Think About It

NOTE: proposals to the NEC
to amend the 2011 Edition are due
Friday November 7, 2008


Below are just a very few of the changes upcoming changes for Chapters one through four in the 2008 Edition of the NEC. Think about these changes and our existing codes, become a part of the consensus based code process and help ensure that electrical installations are essentially free from shock or fire hazards.

Click here to find out more about becoming part of the process.

A new section has been added to NEC 210.4(B) Disconnecting Means. It requires that all multi-wire branch circuits must be provided with a means that will simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the point where he branch circuit originates. It is no longer limited to only those multi-wire branch circuits that terminate on a single yoke.

The requirements for GFCI protection of the 15 or 20 Amp, 125V receptacles have been revised in both the dwelling unit and the non-dwelling unit sections. Generally, the exceptions that used to allow receptacles in areas like unfinished basements or garages of dwelling units to not have GFCI protection have been eliminated. Expansion of the GFCI requirement in other than dwelling units has also occurred with the new requirements for protection of receptacles generally located within 6' of sinks in other than dwelling units. (there are still some specific exemptions such as for Industrial Facilities, Industrial Laboratories, and Health Care Facilities)

The requirements for AFCI protection has been expanded to include all the 15 or 20 Amp, 120V, single phase branch circuits that supply outlets in dwelling unit family rooms, living rooms, dining rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways or similar rooms or areas. Also, the 6' limitation on the metallic cable or raceway to a first AFCI device in the former exception has been removed.

NEC 250.94 has been extensively revised to generally now require an accessible means for the bonding of other systems (CATV, Dish, Broadband, etc) that is permanent and has the capacity for not less than 3 intersystem bonding conductors.

NEC 300.4 has been revised, and a new (E) covers the protection for cables under Roof Decks, requiring either that the cables be located 38 mm (1-1/2") from the nearest surface of the decking or be encased in types RMC or IMC raceways.

NEC 310.15(B)(2) has a new subdivision (c). It is a new table for adjusting the allowable ampacities of conductors in conduits located where exposed to sunlight on or above rooftops.

NEC 334.80 has been revised to clarify that the exceptions in 310.15(B)(2)(a) do not apply when installing cables through holes that are fire-stopped or draft-stopped, caulked, or sealed with foam. It also now includes cables that are installed in contact with thermal insulation without maintaining spacings.

NEC 406.11 now requires listed Tamper Resistant style receptacles for dwelling unit 15A and 20A, 120V single phase receptacles specified in 210.52

NEC 408.36 has been revised to remove the definition of Lighting and Appliance branch circuit panelboards and Power panelboards. It also has generally deleted the limitation on the maximum number of overcurrent devices permitted in a panelboard.