Utah 4 Hour 2020 NEC Core Course

This class presents every significant change to Chapter 7 “Special Conditions” adopted for the 2020 National Electrical Code® (NEC-2020). This is the most varied Chapter in the NEC. It includes the provisions for such “special conditions” as emergency back-up systems, limited power circuits, and optical fiber cable as well as the rapidly changing Articles on direct current microgrids, interconnected sources of power supply, energy storage, and stand-alone systems. The changes to Chapter 8 [Communication Systems] now include a “General Requirements” Article for Communication Circuits followed by a substantial revision and reorganization. The class finishes with the single change to Chapter 9 [Tables].

There are 29 significant changes to Chapter 7 covered. The class begins with 7 changes to the Articles on Emergency Systems and Optional Standby Systems, including guidance on incorporating alternative power sources. This is followed by 13 changes to Articles 705 & 706, including a complete overhaul of Article 705 on Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources and new maintenance and identification protocols for Energy Storage Systems. The class finishes up with a wide range of wiring systems adapted to special purposes, including a revision of Transfer Switch rules for Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS), updates to Articles 710 on Stand-Alone Systems and DC Microgrids; clarifications on the Use of Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control Signaling and Power-Limited Circuits, and three changes to Article 770 on OFC: Mechanical Execution of Work, Cable Routing Assemblies and Cable Trays, and Installation in Enclosures shared with energized conductors.

A video provides a useful overview of the substantial overhaul of Chapter 8. A review of seven changes drawn from Articles 800 & 805 follows, providing details on the repurposing of Article 800 for General Requirements and the reorganizations and revisions for the Sections moved or added to the new Article 805. The class finishes this look at Chapter 8 with two changes to the increasingly important Premises-Powered Broadband Communications Systems: 1) Circuits Leaving the Building and 2) Powering Communications Equipment over Communications Cables.