Frequently Asked Questions - 2008

[George Stolz]

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on the 2008 National Electrical Code

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If you post a similar question to the questions that follow, the thread will not be closed because of it: but a link to the appropriate FAQ may be posted. There is usually an avenue to a question that has not been explored, new members arrive daily, and new perspectives are always welcome.

For the previous 2005 NEC FAQs, click here.


General Questions​

How is the NEC created? How can I propose a change to the NEC? Can anyone propose a change?
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What is an ROP, and an ROC? Where can I find ROPs/ROCs online?​

Is there a website at which you can get a free copy of the NEC, either in HTML or PDF format?​

What is the UL White Book, and can I find it online?
Abbreviations, Etiquette, & Quoting Guide (see also: Quoting multiple members, Quote within a Quote)
Where to find help in using the forum website itself.
How do I add my own pictures into my posts?
Noteworthy Links
Significant changes in the 2008​

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Branch Circuits, Devices, and Layout Questions

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Are antishorts (red-heads) required when using MC cable?​

Is it legal to use a receptacle's screws or back-stab connections for continuity of the circuit, or is pigtailing the conductors required?​

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Is pretwisting connections required, when using wirenuts?​

Where are smoke detectors required to be installed, and where do I find this information?​

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Grounding Vs. Bonding: The Big Picture
Information about Meggers - (compiled by Brian Gaquin).​

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The Taboo Questions that will be promptly closed, due to exhaustion of the topic (or because of Forum Rules):

Do you install three-ways and fourways so the load is off when the switches are all down?

Should a receptacle be installed with its ground connection point up or down?​

Should I join or avoid a Union shop?​

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If you notice a technical error, have a question you believe belongs here, or have a different opinion on a topic addressed by the FAQs that you feel should be included, feel free to start a thread on it with "FAQ" in the title. Or, you can send George a PM or post feedback in this thread if it's a small issue.

If you do not understand an answer in the FAQ, feel free to start a thread on any of the topics (except for the taboo topics mentioned above).
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[George Stolz]

Mike Holt had a nice piece in EC&M Magazine about changes in the 2008 NEC, including a few I hadn't heard about. Click here for the full article, it won't fit in a post.

1. 100 ? DEFINITION OF ?GROUND?
2. 100 ? DEFINITION OF ?NEUTRAL CONDUCTOR?
3. 100 ? DEFINITION OF ?NEUTRAL POINT?
4. 210.4(C) ? MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS
5. 210.4(D) ? MULTIWIRE BRANCH CIRCUITS
6. 210.8(B)(4) ? GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER PROTECTION FOR PERSONNEL (GFCI)
7. 210.8(B)(5) ? GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER PROTECTION FOR PERSONNEL (GFCI)
8. 210.12 ? ARC-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER PROTECTION (AFCI)
9. 240.24 ? LOCATION OF OVERCURRENT DEVICES
10. 250.4 ? GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUNDING AND BONDING
11. 250.32 ? BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES SUPPLIED BY FEEDER OR BRANCH CIRCUIT
12. 250.52 ? GROUNDING ELECTRODES
13. 250.94 ? INTERSYSTEM BONDING TERMINAL
14. 250.146 ? CONNECTING RECEPTACLE GROUNDING TERMINAL TO BOX
15. 310.15 ? AMPACITIES FOR CONDUCTORS RATED 0 TO 2,000V
16. 406.8 ? RECEPTACLES IN DAMP OR WET LOCATIONS
17. 406.11 ? TAMPER-RESISTANT RECEPTACLES IN DWELLING UNITS
18. 422.52 ? ELECTRIC DRINKING FOUNTAINS
19. 522 ? CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PERMANENT AMUSEMENT ATTRACTIONS
20. 626 ? ELECTRIFIED TRUCK PARKING SPACE EQUIPMENT
21. 680.26 ? EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING
22. 700.9 ? WIRING
23. 702.5 ? CAPACITY AND RATING
24. 708 ? CRITICAL OPERATIONS POWER SYSTEMS
25. 800.156 ? DWELLING UNIT COMMUNICATIONS OUTLET

 

[George Stolz]

• How do I make the font bigger when reading and posting in the forum?

Windows Vista, Internet Explorer:

1. Click on the "Tools" button.
2. Select "Internet Options".
3. In the window that appears, you should be in the "general" tab.
4. Click the "Accessibility" button in the lower right hand corner.
5. Click on "Ignore Font Sizes Specified in webpages" checkbox.
6. Click OK, Click OK again.

Now,

7. Click on the "Page" button.
8. Select "Text Size" and go as big as you want.

Windows Vista, Firefox

1. Press and hold the control key, and tap the plus key.

Macintosh, any browser

1. Press and hold the Apple key, and tap the plus key.

To magnify the whole screen, in both Windows and Macintosh, press and hold the control key and spin the scroll wheel on your mouse.

If anyone has instructions for other browsers/operating systems, PM me with 'em. Thanks!

 

[George Stolz]

If anyone has extra time on their hands and would like to post a corrected Table of Contents for this FAQ, and/or the old FAQ, I'd appreciate it. Most, if not all, of the links no longer work.

I'm not sure if I'll have the time for a while. I'm opening the thread for anyone who would like to assist.

Edit: No one has stepped forward, so I am re-locking the thread. If someone wants to lend a hand before I get to this, feel free to start a new thread with "FAQ" in the title, so I will notice it. Thanks!

 

[George Stolz]

How do I get a Mike Holt Forum bumper sticker?

Send a PM to one of the following moderators to get their address, and send a self-addressed stamped envelope to them. They are free, specify how many you want (limit 5) when you send in your envelope.

iwire or George Stolz or infinity or charlie.

Thanks to Mike Holt for the stickers, and thanks to you for making this forum a continued success!

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=114526