Small Appliance Circuits in the Kitchen: NEC Requirements Explained

Small Appliance Circuits in the Kitchen: NEC Requirements Explained

The National Electrical Code (NEC) has specific requirements for branch circuits supplying small appliances in kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar areas. Here’s a breakdown of what the NEC says about small appliance circuits: Here’s why the NEC has these requirements: Additional Considerations: Here are some relevant NEC sections for further reference: By … Read more

nec allowable ampacity

Decoding the NEC: A Deep Dive into Allowable Ampacity

The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides tables that specify the allowable ampacities of insulated conductors.  These tables, such as NEC Table 310.15(B)(16), list the allowable ampacities of insulated conductors rated up to and including 2000 Volts, 60°C through 90°C, not more than three current-carrying conductors in raceway, cable, or earth (directly buried), based on an … Read more

ampacity adjustment nec

Derating Electrical Conductors: A Guide to NEC Ampacity Adjustments

In the National Electrical Code (NEC), ampacity adjustments are made to the rated ampacity of a conductor to account for various factors such as ambient temperature, the number of current-carrying conductors in a raceway or cable, conductor bundling, and conductor insulation types. These adjustments ensure that the conductors are safely carrying their intended loads without … Read more

busbar ampacity

Mastering Busbar Ampacity Calculations: A Comprehensive Guide to NEC Standards

The National Electrical Code (NEC) doesn’t provide specific tables for busbar ampacity like it does for conductors. However, it offers general guidelines and methods for determining the ampacity of busbars in electrical panels and switchboards. Here’s a breakdown: NEC Reference busbar: The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for the safe installation of electrical wiring … Read more

determining the ampacity of conductors

Understanding Conductor Ampacity: A Comprehensive Guide to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Standards

The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for determining the ampacity of conductors, which is the maximum current an electrical conductor can handle without being damaged. Here are some key points from the NEC regarding conductor ampacity: For detailed information, you can refer to NEC tables such as Table 310.15(B)(16) (formerly Table 310.16) for ampacity … Read more

Accessible Junction Boxes

Ensuring Compliance: A Guide to NEC-Approved Accessible Junction Boxes

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), junction boxes must be installed in a manner that makes them accessible. This means they should be placed where they can be reached for inspection, adjustments, or maintenance without needing to remove any part of the building structure or finish. They cannot be concealed in walls or ceilings and … Read more

Accessible (as applied to wiring methods)

Unlocking NEC Standards: A Guide to “Accessible (as applied to wiring methods)”

The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines “Accessible (as applied to wiring methods)” as wiring methods that are capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish.  Article 100. Accessible (as applied to wiring methods). Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish or not permanently closed in by the … Read more

accessible (as applied to equipment)

Decoding NEC: Understanding ‘accessible (as applied to equipment)’ for Compliance and Safety

In the National Electrical Code (NEC), “accessible (as applied to equipment)” is defined as equipment that is capable of being reached for operation, renewal, and inspection.  Article 100. Accessible (as applied to equipment). Capable of being reached for operation, renewal, and inspection.  This means that the equipment should be installed in such a way that it … Read more

Readily Accessible

Understanding “Readily Accessible” in the National Electrical Code (NEC)

The term “Readily Accessible” in the context of the National Electrical Code (NEC) refers to the requirement that certain electrical equipment must be easily reachable for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring the use of tools (other than keys), climbing over or removing obstacles, or resorting to portable ladders. NEC Article Defining “Readily Accessible” The … Read more

Readily Accessible Requirements GFCI

GFCI Outlet Placement: The NEC Guide to Readily Accessible Requirements

According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) devices must be installed in a readily accessible location.  In the National Electrical Code (NEC), Accessible, Readily (Readily Accessible). “Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to take actions such as to use tools … Read more