National Electric Code Important Revisions to...– Defined within National Electrical Code (NFPA...

Understanding the

National Electric Code and

Important Revisions to

the 2017 NEC

®

®

National Electric Code ® (NEC) Basics

Enforcement & Licensure

National Electric Code® - 2017 Key Revisions

Codes, Standards & Technology

Circuits – Volts , Amps , Watts, Heat

Agenda

Rick Foster RCDD, TLT

• Director of IT Infrastructure and Commissioning Services , Innovative Engineering Services, Wallingford, CT.

• Over 30 years experience across in ICT industry in distribution, contracting and design.

• Licensed Low Voltage contractor and designer.

• Participation on various industry committees and boards including BICSI, NFPA and State of Connecticut.

Acknowledgements

Andy Jimenez – Anixter

Randy Ivans – Underwriters Lab

Joshua Krantz – Valley Communications

Dick Reed– InfoComm

Roy Chamberlain – Leviton

Patrick McLaughlin – Cabling Installation & Maintenance

What is the Industry Saying about the NEC ® ?

A recent survey * was conducted by Cabling Installation & Maintenance and the results provide some useful insight to our topics ---------

➢ 66 % of respondent indicated they were only vaguely familiar or not familiar with the new NEC 2017 changes around cable heating and its impact.

* Provided by

➢ 93 % of respondent indicated it is important or very important to understand those changes.

➢ Also of note; 58 % of respondents when asked what technology subjects were of most interest

“Answer Is” - Audio/Video

➢ Is the National Electric Code (NEC) a Code or Standard?

➢ Are Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and HDBaseT (PoH) a communication

circuit or Class 2 circuit according to the NEC 2017 ?

➢ With the adoption of the 2017 NEC only an electrician will be able to

install low voltage communication cables.

National Electric Code®

®

®

®

Points To Ponder






Agenda

We are in a Converged world of devices needing combined Power, Data and Video on the same IT infrastructure.

New technologies … New thinking ... New challenges

PE

RF

OR

MA

NC

E

CODES & STANDARDS

GAP

TIME

Design & Technology Integration

Are established as a basis to compare, measure, or judge:

• Capacity• Quantity• Value• Quality

• Performance• Limits• Interoperability

Standards

Safety Codes Code adoption and compliance is intended to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public through legislation or statues.

➢ Enforceable

➢ Established by a regulatory or legislative body

➢ Construction guidelines & practices

➢ Can carry Fines & Penalties

➢ Occupational & Trade Licensure qualifications

13

Cisco® UPOE 60 Watts

Source – Leviton

Powering Over Communication Cabling (PoCC)

Performance - 5-Play - Audio, Video, Power, Control, Ethernet

Power 100 Watts

Technical & Performance Challenges

• Bandwidth• Signal to Noise Ration (SNR)

Utilizes Traditional 4pr Pair LAN / Category X Cables

HDBaseT Alliance

Software Defined Video Over Ethernet – A/V over IP Network

Power – new 802.3 bt expected to be up to up to 100 Watts

Technical & Performance Challenges

• Bandwidth – 10G• Ethernet network

Utilizes Traditional 4pr Pair LAN / Category X Cables

SDVoE Alliance






Agenda

NFPA: National Fire Protection Association

NEC: National Electrical Code

Citizens

Authorities Having

Jurisdiction (AHJs)

NRTL: National Recognized

Testing Laboratory

Safety Process in the US

Original Code was developed in 1897 by a group of

industry related businesses.

– Insurance

– Electrical

– Architectural

– Construction companies

– Fire Engineers

National Electric Code – NEC (NFPA-70®)

Revised every three years

• 2014• 2011• 2008

Source: NFPA website

➢ Public Inputs

➢ Public Comments

➢ NFPA Technical Meeting

➢ Standards Council Appeals and Issuance of Standard

NFPA® Process

Consensus Organization

The Code Making Panels review Public Inputs and Comments during the revision cycle. These are acted on and may eventually be included in the next code.

NFPA 70: The National Electric Code (NEC)

What does NFPA 70 address?The NEC addresses the installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceways; signaling and communications conductors, equipment, and raceways; and optical fiber cables and raceways in commercial, residential, and industrial occupancies

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

What does NFPA 72 address?Rules cover the application, installation, location, performance, inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, supervising station alarm systems, public emergency alarm reporting systems, fire warning equipment and emergency communications systems (ECS), and their components. Provisions are expressed in prescriptive requirements with performance-based design methods and risk analysis requirements provided and essential for the proper design and integration of mass notification systems.

Source NFPA website www.nfpa.org

National Electric Code® - Code or Standard ?

It is a Standard - NFPA 70® National Electric Code ®

However It becomes a Code when adopted by a regulatory agency or legislative body.

Source NEC 2017

National Electric Code® Adoption

Current Legislation cycles with anticipated adoption to be 47 States

Current Adoption 19 States

“Article 90 is the Introduction to the National

Electrical Code. As with most introductions, this

article is often skipped. To understand the NEC

and is application better, it is very important that

you thoroughly read and review this article.”

- Mike Holt

National Electric Code® Article 90 – Introduction

NEC 2017

➢ Section 90.1 Purpose ➢ Section 90.3 Code Arrangement ➢ Section 90.4 Enforcement

90.1 Purpose (A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of

persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Article 90 – Introduction

* NFPA-70 NEC 2017 Edition

This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.

Chapter 7 – Special Conditions

ARTICLE 725 Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits

Part I. General

725.1 Scope. This article covers remote-control, signaling,and power-limited circuits that are not an integral part of adevice or of utilization equipment.

Informational Note: The circuits described herein are characterized by usage and electrical power limitations that differentiate them from electric light and power circuits; therefore, alternative requirements to those of Chapters 1 through 4 are given with regard to minimum wire sizes, ampacity adjustment and correction factors, overcurrent protection, insulation requirements, and wiring methods and materials.

Source NEC 2017

Chapters ➢ Articles

➢ Sections (Often referred to as Articles)

➢ Subdivisions

Definitions

Informational Notes

Tables & Annexes

Chapters ➢ Articles

➢ Sections (Often referred to as

Articles)

➢ Subdivisions

Definitions

Informational Notes

Tables & Annexes

National Electric Code® Article 90.2 –Code Arrangement

Source: NEC 2017

Previous Edition stated Chapters 1-4

National Electric Code® Article 90 – Introduction

90.4 Enforcement. This Code is intended to be suitable

for mandatory application by governmental bodies that exercise

legal jurisdiction over electrical installations, including

signaling and communications systems, and for use by

insurance inspectors. The authority having jurisdiction for

enforcement of the Code has the responsibility for making

interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of

equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission

contemplated in a number of the rules.

By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction

may waive specific requirements in this Code or permit

alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives

can be achieved by establishing and maintaining

effective safety.

NEC 2017

National Electric Code® Article 90.4 – Enforcement

Article 90.4 Enforcement – Who?

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) An organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

Article 100 Definitions ( pg. 70-33)NEC 2017

National Electric Code® Article 90.4 – Enforcement

Who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?

• OSHA • Joint Commission • Public Utility Department • Federal Communication Commission • Department of Energy• Environmental Protection Agency • Building Owner

• Fire Marshall• Building Inspector • Labor Department • Health Department • State Agencies or Departments • Local or County Agency • Insurance Inspector

Who is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)?

They ALL could be an AHJ !!!!

• OSHA • Joint Commission • Public Utility Department • Federal Communication Commission • Department of Energy• Environmental Protection Agency • Building Owner

• Fire Marshall• Building Inspector • Labor Department • Health Department • State Agencies or Departments • Local or County Agency • Insurance Inspector

National Electric Code® - Handbook

The NEC Handbook provides editorial notes , illustrations and is often referenced as an “expert opinion”. It is not Code but often used by inspection community. Source NFPA

➢ The NEC sets “minimum” requirements for installation practices

➢ Local Jurisdictions often amend the NEC .

➢ These amendments can include new materials or systems.

National Electric Code® - Amendments

“Code Interpretation” of Article 800.21

You cannot lay cables on top of ceiling tiles OR you must leave adequate spacing above a ceiling tile that allows its removal ?

“CodeSpeak” – How the Code is written

“Code Reality- Article 800.21” - Field Implementation, Installation Practices and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Example:Article 800.21 Access to Electrical Equipment Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of wires and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling tiles.

Similar language in Section 725.21 & Section 640.5

“Code Reality”- Field Implementation, Installation Practices and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

If you were the AHJ would you fail these installations ? Why? Why Not?

Article 800.21 Access to Electrical Equipment Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access Access to electrical equipment shall not be denied by an accumulation of wires and cables that prevents removal of panels, including suspended ceiling tiles.

NEC 2017






Agenda

What is a Circuit ?

LOAD

Basic

Electric Circuit

Switch

Conductor Conductor

A circuit provides the path for

current to flow.

Conductor Material that allows

the flow of an electrical current

Electrical Branch Circuit

Source – Mike Holt Enterprises

• Class 2 Power

– Defined within National Electrical Code (NFPA 70)

– 30VAC, 60VDC, 100VA

– Due to its power limitations, a Class 2 circuit is considered safe from a fire

initiation standpoint and provides acceptable protection from electrical shock

• Class 2 and 3 systems do not require the same wiring methods as power, light, and

Class 1 systems

– There are cases when a 2-in. separation is required between these systems.

Chapter 7 – Special Conditions NEC Article 725 - Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and

Power-Limited Circuits

Power Limited Circuit

800.1 Scope. This article covers communications circuits and equipment.

Informational Note No. 1: See 90.2(B)(4) for installations of communications circuits and equipment that are not covered.Informational Note No. 2: For further information for remote- control, signaling, and power-limited circuits, see Article 725.

Informational Note No. 3: For further information for fire alarm systems, see Article 760.

800.2 Definitions See Part 1 of Article 100. For the purposes of this article, the following additional definitions apply.

Communications Circuit. The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the customer’s communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answering machine.

NEC 2017

Chapter 8 – Communications

Current & Wattage

The heat or thermal energy is either dissipated or “trapped” and can be measured in watts.

Heat

Dissip

ates

Heat

When a current passes through a conductor, the conductor heats up.

LOAD

Basic

Electric Circuit

Switch

Conductor Conductor

Temperature Rise

Generally, heat will dissipate until a steady state is reached with the temperature of the cable bundle higher than the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment.

Temperature of the cabling will rise due to heat generation of the conductors.

Cable Bundles

Ampacity: The maximum current , in

amperes, that a conductor can carry

continuously under the conditions of

use without exceeding its

temperature rating.

NEC – Article 100-Definitions *

Ampacity

* NEC 2017 Edition pg 70-33

Table 310.15(B)(17)

Source – Fluke Networks White Paper

Cable Type DC ResistanceInitial

DC ResistanceAfter 24 Hours

CalculatedTemperature Delta

Category 5e

Category 6

120 milliohms

88 milliohms

124 milliohms

90 milliohms

10%

4%

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

0

db

/10

0m

Category 6Category 5e

Bottom line: There is a 25 percent increase in signal loss with Category 5e vs. Category 6 cable.

➢ Conductive properties of copper change

➢ DC resistance a function of conductor size

➢ DC resistance increases with temperature

➢ Impact on cable performance has traditionally been addressed

➢ Cable heating in bundles cause for concern

Cable Heating & Performance

• What Contributes to Heat Generation?

– Bundle Size

– Power Source

– Ambient Air temperature

– Environmental Conditions

– Type of Pathways

– Firestopping

– Number of energized conductors/pairs

– Cable Construction

– Workmanship

– Installation Practices

Heat Generation = Temperature Rise






Agenda

NFPA 70® is an ANSI Standard and was approved on

August 24,2016.


4 (pr.) Pair Cable Heating was the Hot Topic

How did the 2014 NEC address power on traditional 4/pair 24 AWG LAN cables today ?

IT Did NOT * !

The 2017 NEC now addresses power on traditional 4-pair 24 AWG LAN cables as a result of the CMP work and the NFPA process.


* Chapter 9 Tables (11B) are considered default for defining thresholds of V/A for Class 2 & 3. * Current Ampacity Table does not address wire conductors smaller than 18 ga.

To support Proposals from these initial Public Inputs Underwriters Labs (UL) was commissioned to provide a Fact-Finding Report.

DEFINITION: FACT-FINDING REPORT (INVESTIGATION)A formal record of an investigation of the features and properties of a product, assembly or system undertaken by UL for the purpose of providing an Applicant with a means for seeking amendment of a nationally recognized installation code or Standard toward which UL’s work is oriented.


• Investigate the effects of higher levels of power applied over communications cables under typical installation practices permitted by the NEC

• Support Public Inputs

• Determination and evaluation of realistic worse-case conditions

• Gather data for the development of comments related to the first revisions to the NEC including:

– Conductor Ampacities

– Bundle Sizes

– Installation Practices

• Mitigate safety concerns

• Focus on power (volts, watts, amps), not applications

Purpose of the UL Fact Finding Report

➢ Important to remember that Chapter 8 stands alone.

➢ However, it will direct you to specific sections and articles that are mandatory requirements

Article 840.160 Premise –Powered Broadband Communications Circuits

Chapter 8 – Communications Systems

Section 840.2 Definition - Premises Communications Circuit.The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), and outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the service provider’s network terminal to the customer’s communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment, such as a telephone, a fax machine, or an answering machine.

Section 840.2 Definition - Network Terminal.A device that converts network-provided signals (optical, electrical, or wireless) into component signals, including voice, audio, video, data, wireless, optical, and interactive services, and is considered a network device on premises that is connected to a communications service provider and is powered at the premises.

Section 840.160 Powering CircuitsCommunication cables, in addition to carrying the communications circuit, shall also be permitted to carry circuits for powering communications equipment. Where the power supplied over a communications cable to communications equipment is greater than 60 watts, communications cables and the power circuit shall comply with 725.144 where communications cables are used in place of Class 2 and Class 3 tables.

➢ Points to Article 725 for guidance above 60 watts.

➢ New Ampacity Table for traditional LAN cable wire gauges

Chapter 8 – Article 840 – New Section -840.160

Chapter 7 – Special Conditions NEC Article 725 - Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and

Power-Limited Circuits

Article 725.121 Power Sources for Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits.

A) Power Source. A power source for a Class 2 or Class 3 circuit shall be as specified in 725.121(A)(1), (A)(2), (A)(3), (A)(4), or(A)(5):

(1) A Listed Class 2 transformer(2) A Listed Class 2 power supply(3) Other listed equipment marked to identify the Class 2 power source

(4) Listed Information Technology (computer) equipment

limited power circuits (5) Dry Cell Battery

Article 725.1 Scope This article covers remote-control, signaling, and power limited circuits that are not part of a device or appliance.

(4) Listed audio/video information technology (computer) communications, and industrial

equipment limited - power circuits

NEC® 2017 Changes

(A)(4) Listed audio/video information technology (computer) communications and industrial equipment limited-power circuits.

Informational Note: One way to determine applicable requirements for listing of information technology(computer) equipment is to refer to UL 60950-1-2011, Standard for Safety of Information TechnologyEquipment. Typically such circuits are used to interconnect information technology equipment for the purposeof exchanging information (data).

Section 725.121 Power Sources for Class 2 and Class 3 Circuits

NEC Article 725 Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 Remote Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits

➢ IEEE 802.3af (PoE), UPOE, & HDBaseT define power levels for a circuit.

➢ Article 725.121 points you to the type of the power source to define the type of circuit (Class 2, Class 3) to determine wiring and code requirements.

NEC 2017

Intended to aid in determining future equipment power needs and safety factor for existing cable plants

(C) Marking The power sources for limited power circuits for listed audio/video, information technology(equipment) and listed equipment in 725.121(A)(4) shall have a label indicating the maximum voltage and current output for each connection point. The effective date shall be January 1, 2018.


New in NEC 2017 - 725.121 ( C ) Marking

Source NEC 2017

New Section 725.144 Transmission of Power and Data


725.144 Transmission of Power and Data. The requirements of 725.144(A) and (B) shall apply to Class 2 and Class 3 circuits that transmit power and data to a powered device. The requirementsof Parts I and III of Article 725 and 300.11 shall apply to Class 2 and Class 3 circuits that transmit power and data. The conductors that carry power for the data circuits shall becopper. The current in the power circuit shall not exceed the current limitation of the connectors.

Informational No. 1: One example of the use of cables thattransmit power and data is the connection of closed-circuit TVcameras (CCTV).Informational Note No. 2: The 8P8C connector is in widespreaduse with powered communications systems. These connectorsare typically rated at 1.3 amperes maximum.

Source NEC 2017

New Ampacity Table 725.144

Looney Tunes ©

8 Conductors

Source NEC 2017

Ampacity Table 725.144

LAN wire gauges

Bundle Sizes 4-Pair Cables

Cable Temperature Rating Choices

Ambient Air

Correction for Energized Pairs


Engineering Supervision

24 Gauge

23 Gauge

22 Gauge

Ampacity Table - Cheat Sheet

Amperage per conductor Wattage Optional

LP Listing

.5 amp per conductor 100 W LP(0.5A)

.6 amp per conductor 120W LP(0.6A)


.8 amp per conductor 160W LP(0.8A)


1 amp per conductor 200 W LP(1.0A)

4 pair LAN Cable = 8 Conductors


Source NEC 2017

➢ Permits taking advantage of cable innovations in cable design and

construction

➢ An additional, optional rating that may be added to traditional cables like “CM”, “CMR”, “CMP”

➢ Not required or mandatory for new or legacy installations

National Electric Code – “LP” Cable Listing 725.179(I) Limited Power Cables. Limited power (LP) cables shall be listed as suitable for carrying power and data circuits up to a specified current limit for each conductor without exceeding the temperature rating of the cable where the cable is installed in cable bundles in free air or installed within a raceway, cable tray, or cable routing assembly. The cables shall be marked with the suffix “-LP” with the ampere limit located immediately following the suffix LP, where the current limit is in amperes per conductor.

Example LP Surface Marking

68

Optional wiring method based on maximum temperature of cable rating not installation methods ie.. bundle size

Other Notable Changes to the NEC 2017

➢ Painting of could alter the cables properties as Informational Note in Articles 770, 800 and 820

➢ Section 110.3(C) - Listing. Product testing, evaluation, and listing (product certification) shall be performed by recognized qualified electrical testing laboratories and shall be in accordance with applicable product standards recognized as achieving equivalent and effective safety for equipment installed to comply with this Code. (Also a new Informational Note)

➢ Section 110.21 (A) - Reconditioned equipment must be marked (labeled)

➢ Section 110.26 (A) (4) - Working on energized equipment above a ceiling

Source NEC 2017

➢ One floor receptacle is required for

every 215 sq/ft for meeting rooms at

least 12 feet wide

➢ Location determined by

owner/designer

➢ Opportunity to add voice/data/video

components

Article 210.71 Meeting Rooms – Floor Receptacles

Source IAEI Magazine Courtesy of Legrand

Other Notable Changes to the NEC 2017

HDBaseT Alliance and UL Launch New Cable Certification Program to Support PoH Installations

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Jan. 31, 2017 – UL the safety science company dedicated to promoting safe living and working environments, and The HDBaseT Alliance, the cross-industry group tasked with promoting and advancing the HDBaseT standard, today announced a Certification Program for Power over HDBaseT (PoH) Cables.

This program, targeted at cable manufacturers, addresses the increased performance and safety requirements related to heating due to current levels being carried under PoH of audiovisual installations. With increasingly complex installations and the proliferation of power over HDBaseT (PoH) equipment, AV vendors, manufacturers and professionals have indicated the need for standardization and consistency for high performance, regardless of the size of cable bundles. The new certification program evaluates the cable’s ability to carry DC power of up to 100 watts over the four pairs of the cable and to maintain HDBaseT data transmission performance.Under the new certification program, UL will evaluate the cables in accordance with the soon-to-be published UL 4299, Outline of Investigation for Power over HDBaseT (POH) cables. The cables will be covered under UL’s Follow-Up Services surveillance program that includes both regular inspections at cable manufacturing facilities as well as ongoing testing determine continued compliance. Once published, UL 4299 will be available at https://standardscatalog.ul.com/.

https://standardscatalog.ul.com/






Agenda

Inspections & Enforcement

The following material in this presentation is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be –nor is the content to be construed in any manner as legal advice.

Licensure regulations are up to the individual or organization to determine before starting any work.

Inspection - (noun)

1. The act of looking at something closely in order to learn more about it, to find problems, the act of inspecting something

2. An official visit to a school, hospital, etc., in order to see if rules are being followed and in their proper condition.

Enforce – (verb)

1. To compel observance of or obedience to: enforce a law.

2. To impose (a kind of behavior, for example): enforce military discipline.

Inspections & Enforcement – Definitions

Enforcement is a process.

➢ Inspections – Field observations, multiple intervals

➢ Identification of deficiencies or violations

➢ Remediation – can it be fixed ?

➢ Fines & Penalties – legal implications


AHJ generally “inspects” what the permit has been issued for to insure compliance with previous approvals or permit requirement's.


➢ The AHJ is not trained nor expected to review electrical or data communication systems designs.

➢ They are trained to report on installation deficiencies. If these are a result of

improper design in their opinion they will engage with the engineer of record or

permittee to resolve or clarify.

Source NEC 2017

90.1 Purpose

(A) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This Code is not intended as a design specification or an instruction manual for untrained persons.


90.4 Enforcement. This Code is intended to be suitable

for mandatory application by governmental bodies that exercise

legal jurisdiction over electrical installations, including

signaling and communications systems, and for use by

insurance inspectors. The authority having jurisdiction for

enforcement of the Code has the responsibility for making

interpretations of the rules, for deciding on the approval of

equipment and materials, and for granting the special permission

contemplated in a number of the rules.

By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction

may waive specific requirements in this Code or permit

alternative methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives

can be achieved by establishing and maintaining

effective safety. Source NEC 2017

Article 90 – Introduction

➢ The “Challenge” is how to assist legislators, regulatory agencies and the AHJ to keep current with the new technologies utilizing low voltage distribution

➢ Innovations like DC power utilizing the ceiling grid and advances in PoE based LED lighting are just some examples of that employ “non-traditional” wiring.

Inspections - Enforcement & New Technologies

➢ Electrical licensing or Trade licensing is generally

established by a government agency. Typically at

the state level. However, in some instances

qualifications can be set or modified by local

jurisdictions.

➢ A license is a legal credential. A license is often

required by law or ordinance for workers in various

building trades, including architecture, mechanical,

electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering,

some low-voltage trades and other building design,

engineering and construction roles.

Trade or Occupational Licensing

➢ Licensing qualifications generally require the individual to prove

work experience and competency. Recently safety training has been

added to license requirements.

➢ Experience and knowledge can be in the form of apprentice

programs, trade schools and hours of field work (OJT).

➢ Competency is generally measured by passing a test issued by a

regulatory agency in order to obtain a license for the work

performed.

➢ Many agencies now require Continuing Education.

Trade or Occupational Licensing

National Electric Code & Electrical Licensing

The NEC does not define what is required for an “electrical license” or who may obtain one.

The NEC does define who is a “Qualified Person *”

“Qualified Person. One who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid hazards involved.” *

* Chapter 1 – Article 100 -DEFINITIONS Page 70-40 NEC 2017

Key words – “Skills” , “Knowledge” & “Safety Training”

National Electric Code & Electrical Licensing

Electrical Licensing & Low Voltage Installers

➢ Electrical License designations and qualifications vary from state to state. Many

states have different classes, subsets or specialty license categories pertaining to

“low voltage” work.

➢ Many of these subsets or classifications pertain to data-comm, alarm, telecomm,

energy or other “low voltage” systems.

➢ These subsets or categories are often defined by voltage/current levels and

systems.

➢ InfoComm has compiled a directory of licensing by state for both electrical and

communication systems. Visit www.infocomm.com – Government Relations for

more information.


http://www.infocomm.com/

Source: infoComm


➢All 50 States have a regulation for Electrical Licensing

➢ 48 States have a regulation for Alarm Licensing

➢ Some states and jurisdictions do not have licensing requirements for telecommunications work.

➢ States and jurisdictions with licensing requirements for telecommunications work provide clearer guidelines and safeguards for the “low voltage” contractor base.


Source: InfoComm

Always Check the Local Requirements and Qualifications for Installation

➢ Is the National Electric Code (NEC) a Code or Standard?

➢ Are Power Over Ethernet (PoE) and HDBaseT (PoH) a communication circuit

or Class 2 circuit according to the NEC 2017 ?

➢ With the adoption of the 2017 NEC only an electrician will be able to install

low voltage communication cables.


®

®

®

Points To Ponder

States or local jurisdictions define Trade Licensure qualifications – not codes or standards

It becomes a Code when adopted by a regulatory body.

® The 2017 NEC set limits on wattage in Chapters 8 and Chapter 7 – not applications

The NEC 2017 set ampacity limits on traditional small gauge cables and conductors typically used for communication

Key Takeaways

Designer’s, Integrators and Installers need to balance code requirements for safety and systems data transmission performance for reliable data transmission.

Heat is the enemy – Installation practices will require mitigation techniques in the field and design phase.

Key Takeaways

Stay tuned – Codes & Standards will continue to evolve for Power Over Communications Cables (PoCC) as converged technologies continue to take advantage of power and data on a single physical infrastructure

Engage with the AHJ early in any project that may include “non-traditional” or unfamiliar systems – become an educator !

Look to professional organizations such as infoComm and manufactures' for guidance and updates.

Summary - So Where Are We Going?

Bandwidth, Transmission Speeds & Data Reliability

Volts, Amps & Watts

Opportunity or

Train Wreck ?

Thank You

National Electric Code Important Revisions to...– Defined within National Electrical Code (NFPA...

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