From the National Fire Protection Association, there were 1235 revisions made since 2014. First of all, code-making panels from the NEC created these revisions which were submitted to the NFPA for consideration. Below, find some of the NEC code changes that were proposed and/or made to electrical safety codes.
Article 495- Fixed Resistance and Electrode Industrial Process Heating Equipment
The proposed article gives the requirements needed for the equipment used in industrial heating. No requirements either specific or general exist for these items. After code changes, the new article will regulate equipment. In addition, this includes process air heaters, duct heaters, electrode boilers, and immersion heaters.
New NEC Code Changes
110.14 (D): Electrical Equipment Tightening Torque
A new requirement regulates how torque tools should be used. This aims at achieving a specific torque for various electrical tools and wrenches. Since electricians often hand-tighten set screw connectors that eventually fail, maintenance is required. In the previous article, there were no such regulations. Because of this, electrical failures occurred.
110.16(B): Arc Flash Hazard Warning
This involved the addition of another sub-level in this article. It added additional information concerning arc-flash hazard warnings. The 2015 Standard for electrical safety in the workplace edition had proposed changes therefore.
The new revised changes involved the inclusion of arc-flash boundaries and nominal system voltage in the service equipment label. It also requires the addition of either clothing minimum arc rating, PPE level for each site or the corresponding working distance.
Due to this, equipment owners are now required to field-label electrical equipment. Include pertinent information about the required level of PPE and available incident energy.
110.21(A2): Reconditioned Equipment Marking
This change requires the branding of any reconditioned equipment, Furthermore, descriptive markings, trademarks or name must be displayed. Additionally, it enables the recognition of the responsible organization that carried out the re-branding.
Most noteworthy, with the changes in this code, any electrical equipment would be traceable from its worker or buyer.
110.26(A4): Electrical Equipment Working Space
Added to cover any electrical equipment located in a cramped place. This includes:
- Limited width of working area
- Front space enclosure
- 90 degrees hinged or door panels
- Equipment located beyond a lay ceiling
This change was directed at checking the provisions of equipment used in limited spaces. Also, it addresses compliance of crawl spaces and ceiling spaces.
110.26(A4): Electrical Equipment Clear Space Signs
This is a general review of 110.26. For any type of working space, conspicuous and permanent signs should be provided.
The above code changes should be followed by engineers, architects and designers. The new NEC Code Changes were developed to avoid complications or unlawful/unsafe activities in the workplace.