Journeyman and Master Electrician PSI Exam Prep Seminar - Classified Ad

Journeyman and Master Electrician PSI Exam Prep Seminar - Classified Ad

Electrical Questions I’ve Been Asked

How do I become a Master/Journeyman Electrician?

Q.  I'm looking at getting an apprenticeship with this local company. After I'm done with my apprenticeship, what do I have to do to become a Master or Journeyman Electrician? How long would it take? Do I need to go to college? If so, what do I need to major in?

A.  Hey there, depending on your state you may have to enroll in approved courses or take certain exams. But for you to get a general idea, I am posting links to previously asked questions that will hopefully have the answer you are looking for.
Best of luck and please contact me if you have specific questions!
-Mitch Tolbert

Light switches operate plugs. How can I make outlets hot and use the switch to operate a ceiling light?

Q.  My house was built in the 40's and there are no ceiling lights in any room. All the wall plugs are run by the light switches. I would like to rewire the switches so that the outlets are always 'hot' and the switch can then be used to operate a ceiling light, once it's installed. I would like to do this without an electrician.

A.  The good news is that half of your problem is a very easy fix. The bad news is that you are in for some considerable work to accomplish the other half.
Making your outlets constantly hot is the easy part. You simply need to open your light switch outlet boxes. You will find two wires attached to each switch (assuming none of them are 3-way switches). If you have a few other wires stuck in the back of the box that are joined together (taped or wire nutted etc...) you are in business. Those other wires are the so called 'neutrals' and you will need them in order for your new lighting to work. Once you've completed this part of the discovery, you can then plan out the installation. If there are no neutrals inside the lighting boxes, then you will have to provide one at the lighting outlet. You will also need to get wires down to your light switch, from the lighting outlet. The number and task of these wires will depend on whether you find neutrals in your existing installation or if you have to run new circuits to your new lighting outlets.
Try to do some discovery, and then email us directly. I will draw you a schematic of the wiring that you'll need to do, as it's really too complicated to try and type out. I'll scan and email it to you if you'd like. Good luck with this and let us know if we can be of further assistance!
-Mitch Tolbert

How can I tell my girlfriend's parents about electrical code violations without offending them?

Q.  I'm 16, and I'm starting to see a girl who's in a few of my classes at school. I went to her house for dinner with her family yesterday. It was the first time I've been inside her house. I noticed a bunch of electrical code violations, especially in the basement. There are no GFI's in the kitchen nor the bathrooms. There were a few extension cords being used as permanent wiring, when an outlet should be installed instead. I saw a lot of jury-rigged wiring in the basement with a lot of unnecessary junction boxes. The circuit breaker panel is in a room cluttered with a lot of junk and hard to get to.
I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to offend anyone. But, as an electrician, those things really bother me when I see them in people's houses. Electrical is the very first thing I notice when I visit someone at their home. Is there a way I could bring this up without offending anyone or risking any chances of starting a relationship with the girl?

A. Kuddos to you, young man. It is great to see someone young, sharp, and passionate about our trade. It is also admirable that you feel compelled to address and attempt to remedy severe code violations.
Actually though, it sounds to me like you could turn this into a positive advantage for yourself. Talk to the dad and explain your love of electrical work. Volunteer to "put on your tools" for a weekend's worth of DIY upgrades. An offer to spend a Saturday, helping the father around the house, should be the LAST thing that 'offends' them!
Regardless of the outcome, if you're truly so committed and concerned with these glaring safety issues, you owe it to yourself AND them to say or do something. It should not be a consideration for you to be concerned with how they'll feel about you after it's finished. At the very least you'll have attempted to keep their most valuable things - their lives and their home - SAFE!
-Mitch Tolbert

Ask us about our Tabbed and Highlighted 2008 & 2011 National Electrical Code book, Study at Home Kits, Index Cheats, MI Stickers, Pass Tabs, Crash Course Books, and 4 hours One on One Tutoring session with our Master Electrician and Instructor Mitchell Tolbert.

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2 Day Seminar Coming to Austin

Join other electricians to learn how you can increase your exam score, pass the exam with time to spare and familiarize yourself with the latest version of the NEC book.

Electrician Testing will walk you though, step by step and help you understand not only the types of questions, but even the way that PSI expects to see an answers.

The Seminar will show you:
General Electrical Theory and Math Review
Wiring Methods, Materials, Installations
Branch Circuits
Motors and Generators
AC and Refrigeration Loads
Transformers
Services and Feeders
Grounding and Bonding
Special Occupancies
Test taking tips and information
Visit our website for more
http://electriciantesting.com/Seminars.php

Location: Hampton Inn, Austin TX
When: January 29 and January 30, 2011
Time: 8 am to 5 pm

Register online at:

http://electriciantesting.com/Seminars.php 
or call 1-888-473-1826 ext 1

Significant 2011 NEC Code Changes Part II

Significant 2011 NEC Code Changes Part II

Chapter 2, 2011 NEC

"Article 200.1, Scope,"

Informational Note Changed:

"Grounding Conductor" has been changed to "Equipment Grounding Conductor (the EGC) and "Grounding Electrode conductor (the GEC)" was added. This more accurately reflects Article 100's defined terms.

"Article 200.2 "General,"

Wording/Section Changed:

Previously there were 10 specific code sections listed for systems that prohibited or exempted the installation of grounded (neutral) conductors. Now the wording is changed to "systems SPECIFICALLY exempted or prohibited by OTHER SECTIONS of this Code."

"Article 200.2(B), Continuity,"

Informational Note Added:

Section B was a 2008 NEC edition code change that prohibited using a metal enclosure as a connection pathway for the continuity of the grounded conductor (neutral). For the 2011 edition, an informational note was added, linking this section to the device rule in Article 300.13(B), "Device Removal." That article prohibits the use of a device or lampholder as a continuity pathway for the grounded conductor in a multiwire branch circuit (the "pigtail" rule).

"Article 200.4, Neutral Conductors,"

New Section Added:

Wording has been added that restricts the sharing of a neutral conductor by more than one set of feeders or one multiwire branch circuit. It does allow an exception if another are of the Code specifically allows for neutral sharing as is the case in Article 215.4(A) "Feeders With Common Neutral Conductor."

"Article 200.6(A) Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors, Sized 6 AWG or Smaller,"

Section is Changed:

The new outline greatly simplifies and makes this section easier to read. Essentially the basic rules are no longer in their former paragraph format. They are now bulleted into the existing numbered list, increasing the previous edition's list from 4 items to 8 items.

"Article 200.6(D) Grounded Conductors of Different Systems,"

New Paragraph Added:

A new directive has been added that now requires a placard or some sort of permanent type documentation to be installed at the origination point (panel) where different grounded conductors from various services are installed. This documentation shall list the color/identification scheme employed in the installation. An example of this was shown as an Exhibit (200.3) in the 2008 NEC Handbook, and is now a requirement. This helps the technician readily and easily trace different system's neutrals safely and quickly. Note that there was already and existing requirement for the Phase Coloring Scheme in 210.5(C).

"Article 200.7(C), (the so-called "Neutral as a Switch Leg" rule)

Article is Changed:

Wording has been added that clarifies and specifically allows the use of colored tape when re-identifying a white or grey colored insulation for the use as an ungrounded (hot) conductor.

Paragraph #(2) has been deleted and it's intent has become the formerly numbered section (3). It formerly contained the rule that allows for the use of the white colored conductor in a cable assembly (such as in a "romex" cable) as a switch leg in single, 3-way, or 4-way switching. This wording is now deleted. In it's place is the rule allowing the use of the white or grey conductor in a flexible cord (such as an SO or Appliance cord) as an ungrounded (hot) conductor.

"Article 210.4(B) Multiwire Branch Circuits, Disconnecting Means,"

Informational Note Added:

The new informational note adds a reference to Article 240.15(B) "Circuit Breaker as an Overcurrent Device" to tie the two articles together. 210.4(B) requires a simultaneous disconnecting means for all ungrounded conductors. 240.15(B)(1) allows the use of an OCPD for multiwire branch circuits; with identified handle-ties in order to operate ALL poles of the circuit simultaneously.

"Article 210.4(D) Grouping"

Article is Changed:

New wording extends the grouping rule that was new for the 2008 Code. Previously a wire tie (or similar means) was required in panels to show the 'grouping' of multiwire branch conductors. The new rule is to extend this requirement out to each junction box or anywhere that splices or connections are made in the entire circuit. Note that the rule excluding cable assemblies (such as MC Cable or NMC, "Romex") and individual dedicated conduits has not been changed.

 

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Significant 2011 NEC Code Changes Part II

Significant 2011 NEC Code Changes Part II

Chapter 2, 2011 NEC

"Article 200.1, Scope,"

Informational Note Changed:

"Grounding Conductor" has been changed to "Equipment Grounding Conductor (the EGC) and "Grounding Electrode conductor (the GEC)" was added. This more accurately reflects Article 100's defined terms.

"Article 200.2 "General,"

Wording/Section Changed:

Previously there were 10 specific code sections listed for systems that prohibited or exempted the installation of grounded (neutral) conductors. Now the wording is changed to "systems SPECIFICALLY exempted or prohibited by OTHER SECTIONS of this Code."

"Article 200.2(B), Continuity,"

Informational Note Added:

Section B was a 2008 NEC edition code change that prohibited using a metal enclosure as a connection pathway for the continuity of the grounded conductor (neutral). For the 2011 edition, an informational note was added, linking this section to the device rule in Article 300.13(B), "Device Removal." That article prohibits the use of a device or lampholder as a continuity pathway for the grounded conductor in a multiwire branch circuit (the "pigtail" rule).

"Article 200.4, Neutral Conductors,"

New Section Added:

Wording has been added that restricts the sharing of a neutral conductor by more than one set of feeders or one multiwire branch circuit. It does allow an exception if another are of the Code specifically allows for neutral sharing as is the case in Article 215.4(A) "Feeders With Common Neutral Conductor."

"Article 200.6(A) Means of Identifying Grounded Conductors, Sized 6 AWG or Smaller,"

Section is Changed:

The new outline greatly simplifies and makes this section easier to read. Essentially the basic rules are no longer in their former paragraph format. They are now bulleted into the existing numbered list, increasing the previous edition's list from 4 items to 8 items.

"Article 200.6(D) Grounded Conductors of Different Systems,"

New Paragraph Added:

A new directive has been added that now requires a placard or some sort of permanent type documentation to be installed at the origination point (panel) where different grounded conductors from various services are installed. This documentation shall list the color/identification scheme employed in the installation. An example of this was shown as an Exhibit (200.3) in the 2008 NEC Handbook, and is now a requirement. This helps the technician readily and easily trace different system's neutrals safely and quickly. Note that there was already and existing requirement for the Phase Coloring Scheme in 210.5(C).

"Article 200.7(C), (the so-called "Neutral as a Switch Leg" rule)

Article is Changed:

Wording has been added that clarifies and specifically allows the use of colored tape when re-identifying a white or grey colored insulation for the use as an ungrounded (hot) conductor.

Paragraph #(2) has been deleted and it's intent has become the formerly numbered section (3). It formerly contained the rule that allows for the use of the white colored conductor in a cable assembly (such as in a "romex" cable) as a switch leg in single, 3-way, or 4-way switching. This wording is now deleted. In it's place is the rule allowing the use of the white or grey conductor in a flexible cord (such as an SO or Appliance cord) as an ungrounded (hot) conductor.

"Article 210.4(B) Multiwire Branch Circuits, Disconnecting Means,"

Informational Note Added:

The new informational note adds a reference to Article 240.15(B) "Circuit Breaker as an Overcurrent Device" to tie the two articles together. 210.4(B) requires a simultaneous disconnecting means for all ungrounded conductors. 240.15(B)(1) allows the use of an OCPD for multiwire branch circuits; with identified handle-ties in order to operate ALL poles of the circuit simultaneously.

"Article 210.4(D) Grouping"

Article is Changed:

New wording extends the grouping rule that was new for the 2008 Code. Previously a wire tie (or similar means) was required in panels to show the 'grouping' of multiwire branch conductors. The new rule is to extend this requirement out to each junction box or anywhere that splices or connections are made in the entire circuit. Note that the rule excluding cable assemblies (such as MC Cable or NMC, "Romex") and individual dedicated conduits has not been changed.

 

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Significant Changes in the 2011 NEC Part I Continued

Part I Continued:

Chapter 1, Article 100, "Definitions:"

Definition Changed:

"Non-automatic"

Essentially the same type of wording change as is seen with the definition of "automatic," where the wording has been simplified to "requiring human intervention..."

Informational Note Changed:

"Non-linear Load"

Electronic and inductive ballasts and LED drivers have been added to the list of common types of non-linear loads. This is an important distinction as non-linear loads are one of the 4 rules for allowing the counting of "current carrying conductors" for the purposes of correctly sizing conductors for ampacity.

Re-labeled and Moved Definition:

"Overcurrent Protective Device, Branch-Circuit"

Changed from "Branch-Circuit Overcurrent Device." No wording within the actual definition was changed. It now corresponds with the common acronym "OCPD."

Re-labeled and Moved Definition:

"Overcurrent Protective Device, Supplementary"

Changed from "Supplementary Overcurrent Protective Device," and moved. No wording was changed within the definition itself.

Definition Added:

"Service Conductors, Overhead"

Definition added to describe the actual conductors within the "Service-Entrance Conductors, Overhead System" definition. Specifies the portion of conductors from the service point and to the "first point of connection to the service entrance conductors at the building etc... sic..."

Definition Added:

"Service Conductors, Underground"

Definition added to describe the actual conductors within the "Service-Entrance Conductors, Underground System" definition, (ROP 4-206).

Definition Changed:

"Service Drop"

Wording has been simplified from "from the last pole or other aerial support...connecting...at the building," to a more broad and encompassing description: "The overhead conductors between the utility distribution system and the service point."

Definition Changed:

"Service Lateral"

Wording simplified to "The underground conductors between the utility distribution system and the service point." A lot of the previous definition's wording was moved into the new definitions of "Service Conductors, Underground" .

Informational Note Added:

"Service Point"

Adds a simplified description of "where the serving utility ends and the premises wiring begins."

Definition Added:

"Uninterruptible Power Supply"

Defines UPS's as a backup emergency power supply and also systems that may offer voltage regulation as well. A UPS may be a single unit type piece of equipment or be the sum of various pieces of a whole systems.

END OF CHAPTER 100, DEFINITIONS

BEGINNING OF CHAPTER 1

"Article 110.10"

In this article, the title was amended to include "short-circuit current ratings." The word "equipment" was added in front of "grounding conductor" to more accurately reflect the change to the term EGC and its associated definition. A reference to Article 250.118 was added.

"Article 110.14(A)"

Added a note instructing the manufacturers to identify terminals for the use of "fine stranded" conductors and cable terminations. A new table in Chapter 9; Table 10, has been added to correspond with Class B and Class C stranded conductors.

"Article 110.16"

Title is changed to "Arc-Flash Hazard Warning." Also the word "units" was substituted for "occupancies," to more closely correlate with the term "dwelling units" and its associated definition. It should be noted that this article only addresses a requirement for Hazard "labeling" but does not specify requirements for the attenuation or mitigation OF flash protection. Those types of requirements are provide by the NFPA 70E the "Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace."

"Article 90.5(C)"

Article Has Changed:

All FPN's (formerly known as Fine Print Notes) have now been relabeled and changed to "Informational Notes." All FPN references in the entire Code have now been deleted and replaced with this new labeling.}

Final installment of Part 1

"Article 110.24 (A) and (B) and Exception, "

NEW ARTICLE ADDED

This article has been added to address an new requirement for field marking of Service Equipment. This article now requires a durable label with that contains the available fault current and the installation date, to be provided in addition to the manufacturer's labeling as is required in 110.16 "Arc-Flash Hazard Warning," 110.21 "Marking," and other code sections. This label shall also be modified if and when changes are made to the service equipment. The exception allows for the exclusion of equipment in industrial applications and where conditions ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment. This entire article and section helps to maintain compliance and knowledge of the proper AIC interrupting ratings of the equipment as is required in 110.9 "Interrupting Rating."

"Article 110.26(A)(3)"

Article is Changed:

The 2008 NEC simply referenced "Article 110.26(E)'s" requirements for working height. The new wording improves the clarity and intent of both articles. Moving the 2008's reference also places ALL electrical equipment under the so called "6 1/2 foot" rule. The "headroom" reference was deleted to eliminate the confusion of what it consisted of or to what equipment it should have been applied. This eliminated section (E) and 2008's section (F) was changed to the 2011's section (E).

Exception No. 1:

Was amended to eliminate the "headroom" wording and replaced with: "the height of the working space."

Exception No. 2: ADDED

This exception covers utility meters and trans-socket (meter can) enclosures. It allows for the glass meter itself to extend past the 6" limitation specified in 110.26(A)(3) . However, the socket enclosure itself must follow all working space rules in 110.26(D) .

"Article 110.26(D) "Illumination"

Article is Changed:

Former wording in this article section required that the illumination in electrical equipment rooms, NOT be controlled by automatic means ONLY. New wording eliminated "electrical equipment rooms" and placed the automatic lighting control restriction in the upper part of the paragraph. This now serves to increase the scope of the rule to include many more equipment areas and spaces.

"Article 110.28 "Enclosure Types"

Article is Changed and Moved

Previously numbers as Article 110.20 along with its corresponding table, labeled Table 110.20 "Enclosure Selection," they are now 110.28 and Table 110.28 respectively.

The new wording adds eleven additional types of equipment to the previous list of items included under the rules of this article. In essence this now requires most all types of enclosures to have their type (enclosure number, such as a "3R" etc....) marked on them.

"Article 110.31(A)" "Electrical Vaults"

Article is Changed:

This article has been drastically expanded and now includes 5 separate sub-sections that did not previously exist. 2008's 110.31(A) was labeled "Fire Resistance of Electrical Vaults." The new sections include further rules on such as "Doors," "Locks," and other items. Two new Informational Notes were added to clarify and reference fire rating standards and levels.

"Article 100.74" "Conductor Installation"

Article is Changed:

Applicable to manhole installations, this article has, for the most part, the same wording. It has been broken out and numbered into separate paragraphs to facilitate easier understanding of the section.

END OF CHAPTER 1

 

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Significant Changes in the 2011 NEC: Part I

Thank you for taking the time to review our blog for changes that are significant to all of us in the electrical industry. While these changes may take some time to gradually work their way into rules to abide by and follow, it's a mark of your superior desire to better yourself in your awareness of these code changes. I hope that they are clear and useful for you and urge you to take a few moments each week to review these as they are posted. You will get postings of every single change in the 2011 NEC over the course of the next few months, right here, and free of charge! Please pass the word to others so that they may also benefit from this. Look for our new publication that will contain all of these changes, along with diagrams and clarifying pictures and charts to be published in January. Again, I thank each of you for spending some of your valuable time reading my work.

Significant Changes in the 2011 NEC

PART I.

Article 90 "Introduction

Article 90.2(C), wording has changed:

New wording in this section clarifies more specifically when "special permission" may be granted for the exclusion of service conductors and/or equipment from the Code's jurisdiction. Previous editions simply specified that such installations "terminate inside a building wall." Now it specifies "within service equipment... inside nearest point of entrance of the service conductors." This broadens the language and allows for better independent judgment calls by the Inspector or other Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Article 90.5(D), New Section Added:

This new paragraph now specifies the Annexes as solely "informative annexes," and as such are thus non-mandatory. We have previously excluded all Annexes as solely informative, but this wording now makes it clear and official. The information provided in them has been provided simply as a further assistance, but are not meant to be used as official Code material.

Article 100 "Definitions"

Definition Added:

"Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI)"

As AFCI's are becoming more prevalent and are mentioned in many sections of the Code, wording that clarifies and describes the devices has been added.

Definition Added:

"Automatic"

The previous wording was lengthy and attempted to cover all aspects of mechanical and automatic types of forces that devices or equipment might use. The new wording greatly simplifies the definition of "automatic," as being simply the "Performing a function without the necessity of human intervention." This is a more simple manner to cover all aspects of automatic devices and the actual function of operation without a person to oversee or initiate them.

Definition Changed:

"Bathroom"

This definition has been expanded to now include more types of plumbing fixtures such as , urinal, showers, bidets, and foot baths. This closes loopholes in what might have previously fallen outside the scope, and thus the requirements and restrictions of electrical installations in bathrooms.

Definition Added:

"Bonding Jumper, Supply Side (SSBJ)"

A fourth bonding jumper definition is added to describe and quantify the bonding on the so called "Line Side" or 'supply' side of a service. The acronym SSBJ has now been officially adopted to describe the grounding Bonding Jumper on the service side of separately derived systems and services.

Definition Changed:

"Building"

A more specific definition that describes in detail what structures now qualify as buildings. This expansion of the definition of what comprises a building may have a significant impact on many electrical installations. A prime example is Article 230.3 which limits the installation of service conductors where they might pass through a building different to that which they supply. Often times feeders will pass through joining apartment/condo units or tenant spaces, however, with the clarification and tightening of the term "building" some of these installations may have to be re-routed in order to fall into compliance with Code rules and statutes.

Definition Added:

"Ground Fault"

This definition describes ground faults specifically as an "unintentional...connection between an ungrounded conductor...and the normally non-current-carrying...equipment, or earth." This helps to clearly differentiate ground faults from short circuits and phase to phase shorts.

Definition Changed

"Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC)"

This change added the commonly utilized acronym "GEC." It also expanded the language to include other systems such as communications, network, and antenna equipment that may be connected via the GEC.

 

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