According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 3,745 proposals submitted recommending changes for the 2014 National Electric Code (NEC). In addition, there were 1,625 comments concerning the NEC Code-Making Panels’ responses to these proposals. Below are some of the more noteworthy changes that occurred in the 2014 edition of the NEC.
1. There was a revision to increase the nominal threshold voltage from 600 Volts to 1,000 Volts. The higher voltage is needed for the installation for solar PV equipment.
2. New Articles were added to the NEC topics concerning:
3. Even though “readily accessible” has been used in the
NEC the definition of readily accessible has been added to article
100. This may require changes to the installation of
receptacles for dishwashers and vending
machines.
Readily Accessible
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or
inspection without requiring those concerned to use a tool, to
climb over, remove obstacle or other.
4. Article 210.8 GFCI Protection for Dwelling Unit Laundry
Areas and Commercial Garages
Dwelling unit laundry areas will now require GFCI protection for
all 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20 amp receptacles in laundry
rooms.
GFCI protection required for all 125 volt single phase 15 and 20
ampere receptacles installed in all commercial, non dwelling unit
garages, service bays and similar areas. Not only garages where
electrical diagnostic equipment electrical hand tools, or portable
lighting equipment are to be used.
5. Article 210.8(D) GFCI for Kitchen Dishwasher Branch
Circuit.
GFCI protection shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers installed in dwelling units. This includes receptacles and hardwired (All GFCI’s must be readily accessible).
6. Article 210.12 AFCI Protection for Dwelling Units now
required in kitchen, laundry and dormitories.
Receptacle AFCI’s can be used under certain conditions.
7. Article 300.38 Raceways in Wet Locations Above
Grade.
A new section was added to Part II (over 1000 volts, nominal) of Article 300 to indicate that the interior of raceways installed in wet locations above grade are now considered to be a wet location. This will bring aboveground installation requirements for over 1000 volts consistent with the requirements in 300.9 for 1000 volts and under.
8. Article 310.15(B)(3)(c), Exception and Table
310.15(B)(3)(c) Raceways and Cables Exposed to Sunlight on
Rooftops.
A new exception was also added that will allow the employment of Type XHHW-2 conductors, which is a thermoset insulated conductor, to be installed in raceways or cables on rooftops without having to apply an ambient temperature adjustment correction factor for these conductors.
9. There was a revision to article 406.9(B)(1) Extra-Duty
Covers at 15- and 20-Ampere for receptacles at wet locations.
10. There is a revision in Article 445.11 to require marking
at generators to indicate if the neutral is bonded to the
frame.
11. Articles 517.18(B); 517.19(B); and 517.19(C) for
healthcare facilities will conform to NFPA 99 and change the number
of receptacles in patient care facilities for the patient and in
operating rooms.
12. Article 690.12 will require Rapid Shutdown of PV Systems
on Buildings.
These are just a few of the changes that have been incorporated into the new 2014 NEC.