Joe Tedesco

I agree, but the interpretation by others was that "or equivalent enclosure" included the cabinet in which the panelboard is installed. I was trying to help the inspector who asked the question. The interpretations, as to the fill and splices in the cabinet, goes back long before the new kids on the block arrived. I believe that their continued disagreement is only to save face because they have been doing it wrong for a long time!

... because some are being advised by so called qualified electricians that it is OK, and I believe that they are setting themselves up for future problems, this was one way that I choose to add additional information to an already battered and tattered discussion on another board that I frequent.

QUESTION: Is it appropriate to install phase couplers in electrical panels? ANSWER: I say no. The interior of a cabinet is supposed to be used to enclose a panelboard and is often used for items that were never designed to be put inside of them, such as bell transformers, etc., and the attached product. I hope that the Home Inspector understands the following typical warranty: "LIMITED WARRANTY Seller warrants this product, if used in accordance with all applicable instructions, to be free from original defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of purchase. Refer to the warranty information on the PulseWorx website www.PulseWorx.com for exact details." Read the manufacturer's instructions here.

Jim: Yes, may I post this picture on another board where this is also being discussed. Thanks for your comments, is this your panel?

I received this from a subscriber today: "I answered a complaint in the Hollywood Hills and found this panel. This is a panel to a guest house which is fed from three wires dangling from tree limbs from the main house. There is no ground rod connection nor any water pipe bond. The occupants were complaining of getting electric shocks when washing the dishes in their kitchen." Look at this mess! Image Insert: 60.88 KB

Anyone out there who can add that this is a diagram and configuration often found in older panels of this type. Does the one pullout kill "disconnect" the supply? Is this diagram from an old 1959 book misleading?

NYC subway system to power our lights! I saw that being done, I worked for Master Electric Company on 39th street. Who was the Best Boy? Did you do On the Water Front?

Just an update for your files related to the equipment: BASEBOARD HEATERS (KLDR) This listing covers space heaters of the portable and permanently mounted types intended to be positioned or installed on or in the wall at the baseboard level, or on the floor. Baseboard heaters have been investigated and found to incorporate suitable safeguards against establishment of fire hazards that might result from contact with draperies, furniture, carpeting, bedding and the like; however, discoloration or scorching (but no glowing embers or flaming) may result on adjacent materials. Heaters, other than those marked to indicate that they are not for residential use, have been investigated to determine that the accessible surface temperatures are low enough to reduce the likelihood of burns from accidental contact. Electrical cords, drapes, and other furnishings should be kept away from baseboard heaters. To reduce the likelihood of cords contacting the heater, the heater is not to be located beneath electrical receptacles. Listings of receptacle accessories for use with an individual manufacturer‘‘s baseboard heaters are included under the category ’’ Baseboard Heater Accessories² (KLQZ). Baseboard mounted equipment consists of two types: Complete units intended for individual mounting in specific locations, and complete systems, which include accessories to enable the heating units to be interconnected around the perimeter of a room. Listings for accessories appear under Baseboard Heater Accessories. With reference to these systems, each manufacturer is required to furnish detailed instructions covering the assembly of the basic units and accessories, and indicating the method in which ground continuity is intended to be maintained between adjacent sections. Electrical fittings are provided with each heater of a system to insure ground continuity between adjacent units and to protect interconnecting wiring, unless investigation shows that standard fittings which are available in the field will accomplish the same result. A system which is factory furnished with all interconnecting wiring, fittings, raceways, etc., to complete the installation is considered suitable for connection to a single outlet branch circuit. For additional information, see Electrical Equipment for Use in Ordinary Locations (AALZ) and Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment (AAHC). The basic standard used to investigate products in this category is UL 1042, ‘‘Electric Baseboard Heating Equipment’’. The Listing Mark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. on the product is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark for these products includes the UL symbol (as illustrated in the Introduction of this Directory) together with the word ²LISTED,² a control number, and the product name- ‘‘Electric Baseboard Heater’’ . Baseboard Heater Accessories (KLQZ) This category covers accessories intended to be used in conjunction with individual manufacturer²s Listed baseboard heater systems (see Baseboard Heaters). Accessories include wiring components for interconnection of individual units, corner, blank and filler sections, to facilitate perimeter installation, temperature regulating components and other general and special use receptacle and switch components to be mounted in line with baseboard heater installations. Attachment plug receptacle sections of baseboard heating systems provided for installation along with the other components of baseboard air heating systems, are intended to be supplied by means of conventional wiring methods, from separate branch circuits, not interconnected with the heating system. Combination transfer switch-receptacle sections of baseboard heating systems which permit use of either the heating system by itself, or a separate room air conditioner by itself, are intended to be connected to a single branch circuit of appropriate size. For additional information, see Electrical Equipment for Use in Ordinary Locations (AALZ) and Heating, Cooling, Ventilating and Cooking Equipment (AAHC). The basic standard used to investigate products in this category is UL 1042, ‘‘Electric Baseboard Heating Equipment’’. The Listing Mark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. on the product is the only method provided by UL to identify products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark for these products includes the UL symbol (as illustrated in the Introduction of this Directory) together with the word ²LISTED,² a control number, and the product name ‘‘Baseboard Heater Accessory’’ .

I believe that the restriction was first added in the 1981 National Electrical Code in Article 240. I don't have the copy here. Maybe Jim does and can verify the date.

Thanks, Joe. Oregon will be adopting the '08 NEC as of April 1. You are welcome! When push comes to shove I would use 110.3(a)( ...

Here's a new rule that was added in the 2008 NEC, that will cover this situation when this edition is adopted by the jurisdiction. "240.24(F) Not Located over Steps. Overcurrent devices shall not be located over steps of a stairway."

Thanks Jim, agreed, here's his reply to my question: "Hi Joe, Thanks for the follow-up. I took my pictures to an the electrician that sponsors my son's baseball team (his office is right across the street from mine) and showed him the pictures. He said that it was a pretty common problem, and that he sees this problem all the time. He said it's not caused by a power surge, but the wiring loosened up and crossed each other (I don't know the technical term). He said to just cut back the damaged wire and rewire it, making sure it was wired tired. He said that's what he would do if we was to come to my house. I've been using it since then without any problems. Hopefully, problem solved. Thanks again for your concern,

This picture was sent to me by a homeowner, he said: "As you can see, the white wires have fused together and the wire cap is completely melted. The other two wire caps (one black wire and the other neutral) did not melt, but had visible burn marks on them. The fuse was not tripped when I checked it, so I have no idea what could have caused this fire hazard. Should I just cut back the white wires and recap or give it a go or should I call in somebody? The dishwasher is four years old and has never experienced anything like this before." I sent him a message just now asking about the repair or replacement status and brand of the product.

Fried dishwasher wiring! Image Insert: 1535.06 KB

Image Insert: 77.37 KB "404.5 Time Switches, Flashers, and Similar Devices. Time switches, flashers, and similar devices shall be of the enclosed type or shall be mounted in cabinets or boxes or equipment enclosures. Energized parts shall be barriered to prevent operator exposure when making manual adjustments or switching. Exception: Devices mounted so they are accessible only to qualified persons shall be permitted without barriers, provided they are located within an enclosure such that any energized parts within 152 mm (6.0 in.) of the manual adjustment or switch are covered by suitable barriers."

New 2008 NEC Definition: "Ungrounded. Not connected to ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground connection."

210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection. (A) Definition: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI). A device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. (B) Dwelling Units. All 120-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sunrooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, or similar rooms or areas shall be protected by a listed arc-fault circuit interrupter, combination-type, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit. FPN No. 1: For information on types of arc-fault circuit interrupters, see UL 1699-1999, Standard for Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters. FPN No. 2: See 11.6.3(5) of NFPA 72®-2007, National Fire Alarm Code®, for information related to secondary power supply requirements for smoke alarms installed in dwelling units. FPN No. 3: See 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) for power supply requirements for fire alarm systems. Exception No. 1: Where RMC, IMC, EMT or steel armored cable, Type AC, meeting the requirements of 250.118 using metal outlet and junction boxes is installed for the portion of the branch circuit between the branch-circuit overcurrent device and the first outlet, it shall be permitted to install a combination AFCI at the first outlet to provide protection for the remaining portion of the branch circuit. Exception No. 2: Where a branch circuit to a fire alarm system installed in accordance with 760.41(B) and 760.121(B) is installed in RMC, IMC, EMT, or steel armored cable, Type AC, meeting the requirements of 250.118, with metal outlet and junction boxes, AFCI protection shall be permitted to be omitted.

Receptacles in Countertops and Similar Work Surfaces in Dwelling Units. Receptacles shall not be installed in a face-up position in countertops or similar work surfaces.

http://www.lanl.gov/safety/electrical/d ... azards.ppt

Check this out: http://www.lanl.gov/safety/electrical/d ... azards.ppt

Thanks Jim, I will wait for the reply from GE, in the meantime I would hang my hat on the 1947 rule through all of the changes, and call it as a defect and if some electrician says otherwise have them put it in writing on their letterhead.

only when conductors are 1/0 and larger see 310.4 in the NEC

Thank you again Jim: I think that the word approved was the problem where some didn't know the hazards involved. Look at this now and tell me what is going on? http://www.nachi.org/forum/showpost.php ... stcount=18 The label is attached here too. Image Insert: 47.44 KB

Jim: Do you have any verification concerning the rule as far back as 1947? Home inspectors can apply for membership on the NEC Committees and probably on NFPA 73. I have not finished with the twin neutral issue, just because I am dealing with someone who seems to think that the rule became effective only after the 2002 NEC was issued. I am sure that many know where these discussions have spilled over into 6 different threads.

REPORT ON DISCUSSIONS DURING UL MEETINGS WITH ELECTRICAL INSPECTORS AT THE 2006 IAEI SECTION MEETINGS Question: Panelboard neutral and grounding conductor terminations. For panelboards, how many grounding and neutral bar conductors can you use under each terminal screw? Answer: UL Lists Panelboards under the product category “Panelboards (QEUY).â€