The Massachusetts Electrical Code (527 CMR 12.00) of the Board
of Fire Prevention Regulations (BFPR) shall be the 2023 National Electrical
Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as
NFPA 70 in the form released by vote of the NFPA Standards Council on August
12, 2022, including all modifications made by the BFPR and duly promulgated
from time to time in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations. Amendments made by
NFPA subsequent to this date have no force or effect until and unless reviewed
and promulgated by the BFPR.
Informational Note: The NFPA releases
Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) from time to time to its standards,
including the NEC. True to their title, these changes are tentative, they are
of an interim nature, and they amend (in this case) the electrical code. They
have not been processed through the NFPA normal standards making process. As of
the 2020 NEC cycle, these amendments, subsequent to their release, will appear
in all renditions of the NEC, both print and electronic, in a form that makes
them visually indistinguishable from unamended text.
The NEC version adopted in Massachusetts will be that found in
the first printing in book form, and that rendition will include TIAs adopted
by the Standards Council at its August 10th -
12th 2022 meeting, but no others. Users of this code
are advised to consult the front matter on the first page of the NEC for a list
of TIAs issued by NFPA, organized by location and specified dates of issuance.
In addition, the inside front cover now includes a clear designation of the
printing and the TIAs (by number only) that are included. Specific information
for each will be found on the NFPA website. The NEC version in effect in
Massachusetts will usually vary, increasingly over time, from the version
amended by NFPA depending on the timing of BFPR actions subsequent to initial
promulgation.
NFPA also issues advisories of errata. These reflect errors in
printing, and bring the published version of their standards, including the
NEC, into agreement with the actual results of the standards development
process. Because the legally enforceable standard is the form as developed
through that process, errata are considered to be effective as of the original
issuance of the standard, and therefore are considered effective in
Massachusetts as of the date of the original promulgation of this code.
Insert the following provisions ahead of the body of the
Code:
Rule 1. All installations,
repairs, maintenance, and removal of electrical wiring and electrical fixtures
used for light, heat, power, signaling and communications purposes in buildings
and structures subject to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 143 shall be reasonably
safe to persons and property.
Rule
2. Conformity of installations, repairs, maintenance, and removal
of electrical wiring and electrical fixtures used for light, heat, power,
signaling and communications with applicable regulations set forth in the Code,
which is hereby filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall be
considered as complying with these requirements.
Rule 3. Additions or modifications to an
existing installation shall be made in accordance with this Code without
bringing the remaining part of the installation into compliance with the
requirements of this Code. The installation shall not create a violation of
this Code, nor shall it increase the magnitude of an existing
violation.
Rule 4. Where an actual
hazard exists, the owner of the property shall be notified in writing by the
authority enforcing this Code. The notification shall contain specifications of
the actual hazard that exists, together with a reference to the rule of this
Code that is now in violation. (See M.G.L. c. 166,
§§ 32 and 33, for enforcement authority.)
Rule 5. References are made in this code to
other standards. Those standards, where duly adopted by law or regulation, may
be enforced by the appropriate official. They are not considered part of this
Code and they are not enforceable under M.G.L. c. 143, § 3L. For
Massachusetts Building Code references, see Appendix
A.
Rule 6. The approving authority
may be guided in his approval of specific items of equipment and materials
contemplated by the Code, by proof that such equipment and materials have been
tested and conform to suitable recognized industry standards.
Rule 7.527 CMR
12.00 shall be effective on all installations for
which a permit has been granted subsequent to February 28, 2023.
Rule 8. In accordance with the provisions of
M.G.L. c. 143 § 3L, the permit application form to provide written notice
of installation of wiring shall be uniform throughout the Commonwealth, and
applications shall be filed on the prescribed form. Electronic transmittals of
this form shall be permitted when done in accordance with the Uniform
Electronic Transactions Act (M.G.L. c. 110G). After a permit application has
been accepted by an Inspector of Wires appointed pursuant to M.G.L c. 166,
§ 32, an electrical permit shall be issued to the person, firm or
corporation stated on the permit application. Such entity shall be responsible
for the notification of completion of the work as required in M.G.L. c. 143,
§ 3L.
Permits shall be limited as to the time of ongoing construction
activity, and may be deemed by the Inspector of Wires abandoned and invalid if
he or she has determined that the authorized work has not commenced or has not
progressed during the preceding 12-month period. Upon written application, an
extension of time for completion of work shall be permitted for reasonable
cause. A permit shall be terminated upon the written request of either the
owner or the installing entity stated on the permit application.
Rule 9. Installations, repairs,
maintenance, or removals covered by
527 CMR
12.00 shall also comply with M.G.L. c. 141.
Rule 10. Electrical installations, repairs,
maintenance, or removals shall not be concealed or covered from view until
inspected by the inspector of wires within and not more than 24 hours for
exterior or interior excavations nor more than 72 hours for exterior or
interior installations after proper notice to the inspector, Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays excluded.
Rule
11. Electrical installations that appear incompatible with GFCI
protection as covered in 210.8 Exception of this Code, regardless of the code
requirements in effect at the time when the permit as described in Rule 8 was
issued, or when the installation was completed, shall be inspected by a
qualified person. The inspection shall review all field elements of the
branch-circuit equipment grounding return path, and the quality of any
field-accessible cord connections if applicable. The inspection shall be
documented, subject to audit by the Inspector of Wires, and inspected by him or
her as deemed necessary. Installations of listed equipment that, under normal
operating conditions, are found to be incompatible with GFCI protective devices
as made available by the manufacturer of the circuit protection currently
installed shall be excused from providing GFCI protection. If not connected to
an individual branch circuit, incompatible equipment shall be directly wired or
connected to a single receptacle, and the circuit shall be arranged so required
GFCI protection is retained for the remaining outlets. The inspection
documentation required by this rule shall constitute the notice required in
Rule 8 and no additional notice shall be required for corrections applied
accordingly. The location and the date of this determination shall be forwarded
to the Department of Fire Services for inclusion in a central registry of such
allowances. The report shall also include the appliance manufacturer and model,
together with the identity of the GFCI protective device. This rule shall
expire on January 1, 2026.
90.2(D)(5). Delete (d) and revise (c) to read
as follows:
(c) Are located in legally
established easements, rights-of-way, or by other agreements either designated
by or recognized by the public service commissions, utility commissions, or
other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction for such installations.
Informational Note: Wiring systems that
are maintained by utilities and that operate under this exclusion from coverage
by the Massachusetts Electrical Code include, regardless of ownership,
luminaires for street and area lighting directly connected to such
systems.
90.4.
Revise 90.4 by replacing 90.4(A) and 90.4(B) as follows; Sections 90.4(C) and
90.4(D) remain unchanged from the NEC:
90.4
Enforcement. This Code shall be used by the authority
enforcing the Code and exercising legal jurisdiction over electrical
installations. The authority having jurisdiction of enforcement of the Code
shall accept listed and labeled equipment or materials where used or installed
in accordance with instructions included with the listing and labeling. The
authority shall have the responsibility for deciding upon the approval of
unlisted or unlabeled equipment and materials, and for granting the special
permission contemplated in a number of the rules.
90.6. Revise to read as follows:
90.6
Interpretations and
Appeals. To promote uniformity of interpretation and application
of the provisions of this Code, interpretations may be requested from the Board
of Fire Prevention Regulations. Requests for interpretation shall be in the
form of a question that can receive a "Yes" or "No" answer. This in no way
supersedes the right of any individual who is aggrieved by the decision of an
Inspector of Wires to appeal from that decision to the Board of Electricians'
Appeals in accordance with M.G.L. c. 143, § 3P. The Board of Fire
Prevention Regulations shall, upon the request of the Board of Electricians'
Appeals, render interpretations to the Board of Electricians' Appeals.
It is customary to revise this Code periodically to conform with
developments in the art and the result of experience, and the current edition
of the Code shall always be used.
90.10. Add new section numbered 90.10 to
read:
90.10.
References to
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Codes, Regulations, and Laws.
References are included in Appendix A for Building Codes, Elevator Regulations,
Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code, Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, Division of
Industrial Safety, State Sanitary Code, Fire Safety Code, Permit Applications,
and Chapters of the General Laws.
See Appendix A.
Article 100. Coordination, Selective
(Selective Coordination). Revise this definition to read as follows:
Localization of an overcurrent condition to restrict outages to
the circuit or equipment affected for fault current events that extend beyond
0.1 second, and accomplished by the selection and installation of overcurrent
protective devices and their ratings or settings for the range of available
overcurrents under such conditions, whether originating from overload,
ground-fault, or short circuit, and for the full range of overcurrent
protective device opening times applicable to such events.
Article 100. Manufactured Home,
Informational Note No. 2. Add the following sentence.
Manufactured Housing that is not designed to be transportable on
running gear, and that is not produced under regulations that expressly cover
such housing, is covered under Article 545.
Article 100. Occupiable Space. Insert
the following definition:
A room or enclosed space designed for human occupancy in which
individuals congregate for amusement, educational or similar purposes or in
which occupants are engaged for labor, and which is equipped with means of
egress and light and ventilation facilities.
110.14(A). Delete the last sentence of the
first paragraph and insert the following two sentences in its place:
Connection by means of wire binding screws or studs and nuts
having upturned lugs or equivalent shall be permitted for 10 AWG or smaller
solid conductors, or conductors with Class B stranding. Where Class C stranded
conductors are terminated on and not looped through such terminals, the
uninsulated strands shall be completely enclosed within the termination, or the
strands at the terminals shall be made solid.
110.24. Insert an additional informational
note as follows:
Informational Note No. 3. The marking
required in this section is useful in determining compliance with 110.9, but
must be understood as transitory and requiring reconfirmation prior to the
performance of additional electrical work. This and numerous other locations in
the NEC require field markings of the available fault current. A major
component of this current is usually that contributed by the utility through
the service. The utility contribution is inherently dynamic in value,
particularly on the medium voltage portions of their distributions. Without
notice, automatic line sectionalizing can transfer a service from the tail end
of one circuit to the head end of an adjacent circuit, with a significant
increase in available fault current. In addition, there are numerous sources of
on-site contributions to available fault current.
110.26(A)(1). Add a fourth paragraph (d) as
follows:
(d)
Adequate
Accessibility. By special permission, smaller spaces may be
permitted where it is judged that the particular arrangement of the
installation will provide adequate accessibility.
210.8. Insert the following exception after
the first paragraph:
Exception: Permanently connected
equipment and cord-and-plug connected stationary equipment that is listed, but
incompatible with GFCI protective devices as made available by the manufacturer
of the circuit protection currently installed, shall be permitted to omit such
protection provided it is installed and inspected in accordance with the
provisions of Rule11 of this Code. This exception shall expire on January 1,
2026.
Revise the second paragraph to read as follows:
For the purposes of this section, when determining distance from
receptacles the distance shall be measured as the shortest path the supply cord
of equipment connected to the receptacle would follow without piercing a floor,
wall, ceiling, fixed barrier, or without passing through a cabinet door
opening, doorway, or window.
210.8(A)(7) Revise to read as follows:
(7) Sinks - where receptacles are installed
within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink, or where
located within a cabinet supporting a sink.
210.8(A)(8). Revise to read as follows:
(8) Sinks - where receptacles are installed
within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink, or where
located within a cabinet supporting a sink.
210.8(B)(7) Revise to read as follows:
(7) Sinks - where receptacles are installed
within 1.8 m (6 ft) from the top inside edge of the bowl of the sink, or where
located within a cabinet supporting a sink.
210.8(F). Delete this requirement.
210.12(B). Replace the parent text and list
items with the following:
All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch circuits
supplying outlets or devices installed in dwelling units shall be protected by
any of the means described in 210.12(A)(1) through (A)(6).
210.21(B) Insert a new fifth paragraph as
follows:
(5)
Receptacle Outlets on
Individual Branch Circuits. A receptacle outlet installed to
comply with a requirement for an individual branch circuit shall contain a
single receptacle, or a multiple receptacle if, and then only to the extent
that, the supplied equipment includes multiple supply cord
connections.
210.25(B)
Add an exception as follows:
Exception: Branch circuits supplying
lighting outlets in common areas on the same floor as a dwelling unit in a new
or existing two-family or an existing three-family building shall be permitted
to be supplied from equipment that supplies one or more of those dwelling
units.
210.52(A)(2)(1) Revise
to read as follows:
Any space 600 mm (2 ft) or more in width (including space
measured around corners) and unbroken along the floor line by doorways,
fireplaces, stationary appliances, and similar openings.
210.52(A)(4) Delete 210.52(A)(4) in its
entirety.
210.52(C) Make the
following three revisions:
I. Revise the
parent language to read as follows:
In kitchens, pantries, breakfast rooms, dining rooms, and similar
areas of dwelling units, receptacle outlets for countertop and work surfaces
that are 300 mm (12 in.) or wider shall be installed in accordance with
210.52(C)(1) through (C)(3). Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible
by appliances fastened in place, appliance garages, sinks, or rangetops as
covered in 210.52(C)(1), Exception No. 1, or appliances occupying assigned
spaces shall not be considered as these required outlets.
"For the purposes of this section, where using multioutlet
assemblies, each 300 mm (12 in.) of multioutlet assemblies containing two or
more receptacles installed in individual or continuous lengths shall be
considered to be one receptacle outlet."
II. Revise 210.52(C)(2) to read as follows:
"At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed to serve each island and
peninsular countertop of work surface, and shall be located in accordance with
210.52(C)(3). A receptacle in a wall countertop or work surface that directly
faces a peninsular countertop or work surface shall be permitted to serve as
the receptacle for the peninsular space."
III. Revise: 210.52(C)(3) to read as follows:
"Receptacle outlets shall be located in one or more of the following spaces:
(1) On or above, but not more than 500 mm (20
in.) above, a countertop or work surface.
(2) In a countertop or work surface, using a
receptacle outlet assembly listed for the location.
(3) Not more than 300 mm (12 in.) below
countertops or work surfaces on peninsular or island countertops or work
surfaces where the surface is flat across its entire surface (no backsplashes,
dividers, etc.) and there are no means to mount a receptacle within 500 mm (20
in.) above the countertop or work surface, such as an overhead cabinet.
Receptacles installed below a countertop or work surface shall not be located
where the countertop or work surface extends more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond
the face of such receptacles.
Exception to (3): Receptacle outlets
shall be permitted below wall-mounted countertops or work surfaces in
construction for the physically impaired.
215.15 Barriers. Revise to read as follows:
"Barriers shall be placed in panelboards, switchboards,
switchgear, and motor control centers such that no energized, uninsulated,
ungrounded supply terminal is exposed to inadvertent contact by persons or
maintenance equipment while servicing load terminations. This requirement shall
be applied to the supply terminals of equipment supplied by feeder taps as
covered in 240.21(B) or by transformer secondary conductors as covered in
240.21(C), in all instances where the equipment disconnecting means is located
within the same enclosure, or is located remotely and also controls other
loads."
220.40 Insert the
following informational Note:
Informational Note No. 3: Beginning on
January 1, 2024, cities and towns that have adopted the Specialized Stretch
Energy Code will require new one- and two-family homes built with fossil fuel
equipment to be pre-wired for future electrification conversion. For heating
equipment, this will apply to heat pumps or to resistance heat or to both as
applicable. The requirements will also extend to fossil-fueled major
appliances. This will effectively require the service, and intermediate feeders
if present, to be wired based on the future requirements as if it were an
all-electric home at the time the home is built. In addition, where this Energy
Code is in effect, the advance installation of branch-circuit wiring for all
future electrical equipment that would be required to accomplish the future
conversion from fossil fuel applications must be in place, routed to locations
that are appropriate to meet this intent.
225.30(F) Revise to read as follows:
(F)
Documented Switching
Procedures. Additional feeders or branch circuits shall be
permitted to supply large capacity multibuilding industrial or institutional
installations under single management where documented safe switching
procedures are established and maintained for disconnection.
225.31
Exception No. 1. Revise to read as follows:
Exception No. 1: For large capacity
multibuilding industrial or institutional installations under single management
where documented safe switching procedures are established and maintained for
disconnection, and where the disconnection is monitored by qualified
individuals, the disconnecting means shall be permitted to be located elsewhere
on the premises.
230.85 Make
the following changes in this Section:
I.
Replace the parent language with the following:
For one- and two-family dwelling units, an emergency
disconnecting means shall be installed. This section shall apply to new one-
and two-family dwellings, or new buildings of double occupancy, at least one of
which is a dwelling unit. It shall also apply to two-family dwellings or
buildings of double occupancy at least one of which is a dwelling unit, and
newly created by subdivision of an existing one-family
dwelling.
II. In
230.85(A)(1), identify the existing exception as Exception No.
1. Insert a second exception to read as
follows:
Exception No. 2: A building supplied by
a service lateral or by underground service conductors shall be permitted to be
capable of disconnection from a readily accessible location outside of the
dwelling by using a method providing remote control of the service
disconnecting means, and marked: EMERGENCY ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT and NOT
SERVICE EQUIPMENT. The control wiring shall be enclosed in a raceway.
III. Revise 230.85(C) to
read as follows:
This section shall apply to one- and two-family dwellings if the
service(s) is (are) entirely replaced. This section shall also apply to one-
and two-family dwellings if the service(s) is (are) increased in capacity in
terms of its (their) rating in amperes. This section shall not apply to service
equipment repairs that consist exclusively of replacement of one or more of the
following components of the service equipment:
(1) Meter socket(s)
(2) Service entrance conductors
(3) Service entrance or other related
raceways and fittings
(4) Main
overcurrent device
250.130(C) Delete this subsection.
250.140(B) Revise the final clause to read:
"and the grounded conductor complies with list item (4)." Delete list item
(5).
300.4(D) Delete this
subsection.
300.5(A) Add an
informational note to this subsection as follows:
Informational Note: Cables suitable for
direct burial are often sleeved in various raceways for design reasons. If such
cable is installed with sufficient cover for direct burial, then the
characteristics of that raceway need not be evaluated. Other rules of this Code
that apply to raceways generally may apply. See
300.5(H).
300.11(B) Revise
this subsection as follows:
I. Delete the
second sentence in 300.11(B) which reads: "Support wires and associated
fittings that provide secure support and that are installed in addition to the
ceiling grid support wires shall be permitted as the sole support."
II. Revise 300.11(B)(2) to read as follows:
(2)
Nonfire-Rated
Assemblies. Branch-circuit wiring associated with equipment that
is located within, supported by, or secured to a suspended ceiling that is not
an integral portion of a fire-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly
shall be permitted to be supported by the ceiling support wires.
III. Delete 300.11(B)(2)
Exception.
300.17 Add a
second paragraph as follows:
Where different raceway wiring methods are joined together
without a pull point at the transition, there shall not be more than the
equivalent of four quarter bends (360° total) between pull points,
e.g., conduit bodies and boxes.
305.15(A) In Note 4 to Table 305.15(A),
insert the words "or institutional" after the word "industrial".
310.12 Delete the second paragraph.
310.15(C)(1) Delete the fourth itemized
adjustment provision (d) covering AC and MC cable.
310.15(C)(1) Revise Table 310.15(C)(1) to
read as follows:
|
Number of
Conductors1
|
Percent of Values in Tables 310.16
through 310.19, as Adjusted for Ambient Temperature if Necessary
|
|
4 through 6
|
80
|
|
7 through 24
|
70
|
|
25 through 42
|
60
|
|
43 and above
|
50
|
1Number of Conductors is the total
number of conductors in the raceway or cable, including spare conductors. The
count shall be adjusted in accordance with 310.15(E) and (F), and shall not
include conductors that are connected to electrical components but that cannot
be simultaneously energized.
Informational Note: Overheating may
occur where continuous, fully loaded conductor diversity is less than 50% and
the number of current-carrying conductors exceeds nine. See
310.15(C).
314.29(A) Revise
to read as follows:
(A)
In
Buildings and Other Structures. Boxes and conduit bodies shall be
installed so the contained wiring and devices are accessible. Boxes and conduit
bodies that are recessed into or behind finished surfaces of buildings shall
have access to their internal contents maintained by openings in their covers
and in the building finish that comply with 314.29(A)(1), (A)(2), or (A)(3) as
applicable. Removable finished covers that maintain this access shall be
permitted.
(1)
Boxes 1650 cm3 (100
in.3) or Less in Size. The openings, if reduced from the outer
walls of the box, shall be centered not more than 25 mm (1 in.) from the
centerline of the box, and shall not extend beyond the walls of the box. If
rectangular, the opening shall be not less than 73 mm (2 % in.) by 45 mm (1 %
in.) in size. If circular, the opening shall not be less than 90 mm (31/2
in.) in diameter.
Exception: Smaller openings in building
surfaces that accommodate one or more individual devices shall be permitted if
all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The outlet box that supplies the
device(s) is nonmetallic.
(b) The
branch circuit wiring that supplies each device consists of a separate
nonmetallic cable assembly originating outside the box, or conductors in a
nonmetallic raceway all of which originate outside the box. Other than
connections to a single device, these conductors shall not be spliced in the
box, and no other wiring shall enter the box.
(c) Each device shall be capable of removal
from the building surface opening without being damaged. If a special tool is
required for this purpose, the applicable circuit directory for the device
shall record the location of the tool, together with a product code/QR code for
acquiring a replacement if necessary.
(d) All connections for each device to the
branch circuit wiring shall be made with listed clamping-type wire connectors,
which shall be supplied with the devices. The branch-circuit conductors shall
be arranged to permit the connector(s) to be exposed after the device has been
fully removed.
(e) The device(s)
shall be listed for this application.
(2)
Boxes Larger Than 1650 cm3
(100 in.3) in Size. The openings shall not be smaller than the
outer walls of the box.
(3)
Conduit Bodies. The openings shall not be smaller than
outer walls of the conduit body.
320.80(A). Delete the last sentence of the
first paragraph, which reads: "The 90°C (194°F) rating shall be
permitted to be used for ampacity adjustment and correction calculations;
however, the ampacity shall not exceed that for a 60 °C (140 °F) rated
conductor."
334.10. Insert an
exception to follow (3) to read as follows:
Exception to (2) and (3): For buildings
or structures required to be of Type I or Type II construction, Type NM, or
Type NMC cables shall be permitted to be used, provided that where so applied
in buildings or structures exceeding three stories above grade, circuits run in
Type NM or NMC cable shall not leave the floor or dwelling unit from which the
circuits originate. Cables shall be installed within walls, floors, or ceilings
that provide a thermal barrier of material that has at least a 15-minute finish
rating as identified in listings of fire-rated assemblies.
334.12(A)(2). Revise to read as follows:
(2) In dropped or suspended ceilings in other
than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings, unless run so as to closely
follow the surface of framing members, running boards, or the equivalent, or
unless connected to luminaires or other pieces of electrical equipment in
accordance with 334.30(B)(2).
334.17. Revise to read as follows:
334.17
Through or Parallel to
Framing Members and Furring Strips. Types NM, and NMC cable shall
comply with 300.4 where installed through studs, joists, rafters, and similar
members. Grommets or bushings shall be used in metal studs as required in
300.4(B)(1), shall remain in place during the wall finishing process, shall
cover the complete opening, and shall be listed for the purpose of cable
protection.
In both exposed and concealed locations, where the cable is
installed parallel to framing members, such as joists, rafters, or studs, or is
installed parallel to furring strips, the cable shall be secured so that the
nearest outside surface of the cable is not less than 19 mm (% in.) from the
nearest edge of the framing member or furring strip where nails or screws are
likely to penetrate. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable shall
be protected from penetration by nails or screws by a steel plate, sleeve, or
equivalent at least 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick. A listed and marked steel plate
less than 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection
against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted for this purpose.
Exception: For concealed work in
finished buildings, or finished panels for prefabricated buildings where such
supporting is impracticable, it shall be permitted to fish the cable between
access points.
334.30. Revise 334.30 as follows [(A), (B),
and (C) unchanged from the NEC]:
334.30
Securing and Supporting. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable
shall be secured by staples, cable ties, straps, or similar fittings so
designed and installed as to not damage the cable. The cable length between the
cable entry and the closest cable support shall not exceed 450 mm (18 in.)
Where staples are used for cable sizes smaller than three 8 AWG conductors,
they shall be of the insulated type, or listed noninsulated staples driven by
staple guns shall be permitted. Cable shall be secured in place at intervals
not exceeding 1.4 m (41/2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) from every
cabinet, box, or fitting. Where the cable is run diagonally behind strapping of
a nominal 19 mm (%-in.) thickness it shall be considered supported, secured,
and in compliance with 334.17 where it is not pulled taut. For other than
within 300 mm (12 in.) of a cable termination at a cabinet, box, or fitting,
cables passing through successive holes in adjacent framing members no more
than 600 mm (24 in.) apart shall be considered to be secured.
Sections of cable protected from physical damage by raceway shall
not be required to be secured within the raceway.
334.80. Delete the second paragraph and
revise the first paragraph to read as follows:
334.80
Ampacity.
Type NM, and NMC cables shall have conductors rated at 90°C (194°F).
Where installed in thermal insulation, the ampacity of conductors shall be that
of 60°C (140°F) conductors. The ampacity of Types NM, and NMC cables
installed in cable tray shall be determined in accordance with 392.80.
338.10(B)(4). Insert an
informational note as follows:
Informational Note: This section
includes service entrance cables with a round configuration commonly known as
SER cable. The interior installation of this cable is governed by the same
rules as apply to nonmetallic sheathed cable.
338.10(B)(4)(a)(3). Revise to read as
follows:
Where installed in thermal insulation, the ampacity shall be in
accordance with the 60°C (140°F) conductor temperature rating. The
maximum conductor temperature rating shall be permitted to be used for ampacity
adjustment and correction purposes, if the final derated ampacity does not
exceed that for a 60°C (140°F) rated conductor.
344.6. Add an exception as follows:
Exception: Rigid metal conduit made from
nonferrous metals other than aluminum shall be permitted to be approved.
352.12. Add a new (F) to read as
follows:
(F)
High-Rise
Buildings. Where used in buildings more than 21 m (70 ft) above
mean grade, rigid nonmetallic conduit shall not be used unless the building is
protected by an approved fire sprinkler system(s) installed on all floors as a
complete system, or the conduit is concealed behind a thermal barrier as
described in 362.10(2) or 362.10(5), or the conduit is encased in not less than
50 mm (2 in.) of concrete.
368.8. Insert a new Section 368.8 in Part I
of Article 368 as follows:
368.8
Tests Prior to Energizing. Busway system joint
tightness, phasing, and insulation resistance shall be verified by test prior
to energizing the system for the first time. Joint resistance shall be
evaluated by a qualified person using equipment identified for the specific
function. A written record of these tests shall be made available to the
authority having jurisdiction.
368.14. Insert a new Section 368.14 in Part
II of Article 368 as follows:
368.14
Protection from Liquids, Moisture and Other
Contaminants. Busway shall be protected from liquids, moisture,
and other contaminants or corrosion that may result in electrical failure.
(A)
During
Construction. Indoor busways shall be protected from moisture
during storage as well as during or after installation. Special consideration
shall be given to riser busways to protect them from moisture from uncompleted
roofs, walls,
etc.
Outdoor busways shall be treated the same as indoor busways until
after busway is properly installed, as it is not weather resistant until
completely and properly installed.
Busway shall have the exposed ends of uncompleted runs protected
to prevent accidental contamination during the construction period.
(B)
Protection from
Snow Buildup. Outdoor busway shall be mounted in such a manner as
to prevent snow or ice buildup forcing water into the busway through weep
holes. This may require that consideration be given to horizontal snow or ice
buildup or drifting of snow.
(C)
Protection from Falling Liquids. Slant shields, drip
pans, or other approved protective shields shall be installed to protect indoor
busway in locations where there is a possibility of water spillage or dripping
condensate from roof drains, water pipes, and the
like.
368.56(B). Revise the rule in list item (2)
and the exception to (B)(2) to read as follows:
(2) The length of the cord or cable from a
busway plug-in device to a suitable tension take-up support device shall not
exceed 2.5 m (8 ft).
Exception to (B)(2): By special
permission in industrial establishments only, where the conditions of
maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons will service the
installation, flexible cord suitable for hard usage or extra hard usage or bus
drop cable shall be permitted to extend horizontally greater lengths than 2.5 m
(8 ft) where the longer length is essential for periodic repositioning of
equipment. The flexible cord or bus drop cable shall be supported at intervals
not to exceed 2.5 m (8 ft), and suitable tension take-up device(s) shall be
installed at the end of the horizontal run to relieve strain in both the
horizontal and vertical directions.
372.23. Revise this section to read as
follows:
372.23
Ampacity of
Conductors. The ampacity adjustment factors in 310.15(C)(1) shall
not apply where 30 or fewer current-carrying conductors occupy no more than 20%
of the interior cross-sectional area of cellular concrete floor
raceways.
374.23. Revise
this section to read as follows:
374.23
Ampacity of Conductors. The ampacity adjustment
factors in 310.15(C)(1) shall not apply where 30 or fewer current-carrying
conductors occupy no more than 20% of the interior cross-sectional area of
cellular metal floor raceways.
390.23. Revise this section to read as
follows:
390.23
Ampacity of
Conductors. The ampacity adjustment factors in 310.15(C)(1) shall
not apply where 30 or fewer current-carrying conductors occupy no more than 20%
of the interior cross-sectional area of underfloor
raceways.
400.5. Revise
Table 400.5(A)(3) to read as follows:
|
Number of Conductors
|
Percent of Values in Tables 400.5(A)(1) and
400.5(A)(2)
|
|
4 through 6
|
80
|
|
7 through 24
|
70
|
|
25 through 42
|
60
|
|
43 and above
|
50
|
Informational Note: Overheating may
occur where continuous, fully loaded conductor diversity is less than 50% and
the number of current-carrying conductors exceeds nine. See
310.14(A)(3).
400.12(4).
Revise the existing exception as follows:
Exception to (4): Flexible cord and
cable shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with 368.56(B) and
590.4. For other applications, where the length of the cord from the supply
termination to a suitable tension take-up device is limited to 2.5 m (8 ft),
flexible cord shall be permitted to have one connection to the building
surface.
400.17. Revise the
second paragraph to read as follows:
Flexible cords and cables shall be permitted to be installed in
raceways not longer than 15 m (50 ft) in length where required to protect the
flexible cord or cable from physical damage. The ampacity of the conductors
within a raceway shall be adjusted in accordance with Table 400.5(A)(3) based
on the total number of current-carrying conductors within the raceway, and then
further derated by a factor of 0.8, or the ampacity shall be calculated in
accordance with 310.14(B). The raceway shall be exposed over its entire
length.
406.4(D)(3). Delete
the exception.
406.9(C). Replace the
entire content with the following sentence: "Receptacles shall not be installed
within
or directly over a bathtub or shower stall."
410.16(D). Revise items (1) through (4) to
read as follows:
(1) 300 mm (12 in.) for
surface-mounted incandescent luminaires with a completely enclosed light
source, or for LED luminaires not covered in (2) following, that are installed
on the wall above the door or on the ceiling.
(2) 150 mm (6 in.) for surface-mounted
fluorescent luminaires, or for surface-mounted LED luminaires that are factory
wired with their drivers, and that are installed on the wall above the door or
on the ceiling.
(3) 150 mm (6 in.)
for recessed incandescent luminaires, or for LED luminaires not covered in (4)
following, with a completely enclosed light source, and that are installed in
the wall or the ceiling.
(4) 150 mm
(6 in.) for recessed fluorescent luminaires, or for recessed LED luminaires
that are factory wired with their drivers, and that are installed in the wall
or the ceiling.
410.36(B). Add a second paragraph as follows:
In addition to, or lieu of, the mechanical
fastening means, luminaires equaling or exceeding 1.8 kg (4 lb) shall be
directly supported to the building structure or to approved intermediate
supports rigidly secured to the building structure. The luminaire support shall
be by wire, chain, or threaded rod of sufficient strength to carry the
luminaire. Luminaires equal to or greater than 600 mm (2 ft), nominal, on a
side shall be supported at each end of a diagonal axis regardless of
weight.
440.14. Insert a
second informational note as follows:
Informational Note No. 2: Article 440
generally only applies to equipment that incorporates hermetic refrigerant
motor-compressors. See also 430.109(B) for specific provisions
governing the disconnecting requirements for such equipment, wherever located,
that uses a motor that is C hp or less.
517.13. Delete the Exception.
517.26. Delete (2), which would otherwise
read: "Section 700.10(D) shall not apply."
680.4. Delete this requirement.
680.8. Insert an informational note ahead of
680.8(A) as follows:
Informational Note: Unlisted swimming
pool pump motors have been observed in the field as having been supplied by
their manufacturer with undersized cords, cords of excessive length, cord
connectors on outdoor applications that are unsuitable for wet locations, and
other violations of this Code. The fact that a manufacturer may supply them in
this form does not excuse compliance with the rules of this Code.
Listed storable swimming pool pump motors with long
factory-supplied cords are prominently marked as such and are not covered in
Part II of Article 680. They are not manufactured for use with permanently
installed pools and they need not be bonded where used as intended.
See 680.31.
680.23(B)(2)(a) Amend this provision to read
as follows:
(a)
Metal
Conduit. Metal conduit shall be listed stainless steel or approved
red brass.
680.23(F)(1)
Wiring Methods. Revise the requirement to read as follows:
Branch circuit wiring on the supply side of enclosures and
junction boxes connected to underwater luminaires and running in corrosive,
wet, or below-grade locations shall comply with 680.14 or shall be liquidtight
flexible nonmetallic conduit. Wiring methods in dry, noncorrosive locations
within or on buildings shall be selected and run in accordance with the
applicable requirements in Chapter 3. Wiring in all locations shall include an
insulated or covered equipment grounding conductor of a wire type, sized in
accordance with 250.122 but not smaller than 12 AWG.
(Exception unchanged from the NEC.)
680.26(B)(2)(b) Insert an additional
paragraph to follow the five item list and reading as follows:
"This method shall only be permitted for above-ground
pools."
680.74(A) Delete
numbered paragraphs (3), (4), and (5). Delete Exception No. 1 and Exception No.
3, and designate Exception No. 2 as Exception.
690.31(D)(2) Revise the second sentence of
the second paragraph to read as follows:
The labels shall be reflective, all letters shall be capitalized,
and the letters shall have a minimum height of 9.5 mm (% in.) in white on a red
background.
690.56 Insert the
following Informational Note after the section title and before 690.56(A):
Informational Note: The Massachusetts
Comprehensive Fire Code,
527 CMR
1.00, requires signage adjacent to the building or
service disconnect that provides contact information and identifies the party
responsible for the operation of the PV system.
Article 691. Delete this
article.
700.10(D) Revise as
follows:
I. Insert the following title and
parent wording:
Fire Protection. Emergency systems shall
meet the additional requirements in 700.10(D)(1) through
(D)(3).
II. Delete (D)(1);
renumber (D)(2) through (D)(4) as (D)(1) through (D)(3).
III. In the resulting (D)(3), change
"700.10(D)(2)" to read "700.10(D)(1)."
700.12(H)(2)(2) In the third sentence, delete
the word "also". Then delete the second sentence that reads:
Flexible cord- and plug-connection shall be permitted provided
that the cord does not exceed 900 mm (3 ft) in
length.
