DEWALT
ELECTRICAL
CODE REFERENCE
2014 Edition
Written by
Daniel Sandefur
and
American Contractors Exam Services
Published by
DEWALT Electrical Code Reference 2014, Third Edition: Based on the National Electrical Code including the NEC 2014
Daniel Sandefur and American Contractors Exam Services
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Print Number: 01 Print Year: 2014
A Note to the Reader
The DEWALT Electrical Code Reference is not a formal code interpretation and is not intended to replace the code. You will need a copy of the 2011 and 2014 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC ) to check all references given in this book.
This book is designed to help you understand some, but not all, phases of electrical installations. The guidelines illustrated in this book are not the only way to install the systems shown. Local codes sometimes have exceptions or regulations that are enforced along with the 2011 and 2014 NEC.
Anyone working on an electrical project should contact their local building inspection department, office of planning and zoning, and/or department of permits in order to learn which codes are being used and how they will affect their project. Both the 2011 and 2014 NEC Code are copyrighted work owned by the National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA 70 is a trademark of the National Fire Protection Association.
NFPA, National Fire Protection Association, National Electrical Code, and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association.
For more information on the National Fire Protection Association or the National Electrical Code, please contact:
Phone: 1-800-344-3555
Web: www.nfpa.org
Section M1305.1.3
Excerpted from the 2012 International Residential Code;
Copyright 2011.
Washington, D.C.: International Code Council.
Reproduced with permission. All rights reserved. www.ICCSAFE.org
CONTENTS
GENERAL TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
AFCI (Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter)
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. Example: Arc faults may occur when loose connections or faulty appliances are introduced into a circuit. This type of circuit protection is intended to prevent fires caused by these types of faults.
Branch Circuit
The circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the outlet(s).
Current
A measurement of the rate of flow of electricity through a conductor, measured in amps.
Device
A unit of an electrical system, other than a conductor, that is intended to carry or control but not utilize electricity (i.e., switches, thermostats).
Equipment Grounding Conductor
A conductor used to ground electrical equipment. Commonly referred to in the electrical field as the ground. These conductors are usually identified by green insulation or bare. The NEC uses the term equipment grounding conductor for these conductors.
Feeder
The circuit conductors between the service equipment or other power supply and the final overcurrent device. Subpanels are commonly located throughout buildings and the circuits feeding these panels are called feeders. Simply put, the conductors between 2 overcurrent devices are called feeder conductors.