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The National Electrical Code (NEC) establishes requirements for electrical safety in virtually all buildings. It is updated every three years. The 2011 update is the conclusion of the revision process that began in November 2008 with the submission of 5,077 change proposals to revise the NEC. Electrical Alliance members have been major participants in the process for more than a century. They adhere to these standards as well as the National Electrical Installation Standards (NEIS). Below are brief descriptions of the changes in this new version. For more information, contact an Electrical Alliance Contractor.

110.16 Arc-Flash Hazard Warning (REVISED)
The title was changed because Flash Protection is not addressed in this requirement. The field marking required relates to a warning of potential arc-flash hazards. This rule does not apply to individual dwelling units, but usually applies to equipment in a large building that contains multiple individual dwelling units. Service equipment is to be field-marked with the maximum available fault current and dated. Modifications that cause changes to the available fault current require updated AFC marking and date calculation was performed.

210.12(A) Exception Nos. 1 and 3 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection (REVISED)
The use of metal-clad cable is now permitted where Exception No.1 or Exception No. 3 are applied. Exception No.1 was modified to recognize the use of an outlet branch circuit Type AFCI at the first outlet. Exception No. 3 now requires an individual branch circuit. New AFCI provisions were added to 210.12(B) to address branch-circuit modifications, replacements, or extensions. A listed outlet branch-circuit AFCI may now be installed at the first receptacle outlet of an existing branch circuit to protect any modifications, replacements, or extensions of that branch circuit. This change expands the types of AFCI devices that can be used to comply with the requirements in Section 210.12.

312.8 Switch and Overcurrent Device Enclosures (REVISED)
A new list item requires a warning label the closest disconnecting means for conductors that pass through an enclosure. The warning label provides workers with direction to the disconnecting means for the conductors feeding through the equipment, thereby improving safety.

 517.18 (A) and 517.19 (A) Patient Bed Location Branch Circuits (REVISED)
A new last sentence was added to 517.18(A) and 517.19(A). It applies to branch circuits serving patient bed locations and indicates that such branch circuits shall not be part of a multiwire branch circuit. Tripping one breaker could cause the opening of multiple circuits supplying patient care areas, resulting increased hazards for patients that may be connected to medical equipment that in a power loss, would jeopardize the patient??s welfare.

110.24 Available Fault Current (NEW)
Modifications that cause changes to the available fault current require updated AFC marking and date calculation was performed. This marking requirement is related to equipment ratings only and does not apply to the arc-flash hazard analysis addressed in NFPA 70E. These are separate issues that both require the amount of available fault current to be known. It relates only to equipment being used within its marked short-circuit current ratings.

210.12(A) Exception No. 2 Conduit/Tubing in Concrete (NEW)
The new exception permits the use of an outlet branch circuit AFCI device at the first outlet where listed metal or nonmetallic conduit or tubing is encased in not less 2 inches of concrete. It applies to the portion of the branch circuit between the overcurrent device and the first outlet in the run.

404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads (NEW)
In general, all switches installed to control lighting loads must now be supplied with the grounded circuit conductor for the controlled lighting circuit in addition to the ungrounded conductor(s) being switched. It applies even if the grounded conductor is not needed. Many electronic lighting control devices on the market today require standby current to maintain the ready state and detection capability of the device. Standby current flows at all times, even when the lighting load is off, to allow the device to stay active at all times to facilitate immediate switching to the on position.

406.4(D) (4) Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection (NEW)
This revision provides enhanced arc-fault protection for existing dwelling units where receptacle replacements are necessary.

406.4(D) (5) and (6) Tamper-Resistant Receptacles and Weather-Resistant Receptacles

408.3 (F) Switchboard or Panelboard Identification (NEW)
This enhances safety for workers servicing equipment such as panelboards and switchboards that are supplied by systems that aren??t grounded. A more careful approach and specific voltage testing techniques are necessary for ungrounded systems. It??s in line with new requirements in Section 250.21 that specify marking for ungrounded system source enclosures. The rule specifies that the ungrounded system be marked on the enclosure and the specific wording. The installer fills in the voltage of the ungrounded system contained within the equipment