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Jim Port

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Everything posted by Jim Port

  1. Jim Port
    Maybe it was easier than having a jumper between the two rods. Nothing wrong with this method. The problem is the rods should be no closer than 6' to each other.
  2. Jim Port
    A 3' rod is not a recognized electrode. The rod type electrode needs to have 8' in direct earth contact. Water line electrodes need to have 10' in direct earth contact. The electrodes are for high voltage event like lightning.
  3. Jim Port
    Go to an electrical supply house. The big boxes are not the only game in town.
  4. Jim Port
    If the panel label states 40 circuits that is all you can install. I would exchange the panel for a 40 circuit full size. The breakers are cheaper and you have more options like AFCI and GFI protection. BTW, a 40 circuit panel is not small. That will be the largest capcity that you will commonly find. Prior to the 08 NEC the limit was 42 circuits. Newer panels would need to be listed for a greater number.
  5. Jim Port
    The AFCI requirement is based on where the circuit serves, not what the circuit serves. Here is the text from the 2011 draft of the NEC. 210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for 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, combinationtype, installed to provide protection of the branch circuit The electric dryer would not need AFCI as it is not 120 volts.
  6. Jim Port
    Ground rods are not needed, nor do they play any part to properly ground a receptacle. Ground rods are for high voltage events like lightning.
  7. Jim Port
    Baltimore County has required the rods in addition to the metallic water line for a long time. New construction would require a Ufer ground.
  8. Jim Port
    That is before my collection of code books goes back. Perhaps Jim K can dig up an answer.
  9. Jim Port
    A lot would depend on whether this was in the same building or a detached structure and if there were other metallic paths like a phoe or water line run between the 2 buildings. More info is needed.
  10. Jim Port

    WHY?

    Jim Port replied to Phillip's topic in Electrical Forum

    Was this near the joint between 2 parts of a modular home?
  11. Jim Port
    The 2 whites are the GFI pigtail and the circuit neutral. The U might be part of an older GFI design. I have seen this on old Cutler Hammer GFI breakers.
  12. Jim Port
    Smoke alarms have a lifespan of ten years. Alarms older than that should be replaced.
  13. Jim Port
    The exception would not apply as smoke alarms are not fire alarm systems. Under the NEC the smokes are defined as outlets and require AFCI protection.
  14. Jim Port
    In addition to Jim Ks comment someone might have used non-CTL breakers in a CTL panel instead of modifying the breakers. Either way it would be wrong.
  15. Jim Port
    To determine if the panel is sized appropriately you would perform a demand load calculation. Remember, adding the breaker handle ratings is meaningless as far as determining the load. I can't answer on the conductor sizing.
  16. Jim Port
    Thanks for the support Jim K.
  17. Jim Port
    You are correct John. The neutral bond provides the low impedance path to trip the breaker.
  18. Jim Port
    Do you really think a ground rod or water line, Ufer etc is necessary to have a properly wired receptacle? Ground rods etc have nothing to do with the third prong.
  19. Jim Port
    I would trust the manufacturer to know how many breakers can be installed. Typically the model number has the number of breaker allowed in it. The 22 should be correct, with no tandems. A model number like 3040 would indicate that tandems could be used. The label inside the panel should have the information you need like CTL and the number of poles allowed.
  20. Jim Port
    The earth is a poor conductor of electricity. The current is not going to earth.
  21. Jim Port
    That is a steel strand that supports the cable. While it may carry some current its primary role is to support.
  22. Jim Port
    Although the double conductors in the lug is improper, there are tap rules that would allow for smaller conductors than would be needed. The OCPD would be at the other end of those conductors. The conductors that are tapped would not have to be 200 amp rated.
  23. Jim Port
    Not sure of the timeframe on this, but prior to being added to the NEC it was covered under the UL listing standard. It was added to the NEC so that it was more readily available to ensure compliance.
  24. Jim Port
    There is but it applies to LV like phone and data cables.
  25. Jim Port
    All of the AL conductor NM cable I remember seeing all had a plastic sheath. The braided cloth NM should pre-date the use of aluminum conductor material. The smallest AL that was used was #12 and was for 15 amp circuits.
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