North Canton, Ohio

 What happened to Mayberry?

Earlier this year (2018) the City of North Canton removed journeyman licensing requirements; for the electrical and plumbing trades. 

11.12.2018 

The City of North Canton has now officially outsourced their building department services with "SafeBuilt" of Colorado; (private enterprise) for a 3- year period.

The following is an excerpt from Ordinance No. 68 - 2018, North Canton Finance and Property Committee:

"WHEREAS,  after careful analysis and a thorough investigation, the City uncovered ongoing deficiencies with its building department's efficiency, documentation, customer service, and overall financial proficiency; and"

"WHEREAS,  having unsuccessfully attempted to cure the deficiencies through leadership changes, training, and performance counseling, the City believes the inadequacies restrict its ability to protect, preserve, and improve its building and housing stock; and"

"WHEREAS,  it appears the inadequacies cannot be cured without expert guidance and a proven building department program composed of highly-trained, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspection services; building plan review for both commercial and residential plans; permit technician services; rental housing/property maintenance services; housing code enforcement services; reporting services; and contractor registration services, together with a state-of-the art software and Geospatial Information Stytems (GIS) program to manage, track, and record building permit and plan applications; and"

"WHEREAS,  despite a diligent and comprehensive search for such services, which also must include a warranty and guarantee, the City has found only a single company offering such proven, cost-effective building department services; and" 

"WHEREAS,  delays in correcting the noted deficiencies puts the City's building and housing infrastructure system at risk and perpetuates a fiscally poor-performing program; and" ..............................................

Stay Tuned for More!

International Code Council (ICC) free public access to both current and past Ohio Codes

Attention Designers

**September 2018**

Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS) Memo: 

Moratorium Notice

 Regarding storm shelter construction (ICC 500)   requirements in educational facilities, postponed   until September 15, 2019. 

 Code Reference: OBC Section 423

OHCA whitepaper; Generator Requirements in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) providing life support services.

Ohio Code News:

Effective: November 01, 2017
 
Adopted Ohio Construction Codes

 
***Non-Residential Construction***
(4-Family & Above)

2017 Ohio Building Code                                     (Based on the 2015 International Building Code with     August 01, 2018 Amendments) 

2017 Ohio Mechanical Code                                         (Based on the 2015 International Mechanical Code with   August 01, 2018 Amendments) 

2017 Ohio Plumbing Code                                     (Based on the 2015 International Plumbing Code with   August 01, 2018 Amendments)

2017 Ohio Fire Code  (Effective Date:  12.15.2017)   (Based on the 2015 International Fire Code)

2017 NFPA 70- National Electrical Code

2016 NFPA 13- Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems

2016 NFPA 72- National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

2015 International Fuel Gas Code

2012 International Energy Conservation Code or ASHRAE 90.1 2010

ICC / ANSI A117.1 2009 Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities

 
  ***Residential Construction Code Update***  

(1-, 2-, and 3-Family Dwelling Units)

Effective July 01, 2019

2019 Residential Code of Ohio                         (Based on the 2018 International Residential Code with         Amendments; Effective 07.01.2019)

2017 Ohio Plumbing Code                                                       (Based on the 2015 International Plumbing Code)

2017 NFPA 70- National Electrical Code         (with Ohio Amendments; Effective; 07.01.2019 see below)

2018 International Energy Conservation Code 
 

 
 
The 2014 NEC has been adopted, effective January 01, 2016 for 1-, 2-, and 3-Family dwellings.
 

There are (2) Ohio Amendments: 

 
  (1)  210.8(D) GFCI protection for outlets that             supply the dishwasher has been removed. 

         "AFCI protection shall be provided"

 
   (2)  210.12(A) AFCI protection of kitchen                     receptacles outlets that are installed to                   serve the "countertop surfaces only" has               been removed.

"GFCI protection shall be provided"
 
 

       NEW:  **Smoke Alarm Requirements**
 

  
The 2013 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO: 314.1) has been updated to require dual technology smoke alarms; (both ionization and photoelectric type) to be provided on each level of a dwelling unit (separate or dual-sensing smoke alarms may be used).

 
Photoelectric technology type shall be provided / required outside each bedroom area.

 
 Effective Date:  January 01, 2016

  

**Stay Tuned** 

August 2018

Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS)  

Regarding Residential Construction

State of Ohio: Proposed Adoption

"2019 Residential Code of Ohio" 

Ohio is currently in the process of holding public hearings to consider the adoption of the 2018 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO), (Based on the 2018 International Residential Code).  This process includes the adoption of the 2017 NEC for 1-, 2- and 3-family dwellings. 

Below are the proposed amendments to the 2017 NEC, that are very similar to the current 2014 NEC as adopted by the State of Ohio with modifications, for 1-, 2- and 3-family dwellings. 

Proposed Residential Code of Ohio Rules

Reference AG 97 (1043 pages)

Extracted Below is Chapter 34, Electrical Only

2022 OBBS Board Calendar

 Ohio Board of Building Standards

6606 Tussing Road

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

(614) 644-2613

State of Ohio; Electrical Safety Inspector Lookup

2018 Ohio Residential Building Departments

2018 Ohio Commercial Building Departments

NFPA National Electrical Code

Adoption by State

Updated January 2022

Building and Associated Code(s) Information

provided by 

International Code Council

I-Code Adoption Details by State

Informational Map

2020 NEC Commercial Overview

110.22  Identification of Disconnecting Means                     (Source)

210.8  GFCI Protection (Food Prep Areas / DW)  

220.12  General Lighting Loads - Compliance                     (ASHRAE 90.1 - 2016) 

230.71  MLO /Split-Bus Panels (Not Acceptable) 

230.82  Equipment Connected Ahead of Service                  Disconnect

240.67 / 240.87  Arc Energy Reduction Testing                                 Requirements

314.16  Box Fill Calculations (more than 4-egc's)

406.22  Expanded Tamper Resistant Receptacle                Locations

408.6   Short-Circuit Current Rating (SCCR)                       Identification (Marking)- Switchboards,                 Panelboards, and Switchgear

422.5   Appliances; GFCI Requirements

Article  690 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems                      (Revised / Updated)

695.3  Fire Pumps - Selective Coordination

(4) "New" Articles

Article 242  Overvoltage Protection

Article 311  Medium Voltage Conductors and               Cables

Article 337  Type "P" Cable (Hazardous             Locations)

Article 805  General Requirements for                               Communication Systems

2020 NEC Residential Overview

2019  Residential Code of Ohio Adoption

          (1-, 2-, & 3-Family) 

210.8  GFCI Protection (Ranges, Dryers and                   A/C Units)

210.52  Island / Peninula Receptacle Outlets

210.52  Deck Receptacle Outlets

230.67  Surge Protection Requirements                             (New / Existing)

230.85  Exterior Emergency Disconnects

Table 310.12 Service Feeder Conductor Sizing

314.16  Box Fill Calculations (more than 4-egc's)

406.22  Tamper Resistant Receptacle Locations

445.18  Generator Emergency Shutdown

Article 680  Added Splash Pad and Immersion                  Pools

2017 NEC Commercial Overview

110.3  Recognizes other than new equipment

110.14(D)  Tightening torque requirements

110.16  Arc-Flash Hazard Warning (SE Equip)

110.24(A)  Available Fault Current (Field Marking)

110.26  Spaces about Electrical Equipment                       (Limited Access Locations)

210.8(B)  Special purpose GFCI protection

210.12(C)  AFCI requirements for guest rooms /                      suites of hotels and motels

210.71  Meeting room receptacle requirements

220.12  Lighting load reduction (office / banks)

230.95  Primary current injection testing

250.30(A)  Grounding separately derived                                systems

250.52(A)(2)  Structural steel shall be in direct                             contact with the earth vertically a                           minimum of 10' or more, with or                             without concrete encasement

250.64  Buried grounding electrode conductors

310.15(B)  Rooftop wiring derating requirements

404.2(C)  Switches controlling lighting loads  

406.12  Tamper resistant receptacle locations 

430.99  Available fault current for motor control                 centers

517.16  Isolated ground receptacles in HCF

517.30  Essential Electrical Systems - Fuel cell                 technology

590.4  SE cable for temporary installations

645.18  Surge protection qequirements for                         Critical Operations Data Systems                           (COPS)

695.15  Surge protection requirements for fire                   pump controllers

"5" NEW Articles

Article 425  Fixed Resistance & Electrode                                 Industrial Process Htg. Equipment

Article 691  Large Scale PV Production Facility

Article 706  Energy Storage Systems

Article 710  Stand Alone Systems

Article 712  DC Micro Grids

2017 NEC Residential Overview
 

 
110.14(D)  Tightening torque requirements

210.8 GFCI- 6' measurement from sinks

210.8(E)  GFCI- Crawl space lighting outlets

210.52(C)  Peninsula countertop outlets

250.52(B)  Swimming pools not permitted as                          grounding electrodes

250.64  Buried grounding electrode                                     conductors

300.5  Minimum burial depths; listed low-voltage             lighting system

404.2(C)  Switches controlling lighting loads

680.22  Deleting the single outlet / twist lock for                 swimming pool equipment

680.22  Low-voltage fireplace and luminaires

680.74  Hydromassage bathtub bonding

680.83  Electrically powered pool lifts

     

NEW for the 2017 NEC

Too many electrical failures have occurred over the years due to a lack of proper termination torque.  Overtightening, is as dangerous as not tightening the connenction, period.  The 2017 NEC now requires that we properly torque all terminations / connections (typically, the weak point of any circuit).

Tightening Torque Requirements for Electrical Connections

Informative ANNEX I Table

Note:  Always refer to specific manufacturer guidelines.

Special Purpose GFCI Protection for Personnel

This new requirement expands GFCI protection for personnel beyond 15- and 20- ampere 125-v recptacles.

Applies to all 1-phase receptacles rated 50 amps or less in the below listed locations

Applies to all 3-phase receptacles rated 100 amperes or less in the below listed locations

210.8(B) Other than Dwelling Units

Other Than Dwelling Units.  All 1-phase receptacles rated 150-v to ground or less, 50 amperes or less and 3-phase rated 150-v to ground or less, 100 amperes or less installed in the following locations shall have GFCI protection for personnel.

1.    Bathrooms

2.    Kitchens  

3.    Rooftops

4.    Outdoors

5.    Within 6' from the top inside edge of sink               bowl

6.    Indoor wet locations

7.    Locker rooms with associated shower                   facilities

8.    Garages, service bays, and similar areas

9.    Crawl spaces - at or below grade level

10.  Unfinished portions or areas of the                    basement not intended as habitalble                 rooms

Littlefuse  SB6100 Shock Block

This hybrid product offers a trip level of 20mA

Typical GFCI Trip Threshholds in milliamps

Type "A" personnel protection  = Trip levels of 4 - 6mA

Type "B" equipment protection  = Trip level of 30mA

NEW: Hybrid product Type "C"; UL943C = Trip Level 20mA

Electrical Shock Current on the Human Body 



  

Service One-Line Diagrams

One-line diagrams like the examples below or similar, could be utilized to satisfy the requirements of system descriptions for either residential or small commercial electric service upgrades (typically up to 320 amps; self-contained meter sockets). 
 
400 amp electric services and above (C/T or P/T Metering) generally require the seal of a State of Ohio, design professional (Architect / Engineer), for review and approval.

 
Code References

 
2017 Ohio Building Code (OBC):  Section 106.1.1(15)

2013 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO):  Section 106.1.3(8)

Note: The one-lines are available in fillable pdf format, for your            use.  Send us a request by email and we will forward                  both to you. 

As always, for specific requirements and additional information, we encourage you to contact your local building department.

   
Local First Energy Contact Info
 
   

Local Power Company Information

Both American Electric Power and First Energy recently updated their customer service guides.

01.2021 AEP CUSTOMER SERVICE GUIDE

06. 2019 FIRST ENERGY OHIO CUSTOMER SERVICE GUIDE

Electrical Plan Review Information

Bussman Plan Review Booklet (EPR-101)

This booklet contains valuable information regarding overcurrent protection and devices, short-circuit calculations, component protection, selective coordination and other electrical safety considerations.
      

Bussman Short-Circuit Calculation Pamphlet

 Available Fault Current: NEC 110.24

NOTE:  Communication between the Design Professional of record and the installing electrical contractor is a critical component for this exercise to be successful. 

Short-circuit currents create a significant hazard to the building electrical distribution equipment and to those qualified personnel servicing the system.  Correctly calculating this current is an essential tool in the proper protection of the electrical system by comparing the force of the fault to the interrupting rating of the overcurrent protective device(s) provided (circuit breaker / fuse).  The following questions with answers are intended to assist you in determining the available fault current, at the main distribution panel location, using the Bussman step-by-step calculation method.   

Specific information needed per project:

1.     KVA of the supply transformer (typically supplied by                    the local power co.) serving the building

2.     % Impedance of the supply transformer

3.     Secondary voltage and phase (1- or 3-) to the building

4.     Conductor details: size, material type (CU / AL), length                and number per phase, (if paralleled)

5.     Raceway material (metallic / non-metallic)

January 29, 2011 Update

2011 NEC "Proposed" Changes!

Code Wide Revisions:  All fine print notes (FPN's) have been removed.  The new term beginning with the 2011 NEC cycle will be informational notes.  Fine Print Notes were designed as detailed "informational" or for additional "clarification" purposes only, and not part of the official NEC document (NFPA 70). 

               3- NEW Proposed Articles:

Article 399- Outdoor, Overhead Conductors    over 600 volts

Article 694- Small Wind Electrical Systems

Article 840- Premises- Powered Broadband Communications Systems

110.24  Available Fault Current  (NEW)

This change will further add responsibilities to the Electrical Engineer and the Electrical Contractor.

(A) Field Marking.  Service equipment in other than dwelling units shall be legibly marked in the field with the available fault current.  The field marking(s) shall include the installation date and be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

(B) Modifications.  When modifications to the electrical installation occur that effect the available fault current at the service, the available fault current shall be verified or re-calculated as necessary to ensure the service equipment interrupting ratings are sufficient for the available fault current at the line terminals of the equipment.  The required field marking(s) in (A) above shall be adjusted to reflect the new level of available fault current.

Exception:  The field marking requirements in (A) and (B) shall not be required in industrical installations where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the equipment.

210.8 (A) & (B) Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.

All GFCI devices shall be installed in a readily accessible location.  This change will clarify that the test / reset button on a GFI device or circuit breaker be readily accessible (not located behind a dedicated appliance, door opener, hydromassage bathtub, refrigerator, vending machine or similar location; to name a few).  Refer to the Definition of Accessible, Readily.  Article 100

QUESTION:  Where will we install the GFCI for a drinking fountain?  In the bathroom?  In an accessible receptacle outlet?  Or will we install a GFCI breaker?

210.8 (B) Other than Dwelling Units. (NEW)

Added # 6, 7, and 8 to the list of locations requiring GFCI protection for personnel.

(6)  Indoor wet locations.

(7)  Locker rooms with adjacent showering

      facilities.         

(8)  Garages, service bays, and similar areas. 

210.12 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection.

As of this writing, the only change to this section appears to be an adjustment of Exception #2. Remember we are now required to use a "Listed combination AFCI device" 

210.12 (B) AFCI; Dwelling Units. Ex. #2

This exception to AFCI requirements has been clarified by adding the requirement of an "individual" branch circuit to a fire alarm system, and a newly accepted wiring method is MC AP cable; [defined as Metal Clad All-purpose cable (hybrid).  It has an aluminum sheath, and is provided with a #10 solid aluminum bonding conductor which is in direct contact with the sheath for the entire length of the cable; in-turn this provides an adequate fault current path meeting the requirements of 250.118; ultimately, qualifying the sheath of the cable as an acceptable equipment grounding conductor; this product is available with or without a green insulated conductor] previously the only approved wiring methods were the following steel raceway or cable types; RMC, IMC, EMT and Steel Amored Cable; AC.

210.52 (I) Foyers. (NEW)

This new section states " Foyers that have an area that is greater than 60 square feet, shall have receptacle(s) located in each wall space as defined in 210.52 (A)(2)(1)".

250.2 Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side (SSBJ)

A reliable conductor installed on the supply side of a service or separately derived system to ensure the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected. 

250.53 (A)(2) Supplemental Electrode Required (NEW).

A rod, pipe or plate electrode shall be supplemented by an additional grounding electrode as identified in 250.52 (A)(2)-(8). This section is set for a new requirement, due to the typical high resistance (over 25 ohms) of a single driven ground rod.  The accepted  proposal will now require a minimum of "2" 8' driven ground rods, due to the affected area of influence, we believe that you should maintain a minimal distance equal to the length of the rods used, between rods (ie: 8' rods = 8' separation; 10' rods = 10' separation) anytime a driven rod is used as part of the grounding electrode system.                     

Remember OHMS LAW: 120v / 25 ohms =    4.8 amps of current flow to the ground rod! 

300.4 (E) Cables, Raceways, or Boxes installed in or under Roof Decking.

Boxes are now included in the 1.5" rule, in regards to maintaining clearances from the lowest surface of the metal roof decking.

NEW!  Table 310.15 (B)(2)(a) = 86 degrees F  

NEW!  Table 310.15 (B)(2)(b) = 104 degrees F   

All ambient temperature, correction factors have been deleted from individual ampacity tables  and re-located to new "degree" specific table(s), thus creating an easier to use format.                All Tables have been re-numbered [ie; 310.16 will now be 310.15 (B)(16)] 

Good news there are no changes to conductor ampacities or correction factors! 

312.8 Splicing in Panelboards

Switch and overcurrent device enclosures with splices, taps, and feed-thru conductors.  Splices may be acceptable if the following (3) rules are complied with (items #1 & #2 were included in the 2008 NEC).

1.  Conductor total does not exceed 75% of CSA

2.  Conductor area does not exceed 40% of CSA

3.  A warning label is installed on panel.

334.10 NM Cable. Uses permitted

This section will be expanded to clarify that accessory structures for one- and two- family dwellings are permitted to be wired with NM cable (in areas not subject to physical damage). 

406.3 (D)(2) GFCI Device Replacements.

(3) AFCI Replacements. (NEW)

(4) Tamper-resistant Replacements. (NEW)

(5) Weather-resistant Replacements. (NEW) 

This section will be expanded to include "AFCI"  (combination type) tamper-resistant, and weather-resistant devices:

Combination Arc-fault-circuit-interrupter protection, tamper-resistant and weather-resistant receptacles shall be provided where replacements are made at receptacle outlets that are required to be so protected elsewhere in this Code.

406.12 Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in Dwelling Units.

New Exceptions:

#1  Receptacles located more than 5'6" (66")

      above the floor.

#2  Receptacles that are part of a luminaire.

#3  A single or duplex receptacle located in a

      dedicated space for cord and plug

      connected appliances, not easily moved.

#4  Non-grounding for non-grounding type

      (old residential work). 

406.13  Tamper-Resistant Receptacles in guest rooms and suites. (NEW)

406.14  Tamper-Resistant Receptacles Child Care Facilities. (NEW)

This section is proposed to be expanded to include child care facilities (new definition refer to 406.2), guest rooms and guest suites.

410.130 (G)(1)  Disconnecting Means; General

This section is being revised for existing installations; for existing installed luminaires without a disconnecting means, at the time a "ballast" is replaced a disconnecting means shall be installed.

517.16 Receptacles with Insulated Grounding Terminals.

This section will not permit the use of isolated grounding receptacles in patient-care areas.

680.26 (B)(2) Equipotential Bonding. "Perimeter Surfaces"

Perimeter surfaces that are less than 3' and that are separated by a permanent wall or building at least 5' in height or more will require an equipotential bonding grid on the pool side of the permanent wall or building (zero lot line / small parcel lots or otherwise constrained).

680.26 (B)(7) Equipotential  Bonding.

"Fixed Metal Parts"

Clarification:  This section now specifically includes metal awnings, metal fences, metal doors, and metal window frames (located within 5' of the permanently installed pool).

680.43 Exception #2

Applies to Spas and Hot tubs installed indoors.

The equipotential bonding requirements for perimeter surfaces shall not apply to a listed self-contained spa or hot tub when installed above the finished floor (remember this applies to indoor installations only).

Article 694 NEW- Small Wind Electric Systems

"Spring" 2009 Contractor News Corner:

 "2009 State of Ohio Contractor News"

Item #1

Posted: April 6, 2009

Attn: Summit County Electrical Contractors

***Effective July 1, 2009***

2008 NEC 1, 2, & 3-Family Dwellings

Typically, the National Electrical Code is designed for new installations and therefore our intent is to clarify its use and applicability for projects located under the jurisdiction of the County of Summit, Building Standards Department.

(1)  Alterations, renovations and repairs.  It shall be acceptable to extend an existing, properly installed branch-circuit for new loads (when adequate for the additional load) without meeting the additional requirements of the 2008 NEC (re: Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter protection, tamper and weather-resistant devices).

(2)  Rewires and new branch-circuits.  When a new branch-circuit (single or multiwire) is installed in an existing dwelling unit, the installation shall comply with the 2008 NEC (re: Arc-Fault-Circuit-Interrupter protection, tamper and weather-resistant devices and 2-pole circuit breakers).

(3)  Service upgrades and replacements.  When the scope of work is to upgrade or replace the present electrical service only, standard type branch-circuit breakers shall be permitted to be installed on all existing circuits.

(4)  Service upgrades and exterior updates to the grounding electrode system.  250.94 Intersystem Bonding Bar.   An approved intersystem bonding bar shall be installed on all service upgrades and / or when an exterior update (typically: a driven ground rod) to the grounding electrode system occurs.

(5)  Interior non-metallic water distribution lines.  When PEX, CPVC or other approved non-metallic materials are used for interior hot and cold water distribution lines within a building, bonding short sections of metallic pipe (typically 18" stubs above the hot water tank, meter or other device), bonding of the hot and cold water lines, or bonding a hydromassage bathtub pump motor to the metallic mixer valve (faucet) shall not be required.

(6)  Permanently installed swimming pools.  All permanently installed swimming pools now have additional requirements, including bonding of the pool water for non-metallic pools and the creation or extension of the bonding grid to the exterior perimeter (walkway) of the pool, this applies to both in-ground and aboveground pools.  Refer to 680.26 (a), (b) and (c).

Item #2

***** NEW ITEM:  Posted 2/4/2009 *****

 The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) has requested the following survey from all members.

"2008" Arc-Fault-Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) Survey:

(1)  Number of single-family homes completed in 2008

(2)  Number of multi-family homes  completed in 2008

(3)  Number of AFCI's installed in their average home in 2008

(4)  Brand of AFCI breakers installed in 2008

(5)  Rate the amount of call-backs regarding AFCI's

                         (a)  Significant Amount

                         (b)  Some

                         (c)  None at all

(6)  Key reasons for any call-backs regarding AFCI's in 2008

(7)  List any and all issues regarding the new AFCI combination units.    

Item #3

State of Ohio Board of Building Standards (BBS) Updates:

Effective January 1, 2009, the State of Ohio has adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code for one-, two-, and three-family dwelling units. 

Effective January 1, 2009, the State of Ohio has adopted the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).  

Additional Contractor Information:

Item #4

Electrical Bonding of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing(CSST): 

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is a flexible continuous stainless steel gas tubing with a PVC exterior sheath (yellow) used by the Plumbing and HVAC industry (Locally it has been installed for fireplaces, furnaces, garage and swimming pool heaters.  Habitat for Humanity, among others have used it extensively in new construction).

Informational Bulletin Safety Notice: 

Over two years ago, most if not all Building Departments were notified by Titeflex Corp., (A manufacturer of CSST) of a potentially hazardous condition.  When a structure is  subjected to lightning damage, whether by a direct or nearby strike, all electrical conductive systems may become energized causing arcing and sparking, therefore it is possible that damage may be caused to the "CSST" tubing (pinholes) and thus creating a potential danger to the structure and its occupants.                                                  Visit their website at www.gastite.com

Manufacturer Requirement:  Direct bonding of the tubing to the Grounding Electrode system.  "A single bond connection (minimum #6 CU for residential aplications) shall be made downstream of the individual gas meter for each housing unit and upstream of any CSST connection".  On commercial applications, consult an electrical professional for proper sizing of the bonding conductor.

**Please remember to use an Ilsco AGC-1 or other approved pipe clamp for proper connection to the Black Iron (hardpipe) gas line.**

Another manufacturer of CSST, Tracpipe has introduced a hybrid form of CSST called "counterstrike", (black in color)which does not require any additional bonding to the electrical system, for additional information, visit their website: www.tracpipe.com/trac/why/counterstrike_brochure.pdf            

There are numerous manufacturers of corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), please identify the specific product that has been installed on your project and consult the manufacturer for any and all bonding requirements.

Item #5

MC-AP Cable: MC-AP cable is a newer product gaining popularity on construction projects due to its versatility.  It was designed to be an all-purpose cable for Health Care facilities, Places of Assembly, computer isolated ground circuits and virtually all commercial projects where not subject to physical damage.  The cable has a solid bare aluminum #10 conductor in contact with the metallic cable sheath for its entire length, which permits the sheath to be listed as an equipment grounding conductor, when a properly listed connector (saddle-type) is used.  This product also provides automatic bonding of all metal boxes, without the use of ground screws or other mechanical means.  For proper cable termination, refer to the reel tag or visit the Southwire website at www.southwire.com

Item #6

"NEW" First Energy 480-volt Service Requirement:

All newly installed 480-volt, self-contained metered services (100, 200 and 320 amp) now require a disconnect ahead of the meter.  The purpose of this disconnect is to provide protection of the meter installer.  AEP has had a similar requirement since 1996.  This requirement does not apply to "CT" metered services (typically 400 amps and above).

  1.  This is a utility required disconnect, and should not be considered to be a required service disconnect (compliance with NEC 230.82).

  2. The disconnect may be a no-fuse, lockable, SUSE             (suitable for use as service equipment) rated disconnect.

                      (a)  Locked by utility provider.

                      (b)  Accessible to power company only.

                      (c)  Adequate ampere rating.

                      (d)  Have proper short-circuit current rating.

  3.  Consult First Energy and your local Building Department for additional information and requirements. Refer to www.firstenergycorp.com

  4.  Many Design Professionals including Electrical Engineers and Building Department personnel may be unaware of this new First Energy requirement, therefore  it may not be included on approved construction documents. 

Item #7

Manufactured Home Wiring in Ohio.

If you intend to provide Electrical Service to a Manufactured Home (new or used) in the State of Ohio, permits and inspections are required, whether by the Local Building Department or Approved Third party Inspection Agencies.  Please visit the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission (OMHC) website for their rules, regulations, inspection information by County, and more additional information: www.omhc.ohio.gov/

Useful Contractor links to websites:

Arc-Fault-Circuit-Interrupter (AFCI) Information; design, function, identification, purpose and types (parallel and series rated): www.afcisafety.org/  

Cooper Bussmann Arc-Flash Calculator: www.bussmann.com

Department of Energy: www.energycodes.gov

Mike Holt's NEC website: www.mikeholt.com

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEC Code Alerts): www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/codealerts/

National Fire Protection Association: www.nfpa.org

US Department of Labor; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): www.osha.gov

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB):  www.com.state.oh.us/dic/dicocilb.htm  

Underwriters Laboratories: www.ul.com

US Fire Administration: www.usfa.dhs.gov 

Wind Power in Ohio (Ohio Dept.of Development; Green Energy): www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/RE_wind.htm

Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program (US Dept. of Energy):  www.windpoweringamerica.gov/

Local, State and National Organization Links:

Building Officials Code Officers of North East Ohio: www.boconeo.org

Five County Building Officials Association:  www.fboa.org

International Association of Electrical Inspectors: www.iaei.org

International Code Council: www.iccsafe.org

Ohio Board of Building Standards: www.com.state.oh.us/dic/dicbbs.htm

Ohio Building Officials Association: www.oboa.org

Ohio Homebuilders Association: www.ohiohba.com

Ohio International Association of Electrical Inspectors: www.ohioiaei.org

US Environmental Protection Association Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program:  www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/sbcomplianceguide.pdf

www.epa.gov/lead

www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

www.hbahartford.com/cmdocs/EPA - Lead Safe Renovation.pdf

We offer courses on a quarterly basis, Typically in February, May, September and December.

2008 NEC Powerpoint booklets are available for purchase.                  $25.00 each