where the grounding electrode conductor is connected. Each bonding jumper shall be sized in
accordance with Table 250.66 based on the largest ungrounded conductor of the separately derived system.
Exception No. 1: A separate bonding jumper to the metal water piping system shall not be required where the metal water
piping system is used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system and the water piping system is in the area
served.
Exception No. 2: A separate water piping bonding jumper shall not be required where the metal frame of a building or
structure is used as the grounding electrode for a separately derived system and is bonded to the metal water piping in the
area served by the separately derived system.
(2)
Structural Metal.
If exposed structural metal that is interconnected to form the building frame exists in the area served by the separately derived
system, it shall be bonded to the grounded conductor of each separately derived system. This connection shall be made at the
same point on the separately derived system where the grounding electrode conductor is connected. Each bonding jumper shall
be sized in accordance with Table 250.66 based on the largest ungrounded conductor of the separately derived system.
Exception No. 1: A separate bonding jumper to the building structural metal shall not be required where the metal frame of a
building or structure is used as the grounding electrode for the separately derived system.
Exception No. 2: A separate bonding jumper to the building structural metal shall not be required where the water piping of a
building or structure is used as the grounding electrode for a separately derived system and is bonded to the building
structural metal in the area served by the separately derived system.
(3)
Common Grounding Electrode Conductor.
Where a common grounding electrode conductor is installed for multiple separately derived systems as permitted by 250.30(A)
(6),and structural metal or interior metal piping exists in the area served by the separately derived system, the metal piping and
the structural metal member shall be bonded to the common grounding electrode conductor in the area served by the
separately derived system.
Exception: A separate bonding jumper from each derived system to metal water piping and to structural metal members shall
not be required where the metal water piping and the structural metal members in the area served by the separately derived
system are bonded to the common grounding electrode conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the Draft text did not reflect the panel action. See ballot comments from Charles Mello.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1216-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104]
Submitter Information Verification
456 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1779-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.104(A) [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
The metal water piping system shall be bonded as required in (A)(1), (A)(2), or (A)(3) of this section.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1216.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1216-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104]
Submitter Information Verification
458 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:40:48 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 165-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.104(B) ]
(B)
Other Metal Piping.
If installed in or attached to a building or structure, a metal piping system(s), including gas piping, that is likely to become
energized shall be bonded to any of the following:
(1)
Equipment grounding conductor for the circuit that is likely to energize the piping system
(2)
Service equipment enclosure
(3)
Grounded conductor at the service
(4)
Grounding electrode conductor, if of sufficient size
(5)
One or more grounding electrodes used, if the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to the grounding
electrode is of sufficient size
The bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.122, and equipment grounding conductors
shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.122 using the rating of the circuit that is likely to energize the piping system(s). The
points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible.
Informational Note No. 1: Bonding all piping and metal air ducts within the premises will provide additional safety.
Informational Note No. 2: Additional information for gas piping systems can be found in Section 7.13 of NFPA
54-2012 2015 , National Fuel Gas Code.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
In informational note, referenced current edition of NFPA 54.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1216-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104]
Submitter Information Verification
459 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Aaron Adamczyk
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jul 06 23:41:55 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 336-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.104(C) ]
(C) Structural Metal.
Structural metal that is interconnected to form a building frame and that is not intentionally grounded or bonded and is likely to
become energized shall be bonded to any of the following:
(1)
Service equipment enclosure
(2)
Grounded conductor at the service
(3)
Disconnecting means for buildings or structures supplied by a feeder or branch circuit
(4)
Grounding electrode conductor, if of sufficient size
(5)
One or more grounding electrodes used, if the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to the grounding
electrode is of sufficient size
The bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.66 and installed in accordance with
250.64(A), (B), and (E). The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible unless installed in compliance
with 250.68(A) Exception No. 2.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The deletion of the requirement that the structural metal be interconnected to form a frame results in a major expansion of this section
without any substantiation. Without those words a single steel beam in a dwelling unit basement or the metal bar joists in a commercial
block wall building will require a bonding connections.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 337-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104(D) [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Related Item
First Revision No. 1216-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104]
Submitter Information Verification
460 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: DON GANIERE
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jul 31 20:12:20 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 369-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.104(C) ]
(C)
Structural Metal.
Structural metal that is not intentionally grounded or bonded and is likely to become energized shall be bonded to any of the
following:
(1)
Service equipment enclosure
(2)
Grounded conductor at the service
(3)
Disconnecting means for buildings or structures supplied by a feeder or branch circuit
(4)
Grounding electrode conductor, if of sufficient size
(5)
One or more grounding electrodes used, if the grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to the grounding
electrode is of sufficient size
The bonding conductor(s) or jumper(s) shall be sized in accordance with Table 250.66 and installed in accordance with
250.64(A), (B), and (E). The points of attachment of the bonding jumper(s) shall be accessible unless installed in compliance
with 250.68(A) Exception No. 2.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Structural steel that is 'grounded' is not going to clear a ground-fault (you guys know that), and adding if bonded to the rule just adds
confusion. How about we follow the same rule for all of 250.104 parts like we did in (A) and (B). Let's keep it safe, let's not go back to
2005 language (when grounding was considered safe from a ground fault).
Related Item
First Revision No. 1216-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104]
Submitter Information Verification
461 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE HOLT
Organization:
MIKE HOLT ENTERPRISES INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Aug 04 16:52:16 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 337-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.104(D) [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
Metal water piping systems and structural metal that is interconnected to form a building frame shall be bonded to separately
derived systems in accordance with 250.104(D)(1) through 250.104(D)(3)
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The proposed wording is a major expansion of the bonding requirements that was made without any substantiation. The new wording
requires any structural metal, such as a single bean or things like bar joist to be bonded. This same change also needs to be made in
250.104(D)(2).
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Public Comment No. 336-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104(C)]
Relationship
same change and reason
Related Item
First Revision No. 1216-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.104]
Submitter Information Verification
462 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: DON GANIERE
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jul 31 20:21:52 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1459-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.119(B) ]
(B) Multiconductor Cable.
One Where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installation, one or
more insulated conductors in a multiconductor cable, at the time of installation, shall be permitted to be permanently identified
as equipment grounding conductors at each end and at every point where the conductors are accessible by one of the following
means:
(1)
Stripping the insulation from the entire exposed length
(2)
Coloring the exposed insulation green
(3)
Marking the exposed insulation with green tape or green adhesive labels. Identification shall encircle the conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Removal of the requirements for conditions of maintenance and supervision by qualified persons is a reduction of safety for
re-identification of the most important safety conductor in a multiconductor cable. The panel statement cites consistency with 200.7(C)
which permits the grounded conductor to be re-identified as an ungrounded conductor, however, it is not consistent with the more
important requirement of 200.6(E) which in general requires the grounded conductor to be a continuous white or gray outer finish in a
multiconductor cable. Additionally, the exception in 200.6(E) remains, as it should, permitting re-identification only in locations where
conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure only qualified persons service the installation. 250.119(B) needs to be consistent
with 200.6(E) and not 200.7(C). Re-identifying conductors, whether for equipment grounding conductors, grounded conductors, or as
permitted in 200.7(C) for ungrounded conductors in multiconductor cables is often missed and violated especially by installers who are
other than qualified. Manufactures make and have readily available the correct multiconductor cable for installations with properly
identified equipment grounding conductors which should be used in place of an incorrect cable being used for an application it was not
originally manufactured.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1230-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.119(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
463 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Derrick Atkins
Organization:
Minneapolis Electrical JATC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 12:34:58 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1780-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.119(B) ]
(B) Multiconductor Cable.
One or more insulated conductors in a multiconductor cable, at the time of installation, shall be permitted to be permanently
identified as equipment grounding conductors at each end and at every point where the conductors are accessible by one of
the following means:
(1) Stripping the insulation from the entire exposed length
(2) Coloring the exposed insulation green
(3) Marking the exposed insulation with green tape or green adhesive labels. Identification shall encircle the conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1230.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1230-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.119(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
464 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:41:43 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 933-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.119(B) ]
Delete the changes as edited in FR 1230 and revert to the existing 2014 lanage as follows:
(B)
Multiconductor Cable.
One
Where the conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualify persons service the installation, one
or more insulated conductors in a multiconductor cable, at the time of installation, shall be permitted to be
permanently identified as equipment grounding conductors at each end and at every point where the conductors are
accessible by one of the following means:
(1)
Stripping the insulation from the entire exposed length
(2)
Coloring the exposed insulation green
(3)
Marking the exposed insulation with green tape or green adhesive labels. Identification shall encircle the conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The panel action on this PI should have been a resolve. The edit made to sub-part (B) of this section removes the limited application
(originally an exception) of identifying those colors that are traditionally associated with ungrounded conductors to the color green. This
now provides unrestricted re-identification of said colored conductors (black blue etc.) in all multi-wire cables in all locations as an
equipment grounding conductor. Field makings are a moving target. This expanded permissive language for conductors 6 AWG and
smaller, can create a problem over time which will be exponentially increased, especially in locations where premises maintenance is
not limited to those who are familiar with local marking procedures (such as an industrial location). One argument expressed during
panel discussion included a reference to the language
found in section 200.7 regarding re-identification and use of a white (or gray) conductor as an ungrounded conductor. This is
understandable, but in reality if a re-identified white conductor was inadvertently connected to a grounded terminal or an energized
terminal the failure would be limited to one branch circuit or feeder. A mistake with a conductor that is intentionally connected to the
system or structures non-current carrying metal parts is life threatening and may raise the potential on the entire structure presenting a
shock hazard (or worse). This hazard might migrate to other systems (such as chapter 8 wiring) that are permitted to be terminated to
the structures intersystem bond terminals as mentioned in 250.94. Once thispermissive rule is extended to residential and commercial
occupancies where the lion share of the work is performed by pedestrian installers having no stake in the continued and safe operation
of the facility or dwelling the monitoring of that installation and its future.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1230-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.119(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
465 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: DAVID CLEMENTS
Organization:
INTL ASSOC ELEC INSP
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Sep 22 12:56:02 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1663-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.120(B) ]
(B)
Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors of bare or insulated aluminum or copper-clad aluminum shall be permitted. Bare conductors
, covered or insulated conductors shall not come in direct contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive
conditions. Aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth, unless
the termination method is listed as a sealed wire-connector system. Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for
outdoor use shall be permitted within 18 in. of the earth.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the Draft did not reflect the panel action. Please see ballot comments from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1235-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.120(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
466 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:00:31 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1781-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.120(B) ]
(B) Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors of bare or insulated aluminum or copper-clad aluminum shall be permitted. Bare conductors
shall not come in direct contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions. Aluminum or copper-clad
aluminum conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth, unless the termination method is listed as a
sealed wire-connector system. Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for outdoor use shall be permitted within 18
in. of the earth.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1235.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1235-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.120(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
467 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:42:32 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 679-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.120(B) ]
(B)
Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors of bare or insulated aluminum or copper-clad aluminum shall be permitted. Bare conductors
shall not come in direct contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions. Aluminum or copper-clad
aluminum conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth, unless the termination method is listed as a
sealed wire-connector system . Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for outdoor use shall be permitted within 18
in. of the earth.
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Description
Public_Input_Section_250.120_B_.docx
Section 250.120(B) Public Input
Approved
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Sealed wire connection systems are not listed for outdoor exposure and does not protect conductor material. The sealed system is not
listed for UV exposure. Such use would violate the UL listing. The term "suitable" is not recognized or defined.
The submitter has not provided any substantiating evidence that the change is allowable or warranted. There is no reason to change the
Code.
See Public Input on Section 250.64(A)
Related Item
First Revision No. 1235-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.120(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
468 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: David Brender
Organization:
Copper Development Association
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Wed Sep 16 17:11:13 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
Section 250.120(B)
Sealed wire connection systems are not listed for outdoor exposure and does not protect conductor
material. The sealed system is not listed for UV exposure. Such use would violate the UL listing.
The submitter has not provided any substantiating evidence that the change is allowable or warranted.
There is no reason to change the Code.
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Public Comment No. 791-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.120(B) ]
(B) Aluminum and Copper-Clad Aluminum Conductors.
Equipment grounding conductors of bare or insulated aluminum or copper-clad aluminum shall be permitted. Bare conductors
shall not come in direct contact with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive conditions. Aluminum or copper-clad
aluminum conductors shall not be terminated within 450 mm (18 in.) of the earth, unless the termination method is listed as a
sealed wire-connector system . Terminations made within listed enclosures suitable for outdoor use shall be permitted within 18
in. of the earth.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
This section permits bare aluminum equipment grounding conductors.
Listed sealed wire connection systems have not been evaluated for sealing of bare or uninsulated conductors. The following information
is from the UL White Book in ZMWQ:
This category covers sealed wire-connector systems intended for wet or damp locations and other installations, such as direct burial,
below grade, or above grade where protected from direct exposure to sunlight. These systems may also be used indoors or in dry
locations.
Sealed wire-connector systems are intended for use in installations covered by ANSI/NFPA 70, "National Electrical Code."
Sealed wire-connector systems have not been investigated for direct exposure to sunlight. Additional performance considerations to
show equivalency to the connected conductors should be considered for UV exposure.
Sealed wire-connector systems have not been investigated for direct exposure to salt or seawater.
This category covers a complete system or insulating caps, covers, resins, tubing and tapes that are part of the system for use with
specific wire connectors where the seal is made at the conductor. Pressure wire connectors may or may not be provided with the
system.
In addition, the phrase in the last sentence relative to the use of the term "suitable" is inappropriate and not defined in the NEC. This
substantiates the deletion of the last sentence.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1235-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.120(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
469 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Phil Simmons
Organization:
Simmons Electrical Services
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Sun Sep 20 17:18:23 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 118-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B) Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the minimum size that has sufficient ampacity for the
intended installation before the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s), , required wire-type equipment grounding
conductors shall be increased in size .The increase in size shall be in the same proportion as the proportionate to the increase
in the size of the ungrounded conductors using their circular mil area conductor(s), calculated using circular mil areas or AWG
size changes .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Adding the word "required" takes into consideration metallic wiring methods which qualify as an equipment grounding conductor without
the addition of a wire-type EGC. Such systems employing a "redundant" wire-type EGC have already been upsized. Direct upsizing to
non-metallic wiring methods where upsizing is necessary.
Also, when economics are a major design consideration, specifiers may opt to just not include a wire-type EGC in EGC-qualifying
metallic wiring methods rather than upsize. Better to install a minimum-sized wire-type EGC than none at all.
Also added that proportionate sizing can be determined by AWG size changes, i.e. a change of 4 AWG sizes is proportional no matter
what two sizes you start with. See Public Comment No. 81 and related Input.
Related Item
Public Input No. 3230-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
470 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: JOSEPH HREN
Organization:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Sun Jul 05 15:32:38 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1782-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B) Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the minimum size that has sufficient ampacity for the
intended installation before the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s), wire-type equipment grounding conductors
shall be increased in size .The increase in size shall be in the same proportion as the increase in the size of the ungrounded
conductors using their circular mil area.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
he Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1236. The text of FR
1236 as written is run-on and confusing.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1236-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
471 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:43:19 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 338-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B) Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the minimum size that has sufficient ampacity for the
intended installation before the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s) , wire-type equipment grounding conductors
shall be increased in size . The minumum size of the ungrounded conductors shall be the allowable ampaciy per the Tables in
310.15*B). The increase in size shall be in the same proportion as the increase in the size of the ungrounded conductors using
their circular mil area.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
It appears to me that the basis for the increase in size of the EGC is the allowable ampacities as found in the 310.15(B) tables. This
change make that clear.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1236-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
472 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: DON GANIERE
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jul 31 20:54:08 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 490-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B) Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the minimum size that has sufficient ampacity for the
intended installation before the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s), wire-type equipment grounding conductors
shall be increased in size .The increase in size shall be in the same proportion as to, or greater than, the increase in the size of
the ungrounded conductors using their circular mil area.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
It's probably not going to be possible to get an exact match to the proportional increase of the current carrying conductors in the EGC.
The EGC should be equal to, or greater than, the proportional increase.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1236-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
473 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MARVIN HAMON
Organization:
HAMON ENGINEERING INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Sep 01 18:21:14 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 771-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B) Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the minimum size that has sufficient ampacity for the
intended installation before other than an increase due to the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s), wire-type
equipment grounding conductors shall be increased in size .The increase in size shall be at least in the same proportion as the
increase in the size of the ungrounded conductors using their circular mil area.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The proposed text does not change the intent of this section. The proposed text is submitted to improve clarity.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1236-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
474 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: G. Scott Harding
Organization:
F. B. Harding, Inc.
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Sat Sep 19 14:12:19 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 792-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B)
Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the reason larger than the minimum size that has sufficient
ampacity for the intended installation before without the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s), wire-type
equipment grounding conductors shall be increased in size .The increase in size shall be in the same proportion as the increase
in the size of the ungrounded conductors using their circular mil area.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The revised language submitted is clearer and more precise than the First Revision, and meets the intention of the submitter.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1236-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
475 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: David Brender
Organization:
Copper Development Association
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Sun Sep 20 18:06:36 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 81-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(B) ]
(B) Increased in Size.
If ungrounded conductors are increased in size for any reason from the minimum size that has sufficient ampacity for the
intended installation before the application of any adjustment or correction factor(s), wire-type equipment grounding conductors
shall be increased in size .The increase in size shall be in the same proportion as the increase in the size of the ungrounded
conductors using their circular mil area.
Informational Note: Circular mil areas of AWG sized conductors are rounded to four significant figures per ASTM
B258 Standard Specification for Standard Nominal Diameters and Cross-Sectional Areas of AWG Sizes of Solid
Round Wires Used as Electrical Conductors. Proportion calculation should adhere to ASTM E29 Standard Practice
for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications, specifically §7.4.1.2 which
states, "The rule when multiplying or dividing is that the result shall contain no more significant digits than the value
with the smaller number of significant digits." As such, an equal change in AWG number satisfies the proportion
requirement. For example, an ungrounded conductor increased from 3AWG to 2/0AWG (a change of 4) is the
same increase in circular mil area proportion as an equipment grounding conductor increased from 8AWG to 4AWG
(also a change of 4).
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Resolution to Public Input No. 1111 states, "The informational note is misleading for some conditions and does not provide clarity for
correctly sizing the EGC necessary to carry fault current." Without additional comment, there is no way for me to determine in what way
and how my proposed Informational Note is misleading in some conditions and lacks clarity for correctly sizing the EGC. The proposed
Informational Note is about calculating proportion, nothing else. I therefore submit full blown text for the Informational Note to provide
more clarity. I cannot fathom any condition for which this Informational Note would be misleading. Please be more specific in any and
all committee statements in this regard.
I do not have copyright permission to include ASTM B258 or ASTM E29 herewith as supporting documents.
Related Item
Public Input No. 1111-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.122(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
476 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: JOSEPH HREN
Organization:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jun 26 20:22:22 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1783-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(F) ]
(F) Conductors in Parallel.
For circuits of parallel conductors as permitted in 310.10(H), the equipment grounding conductor shall be installed in
accordance with (1) or (2). The equipment grounding conductor shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded
conductor within the raceway or cable.
(1) Conductor Installations in Raceways, Auxiliary Gutters, or Cable Trays
(a) Single Raceway or Cable Tray. If conductors are installed in parallel in the same raceway, or cable trays a single wire
type conductor shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor. The wire type equipment grounding conductor shall
be sized in accordance with 250.122 Wire type equipment grounding conductors installed in cable trays shall meet the
minimum requirements of 392.10(B)(1) (c). Cable trays complying with 392.60(B) , metal raceways in accordance with 250.118,
or auxiliary gutters, shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor.
(b) Multiple Raceways. If conductors are installed in parallel in multiple raceways, wire type equipment grounding
conductors, where used, shall be installed in parallel in each raceway. The equipment grounding conductor installed in each
raceway shall be sized in compliance with 250.122. Cable trays complying with 392.60(B), metal raceways in accordance with
250.118 , or auxiliary gutters, shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor.
(2) Multiconductor Cables
(a) If multiconductor cables are installed in parallel, the equipment grounding conductor(s) in each cable shall be
connected in parallel. Except as provided in 250.122(F)(2)(b) for raceway or cable tray installations, the equipment grounding
conductor in each multiconductor cable shall be sized in accordance with 250.122 .
(b) If multiconductor cables are installed in parallel in the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, or cable tray, a single equipment
grounding conductor that is sized in accordance with 250.122 shall be permitted in combination with the equipment grounding
conductors provided within the multiconductor cables and shall all be connected together. Equipment grounding conductors
installed in cable trays shall meet the minimum requirements of 392.10(B)(1) (c). Cable trays complying with 392.60(B) , metal
raceways in accordance with 250.118, or auxiliary gutters, shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1236. The text of FR
1236 as written is run-on and confusing.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1246-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(F)]
Submitter Information Verification
477 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:45:40 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 901-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(F) [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
For circuits of parallel conductors as permitted in 310.10(H), the equipment grounding conductor shall be installed in
accordance with (1) or (2). The equipment grounding conductor shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded
conductor within the raceway or cable.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The sentence “The equipment grounding conductor shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded conductor within the
raceway or cable.” should be deleted. The implication is that this is a clarification of the requirement in 250.122(A) that states “. . . but in
no case shall they be required to be larger than the circuit conductors supplying the equipment.” The proposed new sentence in
250.122(F) conflicts with 250.122(A) and adds confusion in applying the provisions of this section, This was proposed for the 2014
Edition of the NEC and was held for the next Edition. There were statements that no documentation or substantiation was submitted to
justify this change, and none was offered for the 2017 Edition. The Panel 5 Task Group assigned this PI recommended resolve.
In some cases, compliance with the proposed new sentence could result in an electrically hazardous situation: Since 1/0 AL conductors
are allowed to be paralleled, several could be installed in parallel to give an ampacity of 960 amperes. Some overcurrent device equal
to or less than 960 amperes could be used to protect the conductors. According to several sources, and per calculations, 1/0 AL
conductors are suitable for fault currents up to approximately 36kA for one cycle and approximately 57kA for a half cycle. Many
electrical systems are capable of delivering fault currents in excess of these values, and under some conditions, a portion of a single
grounding conductor may be subjected to the entire fault energy, introducing the possibility of cable failure before the overcurrent device
operates, resulting in dangerous voltages being imposed on exposed metallic components of the electrical system.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1246-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(F)]
Submitter Information Verification
478 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: JOSEPH ANDERSON
Organization:
STEEL TUBE INSTITUTE
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 21 18:56:20 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 186-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.122(F)(1) ]
(1) Conductor Installations in Raceways, Auxiliary Gutters, or Cable Trays
(a) Single Raceway or Cable Tray. If conductors are installed in parallel in the same raceway, or cable trays a single wire
type conductor shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor. The wire type equipment grounding conductor shall
be sized in accordance with 250.122 Wire type equipment grounding conductors installed in cable trays shall meet the
minimum requirements of 392.10(B)(1) (c). Cable trays complying with 392.60(B), metal raceways in accordance with 250.118,
or auxiliary gutters, shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor.
(b) Multiple Raceways. If conductors are installed in parallel in multiple raceways, wire type equipment grounding
conductors, where used, shall be installed in parallel in each raceway. The equipment grounding conductor installed in each
raceway shall be sized in compliance with 250.122. Cable trays complying with 392.60(B), metal raceways in accordance with
250.118 , or auxiliary gutters, shall be permitted as the equipment grounding conductor. Where metallic raceways are used
and are equipment grounding conductors per 250.118, an equipment grounding conductor of the wire type installed within each
ra ceway shall not be required to be larger than what would be required for the largest overcurrent protective device that would
be permitted to protect the conductors in the raceways.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The currently accepted version of this rule will result in designers and installers deleting an EGC of the wire type where the circuits are
installed in metallic raceways. My change would also put raceways on a more equal footing with the change made for cables in
250.122(F)(2)(b).
Related Item
First Revision No. 1246-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.122(F)]
Submitter Information Verification
479 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: DON GANIERE
Organization:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Thu Jul 09 07:38:56 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1667-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
Where circuit conductors are spliced within a box, or terminated on equipment within or supported by a box, all equipment
grounding conductor(s) associated with any of those circuit conductors shall be connected within the box or to the box with
devices suitable for the use in accordance with 250. 8 and 250. 148(A) through (E).
Exception: The equipment grounding conductor permitted in 250.146(D) shall not be required to be connected to the other
equipment grounding conductors or to the box.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the Draft did not reflect the panel action. See ballot comments from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1237-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Submitter Information Verification
480 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:03:54 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1784-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
Where circuit conductors are spliced within a box, or terminated on equipment within or supported by a box, all equipment
grounding conductor(s) associated with any of those circuit conductors shall be connected within the box or to the box with
devices suitable for the use in accordance with 250.148(A) through (E).
Exception: The equipment grounding conductor permitted in 250.146(D) shall not be required to be connected to the other
equipment grounding conductors or to the box.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1327.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1237-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Submitter Information Verification
481 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:46:44 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 245-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]
Where circuit conductors are spliced within a contained within an otherwise unbonded metal box, or spliced within or
terminated on equipment within or supported by a any box, all equipment grounding conductor(s) associated with any of those
circuit conductors shall be connected within the box or together, and/or bonded to the box if metal, with devices suitable for
the use in accordance with with 250.8 and 250.148(A) through (E).
Exception: The equipment grounding conductor permitted in 250.146(D) shall not be required to be connected to the other
equipment grounding conductors or to the box.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Eliminates the ambiguity equipment grounding conductors being being associated certain circuit conductors. It is obviously associated
with one or more circuit conductors, but if all [normal] EGC's are to be connected together, the circuit to which an EGC is associated is
irrelevant.
Also clarifies where a box is otherwise unbonded, it shall be bonded with the EGC's, which should include the largest. Under the former
text, one could have multiple sets of 500kcmil conductor running through a metal box unspliced, and yet have one #12 circuit spliced...
and only a #12 bonding jumper would be required to the otherwise unbonded box. The alternative would be running a separate bonding
jumper, but that does not adhere to the concept of grounding continuity.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1237-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.148 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Submitter Information Verification
482 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: JOSEPH HREN
Organization:
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Jul 14 20:57:41 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1672-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.186 ]
250.186
(A)
Grounding Service-Supplied Alternating-Current Systems of over 1000 Volts
Systems with a Grounded Conductor at the Service Point.
Where an ac system is grounded at any point and is provided with a grounded conductor at the service point, a grounded
conductor(s) shall be installed and routed with the ungrounded conductors to each service disconnecting means and shall be
connected to each disconnecting means grounded conductor(s) terminal or bus. A main bonding jumper shall connect the
grounded conductor(s) to each service disconnecting means’s enclosure. The grounded conductor(s) shall be installed in
accordance with 250.186(A)(1) through (A)(4). The size of the solidly grounded circuit conductor(s) shall be the larger of that
determined by 250.184 or 250.186(A)(1) or (A)(2).
Exception: Where two or more service disconnecting means are located in a single assembly listed for use as service
equipment, it shall be permitted to connect the grounded conductor(s) to the assembly common grounded conductor(s)
terminal or bus. The assembly shall include a main bonding jumper for connecting the grounded conductor(s) to the
assembly enclosure.
(1)
Sizing for a Single Raceway or Overhead Conductor.
The grounded conductor shall not be smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor specified in Table 250.102(C)(1)
but shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded service-entrance conductor(s).
(2)
Parallel Conductors in Two or More Raceways or Overhead Conductors.
If the ungrounded service-entrance conductors are installed in parallel in two or more raceways or as overhead parallel
conductors, the grounded conductors shall also be installed in parallel. The size of the grounded conductor in each raceway or
overhead shall be based on the total circular mil area of the parallel ungrounded conductors in the raceway or overhead, as
indicated in 250.186(A)(1) , but not smaller than 1/0 AWG.
Informational Note: See 310.10(H) for grounded conductors connected in parallel.
(3)
Delta-Connected Service.
The grounded conductor of a 3-phase, 3-wire delta service shall have an ampacity not less than that of the ungrounded
conductors.
(4)
Impedance Grounded Neutral Systems.
Impedance grounded neutral systems shall be installed in accordance with 250.187 .
(B)
Systems Without a Grounded Conductor at the Service Point.
Where an ac system is grounded at any point and is not provided with a grounded conductor at the service point, a supply-side
bonding jumper shall be installed and routed with the ungrounded conductors to each service disconnecting means and shall
be connected to each disconnecting means equipment grounding conductor terminal or bus. The supply-side bonding jumper
shall be installed in accordance with 250.186(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Exception: Where two or more service disconnecting means are located in a single assembly listed for use as service
equipment, it shall be permitted to connect the supply-side bonding jumper to the assembly common equipment grounding
terminal or bus.
(1)
Sizing for a Single Raceway or Overhead Conductor.
The supply-side bonding jumper shall not be smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor specified in Table
250.102(C)(1) but shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded service-entrance conductor(s).
(2)
Parallel Conductors in Two or More Raceways or Overhead Conductors.
If the ungrounded service-entrance conductors are installed in parallel in two or more raceways or overhead conductors, the
supply-side bonding jumper shall also be installed in parallel. The size of the supply-side bonding jumper in each raceway or
overhead shall be based on the total circular mil area of the parallel ungrounded conductors in the raceway or overhead, as
indicated in 250.186(A)(1) , but not smaller than 1/0 AWG.
(3)
Impedance Grounded Neutral Systems.
Impedance grounded neutral systems shall be installed in accordance with 250.187 .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the Draft did not reflect the panel action. See ballot comments from Charles Mello.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1239-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.186]
Submitter Information Verification
483 of 2079
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
National Fire Protection Association Report
484 of 2079
http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:09:04 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1785-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.186 ]
250.186 Grounding Service-Supplied Alternating-Current Systems of over 1000 Volts
(A) Systems with a Grounded Conductor at the Service Point.
Where an ac system is grounded at any point and is provided with a grounded conductor at the service point, a grounded
conductor(s) shall be installed and routed with the ungrounded conductors to each service disconnecting means and shall be
connected to each disconnecting means grounded conductor(s) terminal or bus. A main bonding jumper shall connect the
grounded conductor(s) to each service disconnecting means’s enclosure. The grounded conductor(s) shall be installed in
accordance with 250.186(A)(1) through (A)(4). The size of the solidly grounded circuit conductor(s) shall be the larger of that
determined by 250.184 or 250.186(A)(1) or (A)(2).
Exception: Where two or more service disconnecting means are located in a single assembly listed for use as service
equipment, it shall be permitted to connect the grounded conductor(s) to the assembly common grounded conductor(s)
terminal or bus. The assembly shall include a main bonding jumper for connecting the grounded conductor(s) to the
assembly enclosure.
(1) Sizing for a Single Raceway or Overhead Conductor.
The grounded conductor shall not be smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor specified in Table
250.102(C)(1) but shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded service-entrance conductor(s).
(2) Parallel Conductors in Two or More Raceways or Overhead Conductors.
If the ungrounded service-entrance conductors are installed in parallel in two or more raceways or as overhead parallel
conductors, the grounded conductors shall also be installed in parallel. The size of the grounded conductor in each raceway or
overhead shall be based on the total circular mil area of the parallel ungrounded conductors in the raceway or overhead, as
indicated in 250.186(A)(1) , but not smaller than 1/0 AWG.
Informational Note: See 310.10(H) for grounded conductors connected in parallel.
(3) Delta-Connected Service.
The grounded conductor of a 3-phase, 3-wire delta service shall have an ampacity not less than that of the ungrounded
conductors.
(4) Impedance Grounded Neutral Systems.
Impedance grounded neutral systems shall be installed in accordance with 250.187 .
(B) Systems Without a Grounded Conductor at the Service Point.
Where an ac system is grounded at any point and is not provided with a grounded conductor at the service point, a
supply-side bonding jumper shall be installed and routed with the ungrounded conductors to each service disconnecting
means and shall be connected to each disconnecting means equipment grounding conductor terminal or bus. The supply-side
bonding jumper shall be installed in accordance with 250.186(B)(1) through (B)(3).
Exception: Where two or more service disconnecting means are located in a single assembly listed for use as service
equipment, it shall be permitted to connect the supply-side bonding jumper to the assembly common equipment grounding
terminal or bus.
(1) Sizing for a Single Raceway or Overhead Conductor.
The supply-side bonding jumper shall not be smaller than the required grounding electrode conductor specified in Table
250.102(C)(1) but shall not be required to be larger than the largest ungrounded service-entrance conductor(s).
(2) Parallel Conductors in Two or More Raceways or Overhead Conductors.
If the ungrounded service-entrance conductors are installed in parallel in two or more raceways or overhead conductors, the
supply-side bonding jumper shall also be installed in parallel. The size of the supply-side bonding jumper in each raceway or
overhead shall be based on the total circular mil area of the parallel ungrounded conductors in the raceway or overhead, as
indicated in 250.186(A)(1) , but not smaller than 1/0 AWG.
(3) Impedance Grounded Neutral Systems.
Impedance grounded neutral systems shall be installed in accordance with 250.187 .
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1239.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1239-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.186]
Submitter Information Verification
485 of 2079
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
National Fire Protection Association Report
486 of 2079
http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:47:51 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM
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Public Comment No. 1404-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.187(B) ]
(B) Identified and Insulated.
The neutral conductor of an impedance grounded neutral system shall be identified. For high resistance grounded systems , as
well as fully insulated for the maximum the neutral shall have the same insulation rating as the phase conductors. For other
systems, the neutral shall be permitted to have insulation rating of not less than the maximum line to neutral voltage.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
In doing research on reducing the insulation rating on the neutral for the impedance grounded systems over 1000 volts, I found two
articles, EC&M (Electrical Construction & Maintenance) April 1, 2007 "From the Ground Up" written by Tony Locker, P.E., I-Gard and
"Resistance Grounding System Basics" written by Michael D. Seal, P.E., G.E. Senior Specifications Engineer, containing similar
viewpoints on the requirements for the insulation rating of the neutral. To paraphrase, both effectively state that in a ground-fault event
with one phase faulted, the system operates with the un-faulted phases being raised from earth potential to the full phase-to-phase
voltage for an extended period. Therefore the insulation system needs to be rated for phase-to-phase voltage. In the first article cited,
the author applies this thought to the high resistance grounded systems which he also cites as being typically used in less than 5 kV
applications. Additionally, in both PI-1798 and FR-7525 reference is made to the neutral voltage being 57.7% of the system voltage.
This is true strictly for a three-phase wye system. If it is also possible to have a three-phase delta system operated with an impedance
grounded neutral system, then the 57.7% would be inaccurate and the reason for clarifying in the Code the maximum line to neutral
voltage for other systems such as low resistance grounded systems and resonance grounded systems.
Related Item
First Revision No. 7525-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.187(B)]
Submitter Information Verification
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Submitter Full Name: Derrick Atkins
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Public Comment No. 292-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.191 ]
250.191
Grounding System at Alternating-Current Substations.
For ac substations, the grounding system shall be in accordance with Part III of Article 250.
Informational Note: For further information on outdoor ac substation grounding, see ANSI/ IEEE 80-2000 2013 , IEEE
Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Referenced current edition of IEEE 80.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Public Comment No. 291-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.194]
Relationship
Referenced current edition of IEEE 80.
Related Item
Public Input No. 2729-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.194]
Submitter Information Verification
488 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Aaron Adamczyk
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jul 24 00:03:40 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 291-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 250.194 ]
250.194
Grounding and Bonding of Fences and Other Metal Structures.
Metallic fences enclosing, and other metal structures in or surrounding, a substation with exposed electrical conductors and
equipment shall be grounded and bonded to limit step, touch, and transfer voltages.
(A)
Metal Fences.
Where metal fences are located within 5 m (16 ft) of the exposed electrical conductors or equipment, the fence shall be bonded
to the grounding electrode system with wire-type bonding jumpers as follows:
(1)
Bonding jumpers shall be installed at each fence corner and at maximum 50 m (160 ft) intervals along the fence.
(2)
Where bare overhead conductors cross the fence, bonding jumpers shall be installed on each side of the crossing.
(3)
Gates shall be bonded to the gate support post, and each gate support post shall be bonded to the grounding electrode
system.
(4)
Any gate or other opening in the fence shall be bonded across the opening by a buried bonding jumper.
(5)
The grounding grid or grounding electrode systems shall be extended to cover the swing of all gates.
(6)
The barbed wire strands above the fence shall be bonded to the grounding electrode system.
Alternate designs performed under engineering supervision shall be permitted for grounding or bonding of metal fences.
Informational Note No. 1: A nonconducting fence or section may provide isolation for transfer of voltage to other areas.
Informational Note No. 2: See IEEE 80-2000 2013 , IEEE Guide for Safety In AC Substation Grounding, for design and
installation of fence grounding.
(B)
Metal Structures.
All exposed conductive metal structures, including guy wires within 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically or 5 m (16 ft) horizontally of exposed
conductors or equipment and subject to contact by persons, shall be bonded to the grounding electrode systems in the area.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Referenced current edition of IEEE 80.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 292-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.191]
Related Item
Public Input No. 2729-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 250.194]
Submitter Information Verification
489 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Aaron Adamczyk
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
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City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Jul 24 00:01:20 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1676-NFPA 70-2015 [ Part I. ]
Article 280 Surge Arresters, Over 2000 Volts
Part I.
General
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the title was not changed to 2000 Volts as passed by the panel. See ballot comments from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1244-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.1]
Submitter Information Verification
2055 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:14:25 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 408-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 280.1 ]
280.1
Scope.
This article covers general requirements, installation requirements, and connection requirements for surge arresters installed on
premises wiring systems over 2000 over 1000 volts.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The voltage level should remain at 1000 volts. Making the change to 2000 volts may allow additional items to comply with low voltage
requirements without substantiation and may create safety issues. Although the change in voltage does not directly impact the
grounding requirements in Article 250, it creates inconsistency with other Articles throughout the code, as other CMP's did not accept
these Public Inputs.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 404-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.24(C) [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Public Comment No. 407-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.36 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Related Item
First Revision No. 1244-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.1]
First Revision No. 1232-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.24(C) [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
First Revision No. 1233-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 250.36 [Excluding any Sub-Sections]]
Submitter Information Verification
490 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MIKE OMEARA
Organization:
Edison Electric Institute
Affilliation:
EEI Electric Light & Power NEC Task Force
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
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Public Comment No. 293-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 280.4 ]
280.4
Surge Arrester Selection.
The surge arresters shall comply with 280.4(A) and (B).
(A)
Rating.
The rating of a surge arrester shall be equal to or greater than the maximum continuous operating voltage available at the point
of application.
(2)
Solidly Grounded Systems.
The maximum continuous operating voltage shall be the phase-to-ground voltage of the system.
(3)
Impedance or Ungrounded System.
The maximum continuous operating voltage shall be the phase-to-phase voltage of the system.
(D)
Silicon Carbide Types.
The rating of a silicon carbide-type surge arrester shall be not less than 125 percent of the rating specified in 280.4(A) .
Informational Note No. 1: For further information on surge arresters, see ANSI/ IEEE C62.11-2005 2012 , Standard for
Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters for Alternating-Current Power Circuits (>1 kV); and ANSI/ IEEE C62.22-2009 2013 , Guide
for the Application of Metal-Oxide Surge Arresters for Alternating-Current Systems.
Informational Note No. 2: The selection of a properly rated metal oxide arrester is based on considerations of maximum
continuous operating voltage and the magnitude and duration of overvoltages at the arrester location as affected by
phase-to-ground faults, system grounding techniques, switching surges, and other causes. See the manufacturer’s
application rules for selection of the specific arrester to be used at a particular location.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Referenced current editions of IEEE C62.11 and IEEE C62.22.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1242-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.3]
Submitter Information Verification
491 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Aaron Adamczyk
Organization:
[ Not Specified ]
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
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Public Comment No. 1786-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 280.12 ]
280.12 Uses Not Permitted.
A surge arrester shall not be installed where the rating of the surge arrester is less than the maximum continuous phaseto-ground power frequency voltage available at the point of application.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that the Panel clarify “phase-to-ground power frequency voltage.”
Related Item
First Revision No. 1247-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.2]
Submitter Information Verification
492 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
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City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
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Public Comment No. 1679-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 280.24 ]
280.24
Interconnections.
The surge arrester protecting a transformer that supplies a secondary distribution system shall be interconnected as specified
in 280.24(A) , (B), or (C).
(A)
Metal Interconnections.
A metal interconnection shall be made to the secondary grounded circuit conductor or the secondary circuit grounding electrode
conductor, if , in addition to the direct grounding connection at the surge arrester, the following occurs:
( 1) Additional Grounding Connection. The grounded conductor of the secondary has elsewhere a grounding connection
to a continuous metal underground water pipingsystem. In urban water-pipe areas where there are at least four water-pipe
connections on the neutral conductor and not fewer than four such connections in each mile of neutral conductor, the metallic
interconnection shall be permitted to be made to the secondary neutral conductor with omission of the direct grounding
connection at the surge arrester.
(2) Multigrounded Neutral System Connection. The grounded conductor of the secondary system is a part of a
multigrounded neutral system or static wire of which the primary neutral conductor or static wire has at least four grounding
connections in each mile of line in addition to a grounding connection at each service.
( B)
Through Spark Gap or Device.
Where the surge arrester grounding electrode conductor is not connected as in 280.24(A), or where the secondary is not
grounded as in 280.24(A) but is otherwise grounded as in 250.52, an interconnection shall be made through a spark gap or
listed device as required by 280.24(B)(1) or (B)(2).
(1)
Ungrounded or Unigrounded Primary System.
For ungrounded or unigrounded primary systems, the spark gap or listed device shall have a 60-Hz breakdown voltage of at
least twice the primary circuit voltage but not necessarily more than 10 kV, and there shall be at least one other ground on the
grounded conductor of the secondary that is not less than 6.0 m (20 ft) distant from the surge-arrester grounding electrode.
(2)
Multigrounded Neutral Primary System.
For multigrounded neutral primary systems, the spark gap or listed device shall have a 60-Hz breakdown of not more than 3 kV,
and there shall be at least one other ground on the grounded conductor of the secondary that is not less than 6.0 m (20 ft)
distant from the surge-arrester grounding electrode.
(C)
By Special Permission.
An interconnection of the surge-arrester ground and the secondary neutral conductor, other than as provided in 280.24(A) or
(B), shall be permitted to be made only by special permission.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the text under 280.24(A) we deleted which was not the panel action. See ballot comments from Charles
Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1241-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.24(A)]
Submitter Information Verification
493 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:18:36 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1787-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 280.24(A) ]
(A) Metal Interconnections.
A metal interconnection shall be made to the secondary grounded circuit conductor or the secondary circuit grounding
electrode conductor ,if, in addition to the direct grounding connection at the surge arrester, the following occurs:
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The Correlating Committee directs that further consideration be given to the comments expressed in voting on FR 1241.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1241-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.24(A)]
Submitter Information Verification
494 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: CC on NEC-AAC
Organization:
NFPA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 28 15:52:25 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 491-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 280.24(A) ]
(A) Metal Interconnections.
A metal interconnection shall be made to the secondary grounded circuit conductor or the secondary circuit grounding
electrode conductor ,if, in addition to the direct grounding connection at the surge arrester, the following occurs:
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Section A had a 2 item list under it that was deleted in the first revision. Without the list A refers to nothing. Looks like there was some
kind of editing mistake here.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1241-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 280.24(A)]
Submitter Information Verification
495 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: MARVIN HAMON
Organization:
HAMON ENGINEERING INC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Tue Sep 01 19:16:20 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 1687-NFPA 70-2015 [ Part I. ]
Article 285 Surge Protective Devices (SPDs), 2000 Volts or Less
Part I.
General
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
Due to transcription errors the voltage in the Article title did not get changes. See ballot comment from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1245-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 285.1, 285.3]
Submitter Information Verification
2056 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:27:33 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 824-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 285.1 ]
285.1
Scope.
This article covers general requirements, installation requirements, and connection requirements for surge-protective devices
(SPDs) permanently installed on premises wiring systems of 2000 volts 1000 volts or less.
Informational Note: Surge arresters 2000 volts 1000 volts or less are also known as Type 1 SPDs.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
NEMA does not support this expansion of the NEC to 2000 volts. It raises some safety concerns that are not addressed in any current
standard.
Related Item
First Revision No. 1245-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 285.1, 285.3]
Submitter Information Verification
496 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: VINCE BACLAWSKI
Organization:
NEMA
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Sep 21 10:00:22 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 9-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 285.1 ]
285.1 Scope.
This article covers general requirements, installation requirements, and connection requirements for surge-protective devices
(SPDs) permanently installed on premises wiring systems of 2000 1000 volts or less.
Informational Note: Surge arresters 2000 1000 volts or less are also known as Type 1 SPDs.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The problem is that the existing ANSI/UL 1449-2014 standard only covers surge protective devices (SPD) up to 1000 Vac in its scope.
So, there is no technical standard that can "list" an SPD beyond 1000 Vac. Allowing voltages beyond 1000 without a possible "listing"
violates section 285.5 requiring a "listed" device.
As a working group member of UL 1449 and the IEEE PES Surge Protective Device (3.6) committees, there is no technical nor productsafety direction yet established by these standards committees. Therefore, I have even greater reluctance toward the NEC including
voltages beyond 1000 Vac. Without a solid product-safety standard to address SPDs between 1000 and 2000 Vac, the NFPA should
not change the 285.1
In reality, the ANSI C84 standard does not recognize any low-voltage electrical system beyond 600 volts. We do know that Wind
Turbines do deliver a 690Y/400 V system - this is unique to these systems. Therefore, even stating "up to 1000 V" is more than what is
covered in other standards.
The fact that the C84.1-2011 standard remains nebulous between 600 and 2400 volts should also cause the NFPA pause as well.
Keeping the maximum voltage at 1000 volts maintains code consistency with the change to up the low voltage range from 600 to 1000
volts.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 11-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 285.3]
Related Item
First Revision No. 1245-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 285.1, 285.3]
Submitter Information Verification
497 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: FRANK BASCIANO
Organization:
SURGE SUPPRESSION INCORPORATED
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jun 22 15:06:36 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 987-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 285.5 ]
285.5 Listing.
An SPD shall be a listed and labeled device.
Additional Proposed Changes
File Name
Essential_Guide_to_Product_Testing_and_Certification_NOV_2014.pdf
Description
Approved
ETL Essential Guide to Product Testing &
Certification 2014/2015 North American
Edition. Please review document page
numbers 5, 8 and 10 to see that ETL has
requirements similar to UL, that products that
do not bear their certification (listed) mark are
not considered by ETL as being listed.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
UL recognizes the Correlating Committee created a global First Correlating Revision (FCR) which directed that in all locations where the
term “and labeled” was added after “listed” during the First Revision Stage, the words “and labeled” after “listed” be deleted, returning to
previous text. UL understands that the Correlating Committee appointed a task group to address several issues involving the use of the
terms “listed” and “labeled,” most importantly, to clarify and establish a distinction between the terms “listed” and “labeled” which are
often used interchangeably. UL supports the need for this task group. However, UL does not expect the work of this task group to affect
the 2017 NEC regarding the issue of “listed and labeled.” As such, UL is submitting comments to request that the words “and labeled”
be added in various locations throughout the Code for the reasons expressed in the public inputs UL submitted on this issue. UL
believes that these revisions will address an ongoing problem that should not wait until the 2020 NEC for resolution.
Subsequent to the Public Input Code Panel Meetings, UL has discussed this issue with its Electrical Council whose membership
includes many AHJs. The proposed revisions to the NEC received general support from the membership. This issue was also discussed
at a NEMA – NRTLs Forum held on August 14, 2015 at NEMA Headquarters. UL reiterated its support for the proposed revisions. The
NRTLs represented at the meeting voiced no objection to the proposals.
The rationale for the revision was simple, to provide information to the AHJ regarding the suitability of equipment they encounter. The
mark on the product is the manufacturer’s attestation that the product is in compliance with the appropriate standard. NRTL’s conduct
factory surveillance of products, surveillance is one method to validate the manufacturer’s attestation. Should a product be found not to
be compliant the manufacturer has the option of removing the mark and shipping the product without the mark, or holding the shipment
and bringing the product into compliance. In either case the “Listing” is not impacted, as the “listing” is created at the completion of the
“original” certification of the product and indicates the authorization but not the mandate to label products. So the only true way an AHJ
can determine whether the product he is seeing is compliant with the applicable standard is via a label on the product. Taking it one
step further, listings change with time. It is quite possible that a “listing” has been withdrawn; however labeled product may still be
available for sale. Should equipment that is labeled, but not listed, be deemed acceptable? Based on the NEC definitions, it is possible
to have a product that meets the Article 100 definition of listed but the testing organization made the manufacture remove the label for a
non-compliance issue.
As for the concerns of products that are too small to be labeled, the definition of labeled is not limited to an actual label, it also includes
symbols, or other identifying marks. The Safety Standards which define the listing requirements do not address labeling of products as
defined by Article 100. As a general rule, NRTL’s do not consider a product as being listed unless it is also labeled. The UL White Book
states that “Only those products bearing the appropriate UL Mark and the company's name, trade name, trademark or other authorized
identification should be considered as being covered by UL's Certification, Listing, Classification and Follow-Up Service. The UL Mark
provides evidence of listing or labeling, which may be required by installation codes or standards.” Again the requirements for the UL
Mark are not a Safety Standard requirement, they are a UL requirement and the only way to show that a product is UL Certified (Listed);
other NRTL’s have similar requirements.
Related Item
Public Input No. 863-NFPA 70-2014 [Section No. 285.5]
Submitter Information Verification
499 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: JEFFREY FECTEAU
Organization:
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES LLC
Affilliation:
UL
Street Address:
City:
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State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
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Public Comment No. 1691-NFPA 70-2015 [ Sections 285.5, 285.6 ]
Sections 285.5, 285.6
285. 5 6 Listing.
An SPD shall be a listed device.
285. 6 7 Short-Circuit Current Rating.
The SPD shall be marked with a short-circuit current rating and shall not be installed at a point on the system where the
available fault current is in excess of that rating. This marking requirement shall not apply to receptacles.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
The panel acted to renumber the listing requirement to 285.6 to conform with the Style Manual. This was not reflected in the Draft. See
ballot comment from Charles Mello
Related Item
First Revision No. 1243-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 285.5]
Submitter Information Verification
501 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: Charles Mello
Organization:
UL LLC
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Fri Sep 25 16:30:17 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 13-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 285.13 ]
285.13 Type 4 and Other Component Type SPDs.
Type 1,2,3 or 4 component assemblies and other component type SPDs shall only be installed by the equipment manufacturer.
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
ANSI/UL1449-2014 includes other "component assemblies" - these should be listed in this section because of confusion in the field over
what is meant by "other component types".
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 11-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 285.3]
Related Item
Public Input No. 1493-NFPA 70-2014 [New Section after 230.66]
Submitter Information Verification
502 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: FRANK BASCIANO
Organization:
SURGE SUPPRESSION INCORPORATED
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jun 22 15:14:18 EDT 2015
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Public Comment No. 11-NFPA 70-2015 [ Section No. 285.3 ]
285.3 Uses Not Permitted.
An SPD device shall not be installed in the following:
(1)
Circuits over 2000 1000 volts
(2)
On ungrounded systems, impedance grounded systems, or corner grounded delta systems unless listed specifically for
use on these systems
(3)
Where the rating of the SPD is less than the maximum continuous phase-to-ground power frequency voltage available at
the point of application
Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Comment
This also relates to comments made to 285.1.
The problem is that the existing ANSI/UL 1449-2014 standard only covers surge protective devices (SPD) up to 1000 Vac in its scope.
So, there is no technical standard that can "list" an SPD beyond 1000 Vac. Allowing voltages beyond 1000 without a possible "listing"
violates section 285.5 requiring a "listed" device.
As a working group member of UL 1449 and the IEEE PES Surge Protective Device (3.6) committees, there is no technical nor productsafety direction yet established by these standards committees. Therefore, I have even greater reluctance toward the NEC including
voltages beyond 1000 Vac. Without a solid product-safety standard to address SPDs between 1000 and 2000 Vac, the NFPA should
not change the 285.1
In reality, the ANSI C84 standard does not recognize any low-voltage electrical system beyond 600 volts. We do know that Wind
Turbines do deliver a 690Y/400 V system - this is unique to these systems. Therefore, even stating "up to 1000 V" is more than what is
covered in other standards.
The fact that the C84.1-2011 standard remains nebulous between 600 and 2400 volts should also cause the NFPA pause as well.
Keeping the maximum voltage at 1000 volts maintains code consistency with the change to up the low voltage range from 600 to 1000
volts.
Related Public Comments for This Document
Related Comment
Relationship
Public Comment No. 9-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 285.1]
Public Comment No. 13-NFPA 70-2015 [Section No. 285.13]
Related Item
First Revision No. 1245-NFPA 70-2015 [Sections 285.1, 285.3]
Submitter Information Verification
498 of 2079
Submitter Full Name: FRANK BASCIANO
Organization:
SURGE SUPPRESSION INCORPORATED
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Submittal Date:
Mon Jun 22 15:09:06 EDT 2015
10/1/2015 11:02 AM