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Code Adoption: Ohio’s Fight for Electrical Safety   by Tim McClintock  Why do we fight against safety? The actions of the state of Ohio earlier this year created a safety differential between residential dwelling units and commercial construction, such as apartments, by reverting back to the 2005 NEC for the single-family dwelling. How Safe Are We?  Compiled by Laura L. Hildreth We believe that electrical safety begins with good codes enforced uniformly across the nation. But how uniform are we? America is as diverse in its adoption and enforcement of electrical codes as it is with its geography, political alliances, and people. For the latest information, visit directConnect at IAEI.org. Dispenser Disconnects – Critical safety net that is overlooked?   by Donny Cook and Al Ramirez  Although the NEC is nationally adopted and NFPA 30A is recognized in fire codes that are nationally adopted, fuel dispensers facilities across the nation rarely comply with disconnection requirements. The predicament is that AHJs haven’t questioned the limitation of installed dispensing equipment and interconnection of related systems. Arc Flash Overview by Joseph Weigel Five to ten times per day, an electrical arc-flash accident occurs that seriously injures or kills someone in the United States. Standards such as NFPA 70E and electrically safe work practices are now in place to reduce these accident statistics, and OSHA enforces these published safety standards.

Dispenser Retrofits — Field Modifications by Al Ramirez Retrofit kits are routinely used to upgrade or change the functionality of products. There is no truer example of this than fuel dispenser retrofits. What Is Behind the Genuine UL-Listed Mark? by Ravi Ganatra Customers have expressed concerns about products entering the market that do not always comply with existing standards. We have prepared this document to address these concerns. Procedures for Inspecting Switchgear by Robert McCullough What’s big, gray, and should be approached carefully? If you answered — an elephant, why are you reading an electrical book? If you answered — switchgear, you’re probably a code weenie. So what do these two things have in common? Inspectors often ask what the procedures are for inspecting switchgear; and, like eating an elephant, the best approach is one bite at a time. Article 708, Critical Operations Power Systems — Some Existing Technologies to Assist in Complying by Robert Arno, Robert Schuerger and Evangelos Stoyas NEC-2008 has a new Article 708, Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS). The genus of COPS was to address hardening emergency and standby power systems as part of homeland security. Ground Rods Marking & Compliance Requirements by Jim Lund In today’s electrical environment, many installed ground rod electrodes do not meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code. Ground rods less than 0.625 in diameter, rods that were cut in half either because of driving difficulty or to reduce expenses, or rods with less than the required coating thickness (e.g., copper, zinc) are all examples of ground rods that are presently being installed in violation of the NEC and/or local electrical codes. Energy Conservation and the Electrical Industry Overview & Residential Requirements by Kristyn Clayton and Joe Andre While it can be argued that the electrical industry has been somewhat slow to respond to this nation’s energy crisis, some segments of the industry have taken a more proactive approach. A Top to Bottom Perspective on a PV System by John Wiles Photovoltaic power systems can be examined in a number of different ways as we have done in the last few years in the “Perspectives on PV” series of articles. In this article and the next few articles in the series, let’s start at the modules at the “top” of the system and progress through the system to the grid interconnection at the “bottom.” Electrical Systems — Are You Protected? by Michael K. Weitzel There’s a lot of talk about protection going on currently. Personal protection, internet protection, home protection, neighborhood protection… the list goes on and on. Because results of a recent IAEI members survey show interest in more basic code training, this article will focus on a basic but essential requirement for most any electrical system. From low voltage to high voltage — for cables, raceways, and equipment — protection from physical damage is an absolute essential.

Editorial: The Fire Never Started — Thank an Inspector by Robert McCullough, 2008 International Office President The general theme for this month’s IAEI News is safety; and when most electrical people talk safety, they think of personnel safety and safety in the work place, OSHA and NFPA 70E. Inspectors' corner, Canadian Perspective: Bonding and Grounding. Is there a reason to be confused? by Ark Tsisserev The CE Code requirements for bonding and grounding are perhaps, the most important safety rules for electrical installations. Each person deemed to be qualified to do electrical work must clearly understand what bonding and grounding is, why it is necessary and how it must be done. And yet the basic principles of these essential code requirements are often misunderstood. Other Code: Safety Signs, Part 3 by David Young Whether the hazard is electrical, toxic chemical or a slippery sidewalk, the best way to prevent injury, death, property damage and litigation is to eliminate the hazard. Since eliminating the hazard is often not possible, the second best method is to place physical barriers between the public and the hazard and install effective safety signs to alert the public of the hazard. UL Question Corner (pdf) by Underwriters Laboratories The “UL Question Corner” answers questions of general interest that are sent in from authorized government inspectors and we believe will have interest for many inspectors.

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