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On this page, I'll answer your questions and provide some nuggets of wisdom.
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Please email your code questions and comments to: mailto:jstaires@southerncode.org. We will answer your questions in this space. There are two sections of the 2005 NEC that took effect on January 1, 2008.
Even if your jurisdiction has not yet adopted the 2008 NEC, the following two sections are now in effect in any jurisdiction
that has adopted the 2005 NEC:
210.12 (B) All arc-fault circuit interrupters installed after January 1, 2008 must now
be the combination type. A combination type AFCI is capable of detecting and interrupting both series and parallel arcing
faults. Any AFCI circuit breaker or other device installed after January 1 of this year should be labeled indicating that
it is the combination type.
410.73 (G) In indoor locations other than dwellings and associated accessory structures, all
fluorescent luminaires with double-ended lamps installed after January 1, 2008, must have a disconnecting means installed
either internal or external to the luminaire. This section was moved and renumbered in the 2008 NEC as Section 410.130 (G).
The exceptions to providing a disconnecting means for these luminaires are:
Exception No.1: Luminaires installed
in hazardous locations.
Exception No.2: Luminaires for emergency ilumination required in 700.16.
Exception
No.3: For cord-and-plug connected luminaires, the cord-and-plug connection may serve as the disconnecting means.
Exception No.4: In industrial establisments with restricted public access where the electrical system is serviced by
qualified persons.
Exception No.5: Where more than one luminaire is installed and supplied by other than a multiwire
branch circuit, a disconnecting means shall not be required for every luminaire when disconnecting multiple luminaires does
not leave the space in total darkness.
410.130 (G)(2) Requires that the disconnecting means break all conductors
of a multiwire branch circuit, including the grounded conductor.
410.130 (G)(3) Requires the disconnecting means
to be accessible to qualified persons before servicing or maintaining the ballast. Where the disconnecting means is external
to the luminaire, it shall be a single device that is either attached to the luminaire, or located within sight of the luminaire.
Most manufacturers of fluorescent luminaires are equipping their luminaire with a separable plug located inside
the ballast compartment to meet this new requirement. At least one manufacturer (Thomas and Betts) makes a plug assembly to
retrofit an existing luminaire when the ballast is replaced.
Senate Bill 45 has been signed by the Governor. The bill gives the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
the authorization to set rules for continuing education hours in the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades. One change
I have heard about would require all licensed tradesmen to attend 8 hours of continuing education a year. Stay tuned!
The City of Tulsa Electrical Examining and Appeals Board voted to adopt the 2008 National Electrical Code at their
march meeting. The adopting ordinance has been sent to the City legal department, and will then be forwarded to the City Council.
Adoption of the 2008 NEC is anticipated no earlier than July 1 of this year.
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