Equipotential Bonding and the NEC/2008

Equipotential Bonding
and the NEC/2008
In the National Electrical Code (NEC), the purpose of
the section on pool bonding has remained consistent:
to reduce or eliminate voltage gradients in pool areas.
That said, the change in language in the NEC/2005
caused some confusion regarding Section 680.26,
"Equipotential Bonding," when the word “Equipotential”
was added to the title (which had been "Bonding") and
requirements were added to the code. An article in the
Summer/Fall 2007 Construction Code Communicator
attempted to clarify the equipotential bonding
requirements of NEC/2005. This article attempts to
clarify the equipotential bonding requirements of the
NEC/2008. This appears to be particularly confusing
because of the way that the sections were subdivided.
1. Pool Shells, NEC/2008 Article 680.26(B)(1) –
Conductive pool shells consist of poured concrete,
pneumatically applied or sprayed concrete, or concrete
block with painted or plastered coating materials. Nonconductive
pool shells include vinyl liners and
fiberglass composite materials.
(a) – Typically, structural reinforcing steel is
used in the conductive pool shells listed above. To be
considered bonded, unencapsulated structural
reinforcing steel is permitted to be secured together by
steel tie wires.
(b) – When the pool reinforcing steel is
encapsulated in a nonconductive material (coated
rebar), then the bonding requirements, which are
summarized in 1a above, no longer apply; however, a
copper conductor grid must be installed within or under
the pool and no more than 6 inches from the outer
contour of the pool shell. The grid must be constructed
of at least a #8 AWG bare solid copper conductor
bonded to each other at all crossing points, and
arranged in a 12 inch by 12 inch (12" X 12") grid with a
tolerance of 4 inches.
2. Perimeter Surfaces, NEC/2008 Article
680.26(B)(2) – The NEC/2008 requires that ANY
surface (e.g. soil, grass, concrete, pavers, etc.) around
the pool or outdoor spa/hot tub must have
equipotential bonding.
(a) – Unencapsulated structural reinforcing
steel (summarized in 1a above) installed in a perimeter
surface that extends three (3) feet from the pool wall is
required to be bonded back to the pool shell at four (4)
uniformly spaced points around the pool.
(b) – When the perimeter surfaces contain reinforcing steel encapsulated in a nonconductive
material (coated rebar), or when the pool is
fiberglass, or vinyl, then a copper conductor that
meets the following must be used: (1) a minimum of
a #8 AWG bare solid copper bonding conductor that
follows the contour of the perimeter surface between
18 and 24 inches from the inside walls of the pool;
(2) the bonding conductor shall be secured within
(i.e. paved surface) or under the perimeter surface 4
to 6 inches below the subgrade (soil); and (3) listed
splicing devices must be used.
3. Pool Water, Article 680.26(C)– This section
requires a minimum conductive surface area of 9
square inches to be installed in contact with the pool
or outdoor spa/hot tub. For example, the metal
handrails of a ladder may be used as long as a
minimum of 9 square inches is submerged in the
pool in contact with the water. If there is no ladder
(or other conductive surface), a component that
meets the requirements of this section may be used.
Please keep in mind that there are other items that are
part of the equipotential bonding system that are not
discussed in this article. As per Section 680.26(B), the
following are also included, as applicable: metallic
components, underwater lighting, metal fittings,
electrical equipment, and metal wiring methods and
equipment.
An example of typical equipotential bonding setup for
an unencapsulated reinforced steel inground pool is
provided below as a convenient accompaniment to this
article. Please note that the graphic is an illustration
only and is not a substitute for the code text.
If you have any questions, please call the Code
Assistance Unit at (609) 984-7609.
Source: Rob Austin and Suzanne Borek
Code Assistance Unit

LED Lighting Challenges

Despite the obvious bright future of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), this new technology still has many obstacles to overcome

Although light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been around for several decades, it's only recently started to become a player in mainstream commercial lighting applications. As the number of manufacturers offering LED-based luminaires continues to grow, it appears this technology has reached its potential for almost any lighting application.http://ecmweb.com/lighting/challenges-installing-leds-20100501/

Cree light sold by Home Depot

Home Depot customers who purchase the home improvement retailer's new LED ceiling light actually are buying a Cree product in disguise. Chuck Swoboda, CEO of Durham-based Cree, announced late Tuesday during a conference call with analysts that Home Depot's new EcoSmart brand downlight -- a recessed ceiling light that's the equivalent of a conventional 65-watt bulb -- is made for the retailer by Cree.
The ceiling light currently is sold for $49.95 on Home Depot's website and will be available in stores nationwide this fall.

Read more: http://blogs.newsobserver.com/business/cree-light-sold-by-home-depot#ixzz0xSuGuTcb

RAB LED

Full Cutoff, Fully Shielded LED Wallpack

High Output LED Light Engine

Maintains 70% of its initial lumens at 50,000 hours

Weatherproof high temperature silicone gaskets

Superior Heat Sinking with Die Cast Aluminum Housing and External Fins

 

 

Watch video

The NJ Board of Public Utilities 2010 NJCEP budget proposal

The NJ Board of Public Utilities has published their proposal to cut $158 Million from the 2010 NJCEP budget. The BPU has developed Straw Poll Proposal for to be discussed at a Hearing that will take place on 3/25/10.

At this hearing, the Board will provide an opportunity for stakeholder input on proposed revisions to the NJ Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) programs and budgets for 2010.

For a copy of the proposal Click Here

Solar Power Boot Camp - July 6 - 10, 2010

Spend a week with Mike in South Florida to find out all aspects of what you need to know to be ready for the Solar Power Revolution happening in the industry. Whether you are planning on installing Solar products, or simply a maintenance contractor who needs to understand the unique characteristics of Solar Powered homes and commercial buildings, you need to attend this program. Mike will bring in a group of experts to help explain everything from How Solar Power works, to the Business Aspects of how Solar Power will fit into your business for the future. One day will be devoted to the NEC Requirements that govern Solar Installations.

This is a program that you don't want to miss, so reserve your seat today in Mike Holt's 2010 Solar Power Boot Camp!

Course Overview
Frequently Asked Questions

Location: Marriott
11775 Heron Bay Blvd.
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Ask for the Mike Holt special rate of $89.00 when making your reservation.

July 6th - July 10th, 2010

This course has been approved for CEU credits for various states. Please contact our office to see if your state is approved

 

Product Code: SOLAR10
Price: $975.00

The NEC and Commercial Loads

The NEC and Commercial Loads

How to apply demand factors

The electrical load requirements for commercial installations result in a great deal of diversity in usage. In other words, while some types of equipment and electrical loads are in use for extended periods, others are only used occasionally or for short periods of time. In addition, there are often two different types of electrical loads on the same service or feeder that will not be brought into service simultaneously by their very nature, such as heating and air conditioning. For this reason, we apply demand factors when calculating service and feeder loads. Different sets of demand factors apply for different types of electrical loads — and even for different types of commercial buildings.
Get the rest Read more

New Jersey Clobbered

	NJ Clobbered by Loss of 181,200 Private-Sector Jobs; Could Take 8 Years to Recover
	NJ has lost 181,200 private-sector jobs since the start of the recession two years ago, a 5.3 percent decline, and economists say it could take eight years for the State to recover the jobs that have vanished. Read more.

The Complexity of the U.S. Tax System

The Complexity of the U.S. Tax System

N.J.'s clean-energy advocates fear job losses

Last week, when Gov. Chris Christie froze unspent funds in many agency budgets to cover the state’s $2.2 billion shortfall, he appropriated $158 million from New Jersey’s Clean Energy Fund, the engine behind one of the few bright spots in New Jersey’s economy, the renewable energy industry. Advocates of the Clean Energy Program, which is administered by the Board of Public Utilities, say losing the $158 million could result in lower grant and rebate amounts this year, endangering thousands of jobs and setting back the state’s solar industry, the largest in the country after California.
“If they lower the rebates, projects could be canceled,” said Dolores Phillips, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association. “It will undermine our ability to do business.”
In a further blow to the Garden State’s struggling economy, loss of the money would remove as much as $800 million in economic activity, according to the State Senate Environment and Energy Committee, which uses a factor of five in calculating the program’s economic impact.
Christie directed the Treasury Department earlier this month to freeze $158 million of the program’s funds, saying the money had not been committed to projects and was just sitting in the account. He reiterated that position Thursday during a meeting with business leaders in Burlington County.   read more

4 Tips on Buying CFLs for Your Business | GreenerBuildings.com

In this tight economy, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to cut operational expenses and provide service to their customers. One area that offers opportunities to save now is lighting for your offices and buildings.

Starting in January 2012, all lamp technology sold in the U.S., including both incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) will be required to meet efficiency requirements set by the Energy Independence Security Act.

Currently most incandescent bulbs do not meet these requirements leaving room for the growing CFL market to brighten. A money-saving and environmentally friendly way to do so is to start to convert your building's lighting to CFLs.
According to Energy Star, each CFL bulb installed saves an average of $5.41 in energy costs, 51 kilowatt hours and 78 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The number of CFL shipments has grown tremendously from 21 million lamps in 2000 to 397 million lamps in 2007.

Below are some tips from testing and certification organization CSA International on what to look for when purchasing CFLs:

1. Choose only a CFL that is certified by a nationally recognized testing and certification organization to ensure it has been tested and certified to the applicable standards for safety and performance. A certification mark should appear on both the product and the packaging.

2. Choose an Energy Star qualified CFL to ensure it will provide the greatest amount of energy savings. Energy Star Qualified CFLs also have a minimum two-year warranty.

3. Choose the bulb that best suits the fixture. CFLs with globes are available in various sizes and shapes to fit most fixtures. They look similar to traditional incandescent bulbs and may look better in fixtures with exposed bulbs.

4. Determine how much light is needed. Check you fixture to ensure the light is the proper size and wattage. Light output is described as "brightness" and is measured in lumens.

The chart below shows the energy use in watts of an incandescent light compared to the energy use of a standard CFL for the same amount of brightness.

Subject: 2008 NEC and the Rehab Subcode

Subject: 2008 NEC and the Rehab Subcode 

Updating the Rehabilitation Subcode to the NEC/2008 has been delayed. Therefore, the Department is hereby reminding all code users that any work done in an existing building or dwelling continues to be required to comply with the NEC/2005, which is referenced in the rehabilitation subcode, materials and methods, N.J.A.C. 5:23- 6.8(d).

For example, when an existing service panel is changed or upgraded, no AFCI is required. However, an addition to an existing building is new construction. The addition only is required to comply with the 2008 NEC. Work in the existing building continues to be required to comply with NEC/2005. For dwelling units, AFCI for the addition will be required only if a new branch circuit is provided. It is important to remember that existing circuits in the existing dwelling may continue to be used.

Finally, if a permit applicant chooses to use the 2008 NEC, guidance is included in the Fall 2009 edition of the Construction Code Communicator.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Borek

Code Specialist

Grace period for previously adopted electrical code

On April 6, 2009, the State of NJ has adopted the National Electrical Code/2008 as the electrical subcode. As per N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6, Grace period, for a period of six months following the operative date of a subcode revision, applicants may submit a complete permit application, including all prior approvals, to be reviewed under the code in force immediately preceding the subcode revision.
Provided that the application is complete, the construction official and applicable subcode officials shall perform the plan review and issue construction permit(s) based on the code in force immediately prior to the operative date of the subcode revision. This grace period shall apply only to revisions of subcodes.
Therefore, if an applicant would like to use the previously adopted electrical code, the National Electrical Code/2005, he or she must indicate which code they are using at the time of application. This complete permit application must be submitted prior to October 6, 2009.
Source: Code Assistance Unit
(609) 984-7609

Energy-Efficient Lighting Saves Canadian Tire $6M in 2009 · Environmental Leader · Green Business, Sustainable Business, and Green Strategy News for Corporate Sustainability Executives

Energy-Efficient Lighting Saves Canadian Tire $6M in 2009 · Environmental Leader · Green Business, Sustainable Business, and Green Strategy News for Corporate Sustainability Executives

All New Office Depots to be Built to Energy Efficient, LEED Standards

All New Office Depots to be Built to Energy Efficient, LEED Standards

Home Depot looks to add businesses to its parking lots - Sacramento Business, Housing Market News | Sacramento Bee

Home Depot looks to add businesses to its parking lots

 Fast-food restaurants, banks or auto-parts stores are the most likely businesses that will pop up on those oceans of asphalt that are no longer practical, said Mike LaFerle, vice president of real estate and construction for the company.

 

Thinking about a solar energy system for your business? Here's some good news.

Thinking about a solar energy system for your business?

Here's some good news.

PSE&G has set aside millions of dollars to help finance the installation of solar power systems for residents, businesses, and organizations throughout our electric service area.
And that means you may be eligible for a loan from PSE&G that can help finance 40% – 60% of your qualified solar power installation.
What’s more, unlike other loans, you can elect to have the Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) your solar electric system generates to pay back your loan.
PSE&G will guarantee a fixed minimum price for the SRECs applied towards the repayment of your loan. If SREC market prices are higher than the floor price, PSE&G will credit your loan at the higher price. You get the safety of a floor price and the upside potential of higher SREC prices.
FACT: While SREC prices may seem high now, there is no guarantee on where they will be in 2, 5, or 10 years. If you lock in your SREC prices with PSE&G you can benefit from higher prices and have the security of a floor price.
PSE&G has simplified and improved the loan approval and closing process. It’s now easier than ever to get a Solar Loan.
It’s all part of PSE&G’s continuing efforts to encourage the development and installation of clean, renewable energy technologies throughout New Jersey.

For Users Who Have Forgotten " Everything "

Click here  For Users Out Of School Many Years   

  For Users Who Are Not Proficient With The Material  

  For Users Who Did Not Take All Exam-Subjects In School    

  For Users Who Are Not Engineering Majors 

  For Users Out Of School Many Years  

E-Training click here

E-Training

Low Cost, Long Life LED Light Bulbs

Switching to more efficient, longer-lasting light bulbs may not seem to be that much of a big deal. Yet in reality it is. The important factors that we need to consider in this context is that the net effects resulting from enormous numbers of small things; which when added up, tend to completely swamp the overall effects of a few big changes.

The Benefits

Instant Illumination – Unlike the current crop of eco-bulbs these new LED bulbs fully illuminate instantly
Flicker-Free – The new LEDs do not flicker. Flickering light bulbs; especially subliminal flicker, which has for quite some time now been closely linked to or the causative of migraine headaches and epileptic seizures
Long Life – The new LED light bulbs are rated as having an average working life of 100,000 hours (over 60 years of normal use) which is 10 times that of the current generation of eco-friendly light bulbs.
Improved Efficiency – These new bulbs are 12 times more efficient than tungsten bulbs and three times more efficient than current fluorescent bulbs.
No Mercury – The new bulbs are totally mercury free; which is an environmental benefit of considerable significance. It also makes their eventual disposal far less damaging to the environment.
Fiscal Savings – This lighting technology could conservatively slash the average household’s lighting bill by up to three-quarters. Business

on the other hand could expect to reap lighting bill savings in excess of 20% of their current lighting expenditure. It is estimated that the retail price of these new LEDs will be around $2 per unit.