NEC 2014 Code Changes

NEC 2014 Code Changes Articles 200-215.3 CHANGES FROM 2011 CODE ARE IN RED Chapter 2 - Wiring and Protection ARTICLE 200 Use and Identification of Grounded Conductors 200.2 General Grounded Conductors will act as stated in section 200.2. Further Information: For information on the conformability of grounded conductors used in multi-wire branch circuits refer to section 300.13(B). (A) Insulation: The grounded conductor, if insulated, shall have insulation that is (1) suitable, other than color, for any ungrounded conductor of the same circuit for systems of 1000 volts or less, or impedance grounded neutral systems of over 1000 volts, or (2) rated not less than 600 volts for solidly grounded neutral systems of over 1000 volts as described in 250.184(A). 200.4 Neutral Conductors (A) Installation: You will not use Neutral Conductors for more than one branch circuit, for more than one multiwire branch circuit, or for more than one group of ungrounded feeder conductors. Exception: Use of Neutral Conductors is allowed if shown elsewhere in the Code. 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 1

(B) Multiple Circuits. Where multiple neutral conductors associated with different circuits are in an enclosure, grounded circuit conductors of each circuit shall be identified or grouped to correspond with the ungrounded circuit conductor(s) by wire markers, cable ties, or similar means in one or more within the enclosure. Exception No. 1: The requirement for grouping or identifying shall not apply if the branch-circuit or feeder conductors which enter from a cable or a raceway unique to the circuit that makes the grouping obvious. Exception No. 2: The requirement for grouping or identifying shall not apply where branch-circuit conductors pass though a box or conduit body without a loop or without a splice or termination. 200.6 Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors (A) Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller: Insulated grounded conductors of 6 AWG or smaller will be identified in one of the following ways. (1) A continuous white outer finish (2) A continuous gray outer finish 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 2

(3) Three continuous white or gray stripes along the conductor s entire length on other than green installations. (1) Three continuous white stripes along the conductor s full length. Use of green insulation will not be allowed. (2) Wires with insulation of a white or gray color, but have colored tracer threads in the braid identifying the place of manufacture, will meet the directives of this section. (B) Sizes 4 AWG or Larger: Insulated grounded conductors that are 4 AWG or larger will be identified by one of the following means: (1) A continuous white outer finish. (2) A continuous gray outer finish. Identification will be documented in a way that is easily available. It must also be displayed where the conductors of different systems originate. 200.7 Use of Insulation of a White or Gray Color or with Three Continuous White or Gray Stripes. (C) Circuits of 50 Volts or More: Insulation that is white, gray, or that has three continuous white or gray stripes for other than a grounded conductor for circuits of 50 volts or more will be allowed only in the following circumstances: (1) If part of a cable assembly that has the insulation re-identified by marking tape or painting at its end, to indicate its use as an ungrounded conductor and also where the conductor is visible. 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 3

Identification will surround the insulation. Use of insulation that is white, gray, or green in color will not be allowed. If used for single pole, 3-way or 4-way switch loops, the re-identified conductor with allowed markings will be used only for the supply to the switch and not as a return conductor from the switch to the outlet. (2) A flexible cord, having one conductor identified by any means allowed here or in section 400.22 that is used for connecting an appliance or equipment allowed in section 400.7. This provision will also apply to flexible cords connected to outlets whether or not the outlet is supplied by a circuit with a grounded conductor. ARTICLE 210 Branch Circuits I. General Provisions 210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits (B) Discounting Means Each multi-wire branch circuit will have a means of disengaging immediately all ungrounded conductors at the branch circuit s origin. Further Information: See section 240.15(B) for information on the use of single-pole circuit breakers as the means of disconnecting. 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 4

(D) Grouping The ungrounded and grounded circuit conductors of each multi-wire branch circuit will be organized by cable ties or other means in at least one place within the panelboard or other point of origin. Exception: The requirement for grouping shall not apply if the circuit enters from a cable or raceway unique to the circuit that makes the grouping obvious or if the conductors are identified at their terminations with numbered wire markers corresponding to the appropriate circuit number. 210.5 Identification for Branch Circuits (C) Identification of Ungrounded Conductors Ungrounded conductors will be identified according to section 210.5(C)(1) or (2) as applicable (1) Branch Circuits Supplied from More Than One Nominal Voltage System Where the location wiring system has branch circuits provided from more than one small voltage system each ungrounded conductor of a branch circuit will be identified by phase or line and system at all termination, connection, and splice points in compliance with 210.5(C)(1)(a) and (b). (2) Branch Circuits Supplied From Direct-Current Systems. Where a branch circuit is supplied from a D/C system operating at greater than 50 volts, each ungrounded conductor of 4 AWG or larger shall be identified by polarity at all termination, 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 5

connection, and splice points by marking tape, tagging, or other approved means; each ungrounded conductor of 6 AWG or smaller shall be identified by polarity at all termination, connection, and splice points in compliance with 210.5(C)(2)(a) and (b). The identification methods utilized for conductors beginning from within each branch circuit panelboard or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment shall be documented in a manner that is readily available or shall be permanently posted at each branch circuit panelboard or similar branch-circuit distribution equipment. (a) Positive Polarity, Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller. Where the positive polarity of a D/C system does not serve as the connection point for the grounded conductor, each positive ungrounded conductor shall be identified by one of the following means: (1) A continuous red outer finish (2) A continuous red stripe durably marked along the conductor s entire length on insulation of a color other than green, white, gray, or black (3) Imprinted plus signs (+) or the word POSITIVE or POS durably marked on insulation of a color that is not green, white, gray, or black, and repeated at intervals no more than 610 mm (24 in.) in accordance with310.120(b) (b) Negative Polarity, Sizes 6 AWG or Smaller. Where the negative polarity of a D/C system does not serve as the connection point for the grounded conductor, each negative ungrounded conductor shall be identified by one of the following means: (1) A continuous black outer finish (2) A continuous black stripe durably marked along the conductor s entire length on insulation of a color that is not green, white, gray, or red 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 6

(3) Imprinted minus signs ( ) or the word NEGATIVE or NEG durably marked on insulation of a color other than green, white, gray, or red, and repeated at intervals not exceeding 610 mm (24 in.) in accordance with 310.120(B) (3) Deleted (1) Listed electric-discharge luminaries 210.6 Branch-circuit Voltage Limitations. (C) 277 Volts to Ground (1) Listed electric-discharge or listed light-emitting diode-type luminaries. 210.7 Branch-Circuit Requirements for Device Connections and Locations. A) Receptacle Outlet Location Receptacle outlets will be located in branch circuits according to Part III of Article 210. (B) Multiple branch Circuits Where two or more branch-circuits supply devices or equipment on the same yoke, there must be also installed a means of simultaneously disconnecting the ungrounded conductors and it must be available at the point where the branch circuits begin. 210.7 Multiple Branch Circuits 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 7

Where two or more branch circuits supply devices or equipment on the same yoke or mounting strap, there must be a means available to simultaneously disconnect the ungrounded conductors supplying those devices and it must be available at the point at which the branch circuits begin. 210.8 Ground Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel shall be provided as required in 210.8 (A) through (D). (A) Dwelling Units: (3) Outdoors Exception to #3: Receptacles that are not easily accessible and are supplied by a dedicated branch circuit for electric snow removal, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment will be allowed according to section 426.28 or section 427.22. (7) Sinks located in areas other than kitchens where the receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft.) of the outside edge of the sink (8) Boathouses (9) Bathtubs or shower stalls where receptacles are installed within 1.8 m (6 ft) of the outside edge of the bathtub or shower stall (10) laundry areas (B) Other Than Dwelling Units. (3) Rooftops 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 8

(4) Outdoors Exception #1: To (3) and (4) Receptacles that are not easily reached and are supplied by a dedicated branch circuit for electric snow removal, deicing, or pipeline and vessel heating equipment will be installed according to section 426.28 or section 427.22. (5) Sinks Exception #2 to #5: For receptacles found in patient care areas of health care facilities, other than those sheltered under section 210.8(B)(1), GFCI protection will not be essential. (6) Indoor Wet locations (7) Locker rooms with associated showering facilities (8) Garages, service bays, and similar areas where electrical diagnostic equipment, electrical hand tools, or portable lighting are to be used. 210.11 Branch Circuits Required. (B) Load Evenly Proportioned Among Branch Circuits. When the load is calculated on the basis of volt-amperes per square meter or per square foot, the wiring system, up to and including the branch-circuit panelboards, will be provided to serve at no less than the calculated load. This load will be evenly distributed throughout multi-outlet branch circuits within the panelboards. Branch circuit over-current devices and circuits will be installed only to serve the connected load. 210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. (A) Dwelling Units: 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 9

All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling unit kitchens, laundry areas, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (6) (1) A listed combination-type arc-fault circuit interrupter, installed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit (2) A listed branch/feeder-type AFCI installed at the origin of the branch-circuit in combination with a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet box on the branch circuit. The first outlet box in the branch circuit shall be marked to indicate that it is the first outlet of the circuit. (3) A listed supplemental arc protection circuit breaker installed at the origin of the branch circuit in combination with a listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet box on the branch circuit where all of the following conditions are met: a. The branch-circuit wiring shall be continuous from the branch-circuit over-current device to the outlet branch-circuit arc-fault circuit interrupter. b. The maximum length of the branch-circuit wiring from the branch-circuit overcurrent device to the first outlet shall not exceed 15.2 m (50 ft) for a 14 AWG conductor or 21.3 m (70 ft) for a 12 AWG conductor. c. The first outlet box in the branch circuit shall be marked to indicate that it is the first outlet of the circuit. (4) A listed outlet branch-circuit type arc-fault circuit interrupter installed at the first outlet on the branch circuit in combination with a listed branch-circuit over-current protective device where all of the following conditions are met: 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 10

a. The branch-circuit wiring shall be continuous from the branch-circuit overcurrent device to the outlet branch-circuit arc-fault circuit interrupter. b. The maximum length of the branch-circuit wiring from the branch-circuit overcurrent device to the first outlet shall not exceed 15.2 m (50 ft) for a 14 AWG conductor or 21.3 m (70 ft) for a 12 AWG conductor. c. The first outlet box in the branch circuit shall be marked to indicate that it is the first outlet of the circuit. d. The combination of the branch-circuit overcurrent device and outlet branch-circuit AFCI shall be identified as meeting the requirements for a system combination type AFCI and shall be listed as such. (5) If RMC, IMC, EMT, Type MC, or steel-armored Type AC cables meeting the requirements of 250.118, metal wireways, metal auxiliary gutters, and metal outlet and junction boxes are installed for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install a listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit. (6) Where a listed metal or nonmetallic conduit or tubing or Type MC cable is encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete for the portion of the branch circuit between the branchcircuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install a listed outlet branchcircuit type AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit. (B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications Branch circuits shall be protected by: 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 11

(1) A Listed combination-type AFCI located at the origin of the branch circuit (2) A listed outlet branch-circuit type AFCI located at the first receptacle outlet of the existing branch circuit Exception: AFCI protection shall not be required where the extension of the existing conductors is not more than 1.8 m (6 ft) and does not include any additional outlets or devices. (C) Dormitory Units: All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dormitory unit rooms shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit. 210.13 Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment. Each branch-circuit disconnect rated 1000 amps or more and installed on solidly grounded wye electrical systems of more than 150 volts to ground, but not exceeding 600 volts phase-tophase, shall be provided with ground-fault protection of equipment in accordance with the provisions of 230.95. Exception No. 1: The provisions of this section shall not apply to a disconnecting means for a continuous industrial process where a non-orderly shutdown will introduce additional or increased hazards. Exception No. 2: The provisions of this section shall not apply if ground-fault protection of equipment is provided on the supply side of the branch circuit and on the load side of any transformer supplying the branch circuit. 210.17 Electric Vehicle Branch Circuit. An outlet(s) installed for the purpose of charging electric vehicles shall be supplied by a separate branch circuit. This circuit shall have 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 12

no other outlets. Informational Note: See 625.2 for the definition of Electric Vehicle. 210.19 Conductors Minimum Ampacity and Size. (A) Branch Circuits Not More Than 600 Volts: (1) General General: Branch-circuit conductors must have an ampacity at least the maximum load to be served. Conductors shall be sized to carry not less than the larger of 210.19(A)(1)(a) or (b). (a) When a branch circuit supplies continuous loads or any combination of continuous and noncontinuous loads, the minimum branch-circuit conductor size shall have an allowable ampacity at least the non-continuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load. (b) The minimum branch-circuit conductor size shall have an allowable ampacity at least the maximum load to be served after applying any adjustment or correction factors. Exception: If the assembly, including the over-current devices protecting the branch circuits, is listed for operation at 100 percent of its rating, the allowed Ampacity of the branch circuit conductors will be no less than the sum of the continuous load plus the non-continuous load. 210.21 Outlet Devices. (3) Receptacle Ratings: 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 13

Where connected to a branch circuit supplying two or more receptacles or outlets, receptacle ratings will adhere to the values listed in Table 210.21(B)(3), or where rated higher than 50 amperes, the receptacle rating will be no less than the branch circuit rating. 210.22 Permissible Loads, Individual Branch Circuits: An individual branch circuit is allowed to supply any load for which it is rated, but the load must not exceed the branch-circuit ampere rating. 210.24 Branch-Circuit Requirements Summary. The requirements for circuits that have two or more outlets or receptacles, other than the receptacle circuits of section 210.11(C)(1), (C)(2) and (C)(3, are summarized in Table 210.24. Table 210.11(C)(1) and (C)(2) provides only a summary of minimum requirements. See sections 210.19, 210.20, and section 210.21 for the specific requirements applied to branch circuits. 210.25 Branch-Circuits in Buildings with More Than One Occupancy. (B) Common Area Branch Circuits: Branch circuits installed for the purpose of, lighting, central alarm, signal, communications or other purposes to meet the needs of the public, or familiar areas of two family dwelling, a multifamily dwelling, or a multi-occupancy building will not be supplied from mechanisms used in an individual dwelling unit. III. Required Outlets 210.52 Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets (A) General Provisions: 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 14

(1) Spacing Receptacles will be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line of any wall space is more than 1.8 m (6 ft.) from receptacle outlet. (2) Wall Space: (1) Any space 600 mm (2 ft.) or more in width (including corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways and similar openings, fireplaces and fixed cabinets. (3) Floor Receptacles: Receptacle outlets in or on floors shall are not to be counted as part of the number of receptacle outlets unless they are within 450 mm (18 inches) of the wall. (4) Countertop Receptacles Receptacles installed for countertops as shown in section 210.52(C) will not be considered as the receptacles required by section 210.52(A) (C) Countertops (3) Balconies, Decks and Porches: Balconies, decks, and porches that are attached to the dwelling unit and can be accessed from inside the dwelling unit must have one receptacle or more outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch. The receptacle outlet must not be located more than 2.0 m (61 2 ft) above the balcony, deck, or porch walking surface. (4) Separate Spaces 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 15

Counter top spaces separated by range tops, refrigerators, or sinks will be considered as separate spaces in applying the requirements of section 210.52(C)(1). If a range, counter-mounted cooking unit, or sink is installed in an island counter top and the depth of the counter top behind the range, counter-mounted cooking unit, or sink is less than 300 mm (12 in.), the range, countermounted cooking unit, or sink must be considered as separating the counter top space into two distinct spaces. Each counter top space will adhere to the requirements in section 210.52(C). (5) Receptacle Outlet Location Receptacle outlets will be located on or above, but not more than 500 mm (20 in.) above, the counter top. Receptacle outlet assemblies listed for the application will be allowed to be installed in counter tops. Receptacle outlets rendered not easily reached by appliances fastened in place as covered in the section 210.52(C)(1) exception or appliances occupying dedicated space will not be considered as these required outlets. (D) Bathrooms At least one receptacle outlet will be installed in the bathroom within 900 mm (3 ft.) of the outside edge of each basin. The receptacle outlet will be located on a wall that is next to the basin counter top, located on the counter top, or installed on the side of the basin not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below the counter top. Receptacle outlet assemblies listed for the application will be allowed to be installed in the counter top. Further Information: See section 406.5(E) for requirements for installation of receptacles in counter tops. 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 16

(G) Basements, Garages and Accessory Buildings: (1) Garages: In each attached garage and in each detached garage with electric power. The branch circuit that supplies this receptacle(s) must not supply outlets outside of the garage. A minimum of one receptacle outlet must be installed for each car space. (H) Hallways In homes, hallways of 3.0 m (10 ft.) or more in length will have at least one receptacle outlet. As stated in this subsection, the hallway length will be considered the length along the centerline of the hallway without passing through a doorway. (I) Foyers Foyers that are not part of a hallway in according to section 210.52(H) and that have an area that is greater than 5.6 m 2 (60 ft. 2 ) will have a receptacle located in each wall space 900 mm (3ft.) or more in width. Doorways, door-side windows that extend to the floor and unbroken by doorways, floor-to-ceiling windows, and other openings must not be counted as wall space. ARTICLE 215 Feeders 215.2 Minimum Rating and Size. (A) Feeders Not More Than 600 Volts: (1) General: 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 17

Exception #1: If the assembly is listed for operation at 100 percent of its rating, the allowed ampacity of the feeder conductors will be no less than the sum of the continuous load plus the non-continuous load. (a) When a feeder supplies continuous loads or any combination of continuous and noncontinuous loads, the minimum feeder conductor size must have an allowable ampacity at least the non-continuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load. (b) The minimum feeder conductor size shall have an allowable ampacity not less than the maximum load to be served after the application of any adjustment or correction factors. (2) Grounded Conductor: The size of the feeder circuit grounded conductor will be no smaller than that required by section 250.122, except that section 250.122(F) will not apply where grounded conductors are run parallel. Additional minimum sizes will be as specified in section 215.2(A)(2) and section 215.2(A)(3). (3) Ampacity Relative to Service Conductors The feeder conductor ampacity will be no less than the service conductors where the feeder conductors carry the total load supplied by service conductors with an ampacity of 55 amperes or less. (4) Individual Dwelling Unit or Mobile Home Conductors Feeder conductors for individual homes or mobile homes do not need to be larger than the service conductors. Use Paragraph 310.15(B)(6) for finding required conductor size. 215.3 Over-current Protection. 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 18

Exception #2: Over-current protection for feeders over 600 volts, nominal, will adhere to Part IX of Article 240. 2014 All Star Training, Inc. 19