9-104 Log #1519 NEC-P09
(408-4)
Final Action: Reject
Submitter: David Shapiro, Safety First Electrical Contracting, Consulting, and Safety Education
Recommendation:
Add at end,
"The identifications shall be unique, so as to enable users to differentiate between disconnecting means serving similar loads quickly
and unmistakably".
Substantiation:
The NFPA Inspection Manual says that this is the intent. Intent, however, is not enforceable, and this will be even more true in 2005.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement:
The current language allows the AHJ to enforce specific information in circuit directories. The new language " quickly and
unmistakably" is subjective and unenforceable. There is no stated hazard that substantiates the need for this change.
Number Eligible to Vote: 11
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 9 Negative: 2
Explanation of Negative:
HARTWELL: I have considerable sympathy for this proposal, having gone through a difficult history of getting installers in my former
jurisdiction to first, even provide circuit directories, and then, having those directories convey useful information. I have seen far too
many panels with directories showing, for example, ten 15A circuits saying "lights and plugs", six circuits labeled "heat" and two or
three marked "kitchen outlets".
The panel statement is partially correct, and the phrase "quickly and unmistakably" could be removed from the proposal very easily.
The rest should stand. The key is the word "unique". Although the Code does allow the enforcement community to insist on what the
proposal requests, express language would produce more consistent enforcement. When I began enforcing useful circuit directories all I
had to work with was 110.22. The 1990 NEC brought the express circuit directory requirement to then 384.13, and compliance improved.
Relocation of the requirement to 408.4 in the 2002 NEC as a stand-alone requirement improved visibility and compliance even more.
This proposal will result in a further improvement in compliance, with a commensurate improvement in safety.
OFFERDAHL: This proposal should be "accepted in principle." The submitter concern about properly marking the circuit directory
could be improved by adding the words to the sentence to read as follows:
"All circuits and circuit modifications shall be legibly identifies as to its clear, evident and specific purpose or use on a circuit
directory."
These additional words will emphasize the importance of circuit directory for the safe operation of an electrical system.
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