Article 230 of the National Electric Code (NEC) edition covers the installation and use of electrical devices and equipment in dwellings, multifamily buildings, and commercial buildings. The purpose of this article is to provide guidelines for safe electrical installations and protection against electrical hazards.
Section 230.2 of the NEC outlines the scope of the article, stating that it applies to the installation of conductors and equipment for electric power and lighting installations in buildings, and to the installation of service conductors and equipment that connect the premise’s wiring system to a supply of electricity. This includes everything from the main electrical service to branch circuits and their associated devices.
Section 230.3 provides general requirements for electrical service conductors and equipment. This section sets minimum clearances for overhead service conductors, grounding requirements for service equipment, and requirements for service equipment enclosures. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that service conductors and equipment are installed safely and do not pose a hazard to persons or property.
Section 230.4 outlines the requirements for service disconnecting means. This section requires that each building or structure be equipped with a main service disconnect that can be used to disconnect all power to the building or structure. The disconnecting means must be readily accessible and located either outside the building or nearest the point of entry of the service conductors. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that service personnel can safely and quickly shut off power to a building or structure in case of an emergency.
Section 230.6 covers the sizing and installation of service conductors. This section provides guidelines for the size of service conductors based on the calculated load of the building, as well as requirements for the number of service conductors and their installation in raceways or cables. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that service conductors are properly sized and installed to provide a safe and reliable supply of power to the building.
Section 230.7 outlines the requirements for the location and installation of service equipment. This section requires that service equipment be installed in a location that is readily accessible, and that it be protected from damage and protected against unauthorized access. The section also provides requirements for the installation of service equipment disconnects and overcurrent protection devices. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that service equipment is installed in a safe and accessible location, and that it is protected from damage and tampering.
Section 230.8 covers the requirements for the installation and use of meter enclosures and metering equipment. This section requires that meter enclosures be designed and installed to provide adequate space for the metering equipment and that they be protected from damage. The section also provides guidelines for the location and installation of metering equipment. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that metering equipment is installed in a safe and accessible location, and that it is protected from damage and tampering.
Section 230.9 outlines the requirements for the installation and use of service-entrance conductors. This section requires that service-entrance conductors be installed in a manner that provides adequate clearance from buildings, trees, and other structures. The section also provides guidelines for the support and protection of service-entrance conductors. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that service-entrance conductors are installed in a safe and reliable manner and are protected from damage.
Section 230.10 provides the requirements for the installation and use of ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE). This section requires that GFPE be installed for service equipment rated 1,000 amps or more, and for service equipment rated less than 1,000 amps where the service conductors are run in parallel. The purpose of this requirement is to protect against ground faults, which can be a significant safety hazard.
In conclusion, Article 230 of the NEC provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for the safe installation and use of electrical devices and equipment in buildings. These guidelines are designed to protect against electrical hazards, ensure a reliable supply of power, and provide easy access to service personnel in case of an emergency.
It is important for electrical contractors, engineers, and building owners to be familiar with the requirements of Article 230 and to adhere to them when designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems. Failure to do so can result in serious safety hazards, including electrical shock, fire, and property damage.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the NEC is updated every three years to reflect changes in technology, new safety concerns, and other developments in the electrical industry. Electrical professionals should stay up-to-date with the latest version of the NEC and ensure that their installations are compliant with the latest requirements.
In summary, Article 230 of the NEC is a crucial component of electrical safety in buildings. It provides clear and concise guidelines for the installation and use of electrical equipment, with the goal of protecting people and property from electrical hazards. Electrical professionals must adhere to these guidelines to ensure the safety and reliability of their electrical systems.