Where does NEC Require a Qualified Installer?

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

natfuelbill

Senior Member
Where in the NEC might it say that only qualified persons install electrical materials?

I see a lot of "qualified persons service the installation", "restrict access to qualified personnel only", "qualified persons examine, adjust, service, and maintain the equipment", "accessible to qualified persons", "restricted to use by qualified personnel", but not much that says that the installer must be a qualified person.


But I only see "qualified persons install and service the installation" in 501.11, and "Qualified Personnel. The routing of portable supply conductors, the making and breaking of supply connectors and other supply connections, and the energization and de-energization of supply services shall be performed by qualified personnel, ...." in 520.53.
 
natfuelbill said:
Where in the NEC might it say that only qualified persons install electrical materials?
Click to expand...
It's often in manufacturer's installation documentation. That would be 110.3(B), if you're looking for code.
 
I am with you on that. When I look at say Square D MCC installation instructions, the "installed by qualified personel" phrase is clearly marked.

What about if an UL listed item does not include instructions, or if the instructions are silent on installer qualifications? Say something like a plain old acorn clamp.
 
(B) Installation and Use Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
Click to expand...
There is no way that a manufacturer's statement requiring installation by a qualified person is an instruction that is part of the listing and labeling. If it is not a "listing and labeling instruction, then 110.3(B) does not require compliance. The code does not specify the qualifications of the installers, it only specifies the installation methods and requirements...the assumption is that if the installation is in complicance with the NEC, then the installer was qualified.
Don
 
The NEC Handbook says:

"Manufacturers usually supply installation instructions with equipment for use by general contractors, erectors, electrical contractors, electrical inspectors, and others concerned with an installation. It is important to follow the listing or labeling installation instructions."

Where can these "instructions included in the listing or labeling" be found if not the manufactures instructions?

Is it the UL General Information Directory that compiles these "instructions included in the listing or labeling", or are the instructions found elswhere in other UL publications?

Will UL instructions point to the manufactures supplied instructions by reference?

What carries more weight, the listing or labeling instructions or the manufacturer instructions?

My search of the Code does require installation by a qualified person in the sections 501.11 and 520.23, but not elsewhere.
 
Licensing, Permitting and Inspection requirements are up to each area that adopts the code.

The NFPA does not have any authority to control those issues.
 
In our great industry, we are not restricted to the use of the NEC as the sole document for reference. There are many other documents for guidance and use. NFPA 70E has more about the qualified person requirements, and so does OSHA.
 
I have to say, I always grin a little to myself whenever I open a light box with angry writing on it...

Warning! To be installed by a qualified electrician!

I hang the light anyway. :)
 
georgestolz said:
I have to say, I always grin a little to myself whenever I open a light box with angry writing on it...

Warning! To be installed by a qualified electrician!

I hang the light anyway. :)
Click to expand...
That's where you and I differ, George. I inform the homeowner that they're going to have to find someone else. :D
 
Where can one find "instructions included in the listing or labeling"?

Any examples?



Or these the manufacturers installation instructions?
 
Every listed product is investigated using a UL standard. This standard identifies all tests performed and the requirements the product must meet in order to obtain its listing as suitable for its use. This is standard also identifies how the product must be installed in order to comply with the listing. This would be the listing instruction. UL also identifies marking and labeling requirements for listed products.

These requirements are generally outlined by the UL general directory, which also indicates installation instructions in some cases.

In the end, manufacturer's instructions and products must include everything as required by its listing and labeling BUT may contain information or suggestions that maybe included for the purposes of maintaining warranties or guarantees, or possibly to protect special design considerations based on the products usability.

Now be aware that UL constantly contradicts itself on this matter frequently. Take for example the classified breaker issue. UL will tell you that a panelboard's installation instructions and label are to be followed per 110.3(B), however will also say that a product classified for use in that panelboard amends the listing and labeling instructions even though it may be in conflict with the manufacturer's instructions.

In regard to your original question, it is my belief that the warning or "instruction" made by manufacturer's indicating the product should only be installed by qualified persons is nothing more than a liability release in the event the product is installed improperly by a non-skilled person and results in an injury or death.

A person installing a ceiling fan on an energize circuit that has instruction indicating the power to be turned off does not result in a violation of the UL standard or the products listing. It also doesn't violate 110.3(B). However, installing a higher wattage lamp in the lighting assembly for which it is rated would be a violation of its listing and labeling instruction as the luminaires has not been investigated for lamps of the higher wattage.
 
Bryan, nice explanation.
icon7.gif


What is your opinion of a hot tub manufacturer request for a full size (6 AWG) EGC, suggestion or requirement?

In my opinion it likely falls to a suggestion but one that could hang an EC that ignores it.
 
The requirement that "qualified" persons install electrical materials is determined by the jursdiction that adopts the NEC, it is not an NEC requirement. Some jurisdiction require that all installations be "supervised" by a licensed Master Electrician, other jurisdictions do not. Depends on where you are. Each jurisdiction will determine how "qualified" is interpreted and if they are going to require that "qualified" persons perform the installation. Many manufacturers will specify that "qualified" persons install their equipment in an effort to limit their liability. If you are killed or injured while using their product through your own ignorance, they can claim that you were not "qualified" so they are not liable.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top